Iberia (airline)#Iberia Plus

{{Main|History of Iberia (airline)}}

{{more citations needed section|date=January 2017}}

File:Alfonso XIII en el vuelo inaugural de Iberia.png of Spain disembarks from the Rohrbach Ro VIII Roland used for the inaugural flight of Iberia from Madrid to Barcelona in 1927.]]

File:Inauguración de la ruta Sevilla-Madrid (1939) (5811669732).jpgs.]]

File:Vuelo inaugural Iberia Madrid - Buenos Aires (1946).jpg in 1946 with the Douglas DC-4 used for the flight.]]

File:Iberia - Douglas DC-8-52.jpg at Stockholm in 1969.]]

File:Iberia Caravelle Fitzgerald.jpg at London – Gatwick in 1973.]]

File:Iberia Boeing 727-256 Adv EC-CBA.jpg on approach to land at London – Heathrow in 1978.]]

File:374ci - IBERIA Boeing 747-341; TF-ATI@MIA;31.08.2005 (5327302216).jpg about to touch down at Miami in 2005.]]

File:Boeing 747-412, Iberia (Air Atlanta Icelandic) AN0878067.jpg in Luxembourg Airport, June 2005.]]

Iberia, Compañía Aérea de Transportes, was incorporated on 28 June 1927 with a capital investment of 1.1 million pesetas by financier Horacio Echevarrieta and Deutsche Luft Hansa. Flight operations commenced on 14 December 1927.{{cite news|url=http://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-economia-empresas-iberia-celebra-manana-80-anos-andadura-flota-220-aviones-vuelos-104-destinos-20070627164221.html|title=Iberia celebra mañana 80 años de andadura con una flota de 220 aviones y vuelos a 104 destinos|date=27 June 2007|publisher=Europa Press|access-date=13 November 2017|language=es-ES|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241123052034/https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-economia-empresas-iberia-celebra-manana-80-anos-andadura-flota-220-aviones-vuelos-104-destinos-20070627164221.html|archive-date=23 November 2024}} The Spanish government contracted the company to provide postal transport between Madrid and Barcelona. During Miguel Primo de Rivera's dictatorship, Spanish aviation companies were amalgamated and became state-controlled as a general interest public utility, starting early 1928. Consequently, Iberia was merged into CLASSA (Compañía de Líneas Aéreas Subvencionadas S.A.), ceasing independent operations on 29 May 1929.{{cite web|url=http://www.histaer.org/compa/classa.htm |title=Compañía de Líneas Aéreas Subvencionadas S.A. (C.L.A.S.S.A.) |date=9 December 2004 |access-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209203645/http://www.histaer.org/compa/classa.htm |archive-date=9 December 2004}} Although the airline had neither a fleet nor commercial operations under its brand, the name 'Iberia' remained registered.

In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, Spanish navy captain and director-general of the company Daniel de Araoz y Aréjula{{cite web|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1947/02/27/007.html|title=ABC (Madrid) – 27/02/1947, p. 7|last=ABC|website=hemeroteca.abc.es|language=es|access-date=6 November 2017}} received the order from General Kindelán to organize an airline for the air transport in nationalist-held territory during the war.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLfqO1mBbkC&pg=PA48|title=Las alas de España: Iberia, líneas aéreas (1940–2005)|last=Vidal Olivares|first=Javier|publisher=Universitat de València|year=2008|isbn=978-84-370-8734-4|location=Valencia|pages=48–49}} Daniel de Araoz y Aréjula traveled to Germany to get support and material for the restoration of the company as an independent airline, thus six Junkers Ju 52 from Deutsche Luft Hansa arrived, which were acquired by Iberia at the end of the conflict, in addition to material to help the operations. As the name "Iberia" was still registered, it was used when operations began in 1937{{cite web|url=https://airline-memorabilia.blogspot.com.es/2011/04/iberia-1937.html|title=Airline memorabilia: Iberia (1937)|date=15 April 2011|website=Airline memorabilia|access-date=24 October 2017}} towards the end of the war.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.es/hemeroteca/historico-13-07-2008/abc/Domingos/enigma-vuelo-tetuan-sevilla-1939_1641999538161.html|title=Enigma, vuelo Tetuán-Sevilla, 1939 {{!}} Domingos {{!}} Domingos |date=13 July 2008|website=ABC}} During the conflict Iberia was a purely domestic airline, with headquarters in Salamanca the airline operated flights to cities in the nationalist side, Spanish North Africa, Spanish West Africa and Morocco.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1938/1938%20-%202840.html?search=Iberia|title= Business as usual. Airline operation in nationalist Spain — Some First-hand Impressions 1938 {{!}} 2840 {{!}} Flight Archive|website=www.flightglobal.com|access-date=22 October 2017}} After the war, at the end of the 1930s, the airline served the Seville–Larache–Cabo Juby–Las Palmas, Barcelona–Saragosa–Burgos–Salamanca–Seville–Tetuan and Palma–Barcelona–Vitoria runs using Junkers Ju 52 aircraft. On 1 May 1939, Iberia operated its first regular service to an international destination as an independent civil airline with a Madrid–Lisbon flight.{{cite web|url=http://www.iberia.com/web/product.do?cntCat=Productos/GASTRO&cntId=aniversario_vuelos_a_Lisboa&isPopup=true|title=Iberia L.A.E.|website=www.iberia.com|language=es|access-date=24 October 2017}}

In 1940, the government gave the monopoly of national air transport to Iberia (this fact changed 6 years later when the government liberalized the national air traffic for the private airlines), This privilege helped the company to start building as an important international airline, which had not been until then.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLfqO1mBbkC&pg=PA117|title=Las alas de España: Iberia, líneas aéreas (1940–2005)|last=Vidal Olivares|first=Javier|publisher=Universitat de València|year=2008|isbn=978-84-370-8734-4|location=Valencia|pages=117–121}} The airline was nationalised on 30 September 1944 and became part of Instituto Nacional de Industria. The policy of the company was to separate itself from the German orbit to which it had been linked in its first years and establish relations with the United States in terms of aircraft purchase and supplies of aeronautical material for the operation. Thus, that year the purchase of seven DC-3 and three DC-4 was finalized, to expand the network in Europe and accomplish the company's first transatlantic flight. This was achieved in 1946, Iberia was the first airline to fly between Europe and South America after World War II, using a Douglas DC-4 to operate flights between Madrid and Buenos Aires. This flight was the first of an expansion of flights between Latin America and Europe through Spain carried out by the company, with destinations such as San Juan de Puerto Rico, Caracas, Ciudad de México and La Habana. The poor diplomatic relations of the Francoist regime delayed the establishment of some destinations until the beginning of the 1950s.

