International Airlines Group News
Airlines for Europe launches in Amsterdam
Airlines for Europe, Europe’s new airline association, has officially been launched at an EU Aviation Summit in Amsterdam. The new association has been founded by Europe’s five largest airline groups – Air France KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group, Ryanair – to represent the interests of its members when dealing with the EU institutions, international organisations and national governments on European aviation issues.
LATAM Airlines signs joint business deal with IAG
International Airlines Group has signed a joint business agreement between British Airways, Iberia and LATAM Airlines Group on flights between Europe and South America. The joint business would benefit customers by providing better links between Europe and South America, greater choice of flights and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.
New leadership for IAG Cargo in 2016
Andrew Crawley, currently British Airways chief commercial officer, is to become chief executive of IAG Cargo from January 2016. He will report into IAG chief executive Willie Walsh and become a member of the group’s management committee.
IAG airlines confirms latest Airbus order
The board of the International Airlines Group has firmed up orders for 19 additional wide-body and single aisle aircraft, including two A330-200s, two A330-300s and 15 A320neos. This latest agreement with IAG and its airlines takes their cumulative Airbus orders to a total of nearly 470 aircraft. The two A330-200s will be assigned to Iberia and the two A330-300s will be operated by Aer Lingus.
New chief executive for British Airways as Williams steps down
International Airlines Group has announced that Alex Cruz is to replace Keith Williams as chairman and chief executive of British Airways in April 2016 when Keith retires after 18 years at the airline. Cruz is currently chairman and chief executive of Vueling. In his new role, he will continue to report to IAG chief executive Willie Walsh.
British Airways moves closer to partner Vueling
British Airways and Vueling continue to forge closer ties as the Barcelona-based Spanish airline adds its flight code to more than 30 BA flights to Spain and Italy starting this autumn. This significant move for the two International Airlines Group airlines means that Vueling’s customers can book BA flights on routes to and from Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
Ryanair agrees to IAG acquisition of Aer Lingus stake
Aer Lingus Group will become part of International Airlines Group after its offer for all outstanding shares was formally accepted. Ryanair was the last piece to fall into place for, IAG with the Irish low-cost airline waiting until deadline day to accept the offer. Ryanair’s acceptance was a condition of the offer which is now wholly unconditional as all the conditions have been satisfied.
International Airlines Group confirms 31 Airbus aircraft orders
International Airlines Group has signed a firm order for 31 Airbus aircraft, which includes 11 wide-body aircraft - eight A350-900s, three A330-200s - and 20 A320neos. The A350s and A330s are slated for Iberia’s fleet modernisation and to open new long-haul routes, and the A320neos will be allocated to the group’s airlines for fleet replacement.
IAG reports surge in profits for second quarter
International Airlines Group has reported second quarter operating profit of €530 million, up from a figure of €380 million for the same period last year. At the same time, revenue for the quarter at IAG – which operates Iberia and British Airways – was up 11.2 per cent to €5,656 million.
Finnair Cargo signs freight deal with International Airlines Group
Finnair Cargo, a fully owned subsidiary of Finnair, has expanded its network after signing an innovative freighter sharing deal with IAG Cargo. The route will be operated by an A300-600 cargo freighter, which will fly between London and Helsinki. London becomes Finnair’s third cargo hub in Europe in addition to Helsinki and Brussels.
IAG wins EC approval for Aer Lingus deal
International Consolidated Airlines Group has welcomed a decision by the European Commission to approve its offer for Aer Lingus. IAG recently agreed to purchase the stakes in the Irish flag-carrier held by both the Irish government and rival carrier Ryanair.
Ryanair to sell Aer Lingus stake to IAG
The board of Ryanair has voted unanimously to accept an offer from International Airlines Group for the low-cost carrier’s 29.8 per cent shareholding in Aer Lingus Group. Ryanair’s stake in Aer Lingus has been available for sale since May 2012, after failed attempts from the low-cost giant to acquire the whole of the Irish flag-carrier.