IAG passenger traffic mostly up in September, though cargo mixed

Airline group IAG released its group traffic and capacity statistics for September on Wednesday, with traffic - as measured in revenue passenger kilometres - up 4.8% year-on-year, while capacity in available seat kilometres rose by 5.6%.

The FTSE 100 firm said group premium traffic for the month increased by 8.4% on the previous year.

Broken down by airline, Vueling saw revenue passenger kilometres grow 8.9%, with available seat kilometres up 8.4% for the month.

Aer Lingus revenue passenger kilometres were up 11.3%, with available seat kilometres up 13.1% and cargo tonne kilometres down 16.7%.

Its Spanish arm Iberia saw revenue passenger kilometres increase 4.5% and available seat kilometres rise 4.7%, with cargo tonne kilometres improving 13.9%.

And at British Airways, revenue passenger kilometres were up 3.1%, available seat kilometres were 4.2% higher, and cargo tonne kilometres grew 6.1%.

The company’s board highlighted some of its strategic developments during the month, including the 28 September announcement that it entered a joint business agreement between British Airways and Qatar Airways which will start on October 30.

“It includes a revenue-sharing agreement between London and Doha and the joint business will allow the airlines to cooperate on scheduling and pricing.

“They will also codeshare on all non-stop flights operated between the UK and Doha and connecting services to destinations in the UK, continental Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa.

“This will include British Airways' daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Doha.”

It also noted the 29 September announcement that British Airways is partnering with Marks & Spencer to offer customers on short-haul flights the option to purchase a premium food range on board.

“The new British Airways menu, which will replace the airline's current complimentary snacks, will be available in the economy cabin on short-haul and domestic flights from 2017.

“Additionally, customers will be able to pay with Avios via the BA app or with their Executive Club card.”