International Airlines Group Puts its Entire 737 MAX Order into Vueling’s Fleet

The International Airlines Group (IAG), owner of British Airways, Aer Lingus, and other well-known subsidiaries, finally announced the operator of its three-year-old Boeing aircraft order: Vueling. The 50 new 737 MAX jets mark a step away from Vueling’s previously all-Airbus fleet.

The deal covers 50 aircraft: 25 high-density Boeing 737-8200s and 25 of the longer-range 737 MAX 10s, the latter of which are still awaiting certification due to ongoing concerns about its anti-ice system. These jets, once cleared for takeoff (literally), will begin entering the Vueling fleet from late 2026.

For Vueling, which currently operates 143 Airbus A320-family aircraft, this represents a significant shift. It’s a total operational overhaul. Swapping fleets means rewriting manuals, retraining crews, reworking maintenance systems, and cozying up to a new set of suppliers.

Still, the transition could be worse. Among IAG’s portfolio, Vueling was always the most likely candidate to take on the order since the rest of the group already juggles complex fleet types. Shoehorning in the 737 MAX would have added another layer of chaos. Vueling’s more focused fleet and lower-cost operating model make it the most practical (and least painful) choice.

The original 50-aircraft order was placed back in 2022, valued at $6.25 billion at list price. Of course, no airline actually pays list price… especially not when Boeing is still rebuilding trust following the MAX grounding and two fatal crashes. IAG reportedly secured a “substantial discount,” though no one’s naming numbers.

Eventually, IAG aims to convert Vueling into an all-Boeing operator, phasing out its Airbus aircraft in the process. It also holds options for up to 100 more 737s. So yes, this is just the beginning of a much bigger fleet realignment.

The announcement might be a surprise for Airbus purists, but it’s a strategic move for IAG. It simplifies growth, balances aircraft procurement, and lets Vueling double down on its cost-effective short-haul model.

FMI: www.vueling.com