Passenger capacity in quarter 1 was 19.6 per cent of 2019 and continues to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, together with government restrictions and quarantine requirements.
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) presented Group consolidated results for the three months to March 31, 2021.
COVID-19 situation and management actions:
- Passenger capacity in quarter 1 was 19.6 per cent of 2019 and continues to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, together with government restrictions and quarantine requirements Current passenger capacity plans for quarter 2 are for around 25 per cent of 2019 capacity, but remain uncertain and subject to review
- 1,306 cargo-only flights operated in quarter 1, up from 969 in quarter 4, 2020
- Strong liquidity, increased to 10.5 billion euros at the end of the quarter (from total pro-forma liquidity of 10.3 billion euros at December 31, 2020), driven by successful conclusion of financing initiatives in the quarter, together with cost actions and UK pension contribution deferral. These included:
- Drawdown of previously committed borrowing for British Airways (£2.0 billion UK Export Finance) and Aer Lingus (75 million euros drawn against Ireland Strategic Investment Fund facility)
- Additional 1.2 billion euros of IAG Senior Unsecured Bonds issued, with issue heavily oversubscribed
- New 3-year $1.755 billion committed, secured revolving credit facility concluded for Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia and which remains undrawn; cancellation of British Airways’ previous revolving credit facility scheduled to mature in June 2021 (value at December 31, 2020: $0.8 billion)
- Agreement for British Airways to defer monthly pension deficit contributions totalling £450 million between October 2020 and September 2021
- Cash operating costs for the quarter reduced to 175 million euros per week
IAG period highlights on results:
- First quarter operating loss 1,068 million euros (2020: operating loss 1,860 million euros) and operating loss before exceptional items 1,135 million euros (2020: operating loss before exceptional items 535 million euros)
- Exceptional credit before tax in the quarter of 67 million euros on discontinuance of fuel and foreign exchange hedge accounting (2020: exceptional charge before tax of 1,325 million euros on discontinuance of fuel and foreign exchange hedge accounting)
- Loss after tax and exceptional items for the quarter 1,067 million euros (2020: loss 1,683 million euros) and loss after tax before exceptional items: 1,124 million euros (2020: loss 556 million euros)
- Cash of 8.0 billion euros at March 31, 2021 up 2.1 billion euros on December 31, 2020. Committed and undrawn general and aircraft facilities of 2.5 billion euros, bringing total liquidity to 10.5 billion euros.
Luis Gallego, IAG Chief Executive Officer, said: “In quarter 1, we’re reporting an operating loss of 1,135 million euros before exceptional items compared to an operating loss of 535 million euros last year.
“We’ve acted decisively to build resilience by boosting liquidity and reducing our cost base. At March 31, the Group’s liquidity increased to 10.5 billion euros which demonstrates IAG’s good access to capital markets.
“Cargo has enabled us to operate a more extensive passenger longhaul network. In addition, we operated 1,306 cargo-only flights and generated 350 million euros in revenue, a record for quarter. We’re taking all necessary actions to ensure the financial health of our business for the long-term, including last year’s successful 2.7 billion euros capital increase, and remain focused on reducing our cost base and increasing efficiencies.
Despite the challenges posed by the current pandemic, our focus on the safety of our people and customers remains paramount alongside our climate commitments. Our pledge to powering 10 per cent of our flights with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 shows that we will not back down from our ambition to lead aviation’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
We’re doing everything in our power to emerge in a stronger competitive position. We’re absolutely confident that a safe re-start to travel can happen as shown by the scientific data. We’re ready to fly, but government action is needed through four key measures:
- Travel corridors without restrictions between countries with successful vaccination rollouts and effective testing such us the UK and the US.
- Affordable, simple and proportionate testing to replace quarantine and costly, multi-layered testing.
- Well-staffed borders using contactless technology including e-gates to ensure a safe, smooth flow of people and frictionless travel.
- Digital passes for testing and vaccination documentation to facilitate international travel.
“These measures will enable a safe re-opening of our skies. Travel underpins a global industry that supports 13 million jobs in Europe alone. There’s a high level of pent-up demand and aviation will play a critical role in reconnecting people and getting economies back up and running again.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