Iberia incorporated four more DC-4s into its fleet during the first half of 1950, enabling both the strengthening of current services and the launch of new ones. With the Pact of Madrid in 1953, visa requirements were eliminated for US visitors to Spain.{{cite news|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1992/08/06/pdfs/A27479-27479.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328164612/http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1992/08/06/pdfs/A27479-27479.pdf |archive-date=2018-03-28 |url-status=live|title=BOE núm. 188, 08/06/1992|date=6 August 1992|work=BOE|page=27479}} This stimulated the start of transatlantic flights between Spain and the United States the following year. The airline phased in the first of three Super Constellations in June 1954. The aircraft was named Santa María to commemorate Columbus' first voyage and was deployed in the inauguration of the new Madrid–New York service two months later, on 3 August 1954, the same day that Columbus left the port of Palos de la Frontera.{{cite web|url=http://grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/WebCorporativa/menuitem.abb717cb888166100cd0cbfdf34e51ca?ib_contentId=df2a4eb44f4b7410VgnVCM20000060fe15acRCRD|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831145222/http://grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/WebCorporativa/menuitem.abb717cb888166100cd0cbfdf34e51ca?ib_contentId=df2a4eb44f4b7410VgnVCM20000060fe15acRCRD|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2014|title=Iberia marks 60th anniversary of New York flights|website=www.iberia.com}} The amendments to Article 6 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 14 June 1954 made in Paris on 30 June 1956 about non-scheduled air services enabled mass tourism using chartered aircraft since allowing European member states to carry out this type of operation with international flights between their territories.{{cite news|url=https://www.icao.int/secretariat/legal/List%20of%20Parties/EURcom56_EN.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208142241/http://www.icao.int/secretariat/legal/List%20of%20Parties/EURcom56_EN.pdf |archive-date=2012-12-08 |url-status=live|title=Multilateral agreement on commercial rights of non-scheduled air services in Europe signed at Paris on 30 April 1956|date=30 June 1956|work=International Civil Aviation Organization}} This favored the airline given that it had in its territory several highly sought after destinations, mainly those on the eastern and southern Mediterranean coast and in the Balearic and Canary Islands, highly demanded by seaside tourism which began with this type of operation.

In 1959, the Spanish airline Aviaco became a part of Iberia by controlling two-thirds of its capital in a capital increase.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLfqO1mBbkC&pg=PA124|title=Las alas de España: Iberia, líneas aéreas (1940–2005)|last=Vidal Olivares|first=Javier|publisher=Universitat de València|year=2008|isbn=978-84-370-8734-4|location=Valencia|pages=124}} Aviaco had been created in 1948,{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200538.html|title=World Airline Directory {{!}} Flight Archive {{!}}1975 {{!}} 0538 |date=20 March 1975|publisher=Flight International|access-date=14 November 2017}} after the national air traffic had been liberalized for Spanish private companies in 1946.{{cite news|url=http://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE//1946/174/A05070-05071.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114145412/http://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE//1946/174/A05070-05071.pdf |archive-date=2017-11-14 |url-status=live|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado núm. 174, 23/06/1946.|last=Ministerio del Aire|date=23 June 1946|work=Boletín Oficial del Estado|pages=5070–5071 (num. 174)}}

In 1961, Iberia had 9 Super Constellations in the fleet, that year came into service the first DC-8-50, the four-engined jet airliner was progressively incorporated until reaching the number of 8 aircraft of the 50 series variant.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLfqO1mBbkC&pg=PA55|title=Las alas de España: Iberia, líneas aéreas (1940–2005)|last=Vidal Olivares|first=Javier|publisher=Universitat de València|year=2008|isbn=978-84-370-8734-4|location=Valencia|pages=55}} Iberia was gradually incorporating jets of short and middle range, such as Sud Aviation Caravelle, and Douglas DC-9. The Super Constellations were removed and sold in 1966, and two years later, three DC-8-63 with more seat capacity were incorporated into the fleet. By 1969, the long-range fleet of Iberia was composed of 11 DC-8s. In the early 1970s, the jumbo jets Boeing 747s and Douglas DC-10s came to the company during an expansion of the intercontinental routes, especially to Central America. By the middle of this decade, the airline flew to almost all Latin American capitals. With the expansion in Latin America the company had followed a policy of purchasing shares and establishing agreements with several Latin American airlines such as Compañia Dominicana de Aviación, Aérolíneas Peruanas, PLUNA and Air Panamá Internacional. At first, the intention of this policy could be to create a strong distribution network for intercontinental routes passengers, but as the airline was controlled by the state the Franco regime used this investment policy to get support in Latin America. Iberia gave material, capital and logistical support to those flag-carrier airlines. By 1971, these investments resulted in the loss of 14 million dollars.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLfqO1mBbkC&pg=PA55|title=Las alas de España: Iberia, líneas aéreas (1940–2005)|last=Vidal Olivares|first=Javier|publisher=Universitat de València|year=2008|isbn=978-84-370-8734-4|location=Valencia|pages=137}} Iberia also bought the short-middle range trijet Boeing 727-200 in 1971, of which the company had 35 aircraft{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1985/02/20/espana/477702020_850215.html|title=El 727, el avión más vendido en el último cuarto de siglo|last=El País|date=20 February 1985|access-date=22 November 2017|language=es}} and was used until 2001 like the other short-range jet bought by the company in the late '60s, the Douglas DC-9.{{cite news|url=http://www.expansion.com/2001/08/02/empresas/759112.html|title=El último viaje del avión 'DC-9' de Iberia|last=Ruiz de Guna|first=Clara|date=2 August 2001|work=Expansión.com|language=es}}

In 1987, Iberia, together with Lufthansa, Air France and SAS Group, founded Amadeus, an IT company (also known as a Global Distribution System) that would enable travel agencies to sell the founders and other airlines' products from a single system.{{cite web|url=http://www.amadeus.com/web/amadeus/en_1A-corporate/Amadeus-Home/About-us/Our-history/1987-New-global-distribution-system/1319591612325-Page-AMAD_DetailPpal?assetid=1319593241232&assettype=StandardContent_C|title=Amadeus History {{!}} 1987 |website=www.amadeus.com|access-date=24 October 2017}} In the same year, Iberia planned a fleet renewal in the middle-range fleet with the McDonnell Douglas MD-87 and Airbus A320 replacing the Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 727 respectively.{{cite web|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1987/12/05/074.html|title=ABC (Madrid) – 05/12/1987, p. 74|website=hemeroteca.abc.es|publisher=ABC|language=es|access-date=22 November 2017}} In June 1990, the carrier bought 16 Boeing 757s for {{US$|1}} billion, including spares and training; twelve more aircraft of the type were taken on option as a part of the deal.

In the 1990s, Iberia followed a policy of buying shares of Latin American flag carriers. It intended to dominate the entire Latin American market and become one of the largest airlines on the worldwide scene.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1993/04/12/economia/734565608_850215.html|title=Entre el sueño y la pesadilla|last=Comas|first=José|date=12 April 1993|work=El País}}

The investments started in June 1990 with the buying of a 30% stake in Aerolineas Argentinas. In 1991, Iberia bought a 45% stake in Viasa for $81 million{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1991/08/10/economia/681775203_850215.html|title=Iberia se adjudica la aerolínea venezolana Viasa tras la retirada de la holandesa KLM|last=El País|date=10 August 1991|work=EL PAÍS|access-date=24 October 2017|language=es}} and a 35% stake in Chilean Ladeco.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1991/04/16/economia/671752813_850215.html|title=lberia compra el 35% de la compañía aérea chilena Ladeco|last=El País|date=16 April 1991|work=EL PAÍS|access-date=24 October 2017|language=es}} The airline continued making progress in setting up Europe's first international airline frequent-flyer programme in 1991, with the creation of Iberia Plus.

