Iberia Express Growth Frozen Amid Negotiation Stalemate

Negotiations between Iberia Express and Spain’s pilots union, Sindicato de Pilotos de España (Sepla), have reached an impasse, leading Iberia to freeze growth at its regional carrier. The deadlock concerns potential amendments to an annex in their eighth collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which currently ties Iberia Express’s fleet expansion to Iberia’s mainline growth.

Iberia had sought to expand Iberia Express’s short-haul fleet to seize current market opportunities. However, with no agreement reached with union representatives, the planned growth has been halted. Consequently, the next four aircraft intended for the Iberia Group will be allocated to the mainline fleet rather than the regional carrier, according to an August 19 statement from the airline.

An Iberia Express spokesperson stated, “The company is open to negotiation and pushing for a deal with the pilots’ representatives,” emphasizing the airline’s commitment to resolving the issue.

The regional carrier is aiming for an agreement that would enhance its competitive edge against low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Ryanair. Under the 2014 CBA, new aircraft are to be added to Iberia and Iberia Express alternately, adhering to a 1:1 ratio, while the regional airline’s total production is capped at 15% of Iberia’s overall available seat kilometers (ASKs). Currently, Iberia Express operates a fleet of 28 aircraft, including fourteen A320-200s, two A321-200s, and twelve A321-200NX.

In a separate development, Iberia and Sepla have finalized their 10th CBA, effective until December 31, 2027. Marco Sansavini, president of Iberia, described the new agreement as “a fundamental piece for building the future of the company.”

LEVEL’s Fleet Expansion

In addition to the negotiations with Sepla, Iberia has reached an agreement to increase LEVEL’s fleet operated by Iberia pilots from six to eight aircraft. LEVEL’s fleet currently comprises six A330-200s and plans to have eight Airbus A330-200s by 2026, all wet-leased from Iberia. IAG International Airlines Group, LEVEL’s parent company, is considering acquiring two separate air operator’s certificates (AOCs) for LEVEL.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com