Besides two Airbus A320s, Vueling has taken delivery of three A321s previously operated by IAG’s Austrian brand Anisec Lufthart (operated as Level Europe) which ceased operations in March 2020.
The airliner displays a hybrid scheme as seen on EC-NLV (formerly OE-LCN, msn 6454).
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) presented its Group consolidated results for the six months to June 30, 2022.
IAG returns to profit in the second quarter following strong recovery in demand across all airlines
IAG financial results highlights for the period:
Operating profit for the second quarter €293 million (2021: operating loss €967 million), and operating profit before exceptional items €287 million (2021: operating loss before exceptional items €1,045 million)
Operating loss for the half year €438 million (2021: operating loss €2,035 million), and operating loss before exceptional items €467 million (2021: operating loss before exceptional items €2,180 million)
Profit after tax and exceptional items for the second quarter €133 million (2021: loss €981 million) and profit after tax before exceptional items €127 million (2021: loss €1,045 million)
Loss after tax and exceptional items for the half year €654 million (2021: loss €2,048 million) and loss after tax before exceptional items €683 million (2021: loss €2,169 million)
Strong liquidity at June 30, 2022:
Total liquidity increased to €13,489 million (December 31, 2021: €11,986 million)
Cash1 of €9,190 million, up €1,247 million on December 31, 2021, with significantly positive working capital, driven
principally by bookings for travel in the second half of the year
Committed and undrawn general and aircraft financing facilities of €4,299 million (December 31, 2021: €4,043
million), including an additional €200 million loan facility for Aer Lingus from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund
Net debt at June 30, 2022 was down €688 million since December 31, 2021 to €10,979 million, reflecting the seasonal
benefit on cash of bookings for travel in the second half of the year
Customer demand continues to recover strongly
Passenger capacity in quarter 2 was 78% of 2019 (Q1 guidance: c80%), up from 65% in quarter 1, driven primarily by IAG’s key regions of European shorthaul (capacity 89% of 2019), North America (84%) and Latin America & Caribbean (81%)
Passenger unit revenue in quarter 2 increased by 6.4% compared to 2019, helping to offset lower capacity and higher fuel costs, driven by passenger revenue yield 10.6% higher than in 2019
Load factor of 81.8% (3.2 points lower than in 2019, but higher than 72.2% in quarter 1)
By the end of quarter 2, premium leisure revenue had almost fully recovered to 2019’s level, despite capacity being
significantly lower. Business channel revenue had recovered to c.60% of 2019’s level
In response to the challenging operational environment at Heathrow, British Airways’ capacity was limited to 69.1% in quarter 2 (compared to 57.4% in quarter 1) and plans to increase to c.75% in quarter 3
IAG’s overall passenger capacity plans for the remainder of 2022 are c.80% in quarter 3 and c.85% in quarter 4, a reduction
of 5% for the second half of the year compared to previous guidance, mainly due to the challenges at Heathrow; full-year capacity is expected to be c.78% of 2019 (compared to c.80% previously), with North America close to 2019 capacity by the end of the year
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) purchase commitments increased to $865 million (from $400 million previously) for the next 20 years, including a quarter of IAG’s SAF target for 2030 (10% of total fuel needs)
Luis Gallego, IAG Chief Executive Officer, said:
“In the second quarter we returned to profit for the first time since the start of the pandemic following a strong recovery in demand across all our airlines. This result supports our outlook for a full year operating profit.
“Our performance reflected a significant increase in capacity, load factor and yield compared to the first quarter. “Premium leisure remains strong while business travel continues a steady recovery in all airlines.
“Iberia and Vueling were the best performing carriers within the Group. The Spanish domestic market and routes to Latin America continued to lead the recovery with demand exceeding 2019 levels last month.
“Forward bookings show sustained strength and North Atlantic demand continues to grow following the lifting of the US COVID testing requirements in June.
“Although bookings into the fourth quarter are seasonally low at this time of year, we are seeing no signs of any weakness in demand.
“Our industry continues to face historic challenges due to the unprecedented scaling up in operations, especially in the UK where the operational challenges of Heathrow airport have been acute. Our airline teams remain focused on enhancing operational resilience and improving customer experience. I would like to thank those customers affected for their loyalty and patience and our colleagues for their hard work and commitment. We will continue working with the industry to address these issues as aviation emerges from its biggest crisis ever.
“In line with our net zero commitment by 2050, we have announced the addition of 50 new Boeing 737s and 59 Airbus A320 Neo family aircraft subject to shareholder approval. These modern, fuel-efficient planes will see us over 60 per cent through our shorthaul fleet replacement by 2028.
