Oneworld alliance partners British Airways and Iberia have notified the European Union (EU) of plans to intensify their co-operation. The carriers, which have so far mainly concentrated on expanding code-sharing ties between the UK and Spain and within Europe, now want to focus on the South Atlantic.
The long-haul co-operation will see code-sharing, the development of joint schedules, joint fare products and closer liaison on sales activities, including offering common deals. Iberia is the leading carrier across the Southern Atlantic, serving 21 destinations in Latin America with 77 flights a week from Madrid. BA operates 23 flights a week between London and the eight destinations it serves in six Latin American countries.
The code-sharing started in early May on Iberia's services to Peru. In addition, Iberia can improve its Asian position by adding its code to BA flights to Bangkok.
The strengthening bond between BA and Iberia - BA also holds a 9% stake in recently privatised Iberia, while another oneworld member, American Airlines, holds a 1% stake - reflects moves being made by all the alliance partners to forge greater bilateral links. For example, BA has told the EU of its plans to form closer links with Finnair and Aer Lingus. Iberia also recently sealed a codeshare deal with Aer Lingus on services between Madrid and Dublin.
Source: Airline Business
