Iberia to launch Tokyo & Shanghai in Asia return after many years. Another sign of approval from IAG

Iberia is planning two Asian route launches, Tokyo and Shanghai, for winter 2016/2017. No other airlines currently operate directly between Spain and either city. Nevertheless, they are both important destinations for travellers from Spain, who are currently making indirect flights.

Iberia plans to launch a three times weekly A330-200 service from Madrid to Tokyo Narita in Oct-2016. The planned Shanghai service still awaits confirmation of traffic rights and slots at Pudong, but is also expected to be three times weekly, to commence in Oct-2016 and use A330-200 equipment.

Iberia has not served Asia for many years. Since the formation of IAG in 2011 it has continued to concentrate its long haul operations on Latin America. IAG only operates to Asia through British Airways, and is a lightweight in the region compared with its main European rivals. CAPA estimates that the two new routes would add only around 6% to IAG's current weekly ASKs to Asia Pacific. Nevertheless, they set Iberia back on the path to a more globally balanced network. They are also a further sign of IAG's confidence in the Spanish national airline.