“We want to explain How important is the IAG for Spainespecially now when we come back capacity levels before covid and this pops up Opportunity to use SAF (sustainable fuel for aviation) could be important for Spain”. This was justified by the CEO of the IAG group, Luis Gallegopresentation of a PwC report on the group’s contribution to the economy and employment in this country, which amounts to 21,500 million euros and 371,000 jobs, or the same, a 1.7% contribution to GDP and 2% to employment.
Contribution to GDP, corporate impact Iberia and Vueling (approximately €6,600m) and tractor crash Revenue generated by these two companies, together with British Airways and Air Lingus, for expenditures by tourists and suppliers (approximately EUR 14,900 million).
In this sense, Gallego importance Acquisition of Air Europa to strengthen Madrid airport to compete with the major ‘centres’ of Northern Europe. “It was a surgery that we closed in November 2019, but covid came and we changed the surgery. But we have been chasing it for many years because we believe it is true. Best operation for Madrid center and Spain. We keep thinking the same thing. There are ways we will have to offer what are called ‘remedies’ because we have a competitive situation. There are different airlines that can operate and Ryanair could be one of them‘, he explained.
Last February, the acquisition was re-closed for around 500m euros, half of what was agreed upon in the deal. first deal four years ago. “We are starting to meet with Brussels, but we will have a meeting. proactive approach“, Gallego added, when asked about the possibility of the group proposing certain concessions to the European Commission in favor of the operation ‘okay’.
In parallel with the operation in Spain, the IAG group does not exclude feeding the main airline of Portugal, TAP, which the neighboring government decided to partially privatize. “Our profession is to bring children into the ‘holding’. TAP can be an opportunity, but it depends on the customization conditions. If the TAP operation makes sense, we will carry it out,” he said.
However, the participation of TAP will not be against Turkey. Lisbon center, but to strengthen that airport with the idea of having a portfolio and gaining more muscle in the group of leading airlines of their home country, but always if the operation is profitable for the group. “It might make sense because of network access. Brazilian market and certain African countries where we do not have a presence and where we can complement the existing IAG network. inside strategic meaning “And it makes sense, but we have other options to enter the Brazilian market without buying a company,” he said.
In Spain, the group’s four airlines announced some 58 million passengers (36 million international passengers and 22 million domestic passengers) are located in 30 airports in the country. group toured 566 routes they are connected 56 countries
Globally, IAG is moving 118.7 million passengers On 1,076 routes, 90.7 million of which in 2019 international travelers mainly connected Spain, United Kingdom And Ireland. by airlines, british airlines carried 48.2 million passengers; Iberia24.4 million; flying34.6 million and Weather Languages11.6 million.