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IAMGOLD
Annual Report 2020

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FY2020 Annual Report · IAMGOLD
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INTERNATIONAL 
AIRLINES
GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT  
AND ACCOUNTS 2020

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MANAGING  
THE CRISIS

TRANSFORMING  
OUR BUSINESS

SHAPING 
OUR FUTURE

 
 
 
 
“IAG has proven resilient and 
flexible in a challenging year 
which saw the devastating 
effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic. We took swift 
action to mitigate the impact 
of the crisis and have worked 
hard to transform our 
business. This enables us to 
shape our future as we remain 
a leading player in the airline 
industry.”

Luis Gallego
Chief Executive Officer

Contents

Strategic Report

2

3 

5

6

Our highlights

Previous Chairman’s letter

Q&A with the Chairman

Chief Executive Officer’s review

8  Management Committee

9

Q&A with the Chief Executive Officer

10  Business model 

12 

18

22

23

Section 172 statement

Strategic priorities and key 
performance indicators

Financial overview

Financial review

36  British Airways

37

Iberia

38 Vueling

39 Aer Lingus

40

40

41

42

43

44

45

78

LEVEL

IAG Platform

IAG GBS

IAG Cargo

IAG Loyalty

IAG Tech

Sustainability

Risk management and principal  
risk factors

89 Regulatory environment

Corporate Governance

Financial Statements

Management Report

90 Chairman’s introduction  
to corporate governance

92

Board of Directors

142 Consolidated income statement

143 Consolidated statement  

of other comprehensive income

94 Corporate governance

144 Consolidated balance sheet

108 Report of the  

Nominations Committee

113 Report of the Safety Committee

114 Report of the Audit and  
Compliance Committee 

124 Report of the  

Remuneration Committee 

145 Consolidated cash flow statement

146 Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity

148 Notes to the consolidated  

financial statements

202 Alternative performance measures

209 Group investments

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

Independent Auditors’ Report

Additional Information

223 Glossary

225 Fleet table

226 Operating and financial statistics

IBC Shareholder information

IAG is required to prepare a 
Management Report in accordance with 
Article 262 of the Spanish Companies 
Act and Article 49 of the Spanish 
Commercial Code. Pursuant to this 
legislation, this Management Report 
must contain a fair review of the 
progress of the business and the 
performance of the Group, together 
with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that it faces. In the 
preparation of this report, IAG has taken 
into consideration the guide published 
in 2013 by the Spanish National 
Securities Market Commission 
(CNMV) which establishes a number 
of recommendations for the 
preparation of management reports 
of listed companies. 

The Management Report is composed 
of the following sections:

10 Business model 
18 Strategic priorities and key 
performance indicators 

22 Financial overview 
23 Financial review 
40 IAG Platform 
45 Sustainability 
78 Risk management  

and principal risk factors 
89 Regulatory environment 

The Annual Corporate 
Governance Report is part of this 
Management Report but has been 
presented separately.

This report has been filed with the 
CNMV, together with the required 
statistical annex, in accordance with the 
CNMV Circular 2/2018, dated June 12. 
The Annual Corporate Governance 
Report and the statistical annex are also 
available on the Company’s website 
(www.iairgroup.com).

The Non-Financial Information 
Statement in response to the 
requirements of Law 11/2018, of 
December 28 (amending the 
Commercial Code, the revised Capital 
Companies Law approved by 
Legislative Royal Decree 1/2010,  
of July 2, 2010 and Audit Law 22/2015, 
of July 20, 2015), is part of this 
Management Report and is available 
on the Company’s website  
(www.iairgroup.com).

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

Acting quickly to respond 
to the pandemic 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial losses 
for the global airline industry and IAG 
Our performance in summary:

Total revenue 
before 
exceptional 
items

Statutory 
operating loss

Operating loss 
before 
exceptional 
items

Capacity 
change  
ASKs vly

Net Promoter 
Score

€7,868 
million
-69.2% vly

€7,426 
million
-€10,039m vly

€4,365 
million
-€7,650m vly

-66.5%

36.7 

+10.9 pts vly

IAG acted quickly to mitigate  
the negative impacts, bolster liquidity  
and protect its long-term future

Capital  
increase

€2.74 
billion 

Total liquidity 
at December 
31, 20201
€8.1 
billion

Additional 
cargo-only 
flights
4,003

CAPEX 
savings 
(2020-22)2
€7.2 
billion

Renewal of 
Amex global 
partnership3
€830 
million 

More information on the impact of COVID-19 and 
IAG’s response can be found in the following 
sections:

6 

23

78

Chief Executive Officer’s review

Financial review

Risk management and principal risk factors

146 Note 2 to the financial statements 

202 Alternative performance measures

1  Total liquidity, measured as cash and interest-bearing deposits and committed and undrawn general and aircraft facilities, was €9.1 billion at December 

31, 2019.

2  Saving versus planned spend announced at Capital Markets Day 2019.
3  Advance cash receipt of £750 million, a significant part of which is a pre-purchase of Avios points.
For definitions see Glossary

2

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Staying competitive  
and resilient  
in a changed world

“In 2020 aviation faced the 
devastating effects of COVID-19. At 
a testing time, we took swift action 
to ensure we emerge from this 
unprecedented crisis well 
positioned to compete in a 
structurally changed industry.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on 
people, communities, companies and 
countries has been overwhelming. 

The toll on our sector has been particularly 
heavy, with IATA estimating that global 
traffic will not reach 2019 levels until 
around 2024.

In 2020 IAG made an operating loss of 
€4,365 million before exceptional items on 
revenues of €7,868 million. This compares 
with an operating profit before exceptional 
items of €3,285 million in 2019. Passenger 
traffic and capacity reduced by 74.7 per 
cent and 66.5 per cent, respectively, with 
all our airlines making losses far exceeding 
those recorded in the 2001 crisis and the 
2009 financial shock.

These results reflect the negative effect of 
the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, 
exacerbated by constant changes in 
government travel restrictions.

We acted swiftly to mitigate the 
pandemic’s impact, bolster liquidity and 
protect our long-term future. We’ve made 
significant progress on restructuring, 
reducing our cost base and increasing 
the proportion of our variable costs, to 
ensure IAG not only weathers the present 
storm, but emerges from the crisis well 
positioned to compete in a structurally 
changed industry.

Much of that is down to our successful 
business model, bringing together a 
portfolio of world-class, market-leading 
brands coupled with a record of financial 
discipline that has seen us become one of 
the world’s best performing airline groups 
in terms of financial returns.

Antonio Vázquez
Former Chairman

3

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationCHAIRMAN’S LETTER CONTINUED

Throughout the crisis we’ve stuck to our 
strategy, including playing a lead role in 
industry consolidation. Iberia amended its 
agreement to acquire Air Europa, subject 
to regulatory approvals. This will 
strengthen our Madrid hub’s 
competitiveness, benefiting consumers 
and the Spanish economy.

It’s critical our industry plays a full part in 
addressing climate change and we won’t 
back down from our ambition to lead that 
effort. Having become the first airline 
group to commit to net zero carbon 
emissions by 2050, last year we supported 
oneworld in making this pledge which 
involves 13 airlines representing a fifth of 
global aviation. 

We’ve retired British Airways’ Boeing 747 
fleet and Iberia’s Airbus A340s. We are 
investing in next-generation aircraft which 
are up to 40 per cent more efficient than 
those they replace. 

2020 also saw a transition in our 
leadership. Willie Walsh, originally 
scheduled to stand down as Chief 
Executive Officer in March, agreed to 
extend his tenure until September to help 
see IAG through the early months of the 
pandemic. I thank him for the skill and 
professionalism he brought right through 
to his last day.

Together we built IAG starting with the 
merger of British Airways and Iberia, and 
it was a joy to work side-by-side for ten 
years to develop IAG’s unique 
business model.

Luis Gallego took up the CEO role on 
September 8, having led Iberia’s 
turnaround. He does so knowing the Board 
has complete confidence in his exceptional 
leadership skills.

I served as Chairman for nearly ten years 
but decided to retire in January 2021 in 
accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. Javier Ferrán has 
succeeded me, bringing vast experience to 
the role not just as a multinational 
executive, but also as a director and 
chairman of many top-tier companies. Our 
carefully developed succession plan has 
enabled a smooth and effective transition 
following the highest standards of 
corporate governance.

I feel greatly honoured to have enjoyed the 
trust of my fellow directors and to have 
worked with so many tremendous 
colleagues across the business. I’m fully 
confident that IAG will meet the 
challenges ahead with its powerful new 
leadership team.  

Antonio Vázquez
Former Chairman

Our record on growing profitability – 
which increased six-fold between 2011 and 
2019 – and Return on Invested Capital has 
underpinned our leadership position, as 
has our ability to create shareholder value, 
with €4.1 billion returned to investors 
between 2015 and 2019. 

As the pandemic struck, we strengthened 
our financial and strategic position. In 
October we successfully completed a 
€2.74 billion capital increase which was 
fully subscribed by our shareholders. This 
positions us well for when demand 
eventually recovers.

Brexit led us to implement plans approved 
by national regulators in Spain and Ireland 
to ensure our EU-licensed airlines continue 
to meet EU ownership and control rules. 
They include creating a national ownership 
structure for Aer Lingus and changes to 
IAG’s longstanding Spanish structure.

Also, we changed the Board composition 
to create a majority of independent 
non-executive EU directors. I wish to thank 
Deborah Kerr, María Fernanda Mejía and 
Steve Gunning who stepped down from 
the Board for their valuable contribution to 
IAG. Steve’s executive functions as Chief 
Financial Officer remain unchanged and 
I’m very grateful for his support for 
these changes.

Although it was disappointing to take this 
step, we’re pleased that the EU-UK Trade 
and Cooperation Agreement recognises 
the potential benefits of further 
liberalisation of airline ownership and 
control as we believe it’s in the best 
interests of the industry and consumers.

4

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH THE CHAIRMAN

Q&A with the 
Chairman Javier Ferrán

Javier Ferrán
Chairman

Q: What attracted you to joining 

the IAG Board?

A: Ten years ago, IAG disrupted aviation 
by creating a successful business model 
which has delivered industry-leading 
returns. Its unique structure 
underpinned by the best European 
airline brands has seen it become one of 
the world’s best performing airline 
groups pre-pandemic. This is testament 
to the fantastic work and innovative 
thinking of its employees. I’m 
particularly grateful for their 
commitment throughout this crisis and 
for their hard work to help the business 
navigate these testing times. IAG has 
shown an extraordinary ability to take 
advantage of market opportunities, 
maximise synergies and play a leading 
role in consolidation. The airline industry 
is truly fascinating, and the Group has 
demonstrated its agility to adapt and 
overcome challenges through this 
current difficult period. I’m extremely 
proud of being part of IAG.

Q: What’s the strength of the IAG 

Board?

A: IAG’s Board members have vast 
experience, diverse backgrounds and 
deep knowledge of the corporate 
world. We started 2021 with the 
appointments of Peggy Bruzelius, Eva 
Castillo and Heather Ann McSharry who 
have extensive experience in top-tier 
companies across various industries. 
Diversity enables effective leadership 
and decision-making and is an essential 
part of our nomination processes. I’m 
pleased that 45 per cent of our Board 

financial discipline is crucial to our 
strategy and we’ve got a very 
experienced management team under 
Luis’s leadership with significant 
expertise in business transformation. 
Over the long term, the critical drivers 
of success will be our culture and the 
talent of our employees; a culture that 
allows each individual to grow and give 
the best of themselves.

Q: Sustainability is becoming 

even more critical and aviation 

is likely to change significantly in the 
coming years. Is IAG ready to adapt?
A: For a decade, IAG has been leading 
the airline industry on sustainability. It 
was the first airline group worldwide to 
commit to achieving net zero carbon 
emissions by 2050. It’s also investing 
US$400 million in sustainable aviation 
fuel in the next 20 years. IAG was an 
aviation pioneer in signing the United 
Nations Climate Ambition Alliance and 
one of the ten global companies 
recognised by the UN for their 
ambitious carbon targets. Despite the 
current crisis, we will not back down 
from our ambition to lead aviation’s 
efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. 
We’re determined to play our full part in 
tackling climate change and support the 
long-term prosperity of the 
communities we serve.

members are women. It’s a great honour to 
enjoy the trust of my fellow directors and 
chair IAG’s Board in this challenging and 
fast-moving environment.

Q: What changes will COVID-19’s 

impact bring to the industry?
A: The global impact of COVID-19 has been 
unprecedented. Aviation is going through 
a structural change and we are 
transforming our business to adjust it to a 
‘new normal’. Last year, we acted swiftly to 
strengthen liquidity and protect our 
long-term future by adapting to the new 
circumstances. Reducing our cost base 
and increasing the proportion of our 
variable costs will give us flexibility to 
compete and take advantage of a recovery 
in air travel demand. Customer needs are 
also rapidly changing. The industry must 
be ahead of the game in developing 
user-friendly digital solutions to provide 
the tools and reassurance passengers need 
to travel. Both innovation and technology 
are critical in driving efficiencies as we 
navigate our way out of the crisis and 
towards recovery.

Q: What’s critical for the long-term 

success of the business?

A: IAG has a proven and successful 
operating model with a great portfolio of 
market-leading brands. Its pre-COVID-19 
track record on profitability, sustainable 
growth, return on invested capital and 
shareholder value creation provide a solid 
foundation for the Group’s long-term 
success. In these extremely challenging 
times, we are demonstrating our resilience 
to overcome COVID-19’s impact. Our 

5

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

Securing our business,  
building for the future

Luis Gallego
Group Chief Executive

“Our immediate focus in 2020 was navigating the 
deepest crisis in aviation history and then 
making sure our airlines emerge competitive in 
the future. Across the business, our people have 
made an incredible contribution to this effort.”

Before I detail the actions we have taken, 
I want to put on record my thanks to 
people right across the business who 
have played such a central role in all we 
have achieved.

The commitment, resilience and flexibility 
they have shown is really exceptional. They 
have had to adapt at high speed to new 
ways of working and all the difficulties that 
come with that. They have made big 
sacrifices in terms of salary and working 
time. We have been forced to reduce our 
workforce by 20 per cent to just under 
58,000, with 75 per cent of all 
redundancies achieved voluntarily. 

At British Airways, while the airline did 
everything it could to protect as many jobs 
as possible, we sadly saw the departure of 
over 10,000 employees as a result of the 
pandemic. We are very grateful for their 
contribution over the years to the 
airline’s success.

Finally, almost 50,000 employees have 
been on job retention schemes. These 
government initiatives, providing a 
valuable support for our staff and for the 
business, have been important in helping 
us navigate the crisis.

It is hard to exaggerate how severe the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has 
been on our industry. The disruption and 
financial damage it has caused airlines 
across the world has, quite simply, 
been unprecedented. 

We’ve been through crises before, not 
least after 9/11 and the financial shock of 
2008/9. 2020 will go down as the worst 
year in the history of aviation.

Not surprisingly, our own airlines have felt 
the effects of this crisis very deeply. With 
overall capacity reduced by two-thirds, all 
of them recorded heavy losses and a steep 
revenue decline. Against that background, 
we reported a Group operating loss of 
€4,365 million before exceptional items. 
The contrast to 2019, where we recorded 
an operating profit before exceptional 
items of €3,285 million, could not be 
more stark.

But we believe that a crisis, even one as 
profound and unpredictable as the 
pandemic, always presents significant 
opportunities as well as challenges. 

It is in this spirit that we have approached 
these extraordinary times, taking swift 
action to secure the business in the short 
term, while taking steps to transform our 
business so that it is more competitive in 
the future. 

6

Managing the crisis
At the beginning of the pandemic we were 
in a strong position as one of the best 
performing airline groups in our industry in 
terms of growing profitability.  

We have had to take swift and decisive 
action to conserve cash and reduce our 
cost base. Additionally, where we can we 
are converting fixed costs to variable costs 
to more closely reflect levels of demand in 
the market. 

That is not a simple task. In the airline 
industry, fixed costs are traditionally very 
high. As an example, we can change part 
of our fixed price for fleet maintenance 
to a so-called “power-by-the-hour” 
arrangement. 

Ideally you want to match cost reductions 
to capacity. Our capacity decreased by 
66.5 per cent during the year compared to 
2019 and we cut our non-fuel costs by 
37.1 per cent, an extraordinary effort by all 
our airlines. 

Longer term, the crisis has taught us that 
we will need a higher degree of variability 
in our cost base in a much-changed world.

Boosting liquidity
Our second priority was to improve 
liquidity. Again, we started in a strong 
position, with €6.7 billion in cash at the end 
of 2019, a resource strong enough to see 
us through the crises we have experienced 
in the past. But it very quickly became 
clear that we would need further resources 
and took a series of steps to boost our 
cash position. Our €2.7 billion successful 
rights issue in October was a tremendous 
vote of confidence from investors in the 
underlying strength of our business and 
our ability to manage the crisis. 

Among our other activities, British Airways 
received commitments for a £2.0 billion 
five-year loan facility, partly guaranteed by 
UK Export Finance along with a £300 
million loan from the Bank of England. 
Also, we drew down additional debt of 
€1.01 billion for our Spanish airlines as part 
of the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) 
facility. These are all commercial loans, 
even if some are partially underwritten 
by governments.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Transforming our brands
During this crisis, we’ve also been thinking 
hard about the future.  

Our business model remains robust, but 
we recognise that customer expectations 
will change following the pandemic. With 
the rapid adoption of remote working 
technologies, it is likely the business travel 
market will also be different.

To think through these challenges, we 
have created a new Management 
Committee role, of Chief Transformation 
Officer, appointing Fernando Candela, 
Chief Executive Officer of LEVEL, to the 
position. He is leading our transformation 
projects to make us more competitive and 
efficient in future.

I see this as a very important role. Before 
the COVID-19 pandemic we had a strategic 
roadmap for the Group. But the pandemic 
has accelerated many of the projects we 
had in mind, as well as creating new 
priorities. 

Nowhere is that truer than with digital 
transformation, where many experts 
believe the crisis has sped up the process 
of digitalisation by up to five years. It 
impacts on all areas of the business. But it 
will be particularly crucial where customers 
are concerned, for instance in providing 
them with a contactless experience at 
airports and faster, better ways to interact 
with our airlines.

Working with suppliers
One of the great advantages of our 
business model is our ability to achieve 
synergies across the Group, and our Global 
Business Services operation has continued 
to play a vital role here.

We are working closely with all our 
suppliers to manage our way through the 
current environment, looking to achieve 
better terms and conditions because we 
know they face difficulties too. 

The same applies in managing our fleet, 
and we are in talks with aircraft 
manufacturers to reschedule the delivery 
of new, more efficient aircraft over the 
coming years, matching capacity to 
demand.

During the year, we retired the British 
Airways Boeing 747 fleet and Iberia’s 
Airbus A340s early. We remain committed 
to bringing new aircraft technologies 
online, as the market allows. Refreshing our 
fleets with aircraft that are up to 40 per 
cent more efficient than the ones they 
replace will play an important role in our 
goal to achieve net zero emissions by 
2050, a commitment that is as strong 
as ever.

Cargo revenues
As well as weathering the storm, we have 
also tried to help. We have carried out 
repatriation flights and transported vital 
equipment such as PPE, ventilators and 
COVID-19 test equipment. 

We do not operate dedicated freighters 
any longer, and normally carry cargo in the 
holds of our passenger aircraft. But during 
the pandemic, we gained clearance to use 
the cabins for freight as well. 

In all, we completed more than 4,000 
cargo flights, something we are not used 
to, and our team deserves great credit for 
this effort. IAG Cargo increased its 
turnover by almost €200 million, during 
the year, to €1.3 billion.

Air Europa and further consolidation
We are pressing ahead with Iberia’s 
acquisition of Air Europa, having 
renegotiated the original deal. The value of 
the transaction, originally set at €1 billion, 
has been reduced to €500 million, which 
will be paid after six years. This will allow 
the combined operation to repay a loan Air 
Europa has received from the Spanish 
Government and be in a strong position to 
compete once demand recovers.

We believe in Air Europa and think it is 
right to take brave decisions now for the 
future. The rationale behind the deal 
remains very strong. It will allow Madrid to 
compete against the other major European 
hubs, serving destinations around the 
world, rather than being primarily focused 
on Latin America.

The deal still needs approval from EU 
competition authorities. We also need to 
negotiate with the Spanish Government 
over certain non-financial conditions 
applying to the Air Europa loan. Given the 
huge benefits for consumers, Madrid and 
the wider Spanish economy, I’m confident 
we can reach an accord and hopefully the 
deal will be completed this year.

IAG came into existence to speed up the 
consolidation of our industry and we’ve 
had great success to date. The pace of 
that will depend on how quickly airlines 
recover from this crisis. Some will struggle 
to repay debt and there are likely to be 
failures. We will be looking to see if there 
are further opportunities to develop 
the Group.

A new leadership team
The last year has seen a significant change 
in IAG’s leadership. Willie Walsh was 
supposed to step down as CEO in March, 
but, with the pandemic escalating rapidly 
at that point, he agreed to stay on for a 
further six months to help us navigate the 
crisis. He made a phenomenal contribution 
during this time and we thank him greatly 
for the extraordinary job he has done to 
bring IAG to where it is today.

I took up this post in September. But we 
have seen other important changes in the 
management team in 2020. Sean Doyle 
has moved across from Aer Lingus to 
become CEO of British Airways, after Alex 
Cruz stepped down. Javier Sánchez-Prieto 
has moved across from Vueling to become 
CEO at Iberia and is replaced at Vueling by 
Marco Sansavini, previously Iberia’s chief 
commercial officer. Meanwhile, Donal 
Moriarty is acting as interim CEO at 
Aer Lingus.

I feel honoured to lead such a capable 
group of colleagues, one that I believe can 
achieve great things in the years ahead. It 
is excellent that these appointments are 
internal. Many of the team were already on 
the Management Committee, know the 
decisions we have taken in the past and 
understand our unique business model, 
inside out.

They also share the values that are most 
important to me as a leader – commitment, 
loyalty, a spirit of embracing change and 
challenging the status quo, a belief in team 
work and a conviction that, although we 
have done well in the past, we can always 
do better.

Making it safe to fly
People are still coming to terms with this 
dreadful virus and many worry if it is safe 
to fly. I can only assure you that it is. Safety 
is always the first priority in aviation. 

We have put a huge effort into making 
sure our customers and our people remain 
safe, taking steps at every point of the 
journey. That has meant increased cleaning 
at all points of contact, new boarding 
procedures to maintain social distancing 
and insisting on face coverings on the 
ground and in the air. Our aircraft are fitted 
with air filters that are as powerful as those 
used in operating theatres. Cabin air, which 
flows from top to bottom, is refreshed 
every two to three minutes.

Last autumn IATA calculated that there 
had been only 44 cases of COVID-19 linked 
to a flight journey out of a total of 1.2 billion 
travellers — the equivalent of one case in 
every 27 million passengers. These figures 
speak for themselves.

We are now trialling new mobile 
technology to make it easier for 
passengers to meet all the various travel 
requirements in different countries, such as 
providing proof of a negative COVID-19 
test or vaccination. 

We urge governments to introduce 
coordinated testing protocols, rather than 
relying on quarantine measures and further 
restrictions. In the end we all want the 
same thing – to prevent the spread of the 
virus, and to allow the travel sector and the 
wider economy to recover.

Outlook
My first Chief Executive Officer’s review 
has been dominated by the effects of the 
pandemic. It has been an incredibly 
tough time. 

But, as I look ahead, I am optimistic. I’m 
confident that we’ll emerge well positioned 
to compete, with a greater appreciation of 
what we have.

