British Airways has recently launched a competition for new longhaul aircraft by issuing tender documents to aircraft and engine manufacturers.

The competition, called a request for proposal (RFP), is the first step in a lengthy process before the airline makes a decision on fleet growth and replacement for the next decade.

Airbus and Boeing, and engine manufacturers, Engine Alliance, General Electric and Rolls Royce plus other key component suppliers, have been invited to bid.

British Airways' chief executive, Willie Walsh, said: "For the past four years, we have grown capacity by using our aircraft more efficiently. In order to continue to grow our longhaul business we now need additional longhaul aircraft. We remain committed to generating an economic return for our shareholders.

"Launching the competition highlights the need for us to address our 2.1 billion pounds pension deficit. It is a major blocker to growth and investment in our business but I am confident we will resolve it.

"With a combination of firm orders and options, we are planning for both growth and fleet replacement into the next decade. Environmental performance will be one of the key criteria in our choice ensuring greater fuel efficiency, reduced noise and emissions. The first aircraft to be replaced are the 20 Boeing 747s and 14 Boeing 767s, which will be around 25 years old," he said.

Subject to the outcome of the RFP competition, orders are expected to be placed during next year.

The aircraft being considered for the airline's longhaul fleet are the Airbus A330, A350, A380 and Boeing 787, B777 and B747-8.