Vueling breaks all-Airbus fleet: set to receive 50 Boeing 737 MAX starting in 2026
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International Airlines Group (IAG) today confirmed the allocation of its order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its Barcelona-based low-cost airline, Vueling. Although the decision was made in 2022, it was officially announced today during the presentation of the Q2 2025 results.
This decision marks a fundamental step in Vueling's fleet strategy, as the airline has exclusively operated Airbus A320 family aircraft until now. These will be progressively replaced until the beginning of the next decade.
The delivery of these aircraft is scheduled to begin in late 2026. The order is split into two variants of the MAX model: 25 737-8200, a high-density version of the MAX 8, and 25 737-10, the highest-capacity variant in the 737 MAX family.
This addition is key to Vueling's strategy of strengthening its position in its core markets, with a special focus on consolidating its leadership in Spain's domestic market.
During the first half of 2025, the airline resumed its growth path, increasing its capacity by 3.3% through the addition of seven leased Airbus A320ceo aircraft, achieving an average load factor of 89.3%. The arrival of the new-generation 737 MAX aircraft will enable the replacement of older, less efficient planes and support more sustainable and profitable growth. This comes after its operating profit fell to EUR 95 million in the first half, EUR 2 million less than the same period in 2024. Revenue stood at EUR 1,480 million.
In the first half of 2025, Vueling carried 17.89 million passengers, a slight decrease of 0.3% compared to the same period last year.
What is the composition of Vueling's fleet?
92 Airbus A320s (one in storage) with an average age of 13 years.
24 A320neos (13 in storage) with an average age of 6.2 years.
18 A321s with an average age of 9.4 years.
6 A319s with an average age of 18.3 years.
4 A321neos (2 in storage) with an average age of 2.3 years.
In addition to the firm order for 50 aircraft, IAG holds purchase options for another 100 Boeing 737 aircraft, which offers Vueling considerable flexibility for future expansions.
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