Willie Walsh said today that the merger of BA and Iberia under the International Airlines Group is “the first step towards creating a multinational multi-brand airline group”.
IAG’s chairman Antonio Vázquez and chief executive Willie Walsh were at the London Stock Exchange this morning to witness the start of trading of shares in the holding company for the newly merged Iberia and British Airways.
Speaking at the launch Walsh said:
“British Airways and Iberia are the first two airlines in IAG but they won’t be the last. Our goal is for more airlines – but, importantly, the right airlines – to join the group. Today is the first step towards creating a multinational multi-brand airline group”.
Walsh added that the merger will see the two carriers "retain their strong brands", with complementary networks that operate from “two of the biggest hubs in Europe”. The agreement is expected to lead to annual synergies of €400 million from year five.
For more information visit iairgroup.com, ba.com, iberia.com.