Iberia Airport Services, Iberia's handling division, which serves more than 150 airlines at 29 Spanish airports, served 88.4 million customers in 2022. This figure is 88.8% higher than that recorded in 2021, and only 12.7% lower than pre-pandemic figures from 2019, which shows the accelerated recovery of the sector.
In addition, it served 316,421 aircraft - up 88.8% from 2021 (-12.4% vs 2019) - and handled 52 million baggage - up 57.7% from 2021 (-8.6% vs 2019).
Iberia Airport Services also performs handling for cargo operators; in 2022 it handled more than 362,847 tonnes of freight, 7.% more than in 2021 (-9.6% vs 2019).
“2022 has been a complicated year for airports; we have seen the recovery of the sector and how many European and American airports were affected by operational problems, such as labour shortages, the effects of which we have had to absorb. At IBAS, thanks to the effort and commitment of all our staff and our extensive experience, we have managed to close this year very positively," says José Luis de Luna, Director of Airports at Iberia.
Punctuality
With its activity, Iberia Airport Services has contributed significantly to the excellent punctuality levels of its main clients in the Madrid and Barcelona hubs: Iberia was the most punctual airline in Europe in 2022, Iberia Express the most punctual among the low cost airlines, and Vueling, for which it provides services at El Prat airport, the fourth in Europe.
More Customers
In 2022, IBAS added nine new companies to its client portfolio, which it serves at various domestic airports: Aeroitalia, Nice Air, Air Alsie, Leav Aviation, Hainan, Novair, Scoot, Taag Angola, Israir Airlines and United Airlines, which it serves at Tenerife Sur and Mallorca airports.
It also renewed important contracts with LATAM, American Airlines and Turkish Airlines, among others.
Transformation of 2492 Contracts
In November, the 22nd Collective Ground Workers' Agreement was signed, which affects more than 8,000 Iberia workers and includes a wage increase, various productivity measures, and improvements in terms of work-life balance. This has been essential to be able to present Aena with the best proposal from both a technical and an economic point of view.
In addition, Iberia Airport Services ended the year with its largest ever transformation of permanent employees, 2,492, which highlights Iberia's commitment to the handling business in Spain.
Net Zero Emissions in 2025
Over the last year, in order to meet the requirements of the new handling licences, IBAS has strengthened its collaboration with the main manufacturers of ground equipment in the sector to lead tests with electrical equipment at airports such as Mallorca, Malaga, Barcelona, and Madrid. The addition of this equipment brings qualitative and quantitative improvements, both for its lower impact on the environment, with a reduction in emissions, noise, and vibrations; and for Iberia Airport Services workers, as its handling is easier and its technology provides greater safety.
IBAS was the first handling operator in the world to use remote-controlled push back Mototok tractors on regional aircraft with up to 100 seats.
Iberia's handling business is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2025, and plans to renew more than 7,000 pieces of equipment to electrify 80% of its fleet in the coming years.
Going All Out In Upcoming Handling Tenders
Iberia Airport Services has submitted its best proposals to Aena for the new handling licences at 41 Spanish airports. To do so, it has submitted a customised proposal for each airport, focusing above all on sustainability, innovation, people, and costs, and bringing together its best possible technical and economic offer.