In 1994, the poor results of Aerolineas Argentinas, which presented a positive balance in its commercial exploitation but hid a significant deficit with losses in non-operating activities, led Iberia to increase its ownership participation to 85%.{{cite journal|last=Castaño Guillén|first=Julián|year=2006|title=La dirección de resultados en las empresas privatizadas. 10.7.2.- Privatización de Aerolíneas Argentinas|url=https://es.scribd.com/document/352933410/La-Direccion-de-Resultados-en-Las-Empresas-Privatizadas|journal=Department of Financial Economy and Account|publisher=University of Extremadura|pages=200–203}} With this increase in participation, the Argentine state renounced its "golden share", allowing Iberia to have full fiscal control of the company. Iberia began a reduction in the size of the company, a liquidation of the national and overseas offices, and the technical sale of its entire fleet composed of 28 aircraft in a "sale and lease back" operation. Argentine sources indicate that the purchase capital of Aerolíneas Argentinas was charged to its financial liability.{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/340078-una-privatizacion-marcada-por-los-conflictos-y-las-denuncias|title=Una privatización marcada por los conflictos y las denuncias|date=3 October 2001|work=La Nación|language=es}} {{dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} This, together with the aforementioned sales, generated a big controversy, giving rise to criticism of the Argentine government for the privatization of the company. The truth is that during the period that Aerolíneas Argentinas was owned by Iberia (1990–1995), the Spanish airline allocated more than 1,200 million dollars to the Argentine flag carrier and kept the airline operating despite the poor results. Meanwhile, the Argentine government refused to invest more capital and expressed its desire to get rid of a large part of its shares. Iberia carried out major reforms in the structure of the company, which by that date was outdated with, among other things, extortionate personnel costs.{{cite news|url=http://www.cev.es/web-cev/WCEV.nsf/(All)/80FBC81FC10C7C14C12576FF003B01AE/$File/prensa0826_149.pdf|title=Una aventura fracasada|last=Mülller|first=John|date=8 April 2010|work=El Mundo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411104722/http://www.cev.es/web-cev/WCEV.nsf/(All)/80FBC81FC10C7C14C12576FF003B01AE/$File/prensa0826_149.pdf|archive-date=11 April 2010|url-status=dead|language=es}} Some of these changes included the development of a free booking program, the complete computerization of the management system, the introduction of business class on domestic flights, and the creation of a new hub in Ezeiza International Airport for long range regional flights to Latin American destinations. In 1995, before the process of privatization of Iberia, Aerolineas Argentinas was transferred to the Spanish government through INI, which would later become SEPI. In 2001, the Argentine flag carrier was sold to the Spanish company Grupo Marsans.{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/339908-sepi-adjudico-aerolineas-argentinas-al-grupo-marsans|title=SEPI adjudicó Aerolíneas Argentinas al grupo Marsans|date=2 October 2001|work=La Nación|language=es|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033146/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/339908-sepi-adjudico-aerolineas-argentinas-al-grupo-marsans|url-status=dead}}

In 2008, the president of Argentina Cristina Fernández de Kirchner expropriated the company from Grupo Marsans for the symbolic price of 1 Argentine peso ($0.57) and renationalized the airline.{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1081917-a-18-anos-de-su-privatizacion-aerolineas-vuelve-al-estado|title=A 18 años de su privatización, Aerolíneas vuelve al Estado|last=Botinelli|first=Agustín|date=18 December 2008|work=La Nación|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701112654/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1081917-a-18-anos-de-su-privatizacion-aerolineas-vuelve-al-estado|url-status=dead}} In July 2017, the ICSID ordered Argentina to pay 320 million dollars to Grupo Marsans for having paid a lower price than the real value of the company.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.es/economia/abci-argentina-condenada-pagar-320-millones-dolares-marsans-expropiacion-aerolineas-201707221752_noticia.html|title=Argentina, condenada a pagar 320 millones de dólares a Marsans por la expropiación de Aerolíneas|date=22 July 2017|work=ABC|language=es-ES}} On 7 April 2010, the president of the Spanish Court of Auditors presented at the Spanish Parliament the figures of the investment in Aerolíneas Argentinas between 1990 and 2001, which was estimated at €2,100 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.cev.es/web-cev/WCEV.nsf/(All)/80FBC81FC10C7C14C12576FF003B01AE/$File/prensa0826_149.pdf|title=2.100 millones perdidos en Aerolíneas|last=Yanel|first=Agustín|date=8 April 2010|work=El Mundo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411104722/http://www.cev.es/web-cev/WCEV.nsf/(All)/80FBC81FC10C7C14C12576FF003B01AE/$File/prensa0826_149.pdf|archive-date=11 April 2010|url-status=dead|language=es}}

The plans to make the Iberia group the dominant airline in the Latin American market also failed in Venezuela. In 1997, the board of directors of Viasa, in which Iberia was the majority, decided to suspend the flights of the company, arguing that the situation was unfeasible.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1997/01/24/economia/854060406_850215.html|title=Iberia decide que su filial venezolana Viasa deje de volar|last1=Cebrián Echarri|first1=Belén|date=24 January 1997|work=El País|last2=Vinogradoff|first2=Ludmila|language=es}} Iberia announcing that the company was not going to continue providing more capital into Viasa if its local partner, the Venezuelan state-owned group FIV, was not going to do the same. By then Iberia had invested more than 250 million dollars in the Venezuelan flag carrier without having any profit. In February 1997, the agreement for the liquidation of Viasa that accumulated a 200 million dollar debt, with a capital of only 2 million dollars, was announced. Iberia and the Venezuelan government had the intention of liquidating the company to avoid bankruptcy. Iberia offered to write off the 150 million dollar debt that Viasa had accumulated to the Spanish carrier in exchange for keeping its fleet of four DC-10s and five Boeing 727s. The agreement included compensation for the staff after the liquidation, which had a cost of 20 million dollars.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1997/02/19/economia/856306807_850215.html|title=Gobierno venezolano da marcha atrás y decide liquidar Viasa|last1=Cebrián Echarri|first1=Belén|date=19 February 1997|work=El País|last2=Vinogradoff|first2=Ludmila|language=es}}

