Record revenue and operating profit in Vueling's best year

BarcelonaThe years of crisis caused by the pandemic are behind us. Demand for airlines is once again soaring, as confirmed by the results published this Friday by the main company in this industry in the State, the holding company IAG. The group – owner of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus and Level – achieved profits of 2,732 million euros in 2024, 2.9% more, coinciding with last year's record tourist numbers. Revenues grew by 9.98% to €32.1 billion. Vueling, the largest company at El Prat Airport, achieved the best figures in its history: €3.261 billion in revenue and €400 million in operating profit.

"Vueling's recent growth has been achieved through more efficient use of its network operations," explains IAG in its accounts on the Catalan airline chaired by Carolina Martinoli. In any case, it also recognises that last year this upward trend of Vueling was limited while the conditions with the pilots continued to be negotiated so that growth would be "efficient and profitable" in the future. In 2024 the company transported 38.1 million passengers, 3.8% more. These results coincided with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of his birth.

Looking at IAG's other airlines, the one that contributed most to the increase in the group's operating profits last year was British Airways, which recorded profits of £2,048 million (€2,422 million). In contrast, in the case of Iberia, this item was reduced by 7.7% compared to 2023, to 867 million operating profit, despite revenues growing by 8.4%, to 7,542 million. IAG does not provide detailed results for Level, its long-haul company. low cost which also operates from El Prat Airport.

Another year of "strong demand"

The group's CEO, Luis Gallego, has pointed out that these results highlight "the quality" of the group's activities and "the effectiveness" of its strategy, "supported by the successful execution of the transformation programme". "We are focused on continuing to make our brands the first choice for customers by growing our network and improving our offering," he stressed. For 2025, IAG highlights that "strong demand" will continue, which is why it has increased its capacity by 3%.