When I ask people what they have missed 
most in recent months, most say: “I want 
to travel and see the world.”

That time will come. And when it does, I 
assure you we will be here to help.

7

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationMANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Management Committee
The IAG Management Committee, led by Luis Gallego, is responsible for the overall execution and 
delivery of the strategy of the Group, the delivery of synergies and coordination of central functions.

For further information visit the IAG website

Steve Gunning
Chief Financial Officer

David Podolsky
Chief Strategy Officer

Marco Sansavini
Chairman and Chief Executive  
Officer of Vueling

John Gibbs
Chief Information Officer

Julia Simpson
Chief of Staff 

Javier Sánchez-Prieto
Chairman and Chief Executive  
Officer of Iberia

Adam Daniels
Chairman and Chief Executive  
Officer of IAG Loyalty

Fernando Candela
Chief Transformation Officer

Executive Directors not pictured: Luis Gallego, Group Chief Executive Officer

Board of Directors section

Chris Haynes
General Counsel

Sean Doyle
Chief Executive Officer of  
British Airways

Lynne Embleton
Chairman and Chief Executive  
Officer of IAG Cargo

Dónal Moriarty
Interim Chief Executive Officer  
of Aer Lingus

8

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Q&A with 
Group Chief 
Executive 
Officer Luis 
Gallego

Luis Gallego addresses some of the 
key questions on the minds of 
investors, customers and 
employees. 

Q: What actions have you taken to ensure IAG gets through 

the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Once the scale of the crisis became clear, we moved quickly 
with a series of critical initiatives. Firstly, we took action to 
preserve cash; secondly, we raised funding to improve liquidity; 
thirdly we reduced costs and additionally we have been 
converting fixed costs to variable costs. On the revenue side, we 
have operated 4,003 cargo only flights using passenger aircraft 
which was an important contributor to the Group. Finally, we have 
pressed for a common standard of testing across the world so 
that we can get passengers flying again soon. 

Q: Why do you think IAG will come out of the pandemic 

well positioned to compete?

A: We were in a very good position before the pandemic, with all 
the airlines in the Group performing well in the preceding years. 
I firmly believe we have the right team and the right commitment 
to take us forward and, importantly, we are taking steps to 
transform the business that others are not taking. That should put 
us in a very good position to emerge more competitive even 
though it is undoubtedly the most severe crisis in the history 
of aviation.

Q: How do you think governments can best support the 

re-opening of international travel?

A: I think coordinated measures are key. We need to avoid 
quarantine and travel restrictions, replacing them with harmonised 
testing protocols. Now with the vaccines being rolled out, we need 
to develop technologies and apps to help people to travel more 
easily. This approach will allow passengers to use their phones to 
show that they have met local travel rules – whether that is 
applying for flight passes, filling in flight locator notifications, 
proving they have the required COVID-19 tests or have been 
vaccinated.

Q: Why is the Air Europa acquisition still worth doing?

A: It is a strategic transaction for us. It will allow us to 

develop Madrid as a major and highly competitive international 
hub, with IAG at its centre. It will bring significant benefits to 
consumers, to Madrid and the wider Spanish economy. We have 
now renegotiated the deal at a reduced value of €500 million 
and on a deferred payment basis, allowing us to conserve cash 
as we recover from the current crisis and to be competitive when 
demand returns.

Q: What is your management style?

A: Perhaps others can answer this question better than 
me! But I try to behave in the same way as I want the people in 
my team to behave. The values I think are key are commitment, 
willingness to embrace change, teamwork and loyalty. I am lucky 
to be working with a very skilled team of colleagues who share 
these values and who know and understand the strengths of our 
business model very well.

Luis Gallego
Group Chief Executive

9

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBUSINESS MODEL

Our resilient business model

Our vision
To be the world’s leading airline group, employing exceptional talent 
and maximising sustainable value creation for our shareholders and 
providers of finance, customers and other stakeholders

How we’re organised 
IAG is the parent company of the Group 
and actively engages and works 
collaboratively with its portfolio of 
operating companies to drive synergies 
and maximise performance. Its 
independence from the operating 
companies allows for objective, flexible 
and rapid decision-making and enables 
IAG to implement the strategy to 
deliver the long-term vision for the 
Group. The operating companies are in 
turn able to focus their efforts on their 
target customers, competitive 
environment and their people. 

The portfolio sits on the Group’s 
common integrated platform which 
drives efficiency and simplicity while 
allowing each operating company to 
achieve individual performance targets 
and maintain its unique identity.

Our resources
IAG combines leading airlines in Ireland, 
the UK and Spain with key non-airline 
businesses, enabling them to enhance 
their presence in the aviation market 
while retaining their individual brand 
identities.

The airlines each target specific 
customer markets and geographies 
providing choice across the full 
spectrum of customer needs and travel 
occasions.

The airlines’ customers benefit from a 
larger combined network for both 
passengers and cargo and the airlines 
also utilise successful joint businesses 
and alliance partnerships to expand 
their global reach. The scale of the 
Group also allows it to more efficiently 
innovate and invest in new products 
and services to enhance the customer 
experience. 

The people across our Group are pivotal 
in delivering the ethos of each of our 
companies and retaining and promoting 
talent is a key driver of our success.

10

Corporate parent

Makes capital 
allocation decisions

Defines portfolio 
attractiveness

Exerts vertical and 
horizontal influence 
across the Group

Sets the long-term 
strategy to deliver the 
vision for the Group

Airline operating companies

Deep and real-time 
understanding of 
customer and 
competitive 
environment

Define product 
strategy for 
target customer 
segments

Standalone profit 
centres and 
independent credit 
identities

Individual brand, cultural 
identity and management 
teams 

Common integrated platform
Provides common services and allows the Group’s operations to benefit from 
cost reductions and synergies by leveraging the Group’s scale

Portfolio of world-class  
brands and operations

Global leadership  
positions

Operationally focused companies

Diversified customer base

Complementary networks

Distinct brands

Employees pivotal to each 
operation’s unique identity

Revenue share leaders  
in our home cities

Transatlantic leadership and  
a leading player intra-Europe 

A key player in the consolidation  
of the airline sector

Retain and promote talent

Common  
integrated platform

COST EFFICIENCY

Continual total cost focus

Track record of successful 
restructuring during crises

INNOVATION

Dynamic and creative culture  
and workforce

At the forefront of digital innovation 
in the airline industry

Digital platform to grow revenue 
streams, enhance customer loyalty 
and drive cost efficiencies

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Tracking our 
performance

We use a combination of 
financial and non-financial 
metrics to measure the 
performance and progress 
of our strategy:

Financial and 
growth KPIs 
 • Operating result
 • ASKs

See section Strategic priorities 
and key performance indicators

Investor measures 
 • RoIC
 • EPS

See section Strategic priorities 
and key performance indicators

Customers 
 • NPS

See section Strategic priorities 
and key performance indicators

Employees
 • Average manpower 

equivalent

 • Gender diversity

See section Sustainability

Environment 
 • Grams of CO2/pkm

See section Sustainability

Our strategic priorities

Unrivalled customer propositions
•  Ensure our operating companies collectively deliver an unrivalled proposition 
able to fulfil customers’ needs across the full spectrum of travel occasions

•  Use consolidation and develop organic options to differentiate the Group from 

its competitors and ensure customer demands are met where they are 
currently under-served

•  Deepen customer-centricity to win a disproportionate share  

in each customer segment

Unrivalled
customer
proposition

1
Strengthening 
a portfolio of 
world-class 
brands and 
operations

2
Growing
global
leadership
positions

3
Enhancing 
IAG’s common
integrated
platform

Value-
accretive and 
sustainable
growth

Efficiency 
and innovation

Underpinned by su s t a i n a b i l i t

y

Value accretive and 
sustainable growth
•  Pursue value-accretive organic and 

inorganic growth options to reinforce 
existing, or pursue new, global 
leadership positions 

•  Attract and develop the best people 

in the industry 

•  Set the industry standard for 
environmental and societal 
stewardship, safety and security

Efficiency  
and innovation
•  Reduce costs and improve efficiency 

by leveraging Group scale and 
synergy opportunities 

•  Engage in Group-wide innovation and 

digital mindset to enhance 
productivity and best serve our 
customers 

•  Drive incremental value with new 

business-to-business and business-to-
customer services   

Underpinned by sustainability
The Group’s strategy is underpinned by its target to be the leading airline group on 
sustainability. We remain committed to reducing our carbon footprint and to reach 
the goal of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and continue to prioritise other key 
sustainability issues including waste management, stakeholder engagement and 
employee engagement and welfare.

11

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSECTION 172 STATEMENT

Engaging with our stakeholders

The Group’s third strategic priority is 
enhancing IAG’s common platform, 
improving efficiency and focusing on 
digital and innovation. Our employees are 
enablers of change and we strive to create 
a working environment in which they can 
innovate to help deliver efficiency 
improvements and new ways of working. 
In addition, the realisation of these 
objectives needs to be built through 
cooperation and engagement with our key 
suppliers. Encouragingly, throughout the 
COVID-19 pandemic, IAG witnessed robust 
and pragmatic discussions taking place 
with key suppliers over affording IAG 
flexibility with its supplier spend, as 
evidenced with aircraft manufacturers, 
who have supported the Group by 
agreeing to defer deliveries of new aircraft.

As part of the Group’s vision, the focus on 
the sustainability of the business informs 
all its strategic priorities. In particular, the 
Group’s commitment to play an active role 
in tackling climate change continues to be 
a priority. Engagement with all key 
stakeholders in this regard underpins the 
Group’s future. During 2021, IAG will 
undertake a full-scale materiality 
assessment with all of its major 
stakeholder groups, which will include 
issues that have arisen during the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

For more details please read ‘Business 
model’, ‘Strategic priorities and key 
performance indicators’, ‘Risk management 
and principal risk factors’ and 
‘Sustainability’ sections.

Article 3.6 of IAG’s Board of 
Directors regulations establishes:
The Board of Directors shall perform 
its duties with unity of purpose and 
independent judgement, giving the 
same treatment to all shareholders in 
the same position and being guided 
by the corporate interest, understood 
to be the achievement of a profitable 
and sustainable business in the long 
term, which promotes its continuity 
and the maximisation of the 
Company’s value. In seeking to serve 
the corporate interest, in addition to 
respecting the applicable legislation 
and maintaining conduct based on 
good faith, ethics and respect for the 
generally accepted good practices 
and customs, the Board of Directors 
shall endeavour to reconcile the 
corporate interest with the legitimate 
interests, as applicable, of 
the employees, suppliers, customers 
and other stakeholders that might be 
affected, also taking into consideration 
the impact of its activities on the 
community as a whole and on 
the environment.

Introduction
The commitment made in IAG’s Board 
Regulations, in accordance with the 
Spanish corporate governance framework 
and equivalent to that of section 172 of the 
UK Companies Act, is clearly present in the 
work of IAG’s Board of Directors. This 
section aims to describe how directors 
have applied and complied with these 
principles in the reporting year. Further 
details of how the directors’ duties have 
been discharged are included in the 
Corporate Governance section. 

Although IAG has multiple stakeholder 
groups, the Board considers the most 
significant stakeholder groups to be 
customers, shareholders and other 
financial stakeholders, employees, 
suppliers, governments and regulators, and 
airline partners and industry associations. 
The relationship with all stakeholders is 
informed by the overarching need to 
ensure the sustainability of our business in 
all its different aspects, including the 
impact of our operations on the 
community and the environment. 

12

Long-term vision, strategic priorities and 
key stakeholder groups
IAG’s vision is to be the world’s leading 
airline group, maximising sustainable 
value creation for its shareholders 
and customers.

The first strategic priority for the Group is 
to strengthen its existing portfolio of 
world-class brands, particularly through 
ensuring that its well-regarded and 
complementary brands, which are each 
focused on delivering to a specific set of 
customer needs in their target demand 
spaces and geographies, are able to 
differentiate their product and service 
offering against their competitors. The 
employees across the Group play a 
fundamental part in delivering the unique 
identity and culture of each of our brands. 
It is also key to ensure the necessary 
cooperation and support from our 
suppliers to help develop and deliver such 
distinguising products and service. The 
Group is also dependent on the 
performance of key suppliers that provide 
services to our customers and the Group 
itself, such as airport operators, border 
control and caterers. In addition, the 
airlines’ operations are dependent on the 
timely entry of aircraft and also on the 
necessary engine performance and 
reliability of our aircraft to improve 
operational efficiency and resilience. 
Aircraft and engine performance are also 
crucial to support the delivery of our 
Group sustainability programme, meaning 
close engagement with airline and engine 
manufacturers is key. 

The second strategic priority for IAG is to 
grow its leadership positions, including 
through participating in the consolidation 
of the airline sector. For example, the 
proposed acquisition of Air Europa and the 
addition of Aer Lingus to the Group’s 
Atlantic Joint Business with American 
Airlines and Finnair. Open competition and 
markets are in the long-term best interests 
of consumers. IAG is a strong proponent 
for continued deregulation and 
consolidation and we sustain our position 
with the support of and by engaging with 
relevant stakeholders such as industry 
associations, governments and regulators. 
With these stakeholder groups, we seek to 
mitigate the risk of excessive government 
intervention or changes to the regulations 
that can have a significant detrimental 
impact on operations.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Mapping our stakeholders to our strategic objectives 

Customers

Employees

Shareholders
and other financial 
stakeholders

Airline partners
and industry
associations

Value-
accretive and 
sustainable
growth

U

Unrivalled
customer
proposition

1
Strengthening 
a portfolio of 
world-class 
brands and 
operations

2
Growing
global
leadership
positions

3
Enhancing 
IAG’s common
integrated
platform

Suppliers

Efficiency 
and innovation

b ilit y

a

a i n

t

  s u s

n

d

erpinned by environme n t a l

Governments and regulators

Our key stakeholders

Airline partners  
and industry 
associations

Customers

Governments 
and 
regulators

Sustainability

Employees

Suppliers

Shareholders  
and other financial 
stakeholders

13

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
SECTION 172 STATEMENT CONTINUED

Key stakeholders and 
engagement mechanisms
Our stakeholders engagement framework 
is articulated in line with our unique value 
proposition and business model. 
Accordingly, the relationship with certain 
stakeholders is undertaken by the 
operating companies, while others are 
managed at IAG level or are treated as a 
cross-group responsibility and managed 
by IAG’s common integrated platform.

As the parent company, IAG is responsible 
for capital allocation decisions as its 
independence from the operating 
companies enables dispassionate, 

disciplined and efficient decision-making 
while ensuring they are aligned with the 
Group’s strategic focus and long-term 
vision. Consistent with this approach, IAG 
is responsible for the maintenance of 
relationships with shareholders, strategic 
suppliers and key financing counterparties.

In contrast, customer engagement is 
undertaken by the operating companies, 
ensuring a deep and real-
time understanding of customers’ 
needs and their cultural, social and 
economic environment. Similar 
principles apply to the relationship with 

the workforce which is the direct 
responsibilitiy of each operating company. 

In the case of governments and regulators, 
as well as with airline partners and industry 
associations, the leading role in such 
engagement is either at Group level or 
assumed by the operating companies 
depending on the impact and relevance 
of the particular stakeholder and the 
matters involved.

Finally, our common integrated 
platform drives efficiency, simplicity 
and consistency in our approach to 
our suppliers. 

Mapping our stakeholders to our strategic objectives

Customers

Why is this stakeholder  
relevant to the Group?
Our customers are central to the success of 
IAG and we maintain a relentless focus on 
delivering outstanding customer experience 
at all levels of the business. Our diverse 
portfolio of brands gives us a leading 
position in meeting the specific 
requirements of customers across different 
demand spaces.

Employees

Across the Group, employees play a vital 
role in delivering the service experience that 
customers expect, whether on the ground or 
in the air. Our employees bring a diverse 
range of talent and perspectives that 
contribute to the values and culture of our 
companies. Creating an environment where 
employees feel motivated, safe and able to 
thrive and deliver for customers is central to 
the continued success of the Group.

We recognise the critical role that 
employees will play in the recovery and 
transformation of IAG and across the Group 
we are focusing on improving employee 
engagement.

Which are our engagement mechanisms with this stakeholder group 
and the principal matters considered in the reporting period?
We engage and listen to our customers through a range of customer satisfaction 
and market research surveys and focus groups. Their invaluable feedback is 
analysed by our expert customer insight teams and is used to drive product and 
service initiatives that will deliver the greatest value to the customer. Through our 
IAG Loyalty schemes we develop strong, long-term relationships with our 
customers. This helps us to deliver an experience tailored to individual customer 
needs and engage in a way that suits them. All IAG airlines have dedicated and 
highly-skilled customer relations teams, working around the clock to deliver the 
highest level of support and assistance to our customers. The customer relations 
teams are also responsible for resolving any customer complaints or claims, such 
as those covered under EC Regulation 261/2004. They engage with our 
customers across a range of channels, including our websites, call centres, social 
media accounts, e-mail and postal mail. In addition, our customers receive help 
and guidance throughout their journey from our renowned on-board and 
airport colleagues.

Engagement with customers has been key during the year in understanding the 
changes in the needs and expectations of different customer types and to face 
the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This enabled the Group’s 
airlines to adapt their customer journey by introducing a range of measures to 
support consumer confidence and to implement commercial reassurance 
measures for customers. All brands have changed their customer communications 
to provide clear guidance on the new airport and on-board procedures. Customer 
response to these and other reassurance measures has been very positive, as 
shown in the NPS result this year. For further information see ‘Strategic priorities 
and key performance indicators’ section.

Each company in the Group has its own communication channels adapted to its 
culture and profile. In general terms, communication with employees is made 
using formal and informal channels which include: performance reviews, specific 
consultations, employee forums, internal social networks, local cascade meetings, 
newsletters, workshops, engagement surveys and Speak Up lines.

IAG has a European Works Council (EWC) which brings together representatives 
from the different European Economic Area (EEA) countries in which the Group 
operates. EWC representatives are informed about and, where appropriate, 
consulted on transnational matters which may impact employees in two or more 
EEA countries.

Engagement with employees has been challenging given the social impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on the operations of the Group and therefore the workforce. 
The vast majority of employees were either furloughed for much of 2020 or 
working remotely from home, however, several surveys were completed during 
the year to adequately respond to changes in working practices and 
environments. Each company in the Group launched initiatives to support the 
wellbeing of their employees, their mental health and ensure COVID-19 safety. At 
the same time, IAG Tech has worked to enable employees across the Group to 
work in the most secure, efficient and effective manner. 

Employee consultations have been undertaken as required and appropriate in 
relation to restructuring necessitated to adapt to a new business environment. 

14

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
Shareholders 
and other 
financial 
stakeholders

Why are these stakeholders relevant to 
the Group?
As an IBEX 35 and FTSE 100 company, IAG 
prides itself on being a multicultural group that 
has inherited the legacy of long-standing listed 
companies in Ireland, Spain and the United 
Kingdom. Shareholders and investors are main 
capital providers to both invest and grow the 
Group’s business. Shareholders’ and other 
financial stakeholders’ views are critical in 
supporting the Group to formulate its strategy, 
as well as the operational and financial 
performance, to generate and optimise returns 
in a sustainable way. 

Additionally, financial debt providers are key to 
support the operational and investment 
requirements of the Group in the short and long 
term. The access to adequate funding sources 
across different products and services enables 
the efficient management of the diverse funding 
requirements across the different geographies in 
which the Group operates.  

Finally, over half of IAG’s fleet of aircraft is made 
up of aircraft on operating leases, which were 
either purchased by IAG and then sold and 
leased back from lessors or sourced directly 
from lessors. Strong relationships with our 
lessors are essential to allow for the smooth 
financing of new aircraft deliveries and to 
manage the aircraft during a typical 12-year 
operating lease. This has proved especially 
important in 2020 where IAG has been able to 
engage extensively with its leasing partners on 
new and existing leases.

Which are our engagement mechanisms with this stakeholder 
group and the principal matters considered in the reporting period?
IAG actively and frequently communicates with shareholders and other 
financial stakeholders through an open and transparent dialogue so they can 
understand performance and also raise any possible concerns. IAG usually 
holds at least six formal meetings every year (Annual General Meeting, Capital 
Markets Day and four quarterly results briefings), where shareholders and 
investors have the opportunity to interact with management.The Company 
also attends numerous investor conferences throughout the year and 
organise roadshows around the world to meet investors with diverse 
perspectives and from different locations. Some of these include both 
management and Board members, and have a business focus as well as a 
corporate governance and ESG focus. Additionally, the Group Investor 
Relations team maintains an ongoing dialogue with equity research analysts, 
to understand investors’ and shareholders’ views of the Company.

Through the corporate website, annual reports and press activity IAG keeps 
shareholders informed of the development of the business.

Engagement with debt and lease providers is done at IAG level to ensure 
strategic and consistent approach across the Group, with the support of the 
Fleet and Finance teams at the Group’s airlines. IAG fosters a long-term 
relationship by actively and frequently engaging with the debt and lease 
providers across the different geographies and areas of expertise. The Group 
maintains an open and transparent dialogue, so they are familiar with its 
financial performance and long-term strategy, can understand the financial 
strategy and financing requirements. IAG outlines its financing priorities and 
expectations whilst they provide ideas, solutions and lending capabilities.

2020 was the first year since its creation, that IAG did not hold its usual 
Capital Markets Day due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Company 
provided more detailed and extended quarterly presentations, including a 
presentation focused on the capital increase completed in 2020 and at the 
second quarter results. The Group also continued to interact with investors in 
a very intensive manner, including investor calls, roadshows and conferences, 
with the format moving from physical events to virtual events. Finally, ESG 
continued being an area of focus and the Company launched an investor 
survey to the Top 100 shareholders in December to better understand their 
approach towards it.

In 2020, the Group focused on obtaining access to liquidity across different 
markets such as the bank loan market and capital markets in Europe, Japan 
and United States. Moreover, IAG worked closely with the financial institutions 
on maintaining available derivatives trading credit lines to support the 
business needs.

Finally, on the aircraft leasing front, during the early months of the COVID-19 
pandemic, IAG approached its lessors and agreed the deferral of lease 
payments. Most lessors supported IAG at this time and more recently, many 
lessors have entered into further agreements to provide additional support, 
working together on more structural changes to our existing lease 
agreements that better suit the evolving business needs of both IAG and our 
lessor partners. 

During 2020 IAG also entered into a number of new sale and lease back 
transactions with lessors to finance new aircraft deliveries, as well as agreeing 
terms that have facilitated the delivery of already committed direct lease 
aircraft, to the benefit of IAG and the lessors involved.

15

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
SECTION 172 STATEMENT CONTINUED

Why is this stakeholder  
relevant to the Group?
IAG is dependent on the performance of key 
suppliers that provide services to our customers 
and the Group, including aircraft and engine 
maintenance suppliers, airport operators and 
caterers. Any sub-optimal service delivery or 
asset supplied by a critical supplier can impact 
on the Group’s operational and financial 
performance as well as disrupting 
our customers, leading to significant 
reputational damage for the airline and 
the Group.

In addition, the Group’s suppliers are 
fundamental to ensuring our companies meet 
the high standards of conduct that customers 
and other key stakeholders expect. Group 
Procurement launched the Supplier Code of 
Conduct to all our active suppliers which 
builds on the Group’s commitment to a 
sustainable growth.