Regarding Ladeco, Iberia was a minority shareholder (35%) and did not intervene in its management. Initially, Iberia had the intention of achieving the merger of Ladeco with LAN Chile, but Chilean antitrust laws prevented it.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1997/02/03/economia/854924409_850215.html|title=Viasa, el último lío|last=Cebrián Echarri|first=Belén|date=3 February 1997|work=EL País|language=es}} Later, in 1995, LAN Chile made a major acquisition of Ladeco shares and acquired 57.6% of the company, this operation was approved by the Chilean antitrust prosecution,{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1995/08/25/economia/809301603_850215.html|title=Lan Chile compra la mayoría de Ladeco|last=El País|date=25 August 1995|language=es}} and then began a merger process in which Iberia lost some rights acquired during its time as shareholder of Ladeco. In 1997, Iberia sold its shares in Ladeco.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1997/04/09/economia/860536810_850215.html|title=Iberia venderá su 38% en Ladeco|last=El País|date=9 April 1997|language=es}}

In 1996, the airline launched its website.{{cite web|url=http://www.iberia.com/web/webPartners.do?service=/web/showPartner.do&language=es&menuId=WPVUEL&idPartner=712|title=Descripción de empresa – Iberia|website=www.iberia.com|language=es|access-date=25 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034154/http://www.iberia.com/web/webPartners.do?service=%2Fweb%2FshowPartner.do&language=es&menuId=WPVUEL&idPartner=712|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=dead}}

The company ordered 76 aircraft from Airbus in February 1998, which at the time was the largest single Airbus order. The following year it bought Aviaco and inherited that airline's fleet.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/04/business/international-business-airbus-wins-4-billion-order-from-iberia-beating-boeing.html|title=International Business; Airbus Wins $4 Billion Order From Iberia, Beating Boeing|last=Tagliabue|first=John|date=4 February 1998|work=The New York Times}}

By the end of the '90s, Iberia owned as majority shareholder the Spanish airlines Aviaco, Viva Air, Binter Canarias and Binter Mediterráneo, and Latin American airlines Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, Viasa and Ladeco.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ymIXLhegGnwC&pg=PA261|title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary Spanish Culture|last=J. Rodgers|first=Eamonn|publisher=Routledge|year=1999|isbn=0415131871|location=London|page=261}}

During 2001, Iberia was privatised and its shares were listed on stock exchanges. By 2002, when Iberia celebrated its 75th anniversary, it had carried nearly 500 million people in its history.{{cite web | url=http://www.elalmanaque.com/turismo/iberia/iberia1.htm |title=GrupIberia: Más de 75 años volando |publisher=Iberia |access-date=1 February 2017}} In July 2004, Iberia announced it had decided to move its Latin American hub from Miami, Florida to San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

On 5 February 2006, Terminal 4 at Madrid - Barajas Airport was turned over to Iberia and fellow Oneworld alliance members. This provided much-needed expansion capabilities for Iberia. Iberia represents around 60% of the airport's traffic. In 2005, the airline and its regional branch Air Nostrum transported 21,619,041 passengers via Madrid – Barajas Airport.

In November 2006, Iberia launched Clickair, a low-cost carrier subsidiary. Clickair merged with Vueling in 2009.

On 12 November 2009, Iberia confirmed that it had reached a preliminary agreement to merge with British Airways.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/nov/12/ba-shares-increase-iberia-merger|title=BA merger with Iberia agreed|last=Milmo|first=Dan|date=12 November 2009|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 November 2017|issn=0261-3077}} The merger between the two carriers would create the world's third-largest airline in terms of revenue.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6557766/BA-Iberia-4.4bn-merger-creates-Europes-third-largest-airline.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6557766/BA-Iberia-4.4bn-merger-creates-Europes-third-largest-airline.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=BA-Iberia £4.4bn merger creates Europe's third-largest airline|last=Osborne|first=Alistair|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 November 2009|access-date=6 November 2017|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} On 8 April 2010, it was confirmed that British Airways and Iberia had agreed to a merger, forming the International Airlines Group, although each airline would continue to operate under its current brand.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/ec3ffa1c-42d5-11df-96c4-00144feab49a |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/ec3ffa1c-42d5-11df-96c4-00144feab49a |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=BA and Iberia sign merger agreement|last1=Mulligan|first1=Mark|date=8 April 2010|work=Financial Times|access-date=6 November 2017|last2=Clark|first2=Pilita Clark}}

In November 2012, Iberia announced plans to reduce the number of employees by 4,500 and its fleet by five long-haul and 20 short-haul aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/iberia-to-cut-4500-staff-and-reduce-fleet-by-25-aircraft-378758/ |title=Iberia to cut 4,500 staff and reduce fleet by 25 aircraft |publisher=Flightglobal.com |access-date=3 April 2013}}

In 2012, Iberia established another low-cost airline, Iberia Express, which operates short and medium-haul routes from its parent airline's Madrid hub, providing feeder flights onto Iberia's long-haul network. The airline began operating on 25 March 2012 and shares its head office with Iberia in Chamartín, Madrid.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-17496003|title=Spanish new low-cost airline Iberia Express launched|date=25 March 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=3 September 2017}} In 2013, the headquarters of both airlines were moved to a new office in Ciudad Lineal, Madrid, and the corporate images have been changed as part of the renewal process.{{cite news|url=https://www.madridiario.es/noticia/404836/transportes/iberia-renueva-su-imagen-corporativa.html|title=Iberia renueva su imagen corporativa|last=Madridiario|work=Madridiario|access-date=6 November 2017|language=es}}

In 2023, Iberia announced its return to Tokyo's Narita International Airport in October 2024 following its withdrawal in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |title=Iberia To Return To Tokyo In 2024 After 4-Year Absence |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/iberia-return-tokyo-2024-after-4-year-absence |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=aviationweek.com}} Iberia first started flights to Tokyo in 1986, and began nonstop flying in 1992, but had previously suspended flights between 1998 and 2016.{{Cite web |title=Iberia returns to Tokyo with the A350 |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2023/12/19/iberia-returns-to-tokyo-with-the-a350/ |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Business Traveller |language=en-GB}}

The key trends for Iberia are (as of the financial year ending 31 December):{{Cite web |title=Annual reports {{!}} Operating Companies |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/investors-and-shareholders/financial-reporting/annual-reports/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=IAG}}

File:MV49 Business Park - Edificio V (Madrid) 01 (cropped).jpg

The company head office is in the MV49 Business Park in Madrid."[http://www.preferente.com/noticias-de-transportes/noticias-de-aerolineas/iberia-se-muda-de-sede-por-un-importante-ahorro-de-costes-235955.html Iberia se muda de sede por un "importante ahorro de costes"]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20130818085142/http://www.preferente.com/noticias-de-transportes/noticias-de-aerolineas/iberia-se-muda-de-sede-por-un-importante-ahorro-de-costes-235955.html Archive]). Preferente. 8 January 2013. Retrieved on 13 August 2014."[http://www.iberia.com/es/legal-information/]." Iberia. Retrieved on 13 August 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.google.es/maps/@40.4444299,-3.6573215,3a,73.1y,275.26h,106.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suSfckAIFcCvnw9IWrsC1Dg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|title=Google Maps|website=Google Maps|access-date=19 April 2016}} This facility is in proximity to the intersection of the Autopista de Circunvalación M-30 and Avenida de América. In 2013, the company moved its head office from the former Campos Velázquez, in the Salamanca district of Madrid,"[http://grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/grupoiberia/template.PAGE/menuitem.53d8a38c1062c8d239bf93ead21061ca/ Legal notice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929031736/http://grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/grupoiberia/template.PAGE/menuitem.53d8a38c1062c8d239bf93ead21061ca/ |date=2011-09-29}}." Iberia. Retrieved on 25 February 2010. "IBERIA, Líneas Aéreas de España, S.A. with official address at Calle Velázquez no. 130, 28006 Madrid," to save money.