“As we build back operational resilience, our strong portfolio of brands, ability to deliver efficiencies through our Group scale, strong capital discipline and our leadership position in sustainability will generate long term shareholder value.”
Trading outlook
IAG expects pre-exceptional operating profit to be significantly improved for quarter 3 2022 compared to quarter 2 and to be positive for full year 2022. Net cash flow from operating activities is expected to be significantly positive for the year. This assumes no further setbacks related to COVID-19 and government-imposed restrictions or material impacts from geopolitical developments. Net debt is expected to increase by year end compared with the end of 2021.
Vueling Airlines (Vueling.com) Airbus A320-232 WL EC-MER (msn 6510) (FC Barcelona Women) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 963193.
Vueling Airlines is showing its support of the F.C. Barcelona Women’s team with this Airbus A320 logo jet.
The airline issued this statement:
FC Barcelona and Vueling have unveiled the design of the new Barça Women’s plane, which features an image of a selection of squad members. This is the first time that a European women’s football team in Europe has featured this way on a regular airliner.
The aircraft was presented in an event held in the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport hangar and was attended by most of the women who appear on one of the sides of the design: Aitana Bonmatí, Fridolina Rolfö, Patri Guijarro and Ingrid Engen. Also attending on behalf of FC Barcelona were Elena Fort, vice-president of the Institutional Area, and Xavier Puig, the director responsible for the Women’s team. Vueling’s representation was headed by Sandra Hors, Director of Sustainability, Institutional Relations and Sustainability.
The plane, an A320, will be bearing the new vinyl wrap for the final games of the season. The design combines the team colours and the blaugrana crest, together with the images of eleven players. One side contains the players who were present at the event today, while the other composition is made up of Keira Walsh, Salma Paralluelo, María León, Alexia Putellas, Lucy Bronze and Ona Batlle.
The aircraft also includes the tagline ‘Blaugranes al Vent‘ (Blaugranes on the wind), which is a line from the Barça anthem that perfectly ties in with the idea of flying through the sky. The interior of the plane has also been customised, sporting blaugrana headrests that also include this tagline.
The agreement is applicable in Europe, Israel and North Africa (Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria) and also contemplates commercial activations by Vueling in association with matches at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, collaborations in the form of digital content and dissemination via the platforms of both entities, among other assets.
An alliance based on common origins and values
The union of Barça and Vueling is built on three key pillars, namely the shared origin of the two entities in Barcelona; their non-conformism and their will to break from conventionalism and drive the role of women; and their commitment to society through actions that have a positive impact on its environment.
Both parties are especially keen to highlight their pride in being from Barcelona, a city that forms part of their identities with its cosmopolitan, open character and that is constantly reimagining itself. Likewise, both Vueling and Barça seek to break down prejudices through the empowerment of women, working to offer role models to new generations by highlighting women who have challenged conventions in sectors traditionally linked to more masculine identities. And finally, they are two entities that seek to have a positive impact on the communities in which they are present, through programmes and initiatives to support people in situations of difficulty or vulnerability.
Copyright Photo: Vueling Airlines (Vueling.com) Airbus A320-232 WL EC-MER (msn 6510) (FC Barcelona Women) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 963193.
International Airlines Group (IAG) (London) has firmed up options for a further 15 Airbus A320neos. The new type will be operated by British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling Airlines.
Since its launch in 2010 the A320neo Family has won 60 percent of all new orders for single aisle aircraft with over 100 seats and has been selected by over 75 airlines worldwide.
International Airlines Group – IAG (London) has announced it will acquire insolvent Niki (Vienna) for €36.5 million ($43.8 Million). IAG became the lone bidder after the Lufthansa Group pulled out of the bidding. The IAG also out bid Niki Lauda who was bidding to take back his former airline. The IAG will pay €20 million ($24 million) for Niki’s assets and provide liquidity of up to €16.5 million to Niki.
The new Niki will become a subsidiary of Vueling and the IAG will employ most of the former Niki employees (around 740). Vueling will now be able to grow its presence in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Vueling’s fourth Airbus A320neo (EC-NAJ) has been painted in a special “We love places” color scheme.
McCann Barcelona has been commissioned to run the new Vueling advertising campaign that connects the interests of people with the possibilities offered by the airline’s destinations.
Under the concept “We Love Places”, Vueling launches a campaign that shows the new tendency to connect with the authentic and genuine reality of cities.
The campaign revolves around the idea that there is no longer a single way to travel to the same place. The same destination can be lived from many perspectives.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Vueling Airlines (Vueling.com) Airbus A320-271N WL EC-NAJ (msn 8510) (We love places) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 944344.
