Miguel Praga

🏆 IAG's CEO Luis Gallego to announce outstanding 2024 economic results, surpassing rivals, on the upcoming Friday. Sales climbed by 8% to €31.7 billion, with profits rising 15% to €4.1 billion. Investors anticipate insights on Summer 2025, amidst concerns over cost surges and changes in consumer behavior noted by Tui and Jet2. London expects British Airways and Iberia to have performed well. Concerns exist over BA's loyalty system changes but remain minor compared to the group's overall success.

📍 In the airline industry, "ancillary" revenues, once minor, now constitute 25-30% of total earnings, boosted by low-cost carriers' creativity. A study indicates checked luggage is the top ancillary service among 25% of low-cost passengers, followed by travel insurance and paid seat selection (23-24%). Delayed payments are used by 18% of travelers, and 20% opt for rental cars. Traditional airlines see paid seat selection as the most popular add-on, with travel insurance and additional luggage following. Delayed payments are more common than in low-cost carriers; however, only just over 10% purchase rental cars. Airlines globally offer unique products; Frontier has a 30-day unlimited flight pass, Ryanair's Family Plus ensures children sit with parents. Frontier and Spirit in the U.S. have 10 à la carte onboard products; Ryanair has nine, with the most combinations of priority services and luggage options.

❄ Istanbul's Turkish Airlines hub, one of the world's largest, experienced chaos due to an intense snowfall, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations. The turmoil started on Thursday and was significant on Friday, with service normalization expected from Saturday, despite forecasts of possible new snowfalls. On Friday, 45% of flights were canceled at the city's second airport, with at least 30% expected to be suspended today, and slightly fewer issues on Sunday. Accommodating thousands of stranded passengers, especially those on connecting flights without a single ticket, has been very challenging.