BA-Iberia merger back on?
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The on-off merger between British Airways (BA) and Spanish carrier Iberia looks set to go ahead, with the two airlines restarting talks, CNN has reported. BA has said in a statement that negotiations have the full backing of both companies’ boards, adding that under such a merger the BA and Iberia brands would both be retained.
BA Chief Executive, Willie Walsh, said; “The aviation landscape is changing and airline consolidation is long overdue. The combined balance sheet, anticipated synergies and network fit between the airlines make a merger an attractive proposition, particularly in the current economic environment.”
Meanwhile Iberia Chairman and CEO, Fernando Conte, commented; “A merger would be good news for our customers and enhance our existing relationship. We’ve worked together for nearly 10 years and a tie-up would build on that success.”
Merger talks were last aired in April, with American Airlines also involved in a three-way plan to take advantage of the recently introduced ‘open skies’ ruling. All three airlines are existing members of the Oneworld alliance.
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