Supply chain integrity is critical to our business 
as we rely on our suppliers to help meet 
our customers’ needs and to ensure the 
reliability of our services. 2020 was significantly 
different from any other year due to the impact 
of COVID-19, and a key area of focus for Group 
Procurement has been in-depth monitoring of 
the suppliers’ risks. The Group’s goal is to ensure 
its supply chain is secure, if risks are identified at 
key suppliers, timely analysis is performed to 
understand the situation and define a potential 
Business Continuity Plan.

In relation to airframe manufacturers, IAG has 
well established relationships with both Airbus 
and Boeing, whose aircraft make up most of the 
Group fleet, as well as with Embraer whose 
regional aircraft are operated by British 
Airways CityFlyer.

Access to the latest, fuel efficient aircraft with 
deliveries to meet our growth and operational 
requirements at competitive prices is essential 
to meeting the strategy of the Group.

Disruption to the timely delivery of aircraft, 
caused by technical or production issues can 
have an adverse impact on IAG’s ability to meet 
its strategic goals, which is mitigated by 
providing upside and downside flexibility in fleet 
plans, however an effective working relationship 
with our airframe partners is also an essential 
part of managing this risk.

Which are our engagement mechanisms with this stakeholder 
group and the principal matters considered in the reporting period?
Group Procurement, an IAG Global Business Services (GBS) department, 
provides a centralised procurement function for the Group and manages 
supplier engagement, with approximately 23,000 suppliers. Group 
Procurement strives to conduct business and build relationships with 
suppliers sharing the Group’s values: acting with honesty and integrity in all 
business dealings, reducing environmental footprints, improving safety, and 
strengthening contributions to building better societies, locally and globally. 
In addition to usual procurement processes, the Group engages with suppliers 
using joint projects, including our Hangar 51 accelerator programme, industry 
conferences and supplier workshops.

The COVID-19 outbreak changed GBS’s ordinary day-to-day activity. The level 
and frequency of engagement with key suppliers increased and we started to 
adopt temporary measures until we had further clarity about the size of the 
impact COVID-19 would have on the Group. We updated the procurement 
supplier engagement plan in order to start articulating the situation clearly 
and work in partnership to defer spend and reduce costs. Wider measures 
were also implemented to temporarily waive minimum volume commitments 
across our contracts, work commenced on stopping or postponing capital 
investment projects that were no longer needed during the pandemic and the 
procurement team also focussed on converting fixed cost deals into variable 
to facilitate a more adaptable approach to revised capacity requirements.

During the second half of 2020, we entered a more structured phase of 
supply chain review and launched our Zero-Based Taskforces across all 
operating companies. The objective was to scrutinise the entire supply chain 
and our contracts in order to reflect new requirements. New specifications 
were also introduced to support our customers, colleagues and business 
requirements, such as, enhanced cleaning and PPE solutions.

These challenging times have helped us strengthen many supplier 
relationships who have become true partners during this difficult period. 
Working side by side with the businesses we operate to ensure mutual 
success. Equally, we have worked hard to identify those suppliers who may 
have been heavily impacted by the crisis and assisted in developing quick and 
effective solutions to ensure support was given where it was needed. 

Overall, Group Procurement has delivered on its commitment to be a value 
generator for the Group and work in partnership with the supply base to 
ensure performance is aligned to business needs. 

In 2020 procurement kept up its commitment to further enhance 
sustainability through the supply chain, with CSR, financial performance, 
diversity and environmental assessments at the centre of everything we do.  

IAG Fleet Investments manages the overall relationship with airframe 
manufacturers along with the Fleet and Engineering departments at the 
Group’s airlines. 

At the start of 2020 IAG had commitments to take delivery of new aircraft 
from Airbus and Boeing and planned to exercise options to purchase further 
new aircraft. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, IAG suspended plans to 
exercise options for further aircraft and entered discussions to defer the 
delivery of aircraft and the associated pre-delivery payments. 

By the summer of 2020, IAG had agreed to defer the delivery of a number of 
aircraft from 2020 and to reschedule aircraft due to be delivered in the 
2021-2025 period. These agreements provided a reduction in capital 
expenditure for IAG and at the same time confirmed the delivery of some 
aircraft, providing planning certainty for the airframers, and allowing them to 
adjust their production plans to suit the new requirements.

The airframe manufacturers also suffered periods of disruption to their 
production capability caused by the need to adapt to COVID-19-secure 
working practices and outbreaks of the virus at their facilities. Technical and 
logistical delays further reduced the number of new aircraft delivered in 
2020, but in a way that was managed between IAG and the airframers to 
avoid disruption.

As the impact of the COVID-19 virus has evolved, IAG has continued to 
engage with its airframe partners on further changes to deliveries scheduled 
between 2021 and 2025, again with the intention of creating planning 
certainty for our partners and right-sizing the delivery stream for IAG’s 
revised requirements.

Suppliers

16

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
Governments 
and regulators

Why is this stakeholder  
relevant to the Group?
The nature of aviation, providing international 
connections in a safety and security critical 
environment, means that governments will 
always take a close interest in the industry’s 
developments and that regulators will make 
rules that directly affect our operations.

IAG therefore engages closely with the national 
governments, regulators and parliamentarians in 
the states in which its airlines are based, as well 
as with relevant supra-national organisations 
such as the International Civil Aviation 
Organisation (ICAO), the European Commission 
and other European institutions.

The expected close involvement of governments 
and regulators in aviation has been even more 
clearly demonstrated this year due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic

The Group engages to understand and mitigate 
the impacts of regulatory change but also to 
ensure that policymakers and regulators take 
decisions with an understanding of the nature of 
IAG’s business and of the economic and social 
benefits flying delivers. 

Airline 
partners and 
industry 
associations

Why is this stakeholder  
relevant to the Group?
IAG participates in different national and 
international associations in order to develop 
common positions and to improve the 
effectiveness of the associations’ work in 
developing and promoting the airline industry. 
IAG and its operating companies rely on a 
number of partnerships with airlines across the 
world. These partnerships are an efficient way to 
strengthen the operating companies’ marketing 
and distribution presence in “non-home” 
markets, and to extend the number of 
destinations we can offer to our customers. The 
customer bases of these partners also provide a 
vital source of traffic to sustain the overall scale 
of our airlines.

Which are our engagement mechanisms with this stakeholder 
group and the principal matters considered in the reporting period?
IAG manages its engagement with government and regulatory stakeholders 
through a small team reporting to the Chief of Staff. This is supported by 
representatives in Madrid and Dublin who can engage quickly with local 
stakeholders where necessary. In doing so IAG’s government affairs team 
regularly includes operating company colleagues to ensure technical 
expertise and local knowledge is leveraged. This approach has been 
particularly beneficial to the Group in responding to the actions of 
governments around the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, IAG continued to engage closely with the national governments, 
regulators and parliamentarians in the states in which its airlines are based, 
as well as other key jurisdictions (in particular the US) as well as with 
relevant supra-national organisations such as the International Civil 
Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Commission and other 
European Institutions.

The Group employs informal and formal mechanisms for engagement. These 
include taking part in individual meetings with ministers, officials, 
parliamentarians and industry regulators; providing written input to formal 
consultations; and membership of industry expert groups. This is often done 
collectively through trade associations, in particular International Air 
Transport Association (IATA), A4E and national airlines associations, as well 
as directly and through bilateral IAG representation.

In 2020, engagement has focused on COVID-19, Brexit and sustainability. In 
response to the pandemic, government decisions have tended to be more 
rapid than usual and the direct impacts on IAG operating companies have 
been more profound as authorities around the world have restricted air travel. 
In addition to restricting movement of citizens by various means, including 
through flight bans and immigration controls, governments have introduced a 
range of measures directly affecting airline operations.

The Group has contributed directly to the response to the COVID-19 
pandemic, helping develop national and EU guidance, particularly on safety 
and security isues and including health protection measures, passenger 
facilitation processes and requirements to provide authorities with passenger 
data. The Group aims to help develop best practices and workable solutions 
that can allow travel to continue while restricting the spread of the virus.

In the lead up to the agreement of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation 
Agreement, IAG was in regular contact through individual meetings with 
national regulators and ministers on both sides of the negotiations to explain 
the Group position.

IAG’s input into sustainability policies continued, including the IAG Chief 
Executive Officer’s engagement with European Commissioners through A4E, 
and British Airways’ as a member of the UK’s Jet Zero Council.

Which are our engagement mechanisms with this stakeholder 
group and the principal matters considered in the reporting period?
IAG takes a leading role in the international associations of which its airlines 
are members, in particular IATA and A4E (Airlines for Europe) as well as the 
national airline associations in Spain (ACETA) and the UK (Airlines UK), 
participating through the relevant corporate governance structures. As far as 
partnerships are concerned, each has formal governance structures in place, 
with regular meetings to monitor progress against a set of agreed outcomes. 
Informal working level engagement on a continuous basis also occurs, usually 
to progress specific initiatives that require additional focus. Many of our 
partnerships have emanated through our participation in the oneworld 
alliance. They can vary in size from simple bilateral agreements between an 
operating company and a partner airline to market the services of each other 
on a number of routes, to a fully comprehensive immunised joint business 
extending across a number of regions and allowing participants to coordinate 
on pricing and capacity decisions.

Participation in industry bodies has been particularly important this year, with 
an emphasis on delivering common messaging and influencing of 
governments, calling for unified and consistent measures to better allow the 
industry to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite very low levels of flying, the Group’s partnerships and the oneworld 
alliance have remained a central focus as the IAG airlines think about how to 
rebuild their networks and offer the best possible proposition to customers 
during the recovery. IAG has also worked closely with the oneworld alliance 
in trialling COVID-19 testing across the Atlantic as a way of safely 
reopening markets.

17

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Strategic priorities and key 
performance indicators

Strategic priority 

1

Strengthening a portfolio of world-class  
brands and operations

Unrivalled customer proposition 

Our activity in 2020 
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the Group’s portfolio of brands focused 
on supporting the wider community in 
tackling the impacts of the pandemic. In 
order to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts, 
the Group has flown critical equipment 
and essential medical supplies across 
the world, and each of the Group’s 
airlines offered repatriation flights to 
bring customers safely home after the 
introduction of COVID-19-related travel 
restrictions and border closures. Each 
brand and operation also focused on 
supporting their local communities 
through charitable work such as 
volunteering at local hospitals, donating 
supplies and delivering care packages. 

IAG’s airlines have adapted the 
customer journey by introducing a 
range of measures to support consumer 
confidence. With the COVID-19 
pandemic resulting in variable and 
unpredictable travel rules, the Group’s 
airlines have implemented commercial 
reassurance measures for customers, 

such as extending flexible booking 
policies and guaranteeing flights that 
will operate. In addition, IAG supported 
the development of a COVID-19 
insurance product aimed to support 
and protect customers against travel 
restrictions and health concerns. 

The Group has influenced and trialled 
industry guidelines for safe travel, such 
as ICAO’s Council Aviation Recovery 
Taskforce (CART) ‘Take-off’ Guidance. 
IAG has also been working with 
government and industry bodies to call 
for an effective COVID-19 testing 
procedure which could be used to 
reduce or remove quarantine 
requirements and enhance passenger 
safety onboard. In support of this, 
British Airways, together with its joint 
business partner American Airlines and 
the oneworld alliance, has trialled 
COVID-19 testing on routes from the 
USA to London Heathrow. All brands 
have also updated their customer 
communications to provide clear 
guidance on the new airport and 
onboard procedures, COVID-19 specific 

entry requirements for relevant 
destinations and an overview of the 
enhanced cleaning measures adopted 
by the airline. 

Our priorities for 2021 
The Group will continue its leading 
work on safety, aiming to ensure its 
businesses can deliver an unrivalled 
customer proposition that adapts to 
meet changing customer 
expectations, regulatory requirements 
and drives customer trust as well as 
satisfaction. The brands will continue 
to deepen their understanding of 
changes in the needs and 
expectations of different customer 
types, in particular as a result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic and will evolve 
their products and services to best 
deliver against the needs of the 
customer. Strong emphasis will be 
placed on digitalisation, including 
automating disruption management 
and delivering touchless travel 
solutions. 

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

advantage, leading to faster organic 
growth.

reassurance measures has been 
overwhelmingly positive. 

2020

36.7

+10.9 pts vly

Definition and purpose
NPS is a non-financial metric which 
measures the customer’s sentiment and 
loyalty to a brand. At IAG a 
transactional NPS is measured: 
customers respond about their 
likelihood of recommending an IAG 
operating carrier no more than seven 
days after taking a flight. Including NPS 
targets in the Group’s employee bonus 
scheme has driven a stronger focus on 
improving the customer experience, 
which together with customer 
advocacy drives competitive 

Performance
IAG’s NPS in 2020 increased 10.9 points 
versus 2019, achieving record levels of 
customer satisfaction and growth 
across all IAG airlines. However, this 
score must be viewed in the context of 
the pandemic. 

At the same time, the reduced flying 
schedule in 2020 has helped deliver 
improved on-time performance whilst 
the decrease in customer demand has 
contributed to lower load factors, both 
of which have historically been closely 
correlated with customer satisfaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered 
customer expectations and demanded 
a significant change in the flying 
experience. IAG has adapted the 
customer journey by introducing a 
range of reassurance measures to 
protect the safety and wellbeing of our 
customers, including revised service 
routines to promote social distancing, 
increased levels of aircraft cleaning and 
the provision of complimentary 
personal protection packs to all 
customers on board. The customer 
response to these and other 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
on the flying experience makes 
comparisons with prior and future 
periods challenging, however the 
Group’s NPS performance in the first 
two months of 2020 (when customer 
demand was similar to that of the prior 
year) exceeded equivalent 2019 levels, 
suggesting a continuation of the 
positive customer satisfaction trends 
exhibited in recent years in the absence 
of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How we  
create value

Our  
performance

KPI or industry 
measure

18

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Strategic priority 

2

Growing global leadership  
positions 

How we  
create value

Our  
performance

Value-accretive and sustainable growth

Our activity in 2020 
In 2020, the Group has primarily 
focused on securing its financial 
position so that, as the industry 
recovers from the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, it is well-placed to 
maintain and bolster the existing 
leadership positions it holds in its home 
cities of Barcelona, Dublin, London, 
and Madrid. 

Despite challenging and changeable 
travel restrictions, the Group continually 
optimised its network to deploy aircraft 
on routes with the most demand and 
has worked closely with its joint 
business partners to ensure the 
relationships help support each other 
through the recovery, and continue to 
provide choice and flexibility to 
customers. 

In response to the drop in demand due 
to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
recognising that the full recovery would 

take at least three years, the Group 
took strong, decisive action to right-size 
its businesses, including grounding a 
large number of aircraft, accelerating 
the retirement of older, less fuel-
efficient aircraft and securing deferrals. 
Additionally, in October, IAG 
successfully secured €2.74 billion in 
funding through a capital increase 
which has helped strengthen the 
financial position of the Group’s existing 
businesses. These actions will allow the 
Group to take advantage of 
opportunities for value-accretive 
growth that may arise as we recover 
from the pandemic.

Our priorities for 2021 
As and when the global aviation 
industry starts to recover from the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Group’s priority will be to invest in 
strengthening and maintaining its 
leadership positions in each of its home 

cities by managing and optimising its 
networks to meet demand.

Following receipt of antitrust approval 
for Aer Lingus to join the Atlantic 
Joint Business in December 2020, IAG 
will progress the integration of 
Aer Lingus into the joint business. In 
addition, the Group will continue to 
leverage its other joint businesses, 
alliances and partnerships and where 
appropriate form new joint 
businesses.

The Air Europa acquisition remains 
subject to approval from competition 
authorities. If approval is received, IAG 
will then prioritise the integration of 
Air Europa into the Group and 
commence delivering the synergies 
brought about by the acquisition.

19

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSTRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS CONTINUED

KPI or industry 
measure

RoIC (%)1 

.

9
6
1

.

7
4
1

.
.

4
4
2
2
2
2
-
-

’18

’19

’20

Targeting 
sustainable

15%

R

A

Definition and purpose
Return on Invested Capital (RoIC) is 
defined as EBITDA1, less adjusted fleet 
depreciation, other depreciation and 
software amortisation, divided by 
average invested capital. We use 
12-months rolling RoIC to assess how 
well the Group generates returns in 
relation to the capital invested in the 
business together with its ability to 
fund growth and to pay dividends.

Performance
The Group’s RoIC fell 37.1 points versus 
last year to -22.4%. The decrease 
reflects the significant reduction in 
EBITDA of €7,662 million on similar 
levels of invested capital. The average 
age of fleet decreased from 11.9 years 
to 9.8 years reflecting the early fleet 
retirements of legacy aircraft but the 
average fleet value was in line with 
prior year, driven by the fleet additions 
in the year.

Operating margin (%)1 

A

.

4
4
1

.

9
2
1

Targeting 

12-15%

Definition and purpose
Operating margin is the Group 
operating result before exceptional 
items as a percentage of revenue. We 
use this indicator to measure the 
efficiency and profitability of our 
business and the financial performance 
of the individual operating companies 
within the Group.

.
.

5
5
5
5
5
5
-
-

’18

’19

’20

Average capacity (ASKs) 

2020

-66.5%

Gross CAPEX (€m)

2020

1,939 million

Levered free cash flow (€m)1

A

6
9
4
,
1

6
3
7

7
7
4
4
0
0
3
3
-
-

,
,

’18

’19

’20

A

R

Alternative 
performance 
measure 

Measure linked 
to remuneration  
of Management 
Committee

20

Definition and purpose 
Capacity in the airline industry is 
measured in available seat kilometres 
(ASKs) which is the number of seats 
available for sale multiplied by 
the distance flown. 

2020 performance
IAG’s capacity was severely impacted 
by global travel restrictions, following 
initial lockdowns in March. Capacity 
recovered at a slow rate as strict 
quarantine rules and travel restrictions, 
put in place by governments, limited 

Definition and purpose
Gross CAPEX (capital expenditure) is 
the total investment in fleet, customer 
product, IT and infrastructure 
(including leased right of use assets)
before any proceeds from the sale of 
property, plant and equipment. 

We track the planned capital 
expenditure through our business 
planning cycle to ensure it is in line 
with achieving our other 
financial targets. 

Planned CAPEX
IAG significantly reduced planned 
gross CAPEX for the three years 2020 

Definition and purpose
Levered free cash flow is the cash 
generated in the year before returns to 
shareholders. It is used, in conjunction 
with leverage (measured as net debt 
to EBITDA), to measure the underlying 
cash generation of the business.

Performance
The Group’s operating margin fell by 
68.4 points to -55.5 per cent. The 
Group acted quickly to implement 
initiatives to reduce non-fuel costs and 
to right-size the business; this helped 
to significantly reduce operating costs 
(excluding exceptional costs) and 
ensure IAG is well positioned to take 
advantage of a recovery in demand for 
air travel.

demand. Recovery was then further 
impacted by the re-introduction of 
lockdowns as second and third wave 
COVID-19 infections swept across the 
UK, Europe and many other parts of 
the world. IAG’s fleet plans have the 
flexibility to be able to adapt capacity 
as needed and react quickly to changes 
in demand when borders re-open and 
restrictions are lifted. 

to 2022, reducing planned spend for 
the period from €14.2 billion3 to 
approximately €7 billion including the 
deferral of 68 fleet deliveries across 
the period. 2020 gross CAPEX 
reflected spend to maintain core IT 
infrastructure and cyber projects plus 
the addition of 34 aircraft during the 
year that could not be deferred. 
€0.5 billion of gross CAPEX has been 
delayed from late 2020 into 2021, due 
to aircraft delivery delays. The Group 
has also retired legacy aircraft early, 
with the two main fleet retirements 
being the Boeing 747 fleet of British 
Airways and the Airbus A340-600 
fleet of Iberia.

Performance
The Group’s levered free cash flow for 
2020 was -€3,047 million, €4.5 billion 
lower than 2019, due to the significant 
impact of COVID-19 on the business. 
Cost savings have included the impact 
of employee furlough and equivalent 
schemes following measures taken by 
national governments, which were 
applied from April and these, together 
with other employee and supplier cost 
reductions, have helped reduce 
operating cash costs.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Strategic priority 

3

Enhancing IAG’s common  
integrated platform 

How we  
create value

Our  
performance

Efficiency and innovation

Our activity in 2020 
While the COVID-19 pandemic has 
drastically reduced consumer demand, 
IAG’s common integrated platform has 
helped deliver necessary cost-
optimisation and improved efficiency 
through negotiations with third-party 
suppliers and has also provided revenue 
support through its non-passenger 
airline businesses. 

The IAG GBS procurement team has 
helped negotiate agreements to extend 
supplier payables, defer deliveries, 
secure temporary discounts, and amend 
payment terms, improving the Group’s 
cash position. In addition, the IAG GBS 
Finance Operations rapidly established 
additional support to ensure a constant 
overview of working capital. 

IAG Tech continued its focus on 
enhancing new technology capabilities 

across the Group such as changes to 
the .com platforms to support 
bookings, improvements to contact 
centres and enhancements to 
disruption management solutions. 
Furthermore, IAG Tech delivered 
initiatives to reduce operating costs and 
improve efficiency through process 
automation and workflow. 

IAG Cargo and IAG Loyalty have 
experienced ongoing demand for their 
services despite the COVID-19 
pandemic and contributed additional 
revenue for the Group. IAG Cargo has 
supported the sale of additional cargo 
space for operation of a number of 
cargo-only flights. IAG Loyalty signed a 
multi-year renewal, extending its 
worldwide commercial partnership with 
American Express, pursuant to which 
American Express made a payment to 

IAG Loyalty of approximately 
£750 million. 

Our priorities for 2021 
In 2021, IAG will continue to analyse 
the potential to create more value by 
bringing other parts of the operations 
into the common integrated platform 
and whether such centralisation 
should be accelerated. The Group will 
also continue to invest in enhancing 
the existing platform, to provide 
quality services and solutions across 
the Group at faster pace and lower 
unit cost, and continue to support its 
operating companies to accelerate 
their digital transformation which will 
be critical as the Group recovers from 
the COVID-19 pandemic. 

KPI or industry 
measure

Adjusted EPS (€ cents)1 2

A

.

9
4
1
1

.

9
6
7

.
.

6
6
2
2
2
2
1
1
-
-

’18

’19

’20

R

Definition and purpose
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) 
represents the diluted earnings for 
the year before exceptional items 
attributable to ordinary shareholders. 
This indicator reflects the profitability 
of the business and the core 
elements of value creation for 
IAG's shareholders. 

Net debt to EBITDA1 

A

2
.
1

4
.
1

 Target ceiling 

1.8x

Definition and purpose
Net debt to EBITDA is calculated as 
long-term borrowings (both current 
and non-current), less cash, cash 
equivalents and less other current 
interest-bearing deposits. This is 
divided by EBITDA.

IAG uses this measure to monitor 
leverage, to assess financial headroom. 

.
.

3
3
4
4
-
-

’18

’19

’20

Performance
Adjusted earnings per share turned 
negative at -122.6 cents as the result 
after tax before exceptional items 
declined by €6.7 billion. The weighted 
average number of shares includes the 
impact of the new shares that were 
issued as part of the capital increase. 
The 2019 adjusted earnings per share 
figure has been restated to adjust 
for the bonus element of the 
capital increase. 

Performance
The Group’s leverage increased 
significantly in 2020 with net debt to 
EBITDA turning negative to -4.3 times, 
which renders the metric less 
meaningful than previous years. Net 
debt rose by €2,191 million to 
€9,762 million primarily from the 
additional borrowing the Group 
entered into in 2020. Additional 
non-aircraft debt of €1,010 million was 
drawn down in Spain as part of the 
Instituto de Crédito Oficial (‘ICO’) 
facility and British Airways issued 
commercial paper worth €328 million 
(£298 million) using the UK’s Covid 
Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). 
Aer Lingus also entered into a 
financing agreement with the Ireland 
Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) for 
€150 million, with €75 million drawn 
down in December 2020.

