International Airlines Group News
IAG to launch new Avios customer loyalty scheme
Airmiles, BA Miles and Iberia Plus points are all to be scrapped as International Airlines Group mergers all three loyalty programmes. From November this year, and following the merger of Iberia and British Airways, a new loyalty programme – named Avios – will be launched.
Walsh eyes Portuguese TAP
International Airlines Group chief executive Willie Walsh has revealed his group is considering a bid for rival carrier TAP Portugal. TAP is being privatised by the Portuguese government as a condition of the recent bail-out of the country by the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund.
IAG moves into black for first half of 2011
International Airlines Group has defied seemingly industry wide gloom by swinging back into the black for the first half of financial 2011. IAG recorded a pre-tax profit of €39 million for the six months to June 30th, up from a loss of €419 million a year earlier.
Flying or Falling? The Future of the Global Aviation Industry
While perhaps the most global of industries, aviation has failed to create a truly global airline. But with rising fuel costs, falling prices and natural disasters all taking a toll, the crunch for legacy carriers across the globe is fast approaching. Here Breaking Travel News looks at the various strategies open to airlines as they seek to survive.
General Electric selected to power Iberia A330 planes
International Airlines Group has selected General Electric CF6-80E1 engines to power the eight Airbus A330 aircraft it currently has on order. According to carrier, the CF6-80E1 engines incorporate the latest technology with improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and a longer operating life.
Passenger numbers continue to rise at IAG
Passenger numbers at International Airlines Group have continued to increase following the merger of British Airways and Spanish flag-carrier Iberia. The airlines jointly carried a total of 4.5 million passengers in June, compared with some 4.4 million in June 2010.
IAG warns over rising fuel despite strong revenue gains
International Airlines Group, the company formed from the merger of British Airways and Iberia, has become the latest carrier to warned that high oil prices could cost it an additional €100m this year, whilst the Japan earthquake and Arabic uprisings have caused a similar dent. However its quarterly figures were otherwise solid with losses narrowing to €47m, down from €273m a year ago.
BA to undergo rebranding
British Airways is to relaunch its brand later this year following its merger with Iberia. Details of the rebranding will be kept under wraps till autumn, but the national carrier is hoping the campaign will put the airline back on the map as one of the world’s iconic brands.
IAG traffic statistics: March 2011
In March 2011, Group traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres rose by 8.8 per cent versus March 2010, capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres was up 11.5 per cent
IAG boosts Latin America and Middle East services
International Airlines Group – composed of British Airways and Iberia – has confirmed it will reorganise its network to improve services to Latin American and the Middle East. Under the plans, Latin America will become more accessible to British Airways customers and the Middle East will be brought to the doorstep of the Spanish flag-carrier’s travellers.
IAG considers stake in Japan Airlines
International Airlines Group has revealed its interest in taking a stake in Japan Airlines, after the Asian carrier emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. IAG was formed earlier this year following the merger of British Airways and Iberia of Spain.
American-BA-Iberia sign strategic alliance
American Airlines, British Airways and Spanish flag-carrier Iberia have signed a long-awaited strategic alliance that will see them cooperate on flights between Europe and North America. The deal had been vigorously opposed by transatlantic rival Virgin Atlantic, which claimed it would create a “monster monopoly”.