The International Airlines Group (IAG) says it is planning to firm up options for up to five A330-200s and eight A350-900s to expand and renew the long haul fleet of its Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) subsidiary.

"This announcement is a confirmation of our commitment to global growth, though always under the premise that sustained profitability is the key criteria," Iberia’s Executive Chairman Luis Gallego said. "Also crucial is the support of our customers, employees, and IAG shareholders.”

The added capacity will play a pivotal role in the Spanish carrier's longterm expansion plans ahead of the delivery of eight A330-200s, due between late 2015 and 2016, and eight A350-900s, due between 2018 and 2020.

According to Airline Route, the A330-200s are slated to begin commercial operations on January 1, 2016 with flights from Madrid Barajas to Panamá City Tocumen International, Guatemala City, Montevideo Carrasco, and Santo Domingo Las Américas.

Iberia says it is also studying returning to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo while launching flights to Tokyo Narita, Doha Hamad International, Toronto Pearson, Guadalajara, Managua, San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin, Brasília Juscelino Kubitschek International, and Asuncion.

"Negotiations will be followed profitability studies before any final decisions are made," it said.