Iberia's agreement with its unions to establish a new handling company could be a significant step towards liberalization in Spanish aviation. The new company, fully owned by IAG, will provide self-handling services and serve IAG airlines. This move might challenge the monopolistic grip of AENA, the airport operator, which limits the number of handling licenses per airport. Liberalization could foster a more competitive environment, benefiting airlines, passengers, and the tourism sector..

(Source: Aerovalue. Read article here)

Iberia plans to purchase Air Europa's stake for €500 million, marking a significant shift in the European aviation industry following the coronavirus pandemic. The acquisition is valued at €500 million and is expected to be completed in 2024. IAG has proposed strategic concessions to increase competition, including surrendering routes and slots to competitors like Ryanair, Volotea, and World2Fly. The merger aims to convert Madrid-Barajas into a competitive hub for intercontinental flights, boosting passenger traffic and improving connectivity. The merger is expected to create between 1,250 and 1,800 direct jobs, augment Madrid airport's earnings by €30 million, and enhance air cargo traffic by 16,000 tons.

(Source: Aerovalue. Read article here)

The International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced that low-cost, long-distance airline LEVEL will receive its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and become the fifth airline in the group. LEVEL, established in 2017, generates double-digit margins due to feeder traffic from IAG's short-haul flights in Barcelona. The airline will expand its fleet from five to eight aircraft, including a sixth Airbus A330-200 by March 2024 and two additional A330s by the end of 2026. LEVEL will also reconfigure its cabin to include 42 Premium Economy seats and 269 Economy seats.

(Source: Gastón Sena - AVIACIONLINE. Read article here)

IAG anticipates a medium-term operating profit of over 1.500 million euros in Spanish businesses, pledging to distribute dividends to shareholders once its balance sheet stabilizes and investment plans are advanced.

(Source: EUROPA PRESS. Read article here)