UK to buy 30 jets worth $10 billion from Boeing; similar number from Airbus

The United States on Thursday announced a major development involving airplane manufacturer Boeing , confirming a $10 billion order from Britain. The deal was revealed by US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick during the signing of a bilateral trade agreement between the US and the UK.

The aircraft deal is expected to be led by International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. As per industry sources IAG plans to order around 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and a similar number of long-haul jets from Airbus, including the A350 and A330neo, in a carefully balanced fleet expansion.

“It’s a split order,” a source told Reuters.

Though the announcement was made by the US government, Lutnick held back from revealing more details, saying he would let the airlines make the announcement themselves.

More details are expected when IAG releases its quarterly earnings report on Friday.

This new order will add to Boeing’s existing backlog, which already includes 149 aircraft ordered by UK-based buyers, 109 from airlines and 40 from a leasing company, valued at over $12 billion before discounts.

Bloomberg News reported that apart from the 30 planes, IAG could also negotiate options for further purchases.

Boeing is currently working to boost production of its best-selling 737 MAX to 38 jets per month, following a turbulent year that saw quality issues and a change in leadership.

This high-stakes order also comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between the US and the EU, as the union had previously threatened to impose tariffs on Boeing planes if broader negotiations with Washington failed.