Iberia Airlines recently announced notable developments as it ends 2024 on a high note, with successful maintenance operations and ambitious flight network expansions planned for summer 2025. Iberia Maintenance has consolidated its status as a premier aeronautical maintenance provider in Southern Europe, achieving substantial increases across key operational sectors.
During the year, Iberia Maintenance certified 205 engines, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year's figure of 177. Its strategic implementation of servicing Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines has marked a significant milestone, allowing the company to cater to both legacy engines (such as the CFM56, V2500, and RB211-535) and the new GTF™ engines, thereby providing comprehensive services to its clientele.
Heavy Maintenance overhauls remained steady, with over 180 performed throughout 2024, indicating strong trust from customers based on Iberia’s expertise and reliability. Meanwhile, the maintenance division also overhauled and repaired 28,000 aircraft components, paralleling last year’s statistics. This segment of the business has also expanded to include 40 new families of component capabilities, adding to the existing 4,400 capabilities across various technologies, including hydraulics, tyres, nacelles, and engine accessories.
One highlight of Iberia Maintenance's expansion is the addition of its ability to maintain wheels and brakes for the A321XLR, which the airline brandished as part of its fleet from November 2024. This new capability coincides with the airline securing approximately 30 new contracts, adding 12 new customers—90% of which are external to the International Airlines Group (IAG)—further testifying to the company’s growing global footprint.
Enrique Robledo, director of Iberia Maintenance, expressed his confidence, stating: “2024 has been a year of great challenges for Iberia Maintenance, marked by the achievement of several milestones... we believe talent and specialisation are key to face the challenges of the future.”
Iberia Maintenance also celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Training Centre, which is accredited by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). The Centre has effectively delivered over 218,000 student hours of training this year alone, representing a remarkable 45% increase from 2023.
Crucially, sustainability remains at the forefront of Iberia's operations. The airline has introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within its engine testing protocols, successfully cutting CO₂ emissions by over 131 tonnes. Other sustainability initiatives, including the implementation of self-consumption electricity plants at their La Muñoza facilities, exemplify Iberia Maintenance’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
Meanwhile, Iberia Airlines is set to significantly expand its international flight network for the upcoming summer season of 2025, aiming to improve connectivity to the United States, Latin America, and various European destinations. The carrier plans to operate 140 weekly flights to the U.S., marking a 14% increase compared to 2024 and offering up to 1.1 million seats for travelers.
Key destinations like Boston and Washington, D.C., will witness considerable capacity increases due to the introduction of the fuel-efficient Airbus A321XLR, which aligns with EU Sustainable Aviation goals and enhances Iberia's operational efficiency.
Throughout its Latin American operations, Iberia continues to lead, maintaining flights to 18 destinations across 16 countries. With the goal of providing 3.2 million seats for Europe-Latin America routes—an increase of 4% from last year—the airline is committed to enhancing service levels and maintaining strong connections to Central American and Caribbean destinations.
Iberia has also recently initiated its flights to Tokyo, achieving impressive occupancy rates shortly after its inception with 90% full and strategically promotes seamless travel connections to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Underlining its European connectivity, Iberia is enhancing flight frequencies on several popular routes, aiming to bolster intra-European tourism and economic integration as indicated by Spain's Secretariat of State for Tourism. Seasonal European destinations are also set to return for the summer 2025 season, marking Iberia's strong commitment to adaptability and responsiveness to tourism demand.
Overall, Iberia Airlines continues to position itself as a leading international airline, focused on enhancing its global network, improving air connectivity, and leveraging state-of-the-art aircraft technology to meet growing sustainability obligations.