IAG grows quarterly profit once more. Iberia long-haul growth to accelerate with additional aircraft

With its 2Q2015 results, IAG took another step towards achieving its longer term financial targets. Its 2Q operating profit grew by 39% year on year and its rolling 12M return on invested capital increased by 0.7ppts. Both revenue and operating costs were inflated by currency movements, with a net positive impact. Nevertheless, adjusting for foreign exchange, IAG cut unit cost at a faster rate than the drop in unit revenue.

At the level of the operating airlines, both BA and Iberia enjoyed improved operating profits. Vueling remains the most profitable airline in the group, but the Spanish LCC's result dipped slightly. Its business is highly seasonal and 3Q should be its strongest quarter, so it still has a chance to end the year with better figures.

IAG's results for the quarter were again stronger than those of its major European legacy airline group rivals Lufthansa and Air France-KLM. Its growing confidence is reflected in its decision to exercise options with Airbus for additional narrowbody and widebody aircraft, including up to five A330-200 growth aircraft for Iberia.