File:Iberia logo.svg

File:Salida a Bolsa de Iberia (2001).jpg, 2001]]

On 3 April 2001, Iberia was privatised and included in the IBEX 35 stock index of the Madrid stock exchange. The core shareholders were: Caja Madrid– 23.45%, British Airways 13.2%, SEPI– 5.20%, El Corte Inglés– 2.90%.{{cite web |url=http://grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/grupoiberia/menuitem.5dcd178a7f0a73be19736c10d21061ca |title=Inicio – Iberia |publisher=Grupo.iberia.es |access-date=3 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225084512/http://grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/grupoiberia/menuitem.5dcd178a7f0a73be19736c10d21061ca |archive-date=25 February 2009}} British Airways raised its stake in Iberia by purchasing American Airlines' remaining shares, reportedly paying £13m for the small shareholding. This increased BA's total stake in Iberia to around 10% and preserved its two seats on the Iberia board.Airliner World January 2007

In July 2008, British Airways and Iberia announced plans to merge, wherein each airline would retain its original brand.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/business/worldbusiness/30air.html |title=British Airways in Merger Talks|last=Brothers|first=Caroline|work=The New York Times|date=30 July 2008|access-date=30 July 2008}} The agreement was confirmed in April 2010,{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8608667.stm |work=BBC News | title=British Airways and Iberia sign merger agreement| date=8 April 2010 | access-date=23 October 2011}} and in July, the European Commission and United States Department of Transportation permitted the merger and the two airlines began to co-ordinate transatlantic routes with American Airlines.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/bay/7890648/EC-approves-BA-alliance-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/bay/7890648/EC-approves-BA-alliance-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|title=EC approves BA alliance with American Airlines and Iberia|date=15 July 2010|access-date=15 July 2010 | location=London | first=Emma | last=Rowley}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title=British Airways given approval for tie up with American Airlines and Iberia |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/7233020/British-Airways-given-approval-for-tie-up-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/7233020/British-Airways-given-approval-for-tie-up-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |author=Kamal Ahmed |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=14 February 2010

|access-date=15 July 2013}}{{cbignore}} On 6 October 2010, the alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia formally began operations. At the time it was estimated the alliance would generate an estimated £230 million in annual cost-saving for BA, in addition to the £330 million which would be saved by the merger with Iberia.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/airlines-unveil-new-deal-for-transatlantic-flyers-2101207.html|work=The Independent |location=London|title=Airlines unveil 'new deal for transatlantic flyers'|date=8 October 2010|access-date=8 October 2010}} The merger was finalised on 21 January 2011, resulting in the International Airlines Group (IAG), the world's third-largest airline in terms of annual revenue and the second-largest airline group in Europe.{{cite news

|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Iberia%20expects%20to%20complete%20merger%20with%20BA%20in%20January/-/1006/1041268/-/x2a6bh/-/index.html|work=Daily Nation|title=Iberia expects to complete merger with British Airways in January|access-date=18 November 2010|date=27 October 2010}}

Prior to merging, British Airways owned a 13.5% stake in Iberia, and thus received ownership of 55% of the combined International Airlines Group; Iberia's other shareholders received the remaining 45%.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8356780.stm|title=BA and Iberia agree with merger deal|work=BBC News |date=12 November 2009|access-date=23 October 2011}}

The merger has been controversial. British Airways operates two funded principal-defined benefit pension schemes in the UK. British Airways admits that one of the most serious financial risks it suffers is the challenging pension schemes' combined deficit. The last actuarial valuation was £3.7 billion, a value even greater than IAG's capitalisation.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} In addition and according to the "Pensions Act" for the year 2004, should it be necessary, the United Kingdom's Pension Regulator could force Iberia or IAG to give additional financial support to British Airways' retirement pension schemes. In its "Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2011" BA declared that "negative movements in pension asset values and financial returns from these assets may increase the size of the pension deficit".{{cite web|url=https://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/microsites/ba_reports0910/our_business/risks.html|title=British Airways 2009/10 Annual Report and Accounts|website=www.britishairways.com|access-date=2 September 2017}}

{{As of|2013|12}}, the airline had over 18,000 employees.{{cite news|title= Iberia pilots and ground staff agree to job cuts|first= Victoria|last= Moores|work= Air Transport World|date= 24 July 2014|url= http://atwonline.com/labor/iberia-pilots-and-ground-staff-agree-job-cuts|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140724181155/http://atwonline.com/labor/iberia-pilots-and-ground-staff-agree-job-cuts|archive-date= 24 July 2014}}

Due to Brexit, Iberia has been forced to prove that it is still a Spanish airline, despite being merged with British Airways. The consequence for not doing so is their potential inability to fly within the European Union.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anagarciavaldivia/2019/01/08/brexits-impact-on-aviation-iberia-must-prove-its-spanish-nationality-to-continue-flying-in-the-eu/|title=Brexit's Impact On Aviation: Iberia Must Prove Its Spanish Nationality To Continue Flying In The EU|first=Ana Garcia|last=Valdivia|website=Forbes}}

Iberia has a 9.49% stake in low-cost carrier Vueling which is based near Barcelona, with parent company IAG owning the remaining 90.51%. This was done to ensure that IAG does not have 100% of the shares in Vueling, but that the shares are split between its divisions. Iberia also has a 0.95% share in Royal Air Maroc.

Iberia is allied with American Airlines, Qantas, Avianca and British Airways, and it was allied with Grupo TACA. On 1 September 1999, the company joined the Oneworld alliance.{{cite web|url=https://www.oneworld.com/news-information/oneworldnews/-/asset_publisher/QtTQ7EuCzxhd/content/oneworld-welcomes-iberia-on-board/maximized|title=oneworld welcomes Iberia on board – oneworld news|date=16 February 1999|website=www.oneworld.com|access-date=2 September 2017}}

Iberia formerly owned Aviaco, which operated most domestic routes. It was founded on 18 February 1948 and operated until 1 September 1999. Iberia also owned Binter Canarias, until the Spanish government began the privatisation of the subsidiary. Hesperia Inversiones Aéreas bought the airline from Iberia in July 2002. A second airline using the Binter name, Binter Mediterraneo, was formed as a subsidiary of Iberia in 1988 with routes from Melilla to Málaga, Almeria, Valencia and in its last year, with Madrid.{{cite web|url=https://www.hosteltur.com/02132_binter-oferta-cerca-170-vuelos-semanales-programacion-verano.html|title=BINTER oferta cerca de 170 vuelos semanales en la programación de verano |website=Hosteltur|language=es-ES|access-date=6 November 2017}} The airline was acquired by Air Nostrum in 1998 and merged into its operations, at that time, the airline had a fleet of CN-235s.{{cite web|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2001/06/21/economia/993130919.html|title=Iberia vende Binter Mediterráneo a su filial regional Air Nostrum|website=www.elmundo.es|access-date=6 November 2017}}

