Exploring the Holdings of British Airways
British Airways (BA) is one of the most prominent airline companies in the UK, operating both domestic and international flights. However, not many people know that it is a part of a larger group of companies called International Airlines Group (IAG) that owns several other airlines. In this article, we will explore the holdings of British Airways and its parent company IAG.
IAG: The Parent Company of British Airways
As mentioned earlier, the International Airlines Group (IAG) is the parent company of British Airways. It was formed in 2011 as a result of a merger between British Airways and Iberia, the national airline of Spain. Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio by acquiring and investing in other airlines.
The most notable acquisition of IAG was Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, in 2015. This move helped IAG to strengthen its position in the Irish market and expand its transatlantic network. IAG also has a 25% stake in LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in Latin America, and a 4.6% stake in Norwegian Air Shuttle, a low-cost airline based in Norway.
Other Airlines Owned by IAG
Aside from British Airways and Aer Lingus, IAG owns two other airlines: Iberia and Vueling. Iberia is the national airline of Spain and is one of the oldest airlines in the world. It operates flights to 90 destinations worldwide and has a strong presence in Latin America.
Vueling, on the other hand, is a low-cost airline based in Spain. It was founded in 2004 and has since grown to become the second-largest airline in Spain, operating flights to more than 130 destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Vueling also serves as a feeder airline for IAG's other subsidiaries.
Conclusion
British Airways is a part of a larger group of airline companies owned by the International Airlines Group (IAG). Aside from British Airways, IAG owns Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling. These acquisitions and investments have helped IAG to expand its network and strengthen its position in the aviation industry. As a passenger of British Airways, it is worth to know that you are flying with an airline that has a wider reach and greater resources than you might have imagined.
