With the increasing number of tourists worldwide, airline companies are looking for ways to expand their network. Most of them are purchasing other airlines to get their network and reach more clients. The latest company to make this purchase is IAG with Air Europa.

IAG Purchase

On Monday morning, IAG announced that they have reached a deal to purchase Air Europa. The deal purchase will enable the company to increase its presence in Madrid and transform its airport, Madrid Barajas International Airport, as its next European hub.

According to the press release published, IAG’s subsidiary Iberia acquired Air Europa and put the airline in IAG’s banner. The whole deal is worth 1 billion euros and was agreed between the company and Globalia Corp. They also listed down that the deal will enable the company to boost its Latin America and Caribbean routes for its European clients.

“Acquiring Air Europa would add a new competitive, cost effective airline to IAG, consolidating Madrid as a leading European hub and resulting in IAG achieving South Atlantic leadership,” CEO Willie Walsh said in a statement after the deal was revealed.

The deal may be complete by the second half of 2020 after it gets all the government approvals it needs.

Currently, IAG is having problems boosting its growth plans in London Heathrow because of the airport’s schedules and other fees attached to the hub. However, with Spain and Air Europa, the company can utilize its Latin American and the Caribbean routes to expand further.

Last year, Air Europa recorded 2.1 billion euro in revenue and 100 million euro of operating profit. It also brought around 11.8 million passengers on its fleet in its routes for the year. They also have a good fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s for its long-haul flights.

Walsh also said that they will continue expanding its operations in Europe. The Air Europa deal is just the first step to this target.

Who is IAG

IAG (International Consolidated Airlines Group) is the sixth largest airline company in the world. It started its operations in 2011 with British Airways its largest shareholder. In 2018, it produced 24 billion euros in revenue and it currently has bases in Madrid and London.

Once the Air Europa deal is complete, the company will own six commercial airlines that has flights around Europe: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, Vueling and Air Europa.

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Madrid has a lot to offer to tourists no matter what kind of sites they wish to see. The city has historical and cultural attractions, as well as events that will educate people about Spain. However, not many stay long in Madrid because they favor visiting areas like Barcelona or Majorca. But, this may change with Iberia’s newest promotion.

Hola Madrid!

On Tuesday, the country’s national airline announced that they will be offering long stopovers in Madrid to any interested tourists. The new Hola Madrid promotion will allow any Iberia passenger to prolong their stopover in Madrid with no extra cost to their tickets. The airline has teamed up with the city’s top attractions to give big discounts for Iberia passengers.

For example, accommodations in any of Madrid’s 20 Melia hotels will have a 40% off for each room if they availed the Hola Madrid! promotion. Iberia will also provide a free two-day pass so tourists can go around Madrid for free.

To get the promotion, passengers with stopover flights simply need to log into Iberia’s website, book your ticket and indicate how long you wish to stay in Madrid. They can stay up to six nights long in Madrid.

The promotion is also available for flights from Europe and other countries. However, these flights must have a stopover in Madrid for them to qualify for the promotion.

Spain Travel Tips

Want to maximize Iberia’s Hola Madrid! promotion when you book with them? You can check out the website of Visit Madrid to learn more about the city.

We also have several guides here in our website that we know can help you out during your stay. First, the site has a guide on how you can travel from Madrid Barajas Airport to Chamartin Station and to Atocha Station. We also have a transportation guide on how you can travel to Barcelona, to Toledo and to Valencia from Madrid.

If you are wondering if Madrid is the best, we have a comparison guide between the capital and Lisbon. You can also check out our recommendation as to where you can stay in the city.

If you will be working in the city, we have a guide on how much the cost of living is and how much is the average salary. You may check with your local Spanish embassy for the requirements you will need to get a work visa.

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