Iberia (airline)

Iberia (Spanish pronunciation: [iˈβeɾja]), legally incorporated as Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España, S.A. Operadora, Sociedad Unipersonal, is the flag carrier of Spain.^[8] Founded in 1927 and based in Madrid, it operates an international network of services from its main base of Madrid–Barajas Airport.^[9] Iberia, with Iberia Regional (operated by an independent carrier Air Nostrum) and with Iberia Express, is a part of International Airlines Group. In addition to transporting passengers and freight, Iberia Group carries out related activities, such as aircraft maintenance, handling in airports, IT systems and in-flight catering. Iberia Group airlines fly to over 109 destinations in 39 countries, and a further 90 destinations through code-sharing agreements with other airlines.^[9]

On 8 April 2010, it was confirmed that British Airways and Iberia had signed an agreement to merge,^[10] making the combined operation the third largest commercial airline in the world by revenue.^[11] Shareholders of both carriers approved the deal on 29 November 2010.^[12] The newly merged company, known as International Airlines Group (IAG), was established in January 2011, although both airlines continue to operate under their respective brands.^[13]