Iberia is the European airline in the best shape to withstand the current crisis in the industry, and the third best-placed in the world, according to the report on the „Top Performing Companies“ in the latest edition of Aviation Week, which considers the situation of each airline against the backdrop of the world economic slump and the higher cost of fuel.
Madrid – For the second consecutive year, Iberia is first amongst Europe’s airlines, and was bested worldwide only by two south-east Asian carriers, which the report says „enjoy a series of advantages that are unique in their markets“ –they operate on long-haul routes with little competition, and to some extent have state participation, which often translates into public subsidies.
Aviation Week has published its „Top Performing Companies“ report since 1996 to indicate the financial situations of the different airlines, based on the opinions of a variety of industry experts. Points are awarded for different parameters, including the liquidity and financial health of each company.
Iberia is the second most financially sound carrier in world
Along with the overall ranking, the Aviation Week report publishes a classification by individual parameters. In terms of financial health, Iberia is given 92 points out of 100, placing it second behind Singapore Airlines.
Another noteworthy aspect of the „Top Performing Companies“ report in Aviation Week“ is that, amongst the ten carriers best prepared to withstand the crisis, five belong to the oneworld alliance (Iberia, Finnair, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and British Airways), while another three alliance members are amongst the top twenty.