Quantcast

British Airways plans retirement of aging Boeing fleet by end of year

British Airways plans retirement of aging Boeing fleet by end of year
Policy
Webp british airways boeing 777 200er
British Airways Boeing 777-200ER | Official Website

British Airways has maintained a significant presence in the air travel market, serving destinations worldwide from its London hubs. The airline's fleet includes over 290 aircraft, with the Boeing 777-200ER being among the oldest models still in operation. These jets have been integral to British Airways' long-haul services for decades.

The Boeing 777-200ER was initially developed to serve long-haul transoceanic routes, featuring a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 650,000 lbs and a range of up to 7,000 nautical miles. British Airways received its first delivery of this model on February 6, 1997. The aircraft has been widely used by various airlines, with more than 300 units remaining active during the COVID-19 pandemic.

British Airways operates a fleet of 43 Boeing 777-200ERs, all delivered between February 1997 and July 2009. Currently, 39 are in active service while two undergo maintenance. The average age of these aircraft is around 25 years. As maintenance costs rise, British Airways plans to phase out these older models by December 2025 and replace them with newer Boeing 787 aircraft.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Boeing 777-200ER is equipped with many premium seats and serves transoceanic routes from London Heathrow to destinations across North America, Asia, and the Pacific. Despite competition from Airbus A340-300s and future replacements like the Boeing 787-10, British Airways continues to rely on this model for its combination of range and efficiency.

In June 2025, British Airways deployed its Boeing 777 fleet extensively from London Heathrow and Gatwick to intercontinental hubs across North America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Notable destinations include New York's JFK and Newark airports, as well as Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Beyond long-haul markets, the airline also uses its Boeing 777-200ER fleet for medium-haul flights linking London with Middle Eastern and African capitals such as Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Riyadh (RUH). Additionally, it operates fifth-freedom flights between non-hub destinations like Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) and Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG).

The Boeing 777-200ER remains crucial to British Airways' operations due to its high capacity and ability to provide premium services on high-demand routes. However, as more fuel-efficient alternatives become available, opportunities for passengers to fly on this model may decrease.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement on X, urging policymakers to prioritize the ongoing modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems.

Jul 31, 2025

ITA Airways announced on X that it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv through September 30, including the cancellation of flights AZ809 and AZ815 on October 1.

Jul 31, 2025

Emirates has announced on X its plans to launch daily flights from Dubai to Hangzhou, marking an expansion of its network in China.

Jul 31, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on X that it is now operating twice-daily flights from Juba, South Sudan, to India, enhancing connectivity for travelers.

Jul 31, 2025

Francesco Sciortino will join the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines as Hub Manager for Frankfurt starting September 1, 2025.

Jul 31, 2025

Eurowings reported stable performance for the first half of 2025, operating 77,000 flights and transporting over 10 million passengers.

Jul 31, 2025