A

R

Alternative 
performance 
measure 

Measure linked 
to remuneration  
of Management 
Committee

1  For further detail refer to the Alternative performance measures section. RoIC 

has not been included for the main airline operating companies, as with negative 
EBITDA the measure is less meaningful than in prior years.

2  Earnings per share information has been restated for the comparative period 

presented, by adjusting the weighted average number of shares to include the 
impact of the bonus element of the rights issue.

3  As indicated during Capital Markets Day in November 2019.

21

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Preserving liquidity  
and preparing for recovery

“The Group took, and 
continues to take, 
decisive actions to 
preserve liquidity.”

Steve Gunning
Chief Financial Officer

2020 has been an exceptional and 
challenging year for the Group, with the 
unparalleled set of circumstances brought 
about by the COVID-19 pandemic. IAG, 
thanks to its unique structure was able to 
react quickly, with an intense focus on 
liquidity.

The year had started well, with 
performance in January and February in 
line with previous plans. However, as the 
pandemic spread across the globe, the 
Group had to severely curtail its operations 
in the second quarter. The summer saw 
some easing of restrictions, with evidence 
of strong pent-up demand from customers 
to travel, but the impact of the virus 
increased again as winter approached, 
resulting in further restrictions on freedom 
of movement and travel being imposed. 
Passenger capacity for the year was only 
a third of that operated in 2019. One 
welcome development at the end of 
the year was that the UK agreed a trade 
deal with the EU, removing one source 
of uncertainty.

The Group took, and continues to take, 
decisive actions to preserve liquidity and 
to ensure it is positioned for the recovery, 
when it comes. Multiple workstreams and 
initiatives have been delivered, which can 
be summarised in five main areas: capacity, 
operating costs, working capital, capital 
expenditure and funding. 

The Group reduced passenger capacity, 
with a focus on ensuring the remaining 
flying was cash-positive. The cargo 
operation introduced additional cargo-only 

flights and ended the year with record 
revenues. Many initiatives were 
implemented to reduce costs and the 
Group has made use of wage support and 
temporary redundancy arrangements in its 
home markets. Restructuring plans have 
been agreed and implemented during the 
year, leading to a reduction in employee 
numbers of over 10,000; additional 
flexibility has been introduced to make 
employee costs more variable with the 
level of activity. However, the cost savings 
achieved were outweighed by a 
75 per cent drop in passenger revenue. In 
addition, exceptional charges were 
triggered by a fleet of aircraft, and fuel and 
foreign exchange hedging programmes 
too large for the significantly reduced 
operation. The resulting operating loss for 
the year was €7,426 million. The operating 
loss before exceptional items was 
€4,365 million, down €7,650 million 
on 2019.

The Group was able to negotiate a new 
eight year contract between American 
Express and IAG Loyalty, with an up-front 
receipt of €830 million. Capital 
expenditure was cut by more than half, 
following constructive discussions with 
aircraft manufacturers to delay deliveries 
of aircraft and payments planned for 2020 
and the following years. 

Despite the credit rating agencies’ 
downgrades of their ratings for IAG and 
British Airways to below investment grade, 
the Group raised €1.4 billion of additional 
non-aircraft debt, including €1.0 billion 

partly guaranteed by Spain’s Instituto de 
Crédito Oficial (‘ICO’), in addition to 
€0.8 billion of bridging facilities against 
aircraft. The successful completion of 
long-term financing for aircraft deliveries 
meant the bridging facilities were repaid in 
the year. Aircraft financing generated 
€2.2 billion, higher than the total capital 
expenditure of €1.9 billion. A €2.7 billion 
rights issue, which was fully subscribed, 
was completed in September. In 
December, the Group secured a €2.2 billion 
5-year loan facility for British Airways, 
partly guaranteed by UK Export Finance. 

The timing and shape of recovery is 
uncertain and hence the Group remains 
focused on preserving liquidity and 
transforming its businesses for the future. 
The Group continues to develop initiatives 
to improve its cost-base, with a focus on 
reducing fixed costs and making the 
remaining cost structure more flexible and 
variable with capacity. The Group 
continues to review and develop other 
funding initiatives to provide further 
resilience, should it be required. Due to all 
of the hard work undertaken to preserve 
liquidity, the Group enters 2021 with total 
liquidity, including the recent UK Export 
Finance debt, higher than at the start 
of 2020.

Steve Gunning
Chief Financial Officer

22

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020FINANCIAL REVIEW

Structure of Financial Review
Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and 
governments’ responses, many of the usual variance analysis 
and measures are significantly less meaningful than in 
previous years and in some cases measures used previously 
no longer provide relevant insight into understanding the 
performance of the Group. As a consequence, unlike in prior 
years, in this review there is no detail on industry growth 
rates and GDP by market, as in 2020 the main drivers of 
capacity and revenue were COVID-19 and the related 
governmental travel bans and restrictions, rather than 
broader economic factors. This review, therefore, is 
structured to provide detail about the impact of COVID-19 
on the Group, including the measures the Group has taken 
to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic. Where 
variances exceed 100 per cent they have been substituted 
with ‘nm’ for ‘not meaningful’ and the absolute values 
are shown.

COVID-19 impact and IAG’s response
The main impact of COVID-19 materialised as a significant 
drop in the demand for passenger flights, linked to both the 
pandemic itself and the travel restrictions introduced by national 
governments, which changed many times through the year, 
normally with no or very short notice, thereby creating 
uncertainty for customers. 

As a result of the significantly reduced flying programme, 
aircraft had to be temporarily grounded, with some retired early. 
Jet fuel consumption was significantly lower than that on which 
the Group’s hedging programme was based, leading to the 
discontinuation of hedge accounting for the related derivative 
financial instruments. In addition, the commodity price of jet 
fuel fell sharply, leading to significant losses related to the 
hedging programme. 

The Group acted quickly to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on 
its liquidity and results, through reductions in operating and 
capital expenditure, together with working capital initiatives and 
additional funding. The success of these measures was recognised 
by all three credit rating agencies, however, the severity of the 
deterioration in operating conditions resulted in successive 
downgrading of both IAG’s and British Airways’ credit ratings to 
below investment grade. The main measures taken to mitigate the 
impact of COVID-19 on the Group are shown opposite and 
reviewed in further detail below.

Key COVID-19 mitigations
Demand and 
capacity

 • Passenger capacity 66.5% lower than 2019
 • Additional cargo flights, including for 

Fleet reductions

essential equipment and supplies
 • Temporary grounding and parking 

of aircraft

 • Early retirement of aircraft, including British 
Airways Boeing 747-400s and Iberia Airbus 
A340-600s, plus lease returns

Operating costs

 • Pay cuts, wage support, furlough and 

temporary reductions in hours worked and 
employee numbers

 • Restructuring in British Airways and 
Aer Lingus, with increased flexibility

 • Non-essential discretionary spend reduced 
 • Negotiated price reductions for 

supplier costs

Capital 
expenditure

 • Deferral of delivery of 68 aircraft
 • Reduction in other capital expenditure; 

cyber spend retained

Working capital

 • 2019 final dividend proposal withdrawn and 

Funding

no 2020 dividend

 • Reduction in trade receivables
 • Impact of reduction in bookings for future 
travel mitigated by customers opting to 
take vouchers in lieu of cash refunds 

 • With agreement, deferred supplier 
payments treasury settlements and 
lease payments

 • American Express loyalty contract renewal, 

with significant pre-payment

 • Accelerated tax refunds from 2021 to 2020 

and deferral of UK HMRC payments

 • Deferred UK and US pension contributions
 • Aircraft financed throughout year (sale and 
leaseback and new €1 billion EETC facility)

 • British Airways Revolving Credit Facility 

extended by one year; other credit 
lines secured

 • €328 million commercial paper issued 

under UK’s CCFF

 • €1 billion debt through ICO-backed loans 

in Spain

 • €75 million debt through ISIF-backed loans 
in Ireland, potential for further €75 million
 • £2 billion UK Export Finance loan agreed
 • €2.7 billion equity increase

23

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Demand and capacity
IAG capacity
In 2020, all of IAG’s airlines significantly reduced passenger 
capacity, with total Group capacity, measured in Available seat 
kilometres (ASKs), down 66.5 per cent versus 2019. The early 
months of the year started in line with the Group’s plans approved 
by the Board in December 2019, aside from a limited COVID-19 
impact mainly in the Asia Pacific region with suspension of 
services to China at the end of January and other capacity 
reductions across the region. Passenger capacity was 1.4 per cent 
higher than 2019 in January and 2.9 per cent higher in February. 
From late February, as the virus spread across the globe, many 
governments placed significant restrictions on the movement of 
people and on travel across international borders. This led to the 
cancellation of all flights to, from and within Italy and extensive 
reductions across the whole network, with capacity in the first 
quarter down 10.5 per cent on 2019. 

In the second quarter, due to the impact of the virus worldwide 
and the associated travel and border restrictions applying in most 
countries, the Group was only able to operate a skeleton 
passenger schedule, with capacity operated only 5 per cent of 
that operated in the same quarter 2019. The third quarter showed 
improvement and additional capacity was introduced, mainly 
driven by leisure demand and for those visiting friends and 
relatives (VFR); however, capacity was still down 78.6 per cent on 
the previous year. Where travel restrictions were removed the 
Group saw a strong level of travel demand from customers. Plans 
to increase capacity steadily during the fourth quarter had to be 
revised, as a second wave of infections swept across Europe and 
governments re-imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions. 
Capacity for the fourth quarter was down 73.4 per cent.

The IAG passenger load factor was down 20.8 points from 2019 
to 63.8 points, also impacted by travel restrictions, which changed 
frequently, together with low demand and a higher than normal 
level of passengers not checking in for flights that were still 
operating (’no-shows’). One consequence of the reduction in 
passenger capacity across the industry was a reduction in hold 
space available for cargo purposes, leading to reduced overall 
cargo supply and a more favourable cargo yield environment 
than in the previous year.

IAG capacity

Year to December 31, 2020

Domestic

Europe 

North America

ASKs 
higher/
(lower) vly

(49.8)%

(70.5)%

(69.3)%

Passenger 
load factor

Higher/ 
(lower)

71.0

(16.2) pts

64.6

(19.0) pts

53.2

(30.9) pts

Latin America and Caribbean

(64.3)%

72.7

(13.7) pts

Africa, Middle East  
and South Asia

Asia Pacific

Total network

(61.4)%

(70.7)%

(66.5)%

67.2

(15.8) pts

61.3

(24.5) pts

63.8 (20.8) pts

Domestic and Europe
Together, IAG’s Domestic and European markets continue to 
represent the Group’s largest region. However, capacity across 
both was, and continues to be, significantly impacted by the 
travel restrictions and quarantines imposed by European 
governments.

Capacity in IAG’s Domestic markets decreased by 49.8 per cent 
versus 2019. British Airways’ capacity reflected demand from UK 
holidaymakers avoiding overseas destinations subject to 
quarantine restrictions, Scottish routes re-opened in quarter 2 and 
a new route to Newquay launched in the summer. Vueling 
focused its operations on connecting the Spanish peninsula with 
the Canary and Balearic Islands and Iberia maintained similar 
Domestic routes for connectivity. Aer Lingus’ route between 
London and Belfast benefitted from UK citizens opting for 
domestic holidays, with load factors reaching 70 per cent in 
August. Passenger load factor in the region remained above 
70 per cent as Spanish and UK government travel restrictions and 
quarantine rules prompted an increase in travellers opting for 
holidays in their home country.

The Group’s capacity in Europe decreased 70.5 per cent year 
on year. As the COVID-19 outbreak started to spread, Vueling 
limited its operations outside of Spain as demand remained weak 
throughout 2020. Iberia maintained minimum operations to keep 
major European cities, including London, Paris and Madrid, 
connected in quarter 2 and expanded operations in quarter 3 to 
meet summer leisure demand. In quarter 3 British Airways had a 
good performance throughout the summer on the limited number 
of routes operated to destinations included on the UK 
Government’s ‘Travel Corridor’ list. Aer Lingus’ European 
operations were limited by the Irish government’s ‘Green List’, 
which severely restricted travel and discouraged Irish citizens 
from non-essential travel. LEVEL’s operations in Vienna and 
Amsterdam ceased on June 19, 2020.

North America
IAG’s North American market accounts for almost 30 per cent of 
the Group’s ASKs. The region’s capacity increase at the beginning 
of 2020 reflected the full-year impact of routes launched during 
2019, including British Airways’ route to Pittsburgh, Aer Lingus’ 
route to Minneapolis and LEVEL’s route to New York, JFK. 
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, a much-reduced flight 
schedule to North America operated, primarily for cargo 
purposes, with British Airways and Aer Lingus operating regular 
flights to New York, Boston, Washington and Chicago. Iberia 
resumed operations to Chicago in quarter 3 and LEVEL Spain 
restarted its route to JFK in September. Quarter 4 benefited from 
increased leisure and VFR travel around the Thanksgiving and 
Christmas holidays, with routes to second-home markets such as 
Miami performing well. LEVEL France ceased operations on July 
8, leading to the cancellation of its routes to Newark and Las 
Vegas. Passenger load factor for the region was the lowest for the 
Group as the United States government’s COVID-19 restrictions 
allowed only residents and nationals to enter the country.

24

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Latin America and Caribbean (LACAR)
IAG’s capacity in LACAR increased in January and February 
driven by Iberia’s new route to Guayaquil, Ecuador launched in 
2019 and additional frequencies on routes to Colombia, Peru and 
Brazil. LEVEL’s growth reflected the annualisation of new routes 
launched in 2019 to Santiago de Chile and additional frequencies 
on routes to the French Caribbean. However, following the initial 
outbreak of COVID-19, LACAR operations were extremely limited, 
due to strict government restrictions and high COVID-19 case 
numbers impacting the region, with regular operations only 
starting to resume in quarter 3. British Airways operated a 
number of charter flights to the Caribbean in quarter 2 and 
restarted regular service to a number of destinations in quarter 3. 
In quarter 4 flights operated regularly to São Paulo, Antigua and 
Saint Lucia, benefiting from leisure travel over the holiday period. 
In quarter 2, Iberia’s operations were mainly for repatriation and 
cargo purposes and routes to Panama City, Santo Domingo and 
Quito resumed in quarter 3. Quarter 4 benefited from significant 
VFR travel to the region with load factors to routes in Ecuador 
and Dominican Republic reaching over 80 per cent. LEVEL France 
operations to the French Caribbean ceased in July, however 
LEVEL Spain continues to operate and resumed limited 
operations to Buenos Aires in September and Santiago de Chile in 
December. Passenger load factor in this region was the highest 
for the Group, down only 13.7 points on 2019 to 72.7 per cent.

Africa, Middle East and South Asia (AMESA) 
AMESA capacity increased in January and February primarily due 
to new routes launched in 2019 by British Airways, including to 
Dammam via Bahrain and Islamabad. Following the outbreak of 
COVID-19 and initial lockdowns, regular operations did not restart 
until quarter 3 with British Airways returning to Dubai, Kenya, 
Israel, India and Pakistan. Iberia restarted its regular service to 
Dakar, Senegal in July but did not reopen regular operations to 
Morocco and Israel in 2020. Vueling did not restart any regular 
operations to the region in 2020. Passenger load factor for the 
region was down 15.8 points versus 2019 to 67.2 per cent.

Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, the Group’s capacity was down 
significantly on 2019 and it was the first region to see 
cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in late January. 
British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus all operated government 
charter flights to the region, carrying back Personal Protective 
Equipment (PPE) during the first wave of the pandemic. Since 
then, there has been a steady return to flying with British Airways 
reopening routes to China, Hong Kong and Tokyo, although strict 
travel restrictions remain in place limiting capacity, with China 
only allowing international carriers to operate one flight per week 
on a single route. Passenger load factor was down 24.5 points to 
61.3 per cent on a capacity decrease of 70.7 per cent. 

Basis of preparation
Based on the extensive modelling the Group has undertaken in 
light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has sufficient liquidity for the going 
concern assessment period to March 31, 2022, and accordingly 
the Directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements.  

There are a number of significant factors related to COVID-19 that 
are outside of the control of the Group, including the status and 
impact of the pandemic worldwide, including the emergence of 
new variants of the virus and potential resurgence of existing 
strains of the virus; the availability of vaccines worldwide, 
together with the speed at which they are deployed; the efficacy 
of those vaccines; and the restrictions imposed by national 
governments in respect of the freedom of movement and travel. 
Due to the uncertainty that these factors create, the Group is not 
able to provide certainty that there could not be more severe 
downside scenarios than those it has considered, including the 
sensitivities it has considered in relation to factors such as the 
impact on yield, capacity operated, cost mitigations achieved and 
the availability of aircraft financing to offset capital expenditure. In 
the event that such a scenario were to occur, the Group would 
need to implement additional mitigation measures and would 
likely need to secure additional funding over and above that 
which is contractually committed at February 25, 2021. The Group 
has been successful in raising financing since the outbreak of 
COVID-19, having financed all aircraft deliveries in 2020, secured 
an additional €3.6 billion of non-aircraft debt and having 
completed an equity increase of €2.7 billion in September 2020, 
which was fully subscribed. However, the Group cannot provide 
certainty that it will be able to secure additional funding, if 
required, in the event that a more severe downside scenario than 
those it has considered were to occur. Refer to note 2 of the 
consolidated financial statements for further information.

Summary
In light of the significant reduction in the Group’s passenger 
capacity linked to the impact of COVID-19, the year saw a 
significant reduction in passenger revenue. The Group took action 
to mitigate the impact through exploiting cargo opportunities and 
by reducing costs. The Group also recognised exceptional 
charges for restructuring costs, the discontinuance of hedge 
accounting in relation to fuel and foreign currency derivatives and 
the impairment of aircraft and related assets either retired or 
stood down early. The net result was an operating loss for the 
year of €7,426 million, versus an operating profit in 2019 of 
€2,613 million. The reported loss after tax for the year was 
€6,923 million, versus a profit of €1,715 million in 2019. 

(Loss)/profit for the year
Statutory results 
€ million

Operating (loss)/profit

(Loss)/profit before tax

(Loss)/profit after tax

2020

(7,426)

(7,810)

(6,923)

2019

2,613

2,275

1,715

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

(10,039)

(10,085)

(8,638)

25

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

The Group uses Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to 
analyse the underlying results of the business excluding 
exceptional items, which are those that in management’s view 
need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence 
in understanding the entity’s financial performance. A summary of 
the exceptional items relating to 2019 and 2020 is given below, 
with more detail in the Alternative Performance Measures section, 
including the exceptional items by operating company.

Summary of exceptional items

(Charge)/credit to the 
Income statement 
€ million

20201

(62)

2019

–

–

(672)

Income 
statement line

Passenger 
revenue

Employee 
costs

Employee 
costs

Fuel, oil and 
emissions 
costs

Exceptional item description

Discontinuation of hedge 
accounting for foreign 
currency derivatives for 
revenue

Non-cash increase in 
liabilities in association with 
pension scheme settlement 

Restructuring costs

Discontinuation of hedge 
accounting for fuel and 
associated foreign 
exchange derivatives

Engineering 
and other 
aircraft costs

Inventory write-down and 
charge in relation to 
contractual lease provisions

Legal costs associated with 
employee restructuring 
programmes

Settlement provision in 
relation to the theft of 
customer data at British 
Airways in 2018

Impairment of fleet  
and associated assets

Property, IT 
and other 
costs

Property, IT 
and other 
costs

Depreciation, 
amortisation 
and 
impairment

(313)

(1,694)

(108)

(6)

(22)

(856)

Tax

Tax on exceptional items

463

1  In 2020 all items were associated with the impact of COVID-19, except 
the settlement provision in relation to the theft of customer data at 
British Airways in 2018.

26

Excluding the impact of the exceptional items shown above, the 
operating loss for 2020 was €4,365 million, down €7,650 million 
from the operating profit of €3,285 million generated in 2019. The 
loss after tax and before exceptional items was €4,325 million, 
versus a profit after tax and before exceptional items of 
€2,387 million in 2019.

Alternative Performance Measures  
(before exceptional items), € million

Operating (loss)/profit

(Loss)/profit before tax

(Loss)/profit after tax

2020

(4,365)

(4,749)

(4,325)

2019

3,285

2,947

2,387

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

(7,650)

(7,696)

(6,712)

Revenue

€ million

Passenger revenue1

Cargo revenue

Other revenue

Total revenue

2020

5,512

1,306

988

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

(16,956)

(75.5)%

189

16.9%

(933)

(48.6)%

7,806

(17,700)

(69.4)%

1  Includes an exceptional charge of €62 million (2019: nil) related to 

discontinued hedge accounting of revenue foreign currency 
derivatives. Further information is given in the Alternative Performance 
Measures section.

Passenger revenue
The overall impact of the significantly reduced schedule and 
lower passenger load factors described above was a decrease in 
passenger revenue of €16,956 million, or 75.5 per cent 
versus 2019.

Cargo revenue
2020 was a record year for cargo revenue, as additional flights 
were operated to transport essential equipment and supplies, 
assisted by a dedicated charter team to develop solutions for 
customers and governments, recognising that IAG Cargo does 
not operate a dedicated freighter fleet. The cargo business 
identified markets most impacted by the reduction in air cargo 
supply, where demand would not be met by traditional freighter 
services and that could support the yields required to fly cargo-
only services using passenger aircraft. The focus of cargo-only 
flying was to ensure a cash-positive contribution was achieved for 
the airlines and the Group. Cargo opportunities were increased by 
removing seats from five passenger aircraft and obtaining 
regulatory approvals to load cargo in the passenger cabins. 
During the year 4,003 additional cargo-driven flights were 
operated; these additional flights are not included in the 
passenger capacity figures for ASKs, as seats were not offered for 
general sale to passengers.

The overall impact of the cargo operation, including the 
additional cargo-driven flights linked to the COVID-19 response, 
was an increase in Cargo revenue of €189 million, or 16.9 per cent 
versus 2019.

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Other revenue
The largest Other revenue streams for the Group in normal times 
are Iberia’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and 
Handling businesses, together with BA Holidays. Revenue from 
these activities was also significantly reduced versus the previous 
year, linked to lower activity levels associated with COVID-19. In 
the case of MRO and Handling, these revenues were affected by 
reduced demand following lower flight schedules and significant 
fleet reductions across the airline industry and hence lower 
maintenance requirements, although the reductions were less 
than the reduction in the level of passenger capacity. The BA 
Holidays business is closely linked to the passenger business and 
was therefore impacted by the significantly reduced passenger 
operation. Loyalty revenues were also down on 2019, as the lower 
flying programme led to a reduced number of redemptions of 
Avios and a reduced volume of the sale of Avios to third parties, 
linked to the reduced level of expenditure on travel. Other 
ancillary revenue streams were also affected by the impact of the 
pandemic, including handling recoveries in Terminal 7 at New 
York, JFK. In total Other revenue was down €933 million, or 
48.6 per cent versus 2019.

Fleet reductions
The Group anticipates that as a result of COVID-19, demand will 
continue to be supressed for several years and will not reach 
levels seen in 2019 until at least 2023. The Group, therefore, took 
steps to reduce its aircraft fleet and the associated cost of 
maintenance.

