British Airways to take delivery of its new 787-10 Dreamliner in January 2020, while the inaugural route to Atlanta (U.S.) to commence the following month ‒ in February 2020, the carrier announced on November 19, 2019.

The International Airlines Group (IAG) (IAG) member already has 28 Dreamliners in its fleet, but not of such size. The Boeing 787-10 is the largest of three Dreamliner variants, capable of seating up to approximately 290 to 310 passengers. Meanwhile, British Airways (BA) already flies 12 787-8s (the smallest of all three versions) and 16 787-9s. 

In total, BA’s fleet of -10 Dreamliners will grow to six by the end of 2020. The airline has an order for twelve of these aircraft, half of them will be delivered at later dates. The airline highlights that Dreamliners will help the airline to cut fuel usage by 25% to 40% compared to the aircraft they replace, according to its statement.

While the airline does not specify which aircraft, in particular, are being replaced, upon creation 787-10 was envisioned as a possible replacement for Boeing 777-200, Airbus A330 or Airbus A340 aircraft. Of the three, BA currently flies only the Boeing 777; 58 of them remain in the fleet, a combination of -200 and -300 versions. Due to its size, the 787-10 can also be viewed as an indirect replacement for Airbus A380. The airline still has 12 of them. 

In October 2019, IAG vowed to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, outlining a number of initiatives to achieve the goal, including a pledge of $400 million investment in sustainable aviation fuel in the next 20 years. In addition, British Airways promised to offset carbon emissions for all its UK domestic flights from 2020.

For passengers, 787-10s configured in four-class layout, will offer more comfort, as Dreamliner carbon fiber fuselage allows to maintain lower (level of) pressure in the cabin, according to the airline. It should also have a better level of humidity, as its internal cabin altitude is the equivalent of 6,000ft.