Two-thirds of the forecasted synergies are expected to derive from cost savings in the areas of IT and back-office functions, maintenance, purchasing, ancillary business, and sales and distribution. The remaining one-third would arise from revenue opportunities created by an enhanced network and fleet. MIX AND MATCH There is a high level of commonality between the two carriers' short-haul fleets, both of which are focused on the Airbus A320. Analysis of their long-haul fleets tells a different story, however. BA operates a mix of Boeing types and has on order Airbus A380s, which have been deferred, and Boeing 787s, which have been delayed. Iberia, meanwhile, operates a single-type long-haul fleet of A340s and has on order only two long-haul aircraft (both A340s). "Fleet commitments over the next three to five years are unlikely to change," BA chief executive Willie Walsh has told analysts. "However, we do see opportunity in terms of fleet co-ordination for the benefit of the combined business."