During 2020, a significant number of aircraft were temporarily 
grounded and parked, with the limited operations focused on 
flying the more fuel-efficient new-generation aircraft, where 
possible. The Group also decided to accelerate the retirement of 
its older, four-engined longhaul fleet. British Airways retired its 
fleet of 32 Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and Iberia retired its fleet of 15 
Airbus A340-600 aircraft. In addition to these retirements, 37 
aircraft were stood down earlier than planned, either pending 
disposal or return to lessors, bringing the reductions in fleet 
numbers to 84 aircraft. However, the Group also took delivery of 
34 aircraft during the year, detailed in the Capital expenditure 
section below.

The early retirement and stand-down of these aircraft led to an 
exceptional impairment charge of €837 million; there was also a 
€108 million exceptional charge related to a write-down of 
inventory and recognition of contractual end-of-lease provisions.

Number of fleet

Number of fleet in-service

Shorthaul

Longhaul

2020

367

166

533

2019

394

204

598

Higher/
(lower)
vly

(6.9)%

(18.6)%

(10.9)%

Operating costs
Due to the reduced flying programme and significantly reduced 
revenues, the Group took action to offset the financial impact by 
reducing costs, together with measures to increase the variability 
and flexibility in its cost base. Total expenditure on operations 
before exceptional items fell from €22,221 million in 2019 to 
€12,233 million in 2020, a 44.9 per cent reduction, compared to 
the reduction in passenger capacity, measured in ASKs, of 
66.5 per cent. The reduction in operating costs before exceptional 
items and excluding depreciation, amortisation and impairment 
was 49.6 per cent. 

Employee costs

€ million

Employee costs1

2020

3,560

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

(2,074)

(36.8)%

1  Includes an exceptional charge of €313 million related to the 

restructuring programmes in British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and 
LEVEL, undertaken to resize the Group as a consequence of COVID-19. A 
non-cash exceptional charge of €672 million in 2019 related to the 
impact of a settlement between British Airways and its oldest pension 
scheme, APS. Further information is given in the Alternative Performance 
Measures section.

National governments provided wage or job support mechanisms 
in each of IAG’s main home markets and the operating companies 
used these facilities to reduce employee numbers and costs, with 
the direct impact of these mechanisms reducing employee costs 
by approximately €730 million. Other arrangements were agreed 
for staff not directly covered by such schemes and so costs were 
reduced at all levels in the organisation, with the Management 
Committee and Board members also seeing reductions as 
outlined in the Report of the Remuneration Committee. 

In addition to temporary measures, both British Airways and 
Aer Lingus implemented longer-term restructuring, consistent 
with the expected multi-year impact of COVID-19 on demand. The 
restructuring measures will result in reductions at British Airways 
of approximately 10,000 employees (or one quarter of the 
workforce at June 2020) and 500 at Aer Lingus (or 
approximately 10 per cent of the workforce at June 2020); the 
substantial majority of employees affected had left the Group by 
the end of 2020. British Airways has also introduced more 
flexibility in certain operational areas, in order to be able to better 
adjust employee numbers and cost to the level of capacity 
operated. Iberia also made reductions in management numbers, 
together with restructuring related to staff outside of Spain. Iberia 
and Vueling made use of the temporary redundancy 
arrangements in Spain under an Expedientes de Regulación 
Temporal de Empleo (‘ERTE’) arrangement and hence did not 
incur restructuring costs in respect of non-managerial employees 
in Spain. The closure of LEVEL France led to an exceptional 
provision of €28 million for the associated employee restructuring 
costs. The total exceptional employee restructuring charges for 
the year included within Employee costs were €313 million. 

241 of the 533 “in-service” fleet at the end of the year were 
temporarily grounded. In addition to the in-service fleet, there 
were a further 71 aircraft held by the Group pending disposal or 
lease return and 1 new aircraft that had been delivered to the 
Group and paid for but had not yet entered service.

In addition to the wage and pay support schemes and 
restructuring programmes outlined above, other measures were 
taken to further reduce employee costs, such as offering unpaid 
leave, the removal of bonuses and reduced non-mandatory 
training. Measures were taken at all levels across the Group.

27

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Employee costs for the year decreased by €2,074 million, or 
36.8 per cent compared with 2019; excluding exceptional items, 
employee costs reduced by €1,715 million, or 34.6 per cent.

charges were down €2,286 million, or 38.0 per cent versus 2019; 
excluding the exceptional net overhedging charge fuel, oil and 
emissions charges were down €3,980 million, or 66.1 per cent.

Fuel, oil and emissions costs

Supplier costs

€ million

Fuel, oil costs and 
emissions charges1

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

2020

€ million

3,735

(2,286)

(38.0)%

1  Includes an exceptional charge of €1,694 million (2019: nil) related to 

discontinuation of hedge accounting for fuel derivatives and fuel foreign 
currency derivatives as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Further 
information is given in the Alternative Performance Measures section.

Commodity fuel prices fell dramatically following the spread of 
COVID-19 globally in March, with prices down approximately 
75 per cent on levels experienced immediately beforehand. 
Although there was a partial recovery during the remainder of the 
year, prices were still at levels much lower than 2019.

Jet fuel price trend ($/mt)

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100
6
1
-
n
a
J

6
1
-
r
p
A

6
1
-
l
u
J

6
1
-
t
c
O

7
1
-
n
a
J

7
1
-
r
p
A

7
1
-
l
u
J

7
1
-
t
c
O

8
1
-
n
a
J

8
1
-
r
p
A

8
1
-
l
u
J

8
1
-
t
c
O

9
1
-
n
a
J

9
1
-
r
p
A

9
1
-
l
u
J

9
1
-
t
c
O

0
2
-
n
a
J

0
2
-
r
p
A

0
2
-
l
u
J

0
2
-
t
c
O

0
2
-
c
e
D

The Group seeks to reduce the impact of volatile commodity 
prices by hedging prices up to three years in advance. The 
hedging programme is based on expected levels of activity, with 
the proportion hedged in line with treasury policies agreed with 
the Board.

In 2020, due to the rapid fall in the commodity fuel price, the 
Group has experienced losses on its fuel hedging derivatives. 
These hedging losses would have normally been offset against 
the reduced cost of physical fuel purchased. However, the impact 
of COVID-19 has led to a significant reduction in the requirement 
to purchase jet fuel, due to the significantly reduced flying 
programme. As a consequence, the Group had derivative 
contracts for which there was no corresponding purchase of jet 
fuel, leading to discontinuance of hedge accounting for these 
derivatives, with the mark-to-market loss of €1,781 million 
recognised as an exceptional charge in the Income statement. 
There was also a related mark-to-market gain recognised in the 
Income statement related to foreign exchange hedging of 
€87 million, bringing the net exceptional charge to €1,694 million 
for the year. These values are calculated based on the fuel curve 
and foreign exchange rates as at December 31, 2020 and the 
anticipated capacity to be operated for 2021 and 2022.

The Group continued to benefit from reduced fuel consumption 
associated with the investment in new fleet, together with the 
early retirement of older aircraft. Overall fuel, oil and emissions 

28

Handling, catering and other 
operating costs

Landing fees and en-route 
charges

Engineering and other aircraft 
costs1

Property, IT and other costs2

Selling costs

Currency differences

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

2020

1,340

(1,632)

(54.9)%

918

(1,303)

(58.7)%

1,456

(636)

(30.4)%

782

405

81

(29)

(3.6)%

(633)

(61.0)%

88

nm

1  Includes an exceptional charge of €108 million (2019: nil) related to an 

inventory write-down and a charge relating to contractual lease 
provisions. Further information is given in the Alternative Performance 
Measures section.

2  Includes an exceptional charge of €28 million (2019: nil) related to the 
penalty notice issued by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office for 
the theft of customer data at British Airways in 2018 (€22 million) and to 
the legal costs of the Group-wide restructuring programme undertaken 
in the year (€6 million). Further information is given in the Alternative 
Performance Measures section.

Handling, catering and other operating costs were down 
€1,632 million on 2019, or 54.9 per cent. In addition to volume-
linked savings, including the reduced product costs associated 
with lower BA Holidays revenues, costs were reduced by 
management actions, such as the closure of airport lounges and 
by the necessary reduction in catering, linked to measures to 
reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to customers 
and staff.

Landing fees and en-route charges were down €1,303 million on 
2019, or 58.7 per cent. Costs reduced in line with the lower flying 
programme, although there was some adverse impact from lost 
volume rebates and equivalent arrangements, including at London 
Heathrow, together with price increases from Eurocontrol.

Engineering and other aircraft costs reduced due to the 
reduction in flights operated, together with the reduction in 
Iberia’s external MRO business and other savings in the wake of 
COVID-19. Engineering and other aircraft costs were down 
€636 million, or 30.4 per cent; excluding the exceptional charge, 
due to the write-down of inventory and provision for lease return 
costs, Engineering and other aircraft costs were down 
€744 million, or 35.6 per cent.

Property, IT and other costs were down €29 million, or 
3.6 per cent, on 2019, including the final penalty notice issued by 
the UK Information Commissioner’s Office regarding the theft of 
customer data at British Airways in 2018; excluding the cost of 
this final penalty notice Property, IT and other costs were down 
€57 million or 7.0 per cent. Cost savings associated with the lower 
volume of IT transactions and reduced energy usage and rates 
were partly offset by the costs associated with IT infrastructure 
investment. The 2019 base included income from a settlement in 
respect of a British Airways data centre issue in 2017.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Selling costs reduced with the significant drop in passenger 
revenue and lower forward bookings, together with a reduction in 
marketing and other discretionary expenditure in light of 
COVID-19. Selling costs were €633 million lower than the previous 
year, or 61.0 per cent.

Ownership costs
Ownership costs include depreciation, amortisation and 
impairment of tangible and intangible assets. The Group adopted 
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from January 1, 2019, meaning right of use assets 
in respect of leases are included with the Balance sheet and 
associated depreciation of those right of use assets is included 
within depreciation. 

€ million

Ownership costs1

2020

2,955

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

Higher/ 
(lower) vly

844

40.0%

€ million 
Favourable/(adverse)

Translation 
impact

Transaction 
impact

Total 
exchange 
impact

2019

Total exchange impact 
on revenue

Total exchange impact on 
operating expenditures

Total exchange impact on 
operating profit

68

325

393

(58)

(268)

(326)

10

57

67

The exchange rates for the Group were as follows:

Translation – Balance sheet

£ to €

1.10

1.18

(6.8%)

2020

Higher/ 
(lower) vly 

2019

1  Includes an exceptional charge of €856 million (2019: nil) related to the 
impairment of fleet assets and other assets. Further information is given 
in the Alternative Performance Measures section.

Translation – Income statement 
(weighted average)

The increase in ownership costs of €844 million, or 40.0 per cent, 
is driven by the €856 million impairment charge in respect of the 
retirement of the British Airways Boeing 747-400 and Iberia 
Airbus A340-600 fleets, and related other assets, together with 
the early stand down or lease return of 37 other aircraft. 
Excluding these items, ownership costs would have been at a 
similar level to 2019. 

Exchange rate impact
Exchange rate impacts are calculated by retranslating current 
year results at prior year exchange rates. The reported revenues 
and expenditures are impacted by the translation of currencies 
other than euro to the Group’s reporting currency of euro, 
primarily British Airways and IAG Loyalty. From a transaction 
perspective, the Group performance is impacted by the 
fluctuation of exchange rates, primarily exposure to the pound 
sterling, euro and US dollar. The Group typically generates a 
surplus in most currencies in which it does business, except the 
US dollar, for which capital expenditure, debt repayments and fuel 
purchases typically create a deficit which is managed and partially 
hedged. The Group hedges its economic exposure from 
transacting in foreign currencies but does not hedge the 
translation impact of reporting in euro.

Overall, in 2020 the Group operating loss before exceptional 
items was increased by €5 million due to adverse exchange 
rate impacts.

Exchange impact before exceptional items

2020

€ million 
Favourable/(adverse)

Translation 
impact

Transaction 
impact

Total 
exchange 
impact

Total exchange impact 
on revenue

Total exchange impact on 
operating expenditures

Total exchange impact on 
operating loss

84

(31)

53

33

(91)

117

(122)

(58)

(5)

£ to €

Transaction (weighted 
average)

£ to €

€ to $

£ to $

1.13

1.13

0.0%

1.13

1.13

1.27

1.13

1.12

1.27

0.0%

0.9%

0.0%

Total net non operating costs
Total net non-operating costs for the year were €384 million, 
versus €338 million in 2019. The main driver of the increase was 
finance costs up €59 million (9.7 per cent), related to interest on 
new debt and arrangement costs. In both years the finance costs 
were partially offset by net currency retranslation credits, mainly 
related to the retranslation of US dollar balances and related 
derivate financial instruments. 

Tax
The tax credit for the period was €887 million (2019: tax charge of 
€560 million), with an effective tax rate (credit) for the Group of 
11 per cent (2019: 25 per cent charge). The substantial majority of 
the Group’s activities are taxed where the main operations are 
based, in the UK, Spain and Ireland, with corporation tax rates 
during 2020 of 19 per cent, 25 per cent and 12.5 per cent 
respectively, which results in an expected effective tax rate of 
21 per cent. The difference between the expected effective tax 
rate of 21 per cent and the actual effective tax rate of 11 per cent 
was firstly due to not recognising tax credits in respect of certain 
current and prior period losses and deductible temporary 
differences; those losses and deductible temporary differences 
relate principally to Iberia, Openskies and Vueling. In addition, the 
UK Government retained its rate of corporation tax rate at 
19 per cent from April 1, 2020, in place of the reduction to 
17 per cent that had previously been enacted into law. 

29

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Operating profit and loss performance of operating companies

 Post-exceptional 
items1

Passenger revenue

Cargo revenue

Other revenue

Total revenue

Fuel, oil costs and 
emissions charges

Employee costs

Supplier costs

Ownership costs2

2020

2,840

890

217

3,947

1,996

1,916

2,440

1,475

Operating loss

(3,880)

British Airways

£ million  

Higher/ 
(lower)

Higher/ 
(lower)

Aer Lingus  
€ million  

2020

Higher/ 
(lower)

Higher/ 
(lower)

(9,059)

(76)%

179

25%

(463)

(68)%

(9,343)

(70)%

(1,241)

(38)%

(1,196)

(38)%

(2,057)

(46)%

369

(5,218)

33%

nm

379

88

–

467

286

217

370

157

(563)

(1,681)

(82)%

34

(11)

63%

-

(174)

(38)%

(188)

(46)%

(484)

(57)%

27

(839)

21%

nm

Iberia 
€ million  

Higher/ 
(lower)

Higher/ 
(lower)

(2,893)

(71)%

(51)

(18)%

(442)

(34)%

2020

1,160

240

859

716

798

1,544

612

(486)

(40)%

(366)

(31)%

(848)

(35)%

222

57%

nm

(1,411)

(1,908)

(1,658)

(78)%

2,259

(3,386)

(60)%

Vueling 
€ million

Higher/ 
(lower)

Higher/ 
(lower)

(1,868)

(77)%

–

–

(13)

(72)%

(1,881)

(77)%

(234)

(43)%

(105)

(35)%

(522)

(47)%

95

(1,115)

38%

nm

2020

569

–

5

574

314

196

594

345

(875)

Operating margin

(98.3)%  (108.4) pts

(120.4)%

 (133.4) pts

(62.5)%

(71.3) pts

(152.3)%

 (162.1) pts

Alternative Performance Measures1

Passenger revenue

2,894

(9,005)

(76)%

890

217

179

25%

(463)

(68)%

382

88

–

(1,678)

(81)%

34

(11)

63%

-

1,160

240

859

(51)

(18)%

(442)

(34)%

(2,893)

(71)%

569

(1,868)

(77)%

4,001

(9,289)

(70)%

470

(1,655)

(78)%

2,259

(3,386)

(60)%

1,159

1,695

2,398

1,076

(2,078)

(64)%

(834)

(33)%

(2,099)

(47)%

(30)

(3)%

142

193

363

133

(318)

(69)%

(212)

(52)%

(491)

(57)%

3

2%

372

784

1,492

370

(830)

(69)%

(380)

(33)%

(900)

(38)%

(20)

(5)%

–

5

574

160

196

564

277

–

–

(13)

(72)%

(1,881)

(77)%

(388)

(71)%

(105)

(35)%

(552)

(49)%

27

11%

(2,327)

(4,248)

nm

(361)

(637)

nm

(759)

(1,256)

nm

(623)

(863)

nm

(58.2)%

 (72.7) pts

(76.8)%

 (89.8) pts

(33.6)%

(42.4) pts

(108.5)%

 (118.3) pts

Cargo revenue

Other revenue

Total revenue 
before exceptional 
items

Fuel, oil costs and 
emissions charges

Employee costs

Supplier costs

Ownership costs2

Operating loss 
before exceptional 
items

Operating margin 
before exceptional 
items

1  Further detail is provided in the Alternative Performance Measures section.
2  Ownership costs reflects Depreciation, amortisation and impairment.

30

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Review by operating company 
The results after exceptional items for each operating company 
are shown previously, along with the Alternative Performance 
Measures, which exclude exceptional items, as detailed in the 
Alternative Performance Measures section.

The results for all operating companies were significantly 
impacted by COVID-19 in 2020 and the main items driving the 
results of the four main operating companies are therefore 
common, many of which have been covered above. All four of the 
operating companies saw significant reductions in passenger 
revenue and took measures to reduce operating costs and 
preserve liquidity. British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus benefited 
from additional cargo flights and higher cargo yields, with both 
British Airways and Aer Lingus generating higher cargo revenue 
than in 2019.

Employee costs fell due to the use of wage support or similar 
schemes, particularly in the UK and Ireland, with temporary 
redundancy programmes under the ERTE arrangement operating 
in Spain. British Airways and Aer Lingus undertook restructuring 
programmes during the year, with Iberia also making reductions in 
management numbers and reductions outside of Spain.

The operating companies all operate similar hedging programmes, 
under a centrally agreed Group policy, which resulted in 
overhedging of jet fuel purchases and related currency 
transactions. Excluding the impact of overhedging, fuel costs fell 
in line with the capacity reductions, with a small benefit from the 
efficiency of new-generation aircraft and a reduced effective price 
net of hedging.

Supplier costs also fell significantly at each of the operating 
companies, reflecting the impact of volume-related savings, linked 
to the significantly lower flying programmes, together with the 
negotiated cost-reduction initiatives and reductions in 
discretionary expenditure.

Ownership costs were impacted by the impairment of aircraft and 
related assets in each operating company, including the early 
retirement of the Boeing 747-400 fleet at British Airways and the 
Airbus A340-600 fleet at Iberia, together with other aircraft 
permanently stood down pending disposal or return to lessors. 

Operating margins are much less meaningful than in previous 
years, given the significant impact of COVID-19, but are included 
for completeness; each main operating company saw a 
substantial operating loss in 2020, with cost reductions only able 
to mitigate part of the fall in revenues. 

Capital expenditure
In response to COVID-19, the Group has agreed to defer 68 
aircraft scheduled for delivery over the period 2020 to 2022 and 
to re-schedule certain pre-delivery payments to aircraft 
manufacturers. In November 2019, as announced at the IAG 
Capital Markets Day, it was anticipated capital expenditure would 
total €14.2 billion for the period 2020 to 2022. With aircraft 
deferrals and savings in other capital expenditure, linked to the 
response to COVID-19, the Group now expects capital 
expenditure over that period to be below €7 billion. Further 
deferrals are under discussion with the aircraft manufacturers. 

The Group did not enter into any new agreements to acquire 
additional aircraft in 2020, either from aircraft manufacturers 
or lessors.

In 2020 the Group took delivery of 34 aircraft, with 19 for British 
Airways, eight for Iberia, three for Vueling and four for Aer Lingus. 
As at December 31, 2020 one of these aircraft had yet to enter 
service and is therefore not included in the ‘in service’ fleet shown 
elsewhere in this report. The liquidity impact of the aircraft 
deliveries in the year was cash-positive, as the value of financing 
raised exceeded the final delivery payments made to the aircraft 
manufacturers, due to pre-delivery payments for those aircraft 
made in previous years, with total aircraft financing proceeds in 
the year of €2.2 billion.

Aircraft deliveries

Airbus A320 family

Airbus A330

Airbus A350

Boeing 777-300

Boeing 787-10

Embraer E190

Total

2020

15

2019

32

2

7

4

2

4

3

8

–

–

2

34

45

Capital expenditure for the year was reduced to €1.9 billion, more 
than 50 per cent down on the €4.2 billion anticipated for 2020 in 
November 2019. Capital expenditure was also lower than the 
revised projection of €2.7 billion for the year given in July 2020, 
mainly due to further aircraft delays, moving approximately 
€0.5 billion of aircraft delivery payments and associated financing 
into 2021.

Despite the reductions made to discretionary capital projects, the 
Group maintained its programme of cyber-related investments.

31

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Capital commitments 
Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for at December 
31, 2020 amounted to €10,545 million (2019: €12,830 million). Most 
of this commitment is denominated in US dollars and includes 
commitments until 2027 for 121 aircraft including 64 aircraft from 
the Airbus A320 family, 10 Boeing 787s, 18 Boeing 777s, one 
Airbus A330, 26 Airbus A350s and two Embraer E190. 

The Group has certain rights to cancel commitments in the event 
of significant delays to aircraft deliveries caused by the aircraft 
manufacturers. No such rights had been exercised as at 
December 31, 2020.

Aircraft future deliveries at December 31

2020

2019

Airbus A320 family

Airbus A330

Airbus A350

Boeing 777-300

Boeing 777-9

Boeing 787-10

Embraer E190

Total

64

1

26

–

18

10

2

121

79

1

33

4

18

12

– 

147

Working capital and other initiatives
The Group negotiated deferrals to supplier payments and lease 
payments. The Group rolled over fuel derivatives, monetised EU 
Emissions Trading Scheme credits and foreign currency 
derivatives that resulted in reduced cash outflow in 2020 of 
approximately €625 million; deferrals to future years account for 
approximately 60 per cent of this amount, with the majority due 
in 2021. Relief was given during the year in respect of the timing 
of VAT and other payments to the UK’s HMRC and to Eurocontrol 
for regulated overlying charges, although both had reverted to 
normal terms by the end of the year. 

In quarter 3 a multi-year renewal was signed with American 
Express, including an upfront payment of approximately 
€830 million (£754 million), with a significant amount being for 
the pre-purchase of Avios.

Trade receivables were reduced significantly, falling from 
€2,255 million (net of the provision for expected credit losses) 
at December 31, 2019 to €557 million at the end of 2020. Part 
of the reduction was due to the contraction in activity, with 
lower passenger and other revenue yet to be received by the 
Group, but the reduction was also achieved by ensuring 
outstanding amounts due from customers and government 
agencies were paid.

Deferred revenue on ticket sales, which includes loyalty points 
(Avios), fell €356 million to €5,130 million at December 31, 2020; 
€4,657 million is included in current liabilities and €473 million 
within non-current liabilities, associated with the renewal of the 
IAG Loyalty contract with American Express. The value of loyalty 
points (Avios) issued and yet to be recognised in revenue was up 
€0.8 billion versus 2019 at €2.7 billion, reflecting the American 
Express contract renewal and associated pre-payment, but sales 
in advance of carriage, related to passenger ticket sales, were 
down €1.2 billion versus 2019 at €2.4 billion. The cash impact of 
cancelled flights was partially mitigated by customers accepting 
vouchers for future travel in lieu of a cash refund, with the 
outstanding value of vouchers as at December 31, 2020 
accounting for approximately half of the sales in advance of 
carriage balance.

Due to COVID-19 British Airways was eligible for refund of tax 
payments made to HMRC in 2019 and the Group was able to 
accelerate receipt into 2020, rather than 2021. Together with 
refunds in Ireland, the impact was to improve cash by 
approximately €175 million in 2020.

