AIT Dublin: Vueling will not be merged into Iberia: Walsh

IAG CEO Willie Walsh at CAPA's Airlines in Transition conference in Dublin said (11-Apr-2013) Vueling, whose board has recommended approval for IAG's takeover, will be a "standalone entity, a separate brand" managed by a different management team. Mr Walsh made clear Vueling "will not be merged by Iberia". Mr Walsh said Iberia and Vueling could cooperate but "will do so only if it adds value to the shareholders". Commenting on multi-brand strategies, Mr Walsh said a holistic assessment is needed. "You need the total business to be profitable to succeed," Mr Walsh said.