In a strategic shift in response to recent changes in the Spanish airport landscape (and which triggered strikes last week), Iberia has announced the creation of a new company, fully owned by the IAG group.
This decision comes as a response to the loss of operational licenses in several key airports, and aims not only to preserve but also to expand its activities in the handling sector both nationally and internationally. The new company will focus on the growth and development of its operations, maintaining the labor rights of employees and establishing a Professional Training Center of Excellence for handling professionals.
See also: This is how the handling licenses for third parties at Aena airports turned out
The resolution of AENA from last September, which determines the allocation of licenses in the Spanish airport network, has marked a turning point for Iberia as it lost its status as an operating agent in the airports of Bilbao, Málaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Barcelona, Las Palmas, and Tenerife South (although maintaining its presence in the other airports where it was already providing services).
The handling sector and ground assistance are critical areas for Iberia, involving thousands of employees. Given that business margins in this area are narrow, Iberia emphasizes the need for a large volume of operations, which is largely achieved by providing services to third-party companies. The loss of licenses in several airports not only affects those specific points but also represents a challenge for the business as a whole, compromising the ability to maintain clients and sustainable operations.
In response to this situation, Iberia has committed to exploring alternatives to maintain and develop its business both nationally and internationally. This approach seeks not only to preserve current employment but also to generate new job opportunities.
Iberia’s Proposal: Creation of a New Company
Iberia has proposed the creation of a new company, which would be 100% owned by the IAG group, with a majority of Iberia. This new entity would receive all the employees of the Airport Services Directorate, maintaining their labor conditions and rights intact, as established in article 44 of the Workers’ Statute.
Moreover, the company commits to preserving the progression and seniority systems of Iberia’s employees, thus guaranteeing the same employment expectations they have at present. As for the viability plan for this new society, measures for the disengagement of 1727 people are contemplated until December 31, 2026, offering options of incentivized layoffs (for those under 56 years at the time of contract termination) and early retirements (for workers aged 56 or over, who would receive 12 annual payments with a supplement that varies depending on the age until they reach 65 years).
Vision and Objectives of the New Company
The new company, which will have a different brand, has ambitions for growth both nationally and internationally, with a special focus on Europe and Latin America. Additionally, the creation of a Professional Training Center of Excellence for handling professionals is planned, located in La Muñoza, near the Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas airport.
“Iberia understands the uncertainty experienced by the workers, however, the company reiterates that, in order to offer a future to both the employees of the airports with and without a license, it is necessary for everyone to remain united in a single company,” states the announcement.
“It is the opportunity to forge a solid future and become one of the benchmarks of international handling. The new company is the vehicle to give viability to the business without diminishing the rights of any worker coming from Iberia,” they concluded.