British Airways deferred monthly UK pension contributions that 
would otherwise have been due in quarter 4, 2020 to the value of 
€125 million, together with contributions of €375 million relating 
to the first three quarters of 2021. These payments are due to be 
added to the end of the schedule of deficit recovery 
contributions, which currently ends in March 2023. British Airways 
granted to the Trustee of NAPS security over certain property 
assets in respect of these deferred payments. British Airways has 
also agreed that it will not make dividend payments to IAG before 
the end of 2023 and that from 2024 dividends will be matched by 
a contribution to NAPS of 50 per cent of the dividend paid until 
the deferred contributions have been paid.

Funding and debt
IAG’s long-term objectives when managing capital are to 
safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, to 
maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital 
and to provide sustainable returns to shareholders. In November 
2018, S+P and Moody’s assigned IAG with a long-term investment 
grade credit rating with stable outlook. Ratings (as at February 
25, 2021) are: S&P: BB (3 notch decline), Moody’s: Ba2 (2 notch 
decline), based on the status of COVID-19 and related travel 
restrictions, together with the expected timing of the recovery of 
global air traffic.

Debt and capital
The Group monitors leverage using net debt to EBITDA.

See Alternative Performance Measure section for calculation 

32

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020The Group has a target of net debt to EBITDA below 1.8 times.

In 2020, due to the significant impact of COVID-19, EBITDA 
turned negative, rendering the net debt to EBITDA ratio much 
less meaningful than in normal times; the calculation for 2020 
results in minus 4.3 times.

Cash and interest-bearing deposits
The 2020 cash balance in IAG and other Group companies 
includes the balance of the proceeds from the capital increase 
retained in IAG and the net proceeds of the American Express 
renewal payment in IAG Loyalty.

Net debt

€ million 

Debt 

Cash and cash equivalents and 
interest-bearing deposits

Net debt at January 1 

Decrease/(increase) in cash 
net of exchange
Net cash outflow from 
repayments of borrowings and 
lease liabilities

Net cash inflow from new 
borrowings 

Non-cash impact from new 
leases

Increase in net debt from 
financing
Exchange and other non-cash 
movements

Net debt at December 31 

2020

2019

Higher / 
(lower)

€ million

British Airways

14,254

12,704

1,550

(6,683)

(6,274)

7,571

6,430

(409)

1,141

Iberia

Aer Lingus

Vueling

IAG and other Group 
companies

766

(409)

1,175

Cash and deposits

2020

1,389

822

266

590

2,850

5,917

2019

3,055

1,121

580

820

1,107

6,683

Higher/ 
(lower)

(1,666)

(299)

(314)

(230)

1,743

(766)

Cash and interest-bearing deposits reduced by €766 million 
to €5,917 million, with the significant impact of COVID-19 on 
profitability offset by the mitigation measures taken by the 
Group, including additional borrowing and the €2.7 billion 
capital increase.

(2,514)

(2,237)

(277)

3,567

2,286

1,281

1,179

1,199

(20)

2,232

1,248

984

(807)

9,762

302

7,571

(1,109)

2,191

Gross debt increased by €1,425 million, principally driven by the 
non-aircraft debt raised by British Airways under the UK’s CCFF 
mechanism (€328 million), loans backed by Spain’s ICO of 
€750 million for Iberia and €260 million for Vueling, together with 
€75 million of debt backed by the Irish ISIF (see below). Cash fell 
by €766 million, leading to net debt €2,191 million higher at 
€9,762 million. Since the adoption of IFRS 16 from January 1, 2019 
net debt includes leases for aircraft with financing arrangements 
formerly accounted for as operating leases.

33

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Debt 
Despite some disruption to financial markets in respect of the 
aviation sector, linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has 
been able to continue to obtain efficient funding secured against 
aircraft deliveries. In total 36 aircraft were financed in the year, 4 
of which were delivered in 2019, and with 13 involving sale and 
leaseback transactions, a further 11 direct leases from lessors and 
12 on finance lease arrangements. Just two of the aircraft 
delivered in 2020 had not been financed as at the end of the year, 
although sale and leaseback transactions for these were agreed 
and executed in February 2021.

Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions continue to cover 
substantially all of the Group’s aircraft purchase price. An 
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC) funding for 
$1,005 million (€823 million) was successfully issued and closed 
for British Airways in November 2020, with $577 million 
(€472 million) drawn down in December in the form of finance 
leases, with the remainder expected to be drawn in 2021, in line 
with aircraft deliveries. The issuance comprised a dual-tranche 
structure achieving a loan-to-value of 75 per cent against an 
independently appraised value of the aircraft.

In addition to long-term regular aircraft financing, the Group took 
steps to boost available liquidity through other lending and 
facilities. Short-term aircraft-backed financing facilities for British 
Airways ($750 million, or €667 million) and Iberia ($228 million, or 
€194 million) were secured in the second quarter. These facilities 
were fully drawn during the year but had been repaid in full by the 
end of the year, due to the Group’s success in securing more 
efficient long-term financing.

The Group agreed new non-aircraft debt for each of its main 
operating companies. In March, British Airways completed its 
inaugural commercial paper issuance raising net proceeds of 
€328 million (£298 million) using the UK’s Coronavirus Corporate 
Finance Facility (CCFF) with a maturity of 12 months. In April, 
Iberia and Vueling entered into floating rate syndicated financing 
agreements for €750 million and €260 million respectively, with 
the funds received in May. These loans are secured by a 
guarantee of 70 per cent of the amount borrowed from the 
Instituto de Crédito Oficial (‘ICO’) in Spain. There is no 
amortisation for the first three years and the loans mature in 2025; 
the loans do not include financial covenants but place some 
restrictions on the transfer of cash to the rest of the IAG 
companies. In December, the Irish Strategic Investment Fund 
(ISIF) approved a €150 million facility for Aer Lingus with 
€75 million drawn down as a loan as at December 31, 2020; this 
loan also has restrictions regarding transfers of cash, from 
Aer Lingus to IAG and other Group companies. At the end 
of 2020 British Airways announced that it had received 
commitments for a 5-year Export Development Guaranteed term 
loan for £2.0 billion underwritten by a syndicate of banks, partially 
guaranteed (80 per cent) by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and 
containing some non-financial covenants, including restrictions on 
cash transfers to IAG. The facility was fully drawn down as a loan 
in February 2021.

34

The debt actions above resulted in total ‘Proceeds from 
borrowings’ for the year of €3,567 million. This includes the 
drawing down of the short-term aircraft financing facilities above, 
with the repayment of those facilities during the year shown in 
‘Repayments of borrowings and lease liabilities’. 

Equity
During quarter 3 the Group launched a capital increase by rights 
issue, which was fully subscribed, with the Group’s largest 
shareholder, Qatar Airways Group subscribing for its pro rated 
entitlement in full. The capital increase was successfully 
completed at the start of quarter 4, with gross proceeds of 
€2.7 billion received in October. As at December 31, 2020 none of 
the proceeds from the €2.7 billion capital increase had been 
allocated permanently to any of the Group’s operating companies. 
British Airways received a loan from IAG of €1,645 million and 
Aer Lingus a loan of €50 million.

Liquidity facilities
In March, British Airways’ revolving credit facility (RCF) was 
extended to June 2021, with a committed amount of $1.38 billion. 
The Group has secured other credit facilities during the year. At 
the end of the year committed general credit facilities, including 
the undrawn amount of the British Airways RCF, were €0.9 billion. 
In addition, the Group had committed aircraft financing facilities 
of €1.2 billion, which provide guaranteed financing against certain 
future aircraft deliveries, including the committed proceeds still to 
be drawn as part of the British Airways EETC issued in November 
2020. In total, the Group had €2.1 billion of committed and 
undrawn general and aircraft facilities as at December 31, 2020. 

Dividends
As a result of the impact of COVID-19, on April 2, 2020, the Board 
of Directors of the Group resolved to withdraw the proposal to 
the subsequent Shareholders’ Meeting to pay a final dividend for 
2019 of 17 € cents per share, which would have resulted in a total 
payment of €337 million.

Liquidity and cashflow
Total liquidity, measured as cash and interest-bearing deposits of 
€5,917 million and committed and undrawn general and aircraft 
facilities of €2,142 million, was €8,059 million at December 31, 
2020. Including the €2.2 billion UKEF debt agreed in December 
2020 results in pro forma liquidity of €10.3 billion.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Cash flow

€ million 

2020

2019 Movement

Operating (loss)/profit

(7,426)

2,613

(10,039)

Depreciation, amortisation and 
impairment

Movement in working capital

Payment related to restructuring 

Pension contributions net of 
service costs

Provisions and other non-cash 
movements

Unrealised loss on discontinuance 
of fuel and foreign exchange hedge 
accounting

Interest paid

Interest received

Tax received/(paid)

Net cash (outflows)/inflows from 
operating activities

Acquisition of PPE and intangible 
assets

2,955

1,227

(383)

2,111

(70)

(180)

844

1,297

(203)

(313)

(865)

552

556

951

(395)

569

-

(548)

(481)

22

45

42

(119)

569

(67)

(20)

164

(3,296) 4,002

(7,298)

Sale of PPE and intangible assets

1,133

911

(1,939) (3,465)

1,526

222

Decrease/(increase) in current 
interest-bearing deposits

2,366

(103)

2,469

Other investing movements

2

(1)

3

Net cash flows from investing 
activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Repayment of lease liabilities

Dividend paid

Proceeds from rights issue

Net cash flows from financing 
activities

Net increase in cash and cash 
equivalents

Net foreign exchange differences

Cash and cash equivalents at 
January 1

Cash and cash equivalents  
at year end

Interest-bearing deposits 
maturing after more than three 
months

Cash, cash equivalents and 
interest-bearing deposits

1,562 (2,658)

4,220

3,567

2,286

(978)

(730)

(1,536)

(1,507)

(53)

(1,308)

2,674

-

1,281

(248)

(29)

1,255

2,674

3,674

(1,259)

4,933

1,940

(228)

85

140

4,062

3,837

5,774

4,062

1,855

(368)

225

1,712

143

2,621

(2,478)

5,917

6,683

(766)

Many of the significant cashflow items are already explained 
above, including in the sections on operating costs (fuel), capital 
expenditure, working capital and other initiatives and funding.

Restructuring payments include payments in Spain relating to 
redundancy programmes agreed in prior years, together with the 
cash paid in 2020 relating to the exceptional restructuring charge 
of €313 million (see Alternative Performance Measures section).

Pension payments in 2019 included an additional one-off payment 
of £250 million (€283 million) to the British Airways NAPS fund; 
2020 benefited from the deferral of deficit contributions in 
quarter 4.

Of the exceptional charges for discontinuance of hedge 
accounting in respect of passenger revenue of €62 million and 
fuel, oil and emissions costs of €1,694 million in 2020, 
€1,187 million had been paid, leaving €569 million to be paid in 
future years, with the majority due in 2021.

Sale of property, plant and equipment and intangibles, in addition 
to the aircraft 13 sale and leaseback transactions discussed under 
‘Funding’ above, includes the disposal of surplus engines and 
other equipment and property at London Heathrow. 

Repayments of borrowings and lease liabilities includes the 
principal element of ongoing lease payments, together with 
short-term aircraft financing of €833 million, which was drawn 
and fully repaid during the year. There are no IAG bond payments 
falling due in 2021; based on the share price at December 31, 
2020, the remaining €500 million IAG convertible bond will be 
due for repayment in November 2022. 

The €53 million of cash outflow for dividends relates to the 
Spanish withholding tax in respect of the 2019 interim dividend, as 
the dividend was paid to shareholders in December 2019 and the 
related withholding tax was paid to the Spanish tax authorities in 
January 2020.

35

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationA year of exceptional challenges due 
to the COVID-19 pandemic 

“In an incredibly difficult year we took decisive 
action to restructure our business, to enable us 
to compete in a much-changed industry.”

weekly basis and customer confidence low, 
we operated just 27 per cent of our schedule 
between August and October (compared to 
the same period in 2019), typically our 
busiest time of the year. 

Sean Doyle
Chief Executive Officer of British Airways

British Airways statistics

Operating margin

Fleet

-58.2% 277

-72.7 pts vly 

-25 vly

ASK change 

-65.8%

Overview
In our 100-year history, the airline had never 
experienced a crisis of this magnitude. As a 
result of the pandemic, we were forced to 
curtail our operations as we navigated 
continual, fast-changing global travel and 
quarantine restrictions, and UK lockdowns. 
During the year we saw a reduction in our 
flying schedule of around 66 per cent 
compared to 2019. 

I was appointed Chief Executive Officer of 
British Airways in October 2020. Alex Cruz 
had led the airline since 2016, as well as 
steering it through the first seven months 
of the crisis. I would like to thank Alex for 
his passion and commitment to the airline’s 
success over the last four years. 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The UK Government imposed a ban on all 
but essential travel between April and June 
2020, and as a consequence British 
Airways operated just 5 per cent of its 
schedule compared with the same period in 
2019. 

When the first lockdown ended in June, UK 
Government-imposed travel restrictions 
remained in place for most destinations. 
During the summer, as some travel corridors 
began to open, we re-introduced routes in 
Europe and further afield where we saw 
pockets of demand. But with US borders still 
closed, travel corridors being reviewed on a 

36

During this time, we operated 134 repatriation 
flights from 21 countries, returning 40,000 
Britons to the UK and flew many thousands of 
tonnes of Personal Protective Equipment to 
where it was urgently needed. 

Our business
We took urgent action to restructure the 
business in the wake of the pandemic. By 
working with our trade unions, we were able 
to mitigate redundancies, protect as many 
jobs as possible and reach agreements across 
the main areas of the business, including our 
cabin crew and pilots. By the end of 2020, 
around 23 per cent of our colleagues had left 
the airline, the vast majority on a voluntary 
basis. 

We are extremely grateful for the 
commitment, dedication and resilience shown 
by our people throughout this period to 
ensure the airline remained operating at an 
extremely difficult and stressful time. 

The Government’s Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme has helped us financially 
through the crisis, alongside a £298 million 
loan from the Bank of England Covid 
Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) and a 
bond issue of over US$1 billion to fund 
previously committed aircraft deliveries in 
2020 and the first quarter of 2021. In 
December 2020 British Airways received 
commitments for a five-year term-loan 
Export Development Guarantee Facility of 
£2 billion underwritten by a syndicate of 
banks, partially guaranteed by UK Export 
Finance (UKEF).

Keeping colleagues and customers safe 
To protect our customers, crew and build 
confidence in travel we introduced new 
COVID-19 safety measures, including new 
catering designed to minimise contact, 
sanitising our aircraft from nose-to-tail and 
requiring customers and crew to wear face 
masks. In November 2020, industry body 
Skytrax awarded British Airways four stars 
for COVID-19 safety. 

Flexibility for customers
We introduced our Book with Confidence policy, 
giving customers the option to change their 
booking date and destination for those 
travelling up until April 2022, or to cancel it 
completely and request a voucher for future 
travel. Customers whose flights were cancelled 
were able to request a cash refund. In 2020 
we issued more than 2.8 million cash refunds 
and 2 million vouchers for future travel, which 
can be used right up until April 2023. 

Testing for travel
Since starting as CEO, I have campaigned for a 
pre-departure COVID-19 testing regime to 
re-open air travel. In November we began a trial 
with American Airlines and the oneworld 
alliance for customers travelling from the US to 
the UK taking three COVID-19 tests, before and 
after their flight. We hope the results will 
demonstrate with scientific evidence the 
essential role that COVID-19 pre-departure 
testing can play in safely re-starting travel 
as we wait for vaccines to become widely 
available. 

Sustainable recovery
We remain committed to achieving net zero 
carbon emissions by 2050. In January 2020 
we began offsetting carbon emissions on all 
domestic flights. With our partner Velocys, we 
achieved planning permission to create the 
UK’s first commercial-scale waste-to-jet fuel 
plant in Lincolnshire to power our aircraft. In 
December, we announced a partnership with 
hydrogen electric aviation company ZeroAvia. 

As a result of the crisis, we retired our entire 
fleet of 32 Boeing 747 aircraft four years earlier 
than planned. We welcomed four new Airbus 
A350 aircraft, two Boeing 787-10s, four Boeing 
777-300ERs, two Airbus A321neos and three 
Airbus A320neos, all of which have significantly 
superior fuel and CO2 efficiency. 

Conclusion
Despite a very turbulent year I am confident 
British Airways is in the right shape to emerge 
as a sustainable airline from this crisis. We are 
focused on re-opening travel safely, re-
building our global network, reducing our 
environmental impact, recognising and 
rewarding the hard work of our colleagues and 
continuing to delight our customers with our 
unique British Airways service. 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Maximum flexibility to adapt 
following our most difficult year

“In 2020 normality has become extraordinary, 
and Iberia’s adaptability has been put to the test 
like never before.”

To offset the impact of the lack of demand, 
we implemented cost-saving and 
containment measures focused on liquidity, 
by delaying aircraft rental payments, 
reducing supplier spending and offsetting 
existing debts. We also agreed additional 
borrowing facilities including a five-year 
loan guaranteed by the Instituto de Crédito 
Oficial (ICO) for €750 million.

Repatriation, volunteering and special 
cargo flights
Between April and June, in coordination 
with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 
Iberia operated more than 50 repatriation 
flights to over 20 international destinations. 
These flights allowed thousands of people 
stranded around the world to return home. 
In addition, from the end of March to 
mid-June, Iberia operated nearly 100 flights 
from China carrying back critical medical 
supplies and Personal Protective 
Equipment. 

Our employees have also made a big 
impact on our local communities, 
particularly those affected by the 
temporary reduction in working hours due 
to Spain’s ERTE (Expediente de Regulación 
Temporal de Empleo) temporary 
redundancy scheme, spending time 
volunteering for organisations that have 
been on the front line in the fight against 
COVID-19.

Building trust in customers
To generate the security and confidence 
necessary to stimulate customer demand, 
we have been focusing on three main areas:

Firstly, reinforcing all safety, hygiene and 
prevention measures throughout the 
customer’s travel experience, improving 
processes and adopting necessary 
measures to prevent the spread of 
COVID-19. These measures have placed the 
company among the ten safest airlines in 
the world against COVID-19, according to 
the Safe Travel Barometer.

Secondly, we have adopted a flexibility 
policy that creates peace of mind for 
customers in case their journey is impacted 
by COVID-19.

And finally, we worked hard to have a 
stable flight programme, with minimal 

changes and cancellations, to give our 
customers as much certainty as possible. 

A more efficient fleet and adaptability
The pandemic has tested the adaptability of 
airlines and demanded greater efficiency. 
Projects such as the Airbus A340-600 fleet 
retirement have been accelerated. As a 
result, Iberia currently operates a very young 
longhaul fleet, made up of Airbus A330 and 
A350, new-generation aircraft which are 
more sustainable and technologically 
advanced than their predecessors.

We also transformed three Airbus A330 
aircraft into cargo-only freighters to take 
advantage of the increased demand for air 
cargo, to diversify our sources of income and 
continue generating activity for our 
employees while air demand remains 
suppressed.

New organisation
I returned to Iberia as CEO in September, 
replacing Luis Gallego, now IAG’s Chief 
Executive Officer. A new organisation was 
designed to ensure it is fit for the future and 
ensure we are poised to respond to it in an 
appropriate manner.

Our new organisation faces four fundamental 
challenges: ensuring Iberia is seen as a 
trusted airline in all our markets; returning to 
profitability and providing sustainable returns 
to our shareholders; reinforcing Iberia’s 
presence at our Madrid airport hub; and 
emphasising the role of the employees as 
ambassadors of the company.

These four priorities form our new 
transformation plan Iberia Next Chapter and 
they detail the necessary steps we need to 
take, building on the successful 
transformation Plan de Futuro. The current 
situation has presented us with new 
challenges, and it is time for a new plan, 
Iberia Next Chapter, to help us emerge from 
this crisis more competitive than before.

Conclusion
2021 promises to be just as complex as 2020 
with air traffic recovery scenarios not 
expecting recovery to 2019 levels until at 
least 2023. We will have to continue evolving 
and adapting to this new reality, just as we 
have done before. 

37

Javier Sánchez-Prieto
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Iberia

Iberia statistics

Operating margin

Fleet

-33.6% 89

-42.4 pts vly 

-18 vly

ASK change 

-65.5%

The year started with great momentum 
and great announcements: record results 
in 2019, new uniforms, the opening of new 
routes to Washington, Cairo and Ljubljana, 
daily flights to Tokyo and Puerto Rico, the 
addition of new Airbus A350 and Airbus 
A320neo aircraft and refresh of the 
onboard service. The COVID-19 pandemic 
changed everything and has forced Iberia 
to reinvent itself, with different challenges 
arising from one day to the next.

In April, more than 95 per cent of 
operations were cancelled, which impacted 
the flight programme, all ground and flight 
crews and, most importantly, our 
customers, with millions of booking 
changes, vouchers and refunds. We 
partially recovered the flight schedule over 
the year, operating just 20 per cent of 2019 
capacity in the summer but reaching 40 
per cent of 2019 capacity in December 
2020.

Iberia went into the crisis with a solid cash 
position as a result of the strong recent 
performance and the Plan de Futuro 
initiatives. However, the prolonged lack of 
revenue and the level of fixed costs within 
the business led us to take additional 
measures to ensure the long-term survival 
of Iberia. The initiatives have focused on 
three main pillars: cost reduction, liquidity 
improvement and new financing sources.

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationManaging the crisis and shaping 
the new Vueling

“As we navigated an uncharted environment, we 
focused on both the present and the future.”

1. Protecting the health of our employees 
and customers. We have ensured the strict 
enforcement of all applicable safety 
protocols, from boarding, to in-flight, to 
deplaning. Our aircraft continue to employ 
powerful HEPA air filtration systems and 
are cleaned according to new, rigorous 
procedures, and use of protective masks is 
mandatory on all flights. We have offered 
free COVID-19 testing to our employees, 
and we have actively engaged with 
authorities to ensure development of 
further measures to facilitate safe travel.

2. Detecting and stimulating demand. 
We have taken advantage of opportunities 
to generate business. For example, in 
November we further unbundled our basic 
product with the launch of the Guaranteed 
Cabin Bag service. We have also adapted 
our capacity to changing demand. After the 
first wave of COVID-19, we rapidly increased 
capacity, reaching 50 per cent of 2019 levels 
in August. In the long term, we remain 
focused on market leadership through 
network and schedule depth in key 
markets. However, in the current 
environment, we have prioritised cash 
preservation and generation, ensuring 
flights are cash-accretive. We have 
continued to focus on our Spanish, French, 
and Italian main markets, such as Spanish 
domestic routes connecting the peninsula 
with the islands. We also have 
demonstrated agility to adapt to changing 
market conditions, testing new markets 
where appropriate.

3. Managing our cash flow. We have 
managed cash flow and sources of 
financing to ensure necessary robustness in 
the short and medium term. We have 
maximised working capital by, for example, 
renegotiating delivery and pre-delivery 
payment calendars and improving supplier 
and rental payment conditions. In April we 
entered into a syndicated financing 
agreement for €260 million, 70 per cent 
guaranteed through the Spanish Instituto 
de Crédito Oficial (ICO) programme. 

4. Managing cost. Vueling has a flexible 
model with a high proportion of variable 
costs that were successfully adjusted in 
line with capacity. We have removed 
non-essential costs, especially in 
marketing, IT, and external services. We 
have pursued reductions of fixed fleet costs 
by, for example, negotiating power by-the-
hour contracts. We mitigated fixed 
employee costs while preserving jobs by 
accessing Spain’s ERTE and reaching an 
agreement with Vueling labour 
representatives that allows employee costs 
to be aligned with the level of company 
activity, potentially until the end of 2021.

