International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) disclosed a major order set to shape the future of its long-haul offering in its first quarter results. The order comprising 71 jets from Airbus and Boeing, came on May 9, just a day after the UK and US announced a new trade deal.

The consortium confirmed it had exercised options for six A350-900s, six A350-1000s and six Boeing 777-9s in March, while also announcing it had ordered 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and 21 A330-900s.

As part of the respective Boeing and Airbus deals, IAG secured options for a further 10 787s and 13 A330neos, respectively.

While there has been scant detail about the acquisitions, it is likely that the GE Aviation GENx-powered 787-10s will join British Airways. The Heathrow-based carrier still boasts 43 777-200ERs which have an average age of 25.2 years while the oldest, G-VIIA (c/n 27483), is 28.6 years old.

The Airbus A350-900s are expected to join Iberia which already operates 21 examples of the XWB variant, while the larger ‘1000s could supplement those already flown by British Airways.

The 21 A330-900s – the most interesting aspect of the order – is likely to form the backbone of a long-haul fleet renewal at Aer Lingus. The Irish carrier flies 13 A330ceos, some of which are as old as 23 and 24 years. Iberia, with 27 A330s, and LEVEL with seven of the widebody jets, will also be in contention for receiving some of the 21 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-powered twin-aisle airliners.