Iberia was a founding partner in the computerised air ticket reservation system, Amadeus, with an 18.28% stake.{{cite news|url=https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2005/01/13/empresas/1105627179_850215.html|title=Iberia retendrá un 11% del capital de Amadeus tras la compra|last=Ramón|first=Alberto Ortín|date=13 January 2005|work=Cinco Días|access-date=2 September 2017|language=es}} Iberia is also active as a tour operator through its Viva Tours{{cite web|url=https://www.hosteltur.com/02729_viva-tours-se-incorpora-al-programa-iberia-plus.html|title=Viva Tours se incorpora al programa Iberia Plus |website=Hosteltur: Toda la información de turismo|language=es-ES|access-date=2 September 2017}} and Tiempo Libre units,{{cite web|last=Ministry of Economy Spain|date=23 June 2003|title=Informe del servicio de defensa de la competencia N-03031 Teinver (Marsans) / Tiempo Libre|url=https://www.cnmc.es/sites/default/files/16172.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902190105/https://www.cnmc.es/sites/default/files/16172.pdf |archive-date=2017-09-02 |url-status=live|pages=20 pages}} and with Cacesa, it supplies parcel shipment services.{{cite web|url=https://www.alimarket.es/logistica/noticia/153538/cacesa-relanza-su-producto--ibexpress-|title=Cacesa relanza su producto|last=(TRANSmarket)|first=Alimarket Transporte|website=Alimarket.es|language=es-ES|access-date=2 September 2017}}

In addition, Iberia is an aircraft maintenance company, servicing its fleet and those of another 48 companies, including some leading European airlines.{{cite web|url=http://www.iberiamaintenance.com/portal/site/mantenimientov2/menuitem.7d5395a7ffd3152498efcf5dd21061ca/?idioma=en|title=[ Alphabetical Order ] – Iberia Maintenance|website=www.iberiamaintenance.com|access-date=2 September 2017|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902223119/http://www.iberiamaintenance.com/portal/site/mantenimientov2/menuitem.7d5395a7ffd3152498efcf5dd21061ca/?idioma=en|url-status=dead}} Iberia is a supplier of aircraft handling services at all Spanish airports and two in Equatorial Guinea; its airline clients number more than 200 and has 7300 employees.{{cite news|url=http://handling.iberia.es/en/nuestras-cifras/|title=Facts & Figures|work=Airport Services|access-date=2 September 2017}}

{{clear}}

{{Main|List of Iberia destinations}}

Iberia participates in a joint business with Qatar Airways and British Airways which includes the operation of three daily flights between Qatar Airways' Doha hub and Madrid along with up to 10 flights between Doha and London.{{Cite web |title=Iberia joins British Airways and Qatar Airways joint venture |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2023/07/25/iberia-joins-british-airways-and-qatar-airways-joint-venture/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Business Traveller |language=en-GB}}

Iberia also participates in the Oneworld transatlantic joint venture with American Airlines, British Airways, and Finnair.{{Cite web |title=The experience with a decade of North Atlantic airline joint ventures |url=https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/airline-leader/the-experience-with-a-decade-of-north-atlantic-airline-joint-ventures-470150 |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=CAPA - Centre for Aviation |language=en}}

{{as of|2024|05}}, Iberia had codeshare agreements with the following airlines:{{cite web|title=Our codeshare partners |url=https://www.iberia.com/gb/our-alliances/codeshare/ |access-date=12 July 2023}}

{{div col|colwidth=17em}}

• Aer Lingus
• airBaltic
• American Airlines
• Avianca
• Binter Canarias
• British Airways
• Boliviana de Aviación
• Bulgaria Air
• Cathay Pacific
• Copa Airlines
• El Al
• Evelop Airlines
• Finnair
• Japan Airlines
• LATAM Brasil
• LATAM Chile
• LATAM Ecuador
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian
• Viva
• Volaris{{Cite web |date=2024-06-07 |url=https://www.preferente.com/rss-2/iberia-refuerza-su-presencia-en-mexico-de-la-mano-de-volaris-337211.html |title=Iberia refuerza su presencia en México de la mano de Volaris}}
• Vueling
• Widerøe{{Cite web |date=2024-07-05 |url=https://www.preferente.com/noticias-de-transportes/noticias-de-aerolineas/iberia-engorda-su-cartera-de-destinos-con-una-alianza-en-noruega-337860.html |title=Iberia engorda su cartera de destinos con una alianza en Noruega}}

{{div col end}}

File:EC-MXY A320neo Iberia VGO.jpg]]

File:EC-MNL A330 Iberia VGO 02.jpg]]

File:Iberia Airbus A350-941XWB EC-NDR departing JFK Airport.jpg]]

{{As of|2025|5}}, Iberia operates an all-Airbus fleet composed of the following aircraft:{{cite web |title=Orders & Deliveries February 2025 |url=https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2025-04/ods-march-2025-airbus-commercial-aircraft-yp142.xlsx |publisher=Airbus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419140542/https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2025-04/ods-march-2025-airbus-commercial-aircraft-yp142.xlsx |archive-date=19 April 2025}}

In August 2015, IAG converted eight A350-900 and three Airbus A330-200 options into firm orders for Iberia.{{Cite news |date=2015-08-06 |title=BRIEF-IAG to convert A350-900, Airbus aircraft options to firm orders for Iberia |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKFWN10H03620150806 |access-date=2023-11-13}} In June 2018, the airline took the delivery of its first A350.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2018 |title=Iberia takes delivery of its first A350-900 |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2018-06-iberia-takes-delivery-of-its-first-a350-900 |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=www.airbus.com}}

In June 2017, Iberia ordered 17 A320neo and 3 A321neo with deliveries from 2018.{{Cite web |date=2017-06-29 |title=Iberia buys 20 new Airbus 320 for short and medium-haul flights |url=https://thediplomatinspain.com/en/2017/06/iberia-buys-20-new-airbus-320-for-short-and-medium-haul-flights/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=The Diplomat in Spain |language=en-US}} The first A320neo was delivered in May 2018.{{Cite web |date=1 June 2018 |title=Iberia adds first A320neo |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/67685-iberia-adds-first-a320neo |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}} The first A321neo was received by Iberia Express in June 2020.{{Cite web |last=Wenzel |first=Nick |date=2020-06-26 |title=Iberia Express receives first Airbus A321neo |url=https://www.ifn.news/posts/iberia-express-receives-first-airbus-a321neo/ |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=International Flight Network |language=en-GB}}

At the 2019 Paris Air Show, IAG agreed to purchase 14 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, 8 for delivery to Iberia and 6 to Aer Lingus, with options for a further 14 of the aircraft.{{cite journal |title=A321XLR Steals Paris Show |journal=Airliner World |volume=August 2019 |page=6}}

File:Iberia Airbus A300 Bidini.jpg]]

File:8ge - IBERIA DC-9-34F (CF); EC-CTT@MIA;24.01.1998 (5057302522).jpg]]

File:95bn - IBERIA Boeing 757-256; EC-HDS@LHR;01.06.2000 (5397694941).jpg]]

Over the years, Iberia operated the following aircraft types:{{cite web|url=http://airfleets.net/flottecie/Iberia.htm |title=Iberia fleet development listing |website=Airfleets.net |access-date=20 April 2013}}[https://archive.today/20120707074307/http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?content=default.cfm&pageid=m25064&optReportType=Customer&cboCustomer=IBE Customer Summary Through March 2013]. Boeing.com.

