Vueling Ends Airbus-Only Fleet with Boeing 737 MAX Deal

Vueling, the Barcelona-based low-cost carrier under International Airlines Group (IAG), will operate 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft beginning in late 2026. IAG confirmed the allocation of the jets—initially ordered in 2022—during its Q2 2025 financial report. The order comprises 25 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft and 25 737 MAX 10s, marking a significant shift in Vueling’s long-standing all-Airbus fleet strategy.

Vueling currently operates 143 Airbus A320 family aircraft, including 92 A320ceos, 24 A320neos, 18 A321s, six A319s, and four A321neos. Only 27 of those are Neo variants, with newer, more efficient engines. The move to Boeing represents a fleet diversification strategy and the return of Boeing narrowbodies to the IAG Group, which had last operated them through British Airways.

The delivery of the Boeing aircraft will begin at the end of 2026 and extend into the next decade. According to IAG, the introduction of the high-density 737 MAX 8-200 and the larger-capacity 737 MAX 10 models aligns with the operational needs of a low-cost carrier. “This decision supports Vueling’s strategy to reinforce its position in core markets, particularly consolidating its leadership in the Spanish domestic market,” the company stated.

The 737 MAX 8-200 is a variant designed for budget carriers, configured to seat nearly 200 passengers. The MAX 10, still pending regulatory certification, is the largest member of the 737 MAX family. These specifications mirror Vueling’s positioning and closely align with competitors such as Ryanair, which operates a similar fleet composition.

Although IAG’s 2022 order did not initially specify aircraft allocation among its airlines, speculation suggested British Airways could be a recipient. The eventual designation of Vueling—combined with the seat configuration of the MAX variants—confirms a strategic focus on high-density, short-haul operations.

The integration of the 737 MAX aircraft is expected to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the gradual retirement of older aircraft. “The arrival of the new-generation 737 MAX aircraft will support more sustainable and profitable growth,” IAG stated in its results.

This shift does not completely remove Airbus from the airline’s future. However, the announcement marks a break in Vueling’s nearly two-decade reliance on Airbus equipment. The airline's oldest aircraft, the A319s, average over 18 years in age, while the newest, A321neos, average just 2.3 years.