We look forward to the subsidence of 
COVID-19, supported by vaccines, improved 
testing schemes and effective coordination 
among European institutions. Until such 
time, we remain focused on managing 
the crisis.

Shaping the new Vueling: 
Vueling Transform
We believe we must emerge from this 
crisis in an even more competitive shape. 
In partnership with the new IAG 
Transformation Office, Vueling has defined 
a balanced portfolio of transformation 
initiatives, driving improvements to 
revenue, cost, and employee and customer 
experiences. These are focused on three 
areas: international market development, 
low-cost leadership, and digital 
enablement. Our sustainability programme 
also continues at pace, to reduce carbon 
emissions, waste, and noise. For example, 
in 2020 we removed all plastic from our 
on-board customer service.

Conclusion
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic 
challenged Vueling, and indeed our whole 
industry, like nothing ever before. I am 
proud of how our team has risen to the 
task of managing the crisis, to ensure 
Vueling remains healthy and strong in the 
long term. In 2021, we will maintain this 
focus on both managing the crisis and 
shaping the new Vueling.

Marco Sansavini
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
of Vueling

Vueling statistics

Operating margin

Fleet

-108.5% 113

-118.3 vly 

-10 vly

ASK change 

-66.3%

Overview
In September, I was honoured and 
delighted to be appointed CEO of Vueling, 
replacing Javier Sánchez-Prieto, who led 
the development and strengthening of 
Vueling over the past four years and is 
now CEO of Iberia. Managing the challenge 
created by the COVID-19 pandemic has 
required intense focus and agility, which 
has been possible thanks to the 
engagement and dedication of all Vueling 
employees, who have made significant 
sacrifices and efforts to ensure the viability 
of the company. At the same time, the 
“new normal” forces us to rethink and 
prepare for it with a focus on the long-
term health and strength of the airline. As 
we have adapted our network, operation, 
and organisation to the demands of the 
current environment, we have also 
positioned Vueling to emerge better built 
than before.

Managing the crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated 
travel restrictions have drastically affected 
our capacity and results. 

To manage the crisis, we have focused on 
four priorities:

38

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Reducing our cost base  
across the business 

“As the global economy emerges from the 
COVID-19 crisis, facilitating international 
connectivity will again be paramount for Ireland.”   

Quickly responding to the COVID-19 
pandemic
In response to the lack of demand brought 
about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we 
quickly reduced our cost base across the 
business by aligning working hours and 
pay with the amount of work required; 
reducing the size of our workforce; 
right-sizing our fleet, including the 
permanent grounding or disposal of five 
aircraft; and negotiating new terms 
with suppliers. 

All areas of the business sought to 
preserve cash. We effectively managed 
our costs and those control measures had 
a significant impact in slowing the amount 
of cash leaving the business, such as 
encouraging customers to opt for 
vouchers rather than refunds when flights 
were cancelled. 

Delivering vital Personal Protective 
Equipment 
In March, we were contacted by the Irish 
Government for advice on how to 
transport critical supplies from China. 
Something of this scale would normally 
take months to set up. Our people rose to 
the challenge demonstrating immense 
determination and commitment and 
delivered the operation in a matter of days. 
The successful completion of 259 Dublin 
– Beijing return flights importing vital 
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for 
Health Service Executive of Ireland was a 
considerable achievement. Completed 
over a three-month period, the operation 
was the largest cargo operation by air in 
the history of the Irish state. 

Reassuring our customers
Commitment by our people was also key 
to the successful introduction of extensive 
new safety procedures to prevent the 
transmission of COVID-19. Measures 
include the mandatory wearing of face 
masks and a significantly enhanced 
cleaning process. All Aer Lingus Airbus 
aircraft are fitted with HEPA air filtration 
technology as standard. 

We introduced a new Book with 
Confidence policy which allows all 

customers travelling with Aer Lingus to 
change their travel dates free of charge, 
and as many times as they wish, up to two 
hours before they travel. 

Opportunity in a crisis
We continue to look at opportunities for 
our business and in August, we announced 
the opening of a new Aer Lingus Regional 
base with the launch of six routes operated 
by Stobart Air at Belfast City Airport, five 
of which are currently in operation.  

Towards the end of 2020, Aer Lingus 
was granted antitrust immunity by the US 
Department of Transportation to enable 
the airline to join the transatlantic joint 
business between American Airlines, 
British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. The 
addition of Aer Lingus’ Dublin hub and its 
complementary network will significantly 
enhance customers’ travel options 
and add new European destinations not 
currently served by any other transatlantic 
joint business.  

Throughout this most tumultuous of years, 
the resilience demonstrated by colleagues 
across the airline has been exemplary. Our 
people have displayed extraordinary 
commitment in an ever-changing and 
unprecedented environment. Their 
dedication ensured the success of various 
charter flight operations, the introduction 
of new safety measures, our response to 
the ever-changing schedule and its impact 
for customers; and has laid the 
groundwork to optimise opportunities in 
the future.   

Conclusion
As the global economy emerges from the 
COVID-19 crisis, this importance of 
facilitating international connectivity for 
our island nation, and through our island 
between North America and Europe will 
again be paramount. Our value carrier 
business model means that there will be 
significant opportunities for the airline, and 
we are well positioned to return to 
delivering compelling results for IAG, our 
stakeholders and for the Irish economy.

39

Dónal Moriarty
Interim CEO of Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus statistics

Operating margin

Fleet

-76.8% 50

-89.8 pts vly 

-3 vly

ASK change

-71.1%

At the outset of 2020, Aer Lingus was well 
positioned to further build on the strong 
performance and growth of previous 
years. We had ambitious plans for the year 
ahead, enabled by a strong balance sheet. 

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 
on the sector was particularly pronounced 
in Ireland. 

Eurocontrol data for air traffic activity 
shows Ireland down approximately 80 per 
cent versus Europe down 60 per cent in 
2020. The US – a key strategic market for 
Aer Lingus - was effectively closed. As a 
result, Aer Lingus operated less than five 
per cent capacity compared with 2019 for 
a substantial period of the second quarter 
of 2020, and due to continued lack of 
demand in its home market, that level 
remained at close to 25 per cent for the 
second half of 2020. 

In October, I was appointed Interim CEO 
following Sean Doyle’s appointment as 
CEO of British Airways. Sean made a 
lasting and positive contribution to 
Aer Lingus during his tenure as CEO and 
he expertly led the airline through the first 
seven months of the crisis. On behalf of 
everyone in Aer Lingus I would like to 
thank him and wish him every continued 
success at British Airways. 

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBuilding IAG’s longhaul low-cost 
brand model

A reshaped airline to face the 
new challenges
LEVEL is IAG’s low-cost airline brand. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated 
government travel restrictions and 
advisories have had a very significant 
negative effect on LEVEL’s business, with 
all the fleet grounded in March 2020. A 
strong focus on cost reduction and cash 
preservation has been maintained 
since then.

In November, Openskies, the operator of 
LEVEL France, completed a consultation 
process on its proposed cessation of 
operations and the development of an 
Employment Safeguard Plan. Openskies 
has ceased its activities. 

During 2020, LEVEL Spain has taken 
significant steps to improve key value 
drivers in digital distribution and ancillary 
merchandising and continues to operate 
longhaul flights from Barcelona.

In June, LEVEL Europe, the Group’s 
Austria-based shorthaul operator, 
announced that it was entering insolvency 
and that it had ceased trading following all 
flights being grounded as of March 2020. 
The operations out of Vienna and 
Amsterdam were ceased and the base in 
Vienna was closed.

Important milestones have been achieved 
to increase LEVEL Spain’s distribution in 
away markets and to improve product 
relevance, such as the enablement of the 
connectivity with Vueling on flylevel.com. 
LEVEL’s unbundled fare distribution was 
activated on all the channels to improve its 
market share.

Looking forward 
LEVEL is now focused on creating value 
for the Group from its longhaul operation 
in Barcelona. Together with Vueling, it will 
reinforce the ambition of Barcelona as an 
IAG hub, with the aim to improve the 
capture of connecting traffic.

An agile network planning process has 
been implemented to adjust capacity 
rapidly to the situation and to any change 
in environment.

There will be a continued focus on direct 
distribution with the launch of a full 
reviewed booking flow with new pricing 
and merchandising functionalities, and the 
implementation of a new Customer 
Lifecycle improving upsell and repetition.

The new Online Contact Centre, with 
reinforced omnichannel capabilities, will 
become the lever to improve customer 
service at the lowest cost.

IAG PLATFORM

Creating further opportunities for 
efficiency, modernisation and 
innovation to support the Group

IAG Platform

The IAG Platform enables Group operating 
companies to achieve revenue and cost 
synergies that would be hard to achieve as 
a standalone organisation.

Integral to the Group’s delivery model, the 
IAG Platform provides access to quality 
resources, common systems and centres 
of excellence, providing operating 
companies new to the Group with a ‘plug 
and play’ model they can quickly and 
efficiently join and rapidly realise benefits.

All operating companies have benefited 
hugely from the IAG Platform, which 
continues to provide scalable opportunities 
to develop innovative solutions and further 
enhance synergies.

40

IAG Connect
IAG Connect is a “platform as a service” 
business, providing IAG airlines with an 
in-air connectivity capability (.air) agnostic 
of hardware and data provider. On top of 
this, IAG Connect uses the .air platform to 
provide in-flight services including 
entertainment, customer service, retail and 
loyalty via portal and seatback interfaces. 

During 2020, the IAG Connect 
management was transitioned to IAG 
Loyalty to allow it to further enhance 
customer relevancy of its products as well 
as provide access to an extensive 
partnership network. This will be used to 

IAG Connect

extend the value that the platform can 
create for customers across IAG airlines in 
the future. IAG Connect has continued to 
roll out Wi-Fi connectivity across the 
Group’s fleet in 2020 and now covers 75 
per cent of the Group’s aircraft. 

Vast improvements have also been made 
to IAG Connect’s processes to speed up 
delivery of new and enhanced products 
and services. IAG Connect’s plans for 2021 
include new products and features 
already in development to further add 
value to customers. 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Providing support with our 
scalable model

Zoe Davis
Director of IAG GBS

“GBS proved itself  
as a solution in  
difficult times by 
demonstrating our 
scalable model and 
resilience, cementing 
our position as a 
fundamental part  
of IAG.”

An integral part of the IAG Platform, GBS 
evolved its remit in 2020, to provide 
creative and innovative solutions to drive 
sustainable transformation in providing 
finance, procurement, IT and digital 
services to all operating companies across 
IAG. Each operating company benefits 
from the GBS centralised model, driving 
efficiencies, automation and economies of 
scale. 

During the pandemic, GBS quickly pivoted 
to further focus on cash preservation and 
contract renegotiations to support the 
Group, while continuing to drive additional 
enhancements and efficiencies in process 
automation, supplier management, 
common systems and operational 
resilience. In addition, the onboarding of 
new services continued, including activities 
within airport operations and the transfer 
of IT colleagues into GBS. 

costs to a variable basis, where 
appropriate. 

PPE equipment was procured and delivered 
to protect the Group’s customers and 
employees, and further improvements were 
made to aircraft and lounge cleaning services.

Finally, Group Procurement maintained its 
commitment to our Corporate Social 
Responsibility policies and launched the 
updated Supplier Code of Conduct to all 
our active suppliers, setting out clear 
guidelines and expectations for our 
suppliers and building on the Group’s 
commitment to sustainable growth.

Looking forward
GBS will continue to focus on  
driving sustainable transformation  
across the Group by creating and 
delivering innovative centralised  
solutions for all operating companies. 
Further growth will come from leveraging 
the GBS platform and onboarding 
additional services from across the Group, 
driving synergies and streamlining new 
solutions through automation tools and 
the optimal mix of onshore, nearshore and 
offshore work.

Finance operations will target the 
automation of 40 per cent of processes by 
the end of 2021; determine and select the 
right long-term suppliers and leverage our 
insights from around the Group to deliver 
synergies and best-in-class working capital 
management.

Group Procurement will continue the 
in-depth restructure of the cost base to 
optimise unit costs; partner with suppliers 
who share our values and ways of working; 
continue to manage supplier performance; 
and proactively monitor any potential 
supplier risks to mitigate emerging issues.

I was appointed CEO of IAG GBS early in 
2020. A new leadership team was also 
introduced that reflects representation 
from all key areas of the GBS business, 
together with IAG Tech.

With a diverse workforce spread across 
four countries, GBS will continue to further 
harmonise processes; drive automation; 
strengthen the sustainable supply chain; 
develop and deliver new consolidated 
services and innovative solutions in 2021, 
supporting the Group’s day-to-day 
operations and long-term business strategy 
and transformation.

Finance Operations
As the hub of working capital activity for 
the Group, GBS was ideally placed to 
rapidly establish additional support to 
provide a constant overview of working 
capital during the global pandemic. Teams 
were pivoted to focus on core 
requirements and new services across IAG, 
demonstrating the swift responsiveness, 
scalability and flexibility of all centralised 
services provided by GBS. 

GBS Finance Operations continues to 
transform and consolidate migrated 
functions through the optimisation of 
processes, automation and a constant 
review of insourcing or outsourcing (make 
versus buy) via its onshore, nearshore and 
offshore model.

Procurement
Group Procurement led a comprehensive 
zero-based supplier review with all 
operating companies, using taskforces to 
adjust the supply chain in response to the 
challenges of the pandemic. 

With a large proportion of flight operations 
grounded and uncertainty as to when 
travel would recover, the immediate focus 
of Group Procurement was right-sizing the 
supply chain for the future and supporting 
cash preservation. Supplier spend 
initiatives delivered a combined cash 
benefit of €2 billion (excluding the impact 
of volume reductions) across the Group in 
2020. These initiatives included securing 
the waiver of minimum contractual 
commitments; deferral of cash payments; 
extension of payment terms; cancellation 
of committed CAPEX spend; temporary 
discounts; and the removal of costs. In 
parallel, Group Procurement worked with 
the operating companies to move fixed 

41

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationDelivering through the pandemic

Customer focus
As passenger aircraft were grounded, our 
teams adapted to ensure IAG Cargo 
continued to play a crucial role in 
supporting global trade and the movement 
of essential goods. 

Without a freighter fleet, we rapidly 
developed a network of scheduled 
cargo-only flights using the Group’s 
passenger aircraft. Passenger aircraft vary 
in belly hold capacity and in their cost of 
flying. Only a portion of the Group’s fleet, 
such as the Boeing 787s, Boeing 777s and 
Airbus A330s are economical for cargo-
only flying. We identified markets most 
impacted by the reduction in air cargo 
supply which could sustain the yields 
required to fly cargo-only services. Our 
first routes included New York, Chicago 
and Toronto. The focus of cargo-only 
flying was to ensure cash positive 
contribution for the airlines and the Group. 
Cargo opportunities were increased by 
removing seats from five passenger 
aircraft and obtaining regulatory approvals 
to load cargo in the passenger cabins. 

We also established a charter team to 
develop capacity solutions for customers 
and governments. During the year we 
operated 1,057 charters, including over 750 
critical supply operations for the British, 
Irish and Spanish authorities. 

As lockdowns and travel restrictions 
change, IAG Cargo continues to work 
closely with the Group’s airlines to build a 
network of destinations. This consists of 
both cargo-only flying and co-sponsored 
routes, which would not be viable based 
on either cargo or passenger revenues 
alone. 

A challenging year for our people
For many of the team, 2020 was a 
demanding yet fulfilling year, requiring 
teamwork, problem-solving and creativity 
to navigate new challenges against the 
backdrop of the changing external 
environment. The dedication and talent of 
our people was highly evident.

However, it was also a difficult year. It was 
a particular challenge to maintain 
operational performance in the face of 
rapidly changing plans and the 
unpredictable resource levels associated 
with COVID-19 related absence. Our 
people were also affected by furlough, the 
extended period of working from home 
and, in the operation, introduction and 
evolution of COVID-19 secure procedures 
in the workplace. 

In October we completed a management 
restructure to simplify the organisation 
and reduce costs whilst rebuilding teams 
with the talent and experience to grow IAG 
Cargo in the future.

We also worked closely with British 
Airways management in their consultation 
with their London Heathrow Cargo 
employees. Our aim was to secure modern 
and flexible working practices required to 
improve customer delivery. Although 
there was industrial action, an important 
agreement in principle was reached 
to achieve structural change and 
cost savings.

Conclusion: delivering for today and 
preparing for tomorrow
IAG Cargo has been successful in 
maintaining a broad network and 
proposition for cargo customers 
throughout the pandemic.

Our strategic pillars of deliver, transform 
and grow still hold. Whilst we had a strong 
focus on cost reduction, we continued to 
invest in the resilience of our business, 
including moving cargo revenue 
management and booking systems to the 
cloud. 

2020 was a remarkable year. With the 
world’s focus on health, we moved large 
quantities of PPE, sanitiser, ventilators and 
COVID-19 testing kits alongside our regular 
movement of food, medicines, high-tech, 
and parts for industry. 

Looking ahead into 2021, air cargo will be a 
key driver in global economic recovery. 
With world-class Constant Climate and 
cold-chain facilities, IAG Cargo will 
continue to play its part in the global 
distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. We also 
look forward to offering our customers a 
further expansion in our network. 

Lynne Embleton
Chief Executive Officer of IAG Cargo 

“This year has  
tested our resilience, 
teamwork and 
problem-solving  
as we adapted  
our business.”

Market overview 
The cargo industry was dominated by the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
International air cargo capacity (market 
supply) contracted sharply, down 24.1 per 
cent, a consequence of the cessation of 
passenger flights initially to China and then 
globally.

Market demand was also negatively 
impacted; production shutdowns and 
supply chain disruptions had a severe 
impact on global trade. In 2020 
international cargo tonnes kilometres 
(CTKs) were down 11.8 per cent versus 
2019. However, the imbalance created 
from market supply decreasing at a faster 
rate than demand resulted in significantly 
higher yields. 

Despite the significant disruption to our 
capacity, IAG Cargo delivered revenues of 
€1,306 million, an increase of 16.9 per cent 
on 2019.

42

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Still profitable in a challenging year

We also invested in the development of our 
employee engagement products to support 
the wellbeing and engagement of our team 
during the pandemic, such as ‘Get Active 
with Avios’. The success of the initiative has 
led to us explore new opportunities for 
these products with our partners. 

We slowed our investment in the 
development of our Global Loyalty Platform 
and now expect Iberia and British Airways 
to migrate during 2021. We have reformed 
our capital investment plans and will 
continue to increase our investment in our 
platform capability as we see the air 
issuance side of the business recover.

Looking forward
Looking ahead we will accelerate our 
transition into a data-led organisation, 
applying our agile ways of working to 
develop new products at speed for 
customers and airlines. We have recently 
restructured our management team to 
accelerate our speed of development, with 
the creation of a new position of Chief Data 
Officer and the appointment of a new Chief 
People Officer with experience of digital 
transformations in the retail sector.

We have a number of new high-profile 
partnerships launching in 2021. The 
recently announced UK partnership with 
Nectar and Sainsbury’s will give us a 
greater level of traction with customers on 
their grocery spend, supported by the 
provision of in-store brand presence. We 
are also due to release new partnerships 
and technology for customers’ banking 
requirements, both at home and abroad.

Our transition to a single loyalty platform 
for the Group now on course for 
completion in 2021 – delivering synergies 
for the Group and providing the platform 
from which to accelerate our growth. 

COVID-19 pandemic impact
The levels of Avios issued and redeemed 
significantly reduced during 2020 which 
has had a negative impact on financial 
performance. 

Management actions have been effective to 
reduce overheads by over 25 per cent 
through recruitment freezes, senior leader 
salary reductions and closure of our Central 
London office space. Our capital 
expenditure plans reduced by 50 per cent 
through programme deferrals.

Our teams have adapted to new ways of 
working, leveraging on the progress we 
had made as a business with collaborative 
tools well before the pandemic arrived. We 
successfully converted our loyalty contact 
centre colleagues to homeworking by 
mid-March, enabling us to continue to 
serve customers through the prolonged 
period of travel uncertainty. 

We have completed a restructure to 
ensure that our organisation is fit for the 
challenge ahead as we continue our role of 
driving revenue and cash into the Group 
and enhancing our customer proposition.

Key achievements
Despite the effects of the pandemic, IAG 
Loyalty remained profitable and our 
business model continued to generate 
significant levels of cash, in particular the 
renegotiation of key Finance Partner 
contracts. The extension of our 
longstanding relationship with American 
Express generated a £750 million cash 
injection in the third quarter of 2020, 
highlighting significant confidence and 
value in our loyalty business model. 

We have continued to roll out new 
products for customers. We have witnessed 
strong redemption demand from our 
customers where pockets of demand have 
arisen, particularly in the UK during the 
summer when travel corridors opened. Our 
lowest cash redemption options are 
proving exceptionally popular with 
customers and the concept is now available 
on British Airways longhaul flights. 

Adam Daniels
Chairman and Chief Executive  
Officer of IAG Loyalty

“The impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic 
on our performance 
has been significant, 
however, 2020 has 
proven the resilience 
of our loyalty 
business.”

Overview 
IAG Loyalty continues to provide 
comprehensive services to all airlines as 
the centre of excellence for loyalty for the 
Group. I was appointed as Chief Executive 
Officer and Chairman early in the year 
following the departure of Andrew 
Crawley. I would like to thank Drew for his 
leadership and vision in the initial stages of 
the loyalty transformation. 

Our focus on driving loyalty through 
increasing customer benefit and stronger 
engagement has continued to progress 
this year, delivering, for example, the full 
roll-out of new low-cash redemption 
options, from as little as £1 plus Avios on 
shorthaul and £100 plus Avios on longhaul. 
We have also reached commercial 
agreements on several new partnerships, 
including a new banking relationship in 
Spain with Santander that has already 
successfully launched.

43

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOur journey to become the very best

investments. However, at the end of 2020 
I completed the appointment of a new 
Technology senior leadership team and we 
are currently finalising the appointment of 
the extended leadership team. We have 
now restarted the transformation journey 
to “become the very best at what we do” 
and we have completed the design of a 
new operating model covering our 
organisation structure, governance, 
processes and tools underpinned by 
modern ways of working which will be 
implemented in the first half of 2021. At the 
heart of this strategy is a highly skilled, 
motivated, engaged and empowered 
Technology community. 

In addition to completing the 
transformation of the IAG Tech 
organisation, our focus in 2021 includes 
delivering the critical technology to 
support the business transformation plans 
and COVID-19 pandemic response; drive 
further improvements in performance and 
stability of core systems; and to deliver the 
IAG Tech business plans. 

2020 was an extremely challenging year 
for all of us and I am incredibly proud of 
IAG Tech’s achievements during the year, 
which have put us in a strong position 
for 2021. 

We are now investing in systems to 
support boarded passenger health data, 
testing and vaccination history.

To enable our employees to work 
efficiently. We enabled the switch to 
remote working with enhanced 
communication and collaboration, but 
ensuring the necessary controls remained 
effective. Other changes included wider 
deployment of automated workflow; 
enhanced operational planning; changes to 
pilot and crew systems; and, use of data 
and analytics to provide unique insights.

To support the Group’s financial 
performance. We delivered capabilities to 
increase revenues such as additional 
ancillary sales; drove cost optimisation 
using robotic process automation; and, 
worked with our supply chain partners to 
deliver a 30 per cent reduction in 
operating costs of the IT/Digital estate and 
a 25 per cent improvement in project and 
product team efficiency.

