Negotiations between Iberia Express (I2, Madrid Barajas) and Spain’s pilots union (Sindicato de Pilotos de España - Sepla) have stalled, forcing parent Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) to freeze growth at the regional carrier.
The parties are negotiating the possibility of relaxing the constraints under which Iberia Express operates by making changes to an annex in their eighth collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that fixes fleet growth to parity with the Iberia mainline.
Iberia had aimed to reach a consensus to expand Iberia Express's short-haul fleet, capitalising on current market opportunities. However, since no deal has been reached with union representatives, growth will be put on hold and the next four aircraft designated for Iberia Group will be integrated into the mainline fleet instead of the budget unit, the airline said in a statement on August 19.
“The company is open to negotiation and pushing for a deal with the pilots' representatives,” an Iberia Express spokesperson told ch-aviation.
Iberia Express is looking for an agreement that would allow it to better compete against other LCCs, such as Ryanair. The 2014 CBA stipulates that the entry of new aircraft will take place alternately at Iberia and Iberia Express, respecting a 1:1 ratio, and the regional airline's total production will never exceed 15% of the total ASKs its parent flies. It currently operates a fleet comprising 28 aircraft, including fourteen A320-200s, two A321-200s, and twelve A321-200NX.
Separately, Iberia and Sepla negotiated their 10th agreement, which is valid until December 31, 2027. Marco Sansavini, president of the Spanish carrier, summarised in the statement that this CBA is “a fundamental piece for building the future of the company.”
Increasing LEVEL’s Iberia-operated fleet
Iberia and Sepla also agreed that the number of LEVEL (Barcelona El Prat) aircraft to be operated by Iberia pilots will go from six to eight, increasing the carrier’s fleet. The ch-aviation fleets module shows that the airline operates six A330-200s, all of which are wet-leased in from Iberia. Parent IAG International Airlines Group is currently analysing the possibility of obtaining two separate air operator’s certificates (AOCs) for LEVEL.
LEVEL confirmed to ch-aviation that it will have eight aircraft by 2026 and added: "The intention is to have the same model as our current fleet: Airbus A330-200." The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Iberia has eighteen inhouse widebodies of the type in its fleet.