For safe travel, disinfectant spraying of cabins, checking hand luggage without charge, boarding by rows.
Iberia and Iberia Express were early adopters of the recommendations made by the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).
This summer, they will offer regular flights over 50 destinations in Spain and the rest of Europe
Centring on Spain and the rest of Europe, the Iberia Group’s summer flight programme to over 50 Spanish and European destinations, features new health and hygiene measures to ensure passenger safety and a pleasant travel experience, in keeping with the recommendations of the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), intended to facilitate the recovery of air travel in a safe environment.
Pre-flight:
• During check in passengers must sign a Declaration of Health, attesting that they have no symptoms, have not been diagnosed with Covid-19, and have not been in contact with a known carrier.
• On flights abroad passengers must also complete a “Health Tracking Form” and a “Health Questionnaire”.
• Only passengers holding tickets to fly will be admitted to Spanish or other European airports.
• Passengers are strongly advised to obtain their boarding passes before reaching the airport, downloading them to their telephones in order to avoid contacts.
At the airport:
• All surfaces that may be touched by passengers are disinfected frequently and barriers have been placed in strategic positions at check in and customer service counters.
• Queues for check in and other services have been redesigned to ensure distancing.
• Passengers are strongly advised to check in their hand luggage (at no charge), in order to avoid unnecessary movements aboard the aircraft.
• No hand luggage may be taken aboard that exceeds 56 x 40 x 25cm or 10 kg in Economy. On long-haul flights Business passengers may take two pieces of hand luggage not exceeding 14 kg.
• For additional speed, safety, and convenience, passengers will board by rows, starting from the rear.
Other measures:
• During flights all passengers above the age of six must wear face masks covering nose and mouth, preferably surgical ones.
• Passengers must change their masks with the frequency indicated by the manufacturer. Bags will be provided for the storage or disposal of used masks.
• Aircraft cabins will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before each flight..
• Air in cabins is replaced every 2-3 minutes, and HEPA filters eliminate 99.99% of all virus and bacteria from recirculated air.
On-board services:
• On each flight passengers will hear messages from health authorities about detecting, avoiding, and reporting symptoms of Covid-19.
• Disinfectant wipes will be issued to all passengers, and extra supplies of hand-washing soaps will be available in toilets.
• Single-use disposable utensils will be used in food service, which has been simplified..
• Blankets and pillows issued on long haul flights are disinfected and sealed before use.
• Duty-free sales and the distribution of newspapers and magazines during flights have been eliminated, but passengers can access more than 7,000 on-line publications, along with other entertainment options.
• Outfitted in personal protection gear, Iberia cabin crews have also undergone specific training in the implementation of good health practices and special protocols, enabling them to detect and isolate any passenger showing suspicious symptoms.
Vueling Airlines, part of International Airlines Group (IAG), is returning to Gothenburg and Göteborg Landvetter after a suspension of service autumn 2019. Vueling will resume service to the capital of Catalonia starting on June 11 with two weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays.
Spain is a popular tourist destination from Sweden, and a large number of Swedes who live abroad reside there.
Vueling is currently the only carrier to offer this route, and at present there is no service to Spain from Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT). Connecting flights from Vueling’s hub, Barcelona International Airport – El Prat (BCN), enable Swedish travelers to reach more than 15 destinations in Spain.
The airline started operations in Sweden 2012. In addition to the route from Göteborg Landvetter Airport to be launched in June, Vueling offers daily non-stop service from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Barcelona.
Vueling Airline’s main priority will continue to be the application of the highest safety and hygiene standards on all flights, following the recommendations established by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Besides two Airbus A320s, Vueling has taken delivery of three A321s previously operated by IAG’s Austrian brand Anisec Lufthart (operated as Level Europe) which ceased operations in March 2020.
The airliner displays a hybrid scheme as seen on EC-NLV (formerly OE-LCN, msn 6454).
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) presented its Group consolidated results for the six months to June 30, 2022.
