Big Boost To Boeing: British Airways Parent IAG Inks $24 Billion Deal To Buy 200 Max 8 and Max 10 Aircraft

In a big boost to Boeing, the company won its first order for 737 Max planes since the jets were grounded worldwide earlier this March after two fatal crashes. More than 300 people were killed in the two accidents, which have been linked to a flight-control software on the Max.

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, inked a letter of intent that it would buy 737 MAX 8, the model that crashed in October and March, as well as the larger 737 MAX 10, The proposed deal would be worth more than $24 billion at list prices.

The vote of confidence from British Airways’ parent helped the aircraft manufacturer to register impressive gains in its share prices.

Making an appearance at the Paris Air Show with Boeing Company CEO Dennis Muilenburg and Boeing CEO Kevin McAllister, IAG CEO Willie Walsh said the group would place the new Max jets mainly with subsidiaries, British Airways, Vueling, and Level, and fly them primarily out of London Gatwick Airport. It will be largely used in the group’s narrowbody fleet which mostly consists of A320s made by Boeing’s chief rival, Airbus.

Boeing was hit with more than 125 more order cancellations this year including from India’s Jet Airways.

Aviaiton regulators across the world are getting ready to test the new fix released by Boeing to address the troubles with its MAX flight-control-system. The assessment is a critical step for them to decide when the MAX can resume flying passengers.