IAG: Traffic Statistics February 2013

In February 2013, Group traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres decreased by 2.4 per cent versus February 2012; Group capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres was down 4.4 per cent.

Group premium traffic for the month of February grew by 0.2 per cent compared to the previous year, with a 2.9 per cent decrease in non-premium traffic.

In February, Iberia cabin crew and ground employees’ unions went on strike for five consecutive days: Iberia operated approximately 64 per cent of its flights. At a Group level, capacity was impacted by approximately 0.8 per cent.

For current outlook and strategic developments please see Quarter Four results presentation.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS
Following authorisation from the Spanish National Securities Market Commission, IAG launched a tender offer for Vueling shares. The offer covers the 54.15 per cent of Vueling shares not owned by Iberia and the offer period runs from March 1st to April 8th.

On February 12th Iberia started the formal process of collective redundancy which will affect 3,807 jobs. A 30 day consultation process is currently taking place between the airline and its trade unions. This is part of Iberia’s transformation plan to introduce permanent structural changes across the airline to stem its losses enabling it to grow profitably in the future.

Iberia has taken delivery of two out of eight new Airbus A330-300 aircraft as part of the airline’s fleet renewal programme. These aircraft come equipped with new business and economy class cabin interiors. Iberia is introducing these new aircraft during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014.

British Airways has launched a new “hand baggage only” fare for short-haul customers at Gatwick. The new type of fare from Gatwick will be available initially to five destinations – Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, Jersey, Tunis and Turin, starting from £39 one-way. British Airways plans to extend the initiative to the rest of the Gatwick short-haul network over time.