Iberia’s leadership, including Javier Sanchez, offered reassurance this Tuesday after discussions with Balearic authorities, following talks with Francina Armengol, the head of government. The focus centered on safeguarding jobs at Air Europa as the acquisition progresses, with a clear commitment to retain personnel once the integration moves forward.
After the meeting at Consolat de Mar, Sanchez reiterated that a binding agreement to protect employment has already been signed with Air Europa and with the company’s on-site management teams in Llucmajor, Mallorca. The plan envisions five-year contracts for many staff members and seven-year terms for headquarters personnel, affecting more than 2,500 workers across the network.
Armengol described the session as highly productive and stressed that the Air Europa acquisition will boost connectivity for the Balearic Islands. She also suggested that increased access could lead to more competitive pricing for travelers in the archipelago.
Sanchez added that today’s Balearic Islands are better connected than ever before. Iberia has expanded regional seating and now operates more routes to and from the islands, strengthening ties with Barcelona and Madrid as key hubs.
The executive noted the Balearics represent a crucial market for Iberia, highlighting that about 18 percent of the region’s population already uses the carrier’s services. This emphasis on the islands underscores the strategic importance of Mallorca and its neighboring routes within Iberia’s broader network.
On pricing, the company leader explained that current minimum fares are around 21 euros, a level that has fallen by about 15 percent in recent years due to greater seat availability, without resorting to resident-discount policies. He pointed out that these minimum prices are roughly 50 percent lower than a decade ago when adjusted for inflation, illustrating ongoing affordability gains for travelers.
When asked about the resident discount program, Sanchez clarified that airlines do not typically know the identity of the passenger at the moment of ticket purchase, which means ensuring eligibility requires separate verification later in the process. The note was intended to reassure that the discount framework remains managed in a way consistent with industry standards.
Armengol highlighted IAG’s strong commitment to cleaner fuels, a point welcomed by Sanchez, who said sustainability is a central challenge for the airline group alongside advancing the circular economy. The dialogue underscored a shared aspiration to reduce environmental impact while expanding mobility in the region.
Nevertheless, the acquisition of the Majorca-based carrier is still awaiting clearance from competition authorities across the European Union. Sanchez indicated that preliminary conversations with several airlines are already underway to assume routes that could raise competition concerns. If the deal is approved, a realistic timeline could place the consolidation within an 18-month horizon.
Looking ahead, Sanchez explained that Iberia anticipates a significant uptick in activity post-acquisition. The company hopes to leverage the transport licenses held by Air Europa and the handling capabilities of Groundforce, while remaining mindful of competitive outcomes from handling tenders. Any major milestones are expected to unfold over the summer and beyond as the integration progresses.