Iberia and Iberia Express pilots agree new framework, adding eight aircraft

Pilot groups at Iberia and Iberia Express have signed a new cooperation framework with the Sepla union, and the agreement has been accepted by the pilots of both carriers. It runs without a fixed end date and is intended above all to strengthen short- and medium-haul operations out of Madrid.

Fleet growth forms part of the deal. Between 2028 and 2030, eight more aircraft are to join the two airlines. They come on top of the aircraft already committed to both carriers under the "Plan de Vuelo 2030".

According to the airlines, the expansion will create jobs. They plan to hire 80 pilots and 160 cabin crew. At Iberia, 69 pilots are to be promoted to captain, with a further 36 at Iberia Express.

The growth of short- and medium-haul flying is also meant to feed passengers into the long-haul network through the Madrid hub.