IAG returns to profit in the second quarter following strong recovery in demand across all airlines
IAG financial results highlights for the period:
Operating profit for the second quarter €293 million (2021: operating loss €967 million), and operating profit before exceptional items €287 million (2021: operating loss before exceptional items €1,045 million)
Operating loss for the half year €438 million (2021: operating loss €2,035 million), and operating loss before exceptional items €467 million (2021: operating loss before exceptional items €2,180 million)
Profit after tax and exceptional items for the second quarter €133 million (2021: loss €981 million) and profit after tax before exceptional items €127 million (2021: loss €1,045 million)
Loss after tax and exceptional items for the half year €654 million (2021: loss €2,048 million) and loss after tax before exceptional items €683 million (2021: loss €2,169 million)
Strong liquidity at June 30, 2022:
Total liquidity increased to €13,489 million (December 31, 2021: €11,986 million)
Cash1 of €9,190 million, up €1,247 million on December 31, 2021, with significantly positive working capital, driven
principally by bookings for travel in the second half of the year
Committed and undrawn general and aircraft financing facilities of €4,299 million (December 31, 2021: €4,043
million), including an additional €200 million loan facility for Aer Lingus from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund
Net debt at June 30, 2022 was down €688 million since December 31, 2021 to €10,979 million, reflecting the seasonal
benefit on cash of bookings for travel in the second half of the year
Customer demand continues to recover strongly
Passenger capacity in quarter 2 was 78% of 2019 (Q1 guidance: c80%), up from 65% in quarter 1, driven primarily by IAG’s key regions of European shorthaul (capacity 89% of 2019), North America (84%) and Latin America & Caribbean (81%)
Passenger unit revenue in quarter 2 increased by 6.4% compared to 2019, helping to offset lower capacity and higher fuel costs, driven by passenger revenue yield 10.6% higher than in 2019
Load factor of 81.8% (3.2 points lower than in 2019, but higher than 72.2% in quarter 1)
By the end of quarter 2, premium leisure revenue had almost fully recovered to 2019’s level, despite capacity being
significantly lower. Business channel revenue had recovered to c.60% of 2019’s level
In response to the challenging operational environment at Heathrow, British Airways’ capacity was limited to 69.1% in quarter 2 (compared to 57.4% in quarter 1) and plans to increase to c.75% in quarter 3
IAG’s overall passenger capacity plans for the remainder of 2022 are c.80% in quarter 3 and c.85% in quarter 4, a reduction
of 5% for the second half of the year compared to previous guidance, mainly due to the challenges at Heathrow; full-year capacity is expected to be c.78% of 2019 (compared to c.80% previously), with North America close to 2019 capacity by the end of the year
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) purchase commitments increased to $865 million (from $400 million previously) for the next 20 years, including a quarter of IAG’s SAF target for 2030 (10% of total fuel needs)
Luis Gallego, IAG Chief Executive Officer, said:
“In the second quarter we returned to profit for the first time since the start of the pandemic following a strong recovery in demand across all our airlines. This result supports our outlook for a full year operating profit.
“Our performance reflected a significant increase in capacity, load factor and yield compared to the first quarter. “Premium leisure remains strong while business travel continues a steady recovery in all airlines.
“Iberia and Vueling were the best performing carriers within the Group. The Spanish domestic market and routes to Latin America continued to lead the recovery with demand exceeding 2019 levels last month.
“Forward bookings show sustained strength and North Atlantic demand continues to grow following the lifting of the US COVID testing requirements in June.
“Although bookings into the fourth quarter are seasonally low at this time of year, we are seeing no signs of any weakness in demand.
“Our industry continues to face historic challenges due to the unprecedented scaling up in operations, especially in the UK where the operational challenges of Heathrow airport have been acute. Our airline teams remain focused on enhancing operational resilience and improving customer experience. I would like to thank those customers affected for their loyalty and patience and our colleagues for their hard work and commitment. We will continue working with the industry to address these issues as aviation emerges from its biggest crisis ever.
“In line with our net zero commitment by 2050, we have announced the addition of 50 new Boeing 737s and 59 Airbus A320 Neo family aircraft subject to shareholder approval. These modern, fuel-efficient planes will see us over 60 per cent through our shorthaul fleet replacement by 2028.
“As we build back operational resilience, our strong portfolio of brands, ability to deliver efficiencies through our Group scale, strong capital discipline and our leadership position in sustainability will generate long term shareholder value.”
Trading outlook
IAG expects pre-exceptional operating profit to be significantly improved for quarter 3 2022 compared to quarter 2 and to be positive for full year 2022. Net cash flow from operating activities is expected to be significantly positive for the year. This assumes no further setbacks related to COVID-19 and government-imposed restrictions or material impacts from geopolitical developments. Net debt is expected to increase by year end compared with the end of 2021.
Besides two Airbus A320s, Vueling has taken delivery of three A321s previously operated by IAG’s Austrian brand Anisec Lufthart (operated as Level Europe) which ceased operations in March 2020.
The airliner displays a hybrid scheme as seen on EC-NLV (formerly OE-LCN, msn 6454).
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) presented its Group consolidated results for the six months to June 30, 2022.
