Iberia Express carriers 2.8m pax in first year of operations with 94% on-time-performance

Iberia Express reportedly carried 2.8 million passengers during its first year of operations, with 23,000 operations and 94% on-time performance, results which were welcomed by CEO Luis Gallego. According to reports by Europa Press, EFE and Servimedia, the carrier operated 24 routes in its first year, 15 domestic, from its base at Madrid Barajas International Airport with a fleet of 14 A320s. Mr Gallego said, "In an economic context as complex as 2012, and even with a rise in airport charges which were not included in our forecasts which had an impact of EUR2.5 million of which we absorbed, at Iberia Express we succeeded in closing our first year surpassing our initial objectives." Mr Gallego added, "Our financial results, our market position as the fourth airline at Madrid Barajas and our punctuality rates are a clear sign that the model works and that Iberia Express is a company that is able to operate short and medium-haul competitively and efficiently."