Reuters reports that a major U.K. airline will announce a massive $10 billion order from Boeing as soon as today, 8 May.
The announcement, teased by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a White House press conference on Thursday, 8 May, comes as part of a broader bilateral trade deal unveiled by President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
While Lutnick kept mum on the specifics, citing the agreement’s private-sector nature, the news is undoubtedly very welcome for Boeing as it continues to recover from years of bad press and setbacks.
Report: British Airways Parent IAG to Purchase Up to 30 Boeing Widebodies
The mystery airline at the center of the deal remains unnamed, and details about the aircraft types—whether firm orders or options—are still under wraps. However, the deal is believed to center on widebody aircraft, narrowing the field to just two U.K. carriers: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Virgin Atlantic was quick to tell Reuters they’re not involved, leaving British Airways, a longtime Boeing loyalist, as a likely contender, which Bloomberg News is reporting. Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg is reporting British Airways’ parent company IAG will purchase Up to 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The carrier, which operates a fleet of 294 aircraft to over 200 global destinations, has a storied history with Boeing, having flown every type except the 707 and 727.
Boeing 777X or 787-10 Believed to be Contenders
If the order is indeed for widebodies, industry insiders are betting on the Boeing 777X or the 787-10, both of which would align with British Airways’ long-haul ambitions. British Airways is also reportedly considering the Airbus A350-1000.
Adding to the intrigue, Lutnick revealed during the press conference that the U.S. will allow tariff-free imports of Rolls-Royce jet engines and parts, a move that could sweeten the deal for the U.K. carrier.
Boeing’s Very Good Day
Meanwhile, Boeing’s having a banner day. In a separate announcement, China Airlines confirmed it’s joining the 777X club with an order for ten 777-9 passenger jets and four 777-8F freighters, plus options for five more 777-9s and four 777-8Fs.
The Taiwanese carrier says the jets, including the 777-9—the world’s largest twin-engine jet—will boost capacity and range on long-haul routes to North America and Europe while slashing fuel consumption by 20%. With a max capacity of 426 passengers, these jets will be workhorses for China Airlines.
Boeing notes that over 520 777X jets have been ordered worldwide, signaling strong demand for the next-gen widebody.
We will update this article as details become available.
Credit: avgeekery.com
