SPAIN: Iberia pilots strike over new low cost airline

Record ID: 340596

  • Title: SPAIN: Iberia pilots strike over new low cost airline
  • Date: 19th December 2011
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (DECEMBER 18, 2011) (REUTERS) PASSENGER LOOKING AT DEPARTURE BOARDS BOARD WITH LIST OF CANCELLED FLIGHTS VARIOUS OF BOARDS WITH CANCELLED FLIGHT INFORMATION LISTED PASSENGER LOOKING AT DEPARTURE BOARDS PASSENGERS WAITING PASSENGERS AT IBERIA CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) JOSE ENRIQUE, PASSENGER FLYING TO CHICAGO, SAYING: "Earlier in the
  • Embargoed: 3rd January 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Spain, Spain
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: Transport
  • Reuters ID: LVA838M1IPW7US4G3I9G3ZQVOEJA
  • Story Text: Pilots at Spain's Iberia, run by International Airlines Group (IAG), staged the first day of a two day strike on Sunday (December 18) to protest the company's proposed launch of low-cost airline Iberia Express, which they say threatens their jobs and working conditions.
    Iberia Express is due to begin operations next year and has been created to improve competitiveness with no-frills rivals such as easyJet and Ryanair. IAG said the creation of Iberia Express will not affect pilots' jobs.
    At the airport on Sunday disruptions for passengers was minor as information on flight cancellations was available earlier in the week through Iberia's website and Facebook page.
    "I was keeping track of the situation through Iberia's Facebook page and fortunately my flight was not cancelled," said Enrique Flores.
    Iberia also reached an agreement earlier in the week with 30 transport companies to offer travel alternatives for passengers who may be affected by strike action this month.
    "My flight was cancelled but they put me on another carrier, I am now flying with Russian airline Aeroflot and I arrive an hour later, but that's fine." Arturo said as he prepared to fly to Moscow.
    The deal is aimed at minimising the impact of a pilots' strikes on 18 December and 29 December, called to protest against the creation of a new low-cost carrier.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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