IAG returns to profit in the second quarter following strong recovery in demand across all airlines
IAG financial results highlights for the period:
Operating profit for the second quarter €293 million (2021: operating loss €967 million), and operating profit before exceptional items €287 million (2021: operating loss before exceptional items €1,045 million)
Operating loss for the half year €438 million (2021: operating loss €2,035 million), and operating loss before exceptional items €467 million (2021: operating loss before exceptional items €2,180 million)
Profit after tax and exceptional items for the second quarter €133 million (2021: loss €981 million) and profit after tax before exceptional items €127 million (2021: loss €1,045 million)
Loss after tax and exceptional items for the half year €654 million (2021: loss €2,048 million) and loss after tax before exceptional items €683 million (2021: loss €2,169 million)
Strong liquidity at June 30, 2022:
Total liquidity increased to €13,489 million (December 31, 2021: €11,986 million)
Cash1 of €9,190 million, up €1,247 million on December 31, 2021, with significantly positive working capital, driven
principally by bookings for travel in the second half of the year
Committed and undrawn general and aircraft financing facilities of €4,299 million (December 31, 2021: €4,043
million), including an additional €200 million loan facility for Aer Lingus from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund
Net debt at June 30, 2022 was down €688 million since December 31, 2021 to €10,979 million, reflecting the seasonal
benefit on cash of bookings for travel in the second half of the year
Customer demand continues to recover strongly
Passenger capacity in quarter 2 was 78% of 2019 (Q1 guidance: c80%), up from 65% in quarter 1, driven primarily by IAG’s key regions of European shorthaul (capacity 89% of 2019), North America (84%) and Latin America & Caribbean (81%)
Passenger unit revenue in quarter 2 increased by 6.4% compared to 2019, helping to offset lower capacity and higher fuel costs, driven by passenger revenue yield 10.6% higher than in 2019
Load factor of 81.8% (3.2 points lower than in 2019, but higher than 72.2% in quarter 1)
By the end of quarter 2, premium leisure revenue had almost fully recovered to 2019’s level, despite capacity being
significantly lower. Business channel revenue had recovered to c.60% of 2019’s level
In response to the challenging operational environment at Heathrow, British Airways’ capacity was limited to 69.1% in quarter 2 (compared to 57.4% in quarter 1) and plans to increase to c.75% in quarter 3
IAG’s overall passenger capacity plans for the remainder of 2022 are c.80% in quarter 3 and c.85% in quarter 4, a reduction
of 5% for the second half of the year compared to previous guidance, mainly due to the challenges at Heathrow; full-year capacity is expected to be c.78% of 2019 (compared to c.80% previously), with North America close to 2019 capacity by the end of the year
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) purchase commitments increased to $865 million (from $400 million previously) for the next 20 years, including a quarter of IAG’s SAF target for 2030 (10% of total fuel needs)
Luis Gallego, IAG Chief Executive Officer, said:
“In the second quarter we returned to profit for the first time since the start of the pandemic following a strong recovery in demand across all our airlines. This result supports our outlook for a full year operating profit.
“Our performance reflected a significant increase in capacity, load factor and yield compared to the first quarter. “Premium leisure remains strong while business travel continues a steady recovery in all airlines.
“Iberia and Vueling were the best performing carriers within the Group. The Spanish domestic market and routes to Latin America continued to lead the recovery with demand exceeding 2019 levels last month.
“Forward bookings show sustained strength and North Atlantic demand continues to grow following the lifting of the US COVID testing requirements in June.
“Although bookings into the fourth quarter are seasonally low at this time of year, we are seeing no signs of any weakness in demand.
“Our industry continues to face historic challenges due to the unprecedented scaling up in operations, especially in the UK where the operational challenges of Heathrow airport have been acute. Our airline teams remain focused on enhancing operational resilience and improving customer experience. I would like to thank those customers affected for their loyalty and patience and our colleagues for their hard work and commitment. We will continue working with the industry to address these issues as aviation emerges from its biggest crisis ever.
“In line with our net zero commitment by 2050, we have announced the addition of 50 new Boeing 737s and 59 Airbus A320 Neo family aircraft subject to shareholder approval. These modern, fuel-efficient planes will see us over 60 per cent through our shorthaul fleet replacement by 2028.
“As we build back operational resilience, our strong portfolio of brands, ability to deliver efficiencies through our Group scale, strong capital discipline and our leadership position in sustainability will generate long term shareholder value.”
Trading outlook
IAG expects pre-exceptional operating profit to be significantly improved for quarter 3 2022 compared to quarter 2 and to be positive for full year 2022. Net cash flow from operating activities is expected to be significantly positive for the year. This assumes no further setbacks related to COVID-19 and government-imposed restrictions or material impacts from geopolitical developments. Net debt is expected to increase by year end compared with the end of 2021.
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