Air, Feature, Freight News

IAG’s pint-sized heavyweight

[ October 6, 2015   //   Chris ]

It may look like a small plane, but the first IAG 787-9 Dreamliner will offer one of the largest cargo capacities in the fleet – 22 tonnes over seven pallet positions, which is more than a passenger 747 or even a 777-200, according to an spokesman for the airline, which includes British Airways and Iberia. The new aircraft offers twin holds, one of which can be operated in chilled mode, making it ideal for the growing trade in pharmaceuticals, as well as fresh fish and produce.
IAG will take delivery of a further 11 787-9s between 2016 and 2018.
Another advantage of the new plane is that it can offer the cargo capacity on long-haul routes. With older planes, the extra fuel required for long sectors tends to eat into available freight capacity.
The -9 variant of the 787 Dreamliner offers considerably more cargo capacity than the original -8 version which IAG already operates. However, IAG will also be adding a still bigger -10 variant when it becomes available.
The carriers plan is to have 787s of various types on all its routes where pharma is a major traffic.
The first commercial flight by an IAG 787-9 will be on 25 October, from London to Delhi and in the near future it will also fly to Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Austin, Kuala Lumpur and San Jose.

Tags: British Airways, IAG