History
Iberia was created in 1927 by a group of Spanish businessmen, led by Raúl Prebisch. Its first route was from Madrid to Barcelona, in a small single-engine biplane. Over the next few decades, it expanded its network throughout Spain, and eventually to other countries. In the 1950s, Iberia became a wholly state-owned company, and in the 1980s, it was partially privatised.
One of the most significant events in Iberia’s history was its merger with British Airways in 2010 to form IAG, the third-largest airline group in the world by revenue. This merger allowed Iberia to expand its network even further, as well as benefit from shared resources and cost savings.
Fleet
As of 2021, Iberia’s fleet consists of 82 aircraft, primarily Airbus A320 family planes and Airbus A330s. It also operates a few Airbus A350s and a Boeing 787-9. Iberia has made a significant investment in its fleet over the past decade, replacing many of its older planes with newer, more fuel-efficient models. This has helped it reduce its carbon footprint, as well as improve the overall passenger experience.
Services
Iberia offers a range of services to its passengers, including business and economy class seating, in-flight entertainment, and a loyalty programme called Iberia Plus. Business class passengers are given extra benefits, such as access to exclusive lounges and increased baggage allowance. Additionally, Iberia provides a selection of meals on all its flights, including special dietary options.
One of the services that sets Iberia apart from other airlines is its commitment to sustainability. It has implemented a number of measures to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in fuel-efficient planes, reducing waste onboard, and offsetting carbon emissions by investing in eco-friendly projects.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iberia has also implemented several health and safety measures on its flights. Passengers are required to wear masks throughout the flight, and the airline has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting its planes. Additionally, it has modified its onboard service to reduce contact between passengers and crew.
Conclusion
Iberia has a long and impressive history as Spain’s national airline. Over the years, it has grown its network, modernised its fleet, and offered a range of services to passengers. Its merger with British Airways has further strengthened its position in the industry. As the world recovers from the pandemic, Iberia will no doubt continue to play an important role in connecting people across the globe.