British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia Airlines have announced details of a new co-operation agreement.
In a joint statement the airlines said the deal would help them to “face vigorous competition from the full service, no-frills and charter carriers.” They claimed benefits for passengers would include improved transfers at Madrid, Barcelona and London as well as better frequent flyer programmes and services.
BA chief executive Rod Eddington and Iberia chairman Xabier de Irala said: “Our proposal for closer cooperation is a competitive response to the changing and challenging market environment and marks a step forward in our efforts to progress consolidation in Europe.”
BA owns a 9% stake in Iberia. Its franchise partner GB Airways, will also sign a commercial agreement to cover its relationship with Iberia and British Airways.