{{clear}}

File:Airbus A330-302 Iberia EC-LYF Business Class cabin (11749323683).jpg]]

File:Airbus A319-111, Iberia AN2278725.jpg]]

All aircraft in the fleet are configured in a two-class layout with Business and Economy cabins. Iberia currently markets three distinct business class variations, depending on flight length. In March 2009, Iberia announced that from 2009 to 2011, it would renovate its economy class on all its planes as well as design a new business class for its long-haul planes.{{cite news|url=http://viajar.elperiodico.com/viajeros/iberia-renueva-su-clase-business-con-un-asiento-totalmente-abatible|title=Iberia renueva su clase business con un asiento totalmente abatible|work=viajar.elperiodico.com|access-date=2 September 2017|language=es-ES}} Iberia was one of the last remaining major airlines to equip all of its intercontinental routes with personal entertainment screens. {{as of|2016}}, the Airbus A330-200 and −300, and A340-600 fleets are equipped with personal IFE. In-flight catering is provided by Do & Co.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

;Business Class

Business Class is available on Spanish domestic and inter-European flights. Seats are the same as in the economy cabin but with the middle (B and E) seats blocked off. Business Class tickets also include improved ground service (priority check-in, security, boarding, baggage handling, and lounge access).{{cite web|url=http://www.iberia.com/web/obsmenu.do?menuId=EIVBCL|title=Business Class – Iberia|website=www.iberia.com|access-date=17 April 2016}}

;Business Plus

Business Plus is offered on long-haul flights to the Americas and Southern Africa. Business Plus offers lie-flat seating and international business-class amenities.{{cite web|url=http://www.iberia.com/web/obsmenu.do?menuId=EIVBPL|title=Business Plus – Iberia|website=www.iberia.com|access-date=17 April 2016}}

;Economy

Iberia has moved more to an American, or "a-la-carte" model for domestic and European flights, offering a buy on board service called "Tu Menú" in economy for meals, snacks and beverages."[http://www.iberia.com/ibcomv3/content/COMUN/PDF/tumenu_new.pdf Tu Menú]." Iberia Airlines. Accessed 11 October 2008. Mid-haul flights to Dakar, Moscow, and Tel Aviv as well as long-haul intercontinental flights are fully catered in Economy except alcohol."[http://www.iberia.com/OneToOne/v3/program.do?prgOid=536884860&tabId=3&menuId=04040200000000&language=en&country=US&market=US&IS_ANONYMOUS=true Economy] {{dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}." Iberia. Retrieved on 13 December 2011.

{{as of|2016|January}}, a total of 37 aircraft operated by or for Iberia have been written off in accidents and shoot-downs since 1939. Several Iberia aircraft have also been hijacked. These incidents and accidents include the following:{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?sorteer=datekey_desc&kind=%&cat=%&page=1&field=Operatorkey&var=6016 |title=Iberia occurrences |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=26 January 2016}}

