BA's top brass in Iberia talks

13 April 2012

BRITISH Airways' four most senior directors led by chief executive Rod Eddington are talking with the management of Spanish airline Iberia in Madrid today amid mounting speculation the carriers aim eventually to merge.

Though the meetings have been scheduled for some time, it is understood the airlines will discuss their reaction to the merger announced this week between Air France and KLM.

BA sees Iberia as the key to the potentially-lucrative Hispanic American growth market. Shares in Iberia, already 9% owned by BA, have risen 7% this week.

A BA spokesman said: 'We have made no secret that Iberia is our partner of choice.' But of a closer tie-up, he added: 'Let's see what the regulators make of the Air France-KLM deal.'

Ryanair flew emptier last month than a year ago. September flight statistics showed its load factor at 85% against 89% in 1992.

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