• On 19 April 1928, a Rohrbach Ro VIII Roland I with registration D-1219 made a hard landing near Ventas de Muniesa, 12 km north of Muniesa, Teruel which resulted in serious damage to the aircraft and caused injuries to the 11 occupants, one of them severely and later died. According to witnesses, there were foggy conditions in the area and the plane had given several low passes around the place before landing. The aircraft was flying from Barcelona to Madrid.{{cite web|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1928/04/20/025.html|title=ABC (Madrid) – 20/04/1928, p. 25|last=ABC|date=20 April 1928|website=hemeroteca.abc.es|language=es|access-date=7 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://ecodeteruel.tv/efemeridesque-paso-tal-dia-como-hoy-del-ano-3/|title=Efemerides ¿Que paso tal dia como hoy del año…..?|last=ECO de Teruel|website=ecodeteruel.tv|date=19 April 2014|language=es-ES|access-date=7 November 2017}}
• During 1939, Iberia lost two trimotor Junkers Ju 52s. On 16 March, one crashed due to bad weather in Cabezavellosa on the regular flight from Salamanca to Seville.{{ASN accident|title=Junkers Ju 52/3mge registration M-CABD |id=19390329-0 |accessdate=26 January 2016}} On 18 December, another Ju 52 was mistakenly shot down by British anti-aircraft fire as it passed over Gibraltar on its flight from Tetuán to Seville, when it was mistaken for a German aircraft (the German military used large numbers of Ju 52s in World War II). Three crew and seven passengers were killed.{{ASN accident|title=Junkers Ju 52/3m registration M-CABA |id=19391218-0 |accessdate=26 January 2016}}
• On 23 December 1948, a Douglas DC-3 crashed in foggy and heavy rain conditions in risk of Sierra de Pandols near Bot killing all 27 occupants. After the collision, the fuselage disintegrated and the plane burst into flames following the resulting explosion. The plane fell into Puig Cabal's valley. The aircraft was found two and a half hours later.{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19481223-0|title=Descripción del Accidente ASN 23 DEC 1948 Douglas C-47-DL (DC-3) EC-ABK – Gandesa|website=Aviation Safety Network}}{{cite web|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1948/12/24/019.html|title=The 27 passengers of the Madrid-Barcelona aircraft killed after the mahcien crashed near Gadesa|last=ABC|date=24 December 1948|language=es}}
• On 28 October 1957, an engine fire caused a Douglas DC-3 to crash near Getafe killing all 21 occupants.{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19571028-0&lang=en |title=Technical Report 1957 |website=Aviation Safety Network |year=1957}}
• On 29 April 1959, a Douglas DC-3 crashed onto Sierra de Valdemeca, Cuenca after being diverted due to bad weather with the loss of all 28 occupants.{{cite web | url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19590429-0&lang=en |title=Technical Report 1959 |website=Aviation Safety Network |year=1959}}
• On 31 March 1965, a Convair 440-62, crashed into the sea on approach to Tangiers killing 50 of the 53 occupants. The aircraft stalled at low altitude.{{ASN accident|title=Convair CV-440-62 registration EC-ATH |id=19650331-0 |accessdate=26 January 2016}}
• On 5 May 1965, Flight 401, a Lockheed Constellation, crashed at Los Rodeos Airport at Tenerife after hitting a scraper and tractor during a go-around in foggy conditions. Of 49 occupants, 30 passengers and six crew members were killed.{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19650505-0|title=Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation EC-AIN Tenerife-Norte Los Rodeos Airport (TFN)|website=Aviation Safety Network}}
• On 4 November 1967, Flight 062 a Sud Aviation Caravelle crashed at Blackdown, West Sussex, United Kingdom killing all 37 passengers and crew on board.{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19671104-1|title=Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle 10R EC-BDD Blackdown Hill, Haslemere, West Sussex|website=Aviation Safety Network}}{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1967/1967%20-%202154.html|title=Caravelle crash report 1967 {{!}} 2154 {{!}} Flight Archive|date=20 August 1970|publisher=Flight International}}
• On 7 January 1972, Flight 602 crashed into Sa Talia hill in San Jose on approach to Ibiza Airport killing all 104 on board.{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19720107-1&lang=en |title=Technical Report 1972 |website=Aviation Safety Network |year=1972}}
• On 5 March 1973, 68 people were killed in a mid-air collision above the French city of Nantes involving an Iberia Douglas DC-9 flying from Palma to London as Flight 504; and a Convair 990 Coronado aircraft, operating as Spantax Flight 400. The Spantax Convair 990 was able to make a successful emergency landing whilst the Iberia DC-9 crashed killing everyone on board. The accident occurred during a French air traffic controllers' strike.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/5/newsid_4202000/4202039.stm |title=Mid-air collision kills 68 |work=BBC News |date=5 March 1973}}
• On 17 December 1973, Flight 933, an Iberia McDonnell Douglas DC-10 registered as EC-CBN, collided with an ALS system of the runway threshold upon landing at Boston Logan after a flight from Madrid Airport. There were no fatalities among the 168 people on board; however, the aircraft was written off.{{cite web | url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19731217-2 |title=Technical Report 1973 |website=Aviation Safety Network |year=1973}}
• On 7 December 1983, Iberia Flight 350, a Boeing 727 (EC-CFJ), crashed while taking off in dense fog when it collided with Aviaco Flight 134, a Douglas DC-9 (EC-CGS) that had mistakenly taxied onto the runway at Madrid Airport. All on the Aviaco flight perished, and 51 (50 passengers, 1 crew member) of the 93 on board the Iberia flight were killed. Among the casualties was the famous Mexican actress Fanny Cano.{{cite web|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1983/12/08/033.html|title=ABC (Madrid) – 08/12/1983, p. 33|last=ABC|date=8 December 1983|website=hemeroteca.abc.es|language=es|access-date=6 November 2017}}
• On 19 February 1985, Iberia Flight 610, a Boeing 727-200, crashed after hitting a television antenna installed on the summit of Monte Oiz while landing in Bilbao, killing 148 people.{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850219-1&lang=en |title=Technical Report A-009/1985 |website=Aviation Safety Network |year=1985}}
• On 26 July 1996 Iberia Flight 6621, a McDonnell-Douglas DC-10-30 flying from Madrid to Havana was hijacked mid-flight. The hijacker, a Lebanese national named Ibrahim Saada, demanded the flight be diverted to Miami International Airport. No one was hurt and the aircraft later landed at José Martí International Airport some hours later. Saada was later apprehended and faced up to 20 years in prison.
• In 2001, Iberia Flight 1456 from Barcelona to Bilbao crashed on landing. There were no fatalities but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.{{ASN accident|id= 20010207-0|accessdate= 4 February 2024}}
• On 9 November 2007, Iberia Flight 6463,{{Cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20071109-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Airbus A340-642 EC-JOH Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO)|access-date=2024-01-10|website=aviation-safety.net|first=Harro|last=Ranter}} an Airbus A340-600, registration EC-JOH, was badly damaged at Quito, Ecuador after sliding off the runway at Old Mariscal Sucre International Airport. No injuries were reported. According to Airbus, the aircraft was written off.{{Cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/11/219384/iberia-a340-600-badly-damaged-after-sliding-off-quito-runway.html|title=Iberia A340-600 badly damaged after sliding off Quito runway}}

• List of airlines of Spain
• List of companies of Spain
• Transport in Spain

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite journal|title= News in brief—Iberia buys 757s|journal= Flight International|date=20–26 June 1990|volume= 137|issue= 4221|page= 9|issn= 0015-3710|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%201747.html}}

{{cite journal|title= Airline companies of the World Iberia Airline|journal= Flight|date= 27 April 1939|volume=1583|issue= XXXV|page= 428|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%201263.html}}

{{cite journal|title= Brevities|journal= Flight|date= 30 November 1950|volume= LVIII|issue= 2184|page =500|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1950/1950%20-%202050.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170902195521/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1950/1950%20-%202050.html|archive-date= 2 September 2017|url-status= live}}

{{cite journal|title= Super Connies for Spain|journal= Flight|date= 9 July 1954|volume= 66|issue= 2372|page= 59|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%202024.html}}

{{cite journal|title= Civil aviation – Brevities|journal= Flight|volume= 66|issue= 2380|date= 3 September 1954|page= 311|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%202416.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170902200912/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%202416.html|archive-date= 2 September 2017|url-status= live}}

{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

|30em}}

• {{cite journal

| author = Javier Vidal Olivares

| title = Estado, regulación de los mercados y estrategia empresarial en América Latina: Iberia, Líneas Aéreas de España, en Argentina y Uruguay, 1966–1975

| year = 2003a

| journal = Historia económica & Historia de empresas

| volume = VI

| number = 1

| language = es

| id = 1219-3314, 121–150}}

• {{cite journal

| author = Javier Vidal Olivares

| title = El fracaso de la expansión internacional de la aerolínea Iberia en América Latina: los casos de Panamá y República Dominicana,1966–1973

| year = 2003b

| journal = TST. Transportes, Servicios y Telecomunicaciones

| volume = 6

| id = 1578-5777, 23–39

| language = es

| author-mask=3

}}

• {{cite book|author=Javier Vidal Olivares|chapter=De la internacionalización a la multinacionalización: Iberia, Líneas Aéreas de España en América Latina (1966–2000)|title=Empresas y grupos empresariales en América Latina, España y Portugal (1870–2000)|editor=M. Cerutti|year=2006|publisher=Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and Universidad de Alicante|isbn=970-694-224-6|language=es|author-mask=3}}
• {{cite journal

| author = Javier Vidal Olivares

| title = Las alianzas empresariales en la aviación comercial: Iberia, LAE (1950-1978)

| year = 2008a

| journal = Cátedra Corona

| volume = 13

| number = 13

| id = 1657-477X, 1–66

| language = es

| author-mask=3

}}

• {{cite book|author=Javier Vidal Olivares|title=Las alas de España: Iberia, líneas aéreas: de aerolínea de bandera a transportista mundial (1940–2005)|year=2008b|edition=first|publisher=Publicacions de la Universitat de València|volume=13|language=es|number=13|isbn=978-84-370-7084-1|location=Valencia|author-mask=3}}

• {{commons category-inline|Iberia}}
• {{Official website|https://www.iberia.com}}

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