However, as a consequence of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, we deferred non-
business critical investments so we have 
not addressed as much of the technology 
obsolescence and risks as we had 
originally planned but, importantly, we 
maintained our cyber security investments 
to deliver a ‘defence in depth’ strategy and 
improve our capability across the five NIST 
framework stages: identifying, protecting, 
detecting, responding and recovering from 
attacks. We strengthened our cyber 
security leadership team, increased the 
breadth and depth of our in-house team, 
and introduced a new partner to run our 
security operations centre. We increased 
awareness of cyber security through 
training, phishing campaigns and 
simulations at all levels in the organisation.

We continued the Hangar 51 programme 
to identify innovative use of technology to 
solve business challenges. In 2020 we 
addressed contactless travel, connected 
operations, new products and services, 
sustainability, loyalty, cyber security, and 
smart working. With applications received 
throughout August we held a ‘virtual pitch 
week’ in October. The selected partners 
entered a ten-week accelerator phase with 
capability demonstrations to be held in 
February 2021. 

We slowed down the transformation of the 
IAG Tech organisation as we furloughed 
staff and focused on the critical COVID-19 

John Gibbs
Chief Information Officer

“2020 saw a significant 
step change in the 
capability of our IT/
Digital community as 
IAG Tech continued on 
its journey to deliver 
the very best, rapidly 
executed technology 
solutions to meet the 
business needs.”

IAG Tech delivered over 300 different 
COVID-19 initiatives in less than two 
months in response to the Coronavirus 
pandemic in early 2020 and further 
capabilities were deployed throughout the 
remainder of the year. We had three main 
priorities: 

To ensure our customers have a world 
class experience throughout the customer 
journey. We enhanced the .com platforms 
to support bookings and amendments; 
enabled voucher refunds; implemented 
new communication channels such as 
WhatsApp, Amazon Alexa and Google 
voice assistant; improved disruption 
management; increased capacity in the call 
centres; and made modifications to our 
customer relationship management 
solution. The safety of our customers 
remained a top priority as we invested in 
contactless technologies throughout the 
journey including changes at check-in, 
lounges, departure gates and on board. 

44

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY

Maintaining our lead  
on net zero emissions

deal backing a pioneering Lanzajet 
alcohol-to-jet fuel plant in the USA. 

Meanwhile, IAG became a founding 
member of the Coalition for Negative 
Emissions, which is advocating for policy 
support to advance greenhouse gas 
removal technology. I’m pleased to report 
that, through our Hangar 51 accelerator 
programme, eight of our business 
units are now partnering with 
environmental innovators.

Sustainability is not just about climate, of 
course, and we were busy on other fronts 
too in 2020. We made important 
improvements to our sustainability 
governance systems, in data collection, 
procurement and risk management. We 
also launched initiatives to support and 
enhance the wellbeing of our employees.

From the start of 2021, a new Safety, 
Environment and Corporate Responsibility 
sub-committee of the Board will meet 
quarterly to help us maintain and build on 
our sustainability leadership. This year we 
will carry out an in-depth materiality 
review with our stakeholders, and waste 
management and key social issues will be 
priority areas for the Group.

We will be doing more to engage with our 
employees, who will have critical roles to 
play in the transformation of the Group to 
ensure its sustainability and long-term 
resilience.

As you read the pages that follow, I hope 
you can see that we understand just how 
important sustainability is to the 
communities we serve, our customers, 
employees and investors.

We have always tried to lead the way on 
sustainability, often with great success. 
Even in these difficult times, our 
commitment to do so remains 
undiminished.

Javier Ferrán
Chairman

45

Javier Ferrán
Chairman

“Our approach to 
corporate governance 
is all about ensuring 
our business can 
continue to grow 
sustainably long into 
the future for the 
benefit of all our 
stakeholders.” 

We have always been clear that the 
aviation industry must play a full part in 
tackling climate change, and we remain as 
committed as ever to leading that effort.

In 2019, we became the first airline group 
to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 
2050. Throughout 2020 we worked hard 
to engage the wider industry with this 
goal, leading coalitions around the world 
both to create net zero roadmaps and to 
encourage others to adopt similar targets.

For example, in February we were 
instrumental in supporting the UK aviation 
sector to develop a roadmap and a net 
zero target through the Sustainable 
Aviation group. In September, we actively 
supported the oneworld alliance, which 
includes 13 airlines accounting for some 20 

per cent of global aviation, to commit to 
the same 2050 goal.

We were active through Airlines for 
Europe and the Air Transport Action 
Group in developing roadmaps for airlines 
in Europe and globally. We are also 
working with partners to secure a net zero 
target for the global industry at the 2022 
general assembly of the International Civil 
Aviation Organisation.

We were first in our industry to sign up 
to the UN Climate Ambition Alliance and 
the Race to Zero campaign, and are proud 
to be one of ten global companies 
recognised for our actions at the UN 
Climate Ambition summit in December, 
which marked the fifth anniversary of the 
Paris Climate Agreement.

Across the Group, our 30-year de-
carbonisation plan continued to make 
great progress. We sped up the retirement 
of Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s due to 
COVID-19, invested in new-generation 
aircraft, and British Airways partnered with 
ZeroAvia on developing commercial 
hydrogen flights. 

Operationally, we continued to innovate, 
using special software to identify fuel-
saving opportunities and investing in the i6 
Group fuel management software 
company. Investment in sustainable fuels 
continued too, with our groundbreaking 
Altalto waste-to-jet fuel plant in the UK 
securing planning permission and a new 

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

This report has three sections: Governance, 
Planet and People and Prosperity.

A. Governance
A.1. Sustainability strategy
IAG has maintained a vision to be 
the world’s leading airline group on 
sustainability. Sustainability underpins our 
business strategy and is fundamental to our 
long-term growth. IAG is committed to 
minimising its environmental impact and 
improving its social impact, whilst 
executing on Group strategy, and delivering 
best practices in both programmes and 
processes. IAG also aspires to drive 
improvements in the sustainability 
performance of the global aviation industry.

IAG’s sustainability strategy is aligned to 
IAG’s three strategic priorities, as 
demonstrated in the diagram to the right.

Progress against the vision is measured 
against five strategic aims:

1  Clear and ambitious targets relating to 

IAG’s most material issues.

1

2  Low-carbon transition pathways 
embedded in business strategy.
3 Management incentives aligned to 

delivering a low-carbon transition plan. 

4 Leadership in carbon disclosures.
5  Accelerating progress in sustainable 
aviation fuels, future aircraft and low 
carbon technologies.

To support these ambitions, IAG’s core 
business processes embed consideration of 
sustainability issues. Three-year business 
plans, one–year financial plans, procurement 
and financial approvals all address climate 
and sustainability impacts. Assessments of 
climate-related risks are integrated into an 
interdisciplinary Enterprise Risk 
Management (ERM) process. Carbon prices 
are incorporated into fleet investment 
decisions.

In 2020, IAG implemented new 
management incentives explicitly linked to 
climate targets. These incentives were 
agreed by IAG’s Management Committee, 
Remuneration Committee and Board in 
2019, resulting in 60 of the most senior 
executives across the Group, including the 
IAG Chief Executive Officer, having a 
proportion of their annual incentives linked 
to achievement of annual carbon intensity 
targets. The 2020 annual incentive plan was 
cancelled due to COVID-19 but the intention 
is to reinstate it for 2021.
46

Unrivalled
customer
proposition

1
Strengthening 
a portfolio of 
world-class 
brands and 
operations

2
Growing
global
leadership
positions

3
Enhancing 
IAG’s common
integrated
platform

Value-
accretive and 
sustainable
growth

Efficiency 
and innovation

Strengthening a 
portfolio of world-class 
brands and operations

Ensuring customers 
have visibility of, and 
are engaged in, our 
sustainability 
programmes

See ‘Stakeholder 
engagement’ section

Underpinned by su s t a i n a b i l i t

y

2

3

Growing global 
leadership positions

Demonstrating industry 
leadership e.g. through 
commitment to 
ambitious carbon 
reduction targets

See ‘Stakeholder 
engagement’ section

Maturing our transition 
pathway towards a 
low-carbon economy
See ‘Planet – climate 
commitments’ section

Leadership in carbon 
disclosures

See bottom of this page

Enhancing IAG’s 
common integrated 
platform

Investing in efficient 
aircraft fleet and 
delivering best 
practice in operational 
efficiency

See ‘Planet – climate 
commitment’ section

Innovating and 
investing to accelerate 
progress in sustainable 
aviation fuels, future 
aircraft and low-
carbon technologies

See ‘Planet – Climate 
roadmap’ section

External recognition of leadership and 
progress in 2020 included:

 • Luis Gallego was the only aviation CEO 

invited to speak at the global UN Climate 
Ambition Summit in December 2020

 • Global winner of Sustainability Strategy to 

Achieve Net Zero award, from the 
Institute of Environmental Assessment 
and Management (IEMA);

 • Maintaining a B overall rating in the 

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) climate 
change questionnaire, receiving A grades 
for governance, targets, emissions 

reduction initiatives and value chain 
engagement. The full submission is on the 
IAG website; and

 • Maintaining a 3 out of 4 overall rating in 
the Transition Pathways Initiative (TPI) 
Management Quality Index, meeting 15 out 
of 18 climate indicators.

Up until now IAG’s priority focus has been 
addressing climate change impacts, but with 
the establishment of the new Safety, 
Environment and Corporate Responsibility 
Committee the focus will be broadened to 
include societal and employee issues.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Materiality assessment
GRI 102-43, 102-44, 102-46, 102-47

IAG’s sustainability initiatives and reporting 
are based on a 2017 assessment of which 
business activities have a material impact 
on the environment and people and are 
most important to key stakeholders. This 
materiality assessment was facilitated by 
the UK charitable trust Business in the 
Community (BITC) as an independent third 
party.

The assessment included workshops, 
stakeholder interviews, benchmarking 
against external materiality frameworks 
and the production of an IAG-specific 
materiality matrix. External stakeholders 
included investors, corporate customers, 
suppliers, NGOs and government. Sixteen 
material sustainability issues were 
identified and are listed to the right. IAG’s 
most significant material issue is climate 
change. Four UN Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs)1 – 5, 7, 8 and 13 – were 
identified as priority areas to support, 
amongst nine SDGs in total.

Here, material issues are grouped into the 
categories of Principles of Governance, 
Planet and People and Prosperity, to align 
with best practice indicated by the 2020 
World Economic Forum report on 
‘Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism’. 

These material issues align with the issues 
identified by IATA and GRI2 for the wider 
airline sector. The nine SDGs align with 
those identified by IATA and UK trade 
association Sustainable Aviation (SA). 

Water consumption, biodiversity and light 
pollution are not currently assessed as 
material for IAG. These assessments are 
based on the small scale of impacts in 
these areas, and ongoing conversations 
with our stakeholders. Light pollution was 
not assessed during the 2017 materiality 
assessment as it was not identified as 
material by any key stakeholders. IAG does 
not have specific risk provisions, targets or 
guarantees related to these non-material 
issues.

IAG material issues identified
Icons indicate alignment with UN SDGs

Principles of Governance
 • Compliance with legislation and 

regulation

 • Supply chain management
 • Carbon pricing

Prosperity
 • Local economic impacts
 • Customer satisfaction
 • Innovation, research and 

development

 • Financial performance5

Planet
 • Climate change3

 • Energy use
 • Waste4
 • Noise
 • Air quality

People
 • Diversity and equality
 • Community engagement and 

charitable support
 • Employee satisfaction
 • Talent management

1  The UN identified 17 SDGs in total, for all sectors to work towards by 2030 in order to “end poverty, 

protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.”

2  Global Reporting Initiative.
3  Including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fleet modernisation, fuel efficiency and Sustainable 

Aviation Fuels (SAF).
4  Including food waste.
5  Short-term investor returns and long-term financial sustainability. Covered outside the sustainability 

section.

During 2021 IAG will repeat a full-scale materiality assessment, a year later than planned 
due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This assessment will include issues that 
have arisen during the pandemic. Health, safety and wellbeing rose in importance 
during 2020. 

47

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

How IAG activities support priority UN SDGs:

Goal
5

7

8

13

Description
Gender 
equality

Affordable 
and clean 
energy

Decent 
work and 
economic 
growth

Climate 
action

See these subsections
Workforce overview

2020 highlight/s 
45% women on the IAG Board and 30% across IAG senior executives

Inclusion and diversity

Climate change

Sustainable aviation 
fuels

Workforce overview

Secured planning permission for Europe’s first waste-to-jet fuel plant and 
invested in an alcohol-to-jet fuel plant in the USA

Provided a range of internal and external resources to support employee 
wellbeing and COVID-19 safety

Stakeholder 
engagement

Climate change

Instrumental in driving coalitions at national, regional and global levels to 
set aviation climate strategies in line with a 1.5 degrees Celsius (1.5°C) 
ambition 

Sustainability governance structure

Board

Remuneration Committee

Safety, Environment and 
Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Audit and Compliance 
Committee

People Working Group

Management Committee

Sustainable Aviation Fuels 
Steering Group

Sustainability Steering Group

IAG Sustainability

IAG Sustainability network

Introduced in 2020

48

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020A.2. Sustainability 
governance
GRI 102-46, 102-48

The IAG Board provides oversight and 
direction for sustainability programmes, 
and the IAG Management Committee 
provides the key forum for reviewing and 
challenging these programmes and setting 
their strategic direction.

Sustainability programmes across all 
operating companies and support 
functions are coordinated at Group level. 
IAG’s sustainability strategy sets out the 
ambition and the wider context of these 
programmes. This strategy covers Group 
policies and objectives, governance 
structure, risk management, strategy and 
targets on material issues, sustainability 
performance indicators, and 
communications and stakeholder 
engagement plans. Each individual 
operating company within the Group has a 
distinct sustainability programme that is 
aligned with the Group strategy.

Group-wide policies relevant to 
sustainability include the Code of Conduct, 
Supplier Code of Conduct, and specific 
policies on Sustainability, Modern Slavery, 
Anti-Corruption and Bribery, Equal 
Opportunities, and Selection and Diversity. 
All of these have been approved by the 
Board of Directors. IAG will review the 
suite of sustainability-related policies in 
2021 and update the sustainability section 
of the IAG website to reflect any changes.

In 2020, IAG strengthened its sustainability 
governance. A Sustainability Steering 
Group, comprised of representatives from 
each operating company, was established 
and meets quarterly to provide oversight 
of our environmental and social initiatives 
and reporting. A SAF Steering Group and 
People Working Group were established to 
report into this steering group. The IAG 
Sustainability Network held monthly calls 
rather than bi-annual meetings and 
representation was expanded to all 
operating companies.

In 2021 a Safety, Environment and 
Corporate Responsibility Board sub-
committee will provide dedicated 
oversight of the Group’s sustainability 
programme and a link between operating 
company management committees and 
the IAG Board. The 2021 governance 
structure is shown on the previous page 
and will enhance the rigour and oversight 
applied to sustainability initiatives and the 
level of feedback and challenge received.

Individual operating companies also 
continue to strengthen their environmental 
assessment and management. In 2020, 
British Airways and Vueling achieved 
Stage 1 certification for the IATA 
Environmental Assessment (IEnvA)1 
management system in 2020 and have 
begun working towards Stage 2. 
Aer Lingus and Iberia are working towards 
Stage 1 certification in 2021. To date, 12 
airlines worldwide have achieved IEnvA 
Stage 1 certification.

Reporting standards 
The full contents of this sustainability 
report are included in the IAG Non-
Financial Information Statement, which is 
third-party verified to limited assurance 
and in line with ISAE30002 
(Revised) standards. 

IAG aligns sustainability reporting with 
current and emerging disclosure standards 
to ensure the Group discloses relevant and 
meaningful data on sustainability 
performance.

This includes compliance with obligations 
under EU Directive 2014/95/EU on 
non-financial reporting and its 
transposition in the UK and Spain, and the 
2018 UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting (SECR) regulation. IAG 
voluntarily aligns reporting with the Task 
Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) guidance, the 
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board 
(SASB), and the IATA Airlines Reporting 
Handbook. IAG supported IATA and the 
GRI to develop the IATA handbook. 

This report has been prepared in reference 
to GRI standards. Criteria for choosing 
specific GRI standards are based on 
compliance with Spanish Law 11/2018 and 
material issues. In cases where alignment 
was not possible, other standards aligned 
to airline industry guidance or internal 
frameworks were used. These are 
described in relevant sections.

A table showing alignment with external 
frameworks and GRI standards is included 
at the end of this sustainability section.

Data governance
Unless otherwise stated, the scope of 
environment performance data includes all 
IAG airlines, subsidiaries and cargo 
operations over which IAG has operational 
control. This scope is consistent with 
environment-related policies and KPIs. 
LEVEL (except jet fuel data), IAG Loyalty 
and IAG GBS functions are not in scope 
for environmental reporting as the 
environmental impacts of these business 
units are not material, but are in scope of 
policies and KPIs.

Unless otherwise stated, workforce and 
supply chain data include all IAG operating 
companies and support functions that are 
wholly or majority-owned.

Scope 1 emissions data related to intra-
European flights is subject to further 
verification for compliance with the EU 
Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and 
the UN Carbon Offsetting and Reduction 
Scheme for International Aviation 
(CORSIA). British Airways emissions data 
is typically verified again, to reasonable 
assurance standards, within six months of 
the year end.

In cases where full year data was not 
available, estimates have been applied 
based on business forecasts and data from 
prior months. Internal governance is in 
place to ensure that any estimations made 
are robust.

Any restatements are indicated next to 
relevant metrics with reasons provided.

1  IEnvA is the airline industry version of ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems. IEnvA is tailored specifically for 

airlines and is fully compatible with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

2  ISAE3000 is the assurance standard for compliance, sustainability and outsourcing audits, issued by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

49

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

A.3. Supply chain governance and management
GRI 308-2, GRI 414-2, Supports SDG 12

IAG Global Business Services (IAG GBS) 
manages interactions with suppliers on 
behalf of the Group. During 2020, IAG GBS 
focused on minimising the negative impact 
of the COVID-19 pandemic and drove 
further consolidation of the number of 
active suppliers from 27,033 in 2019 to 
22,947 in 2020. This consolidation enables 
IAG GBS to focus more attention on 
building strategic partnerships.

IAG GBS has a dedicated Procurement 
Sustainability Programme which consists 
of four key aspects relating to the supply 
chain:

 • Code of Conduct
 • Risk screening
 • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 

Audits

 • Joint programmes to promote 

sustainability initiatives

In September 2020, IAG GBS launched a 
new Group-wide Supplier Code of 
Conduct and issued this to the existing 
supply chain. This Code clarifies the 
standards of behaviour expected from 
suppliers working with any part of the 
business and emphasises the importance 
of sustainability. It has also been integrated 
into the supplier onboarding process. IAG 
will only work with businesses which share 
our standards and ways of working.

As a minimum, all suppliers undergo 
bi-annual screening for any legal, social, 
environmental and financial risks. In 2020, 
1,043 suppliers received red flags on 
compliance issues during their bi-annual 
screening and 35 business-critical suppliers 
were highlighted to the operating 
companies in daily risk alerts. The 
Procurement and Compliance Teams 
assess any suppliers that are identified as 
having potentially higher levels of risk and 
implement a mitigation plan where 
necessary. Any issues are flagged to the 
risk owners within IAG to jointly take 
appropriate action. 

IAG GBS carries out in-depth supplier 
audits as part of the Group’s commitment 
to sustainability; these audits are based on 
potential geographical and procurement 
category risk. They are performed by 
independent inspectors with CSR expertise 
using the SEDEX Members Ethical Trade 
Audit (SMETA) methodology. In 2020, 25 
audits were completed during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, with eight postponed 
until 2021. Of the audits carried out, 78 
points were identified that required minor 
improvements in health and safety 
standards, and suppliers have 
implemented corrective actions. 

In addition, joint programmes are in place 
with key suppliers to drive sustainable 
innovation and identify new ways to 
reduce carbon dioxide emissions and 
waste. Programmes include the continued 
development of SAF and carbon removal 
technology, as well as initiatives to use 
environmentally friendly packaging in 
lounges and inflight products.

In 2021, IAG GBS will continue to further 
consolidate and permanently right-size the 
Group supply chain with no more than 
15,000 suppliers across all operating 
companies; pivoting the business to focus 
more on key partnerships in order to 
improve supply chain performance; and 
drive specific projects to deliver upon 
IAG’s sustainability commitments.

Total number of 
suppliers
22,947

27,033

Suppliers screened
22,947

Suppliers with 
additional compliance 
assessment
1,818

Critical suppliers under 
regular risk monitoring
35

Independent CSR 
audits in year
25

18,369

2,912

n/a

28

Year
2020

2019

50

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020A.4. Ethics and integrity
GRI 102-16, 102-17, 205-1, 205-2, 205-3

All Directors and employees are expected 
to act with integrity and in accordance 
with the laws of the countries in which 
they operate. 

IAG’s Group Code of Conduct, which is 
approved by the Board, sets out the 
general guidelines that govern the conduct 
of all Directors and employees of the 
Group when carrying out their duties in 
their business and professional 
relationships. Training and communications 
activities are carried out for Directors, 
employees and third parties on a regular 
basis to maintain awareness and 
understanding of the principles that 
govern the conduct of the Group. 

If any employee has a concern about 
unethical behaviour or organisational 
integrity, they are encouraged to first 
speak with their manager or a member of 
the Legal, Compliance or Human 
Resources teams. Similarly, suppliers are 
encouraged to contact their primary 
contact within the business. IAG maintains 
Speak Up channels provided by 
independent third-party providers, Safecall 
and Ethicspoint, where concerns can be 
raised on an anonymous basis. These 
Speak Up channels are available to 
members of staff as well as suppliers, with 
information on how to access published in 
the Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of 
Conduct respectively. 

The IAG Audit and Compliance Committee 
reviews the effectiveness of the Speak Up 
channels on an annual basis. This annual 
review considers the volume of reports by 
category; timeliness of follow-up; process 
and responsibility for follow-up; emerging 
themes and lessons; and any issues raised 
of significance to the financial statements 
or other areas of compliance.

In 2020, a total of 193 Speak Up reports 
were received compared with 282 in 2019. 
This decrease is believed to be largely due 
to the slowdown in business activity and 
furloughing of staff brought on by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. These reports 
concerned issues relating to employment 
matters (63 per cent), dishonest 
behaviour/reputation (17 per cent), health 
and safety (18 per cent) and regulatory 
matters (2 per cent). Of the dishonest 
behaviour/reputation reports, none related 
to corruption matters versus two reports 
in 2019. All reports were followed up and 
investigated where appropriate. 

Anti-corruption and anti-money 
laundering
IAG and its operating companies do not 
tolerate any form of bribery or corruption. 
This is made clear in our Group Code of 
Conduct and supporting policies which are 
available to all Directors and employees. 
Our anti-bribery policy statement is also 
set out in our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Each Group operating company has a 
Compliance Department responsible for 
managing the anti-bribery programme in 
their business. The compliance teams from 
across the Group meet regularly through 
Working Groups and Steering Groups, 
under the leadership of the IAG Group 
Compliance Director, and annually they 
conduct a review of bribery risks at 
operating company and Group level. 

In 2020, the main risks identified were 
unchanged from the previous year and 
relate to the use of third parties, 
operational and commercial decisions 
involving government agencies, and the 
inappropriate use of gifts and hospitality. 
No compliance breaches were identified in 
2020.

Anti-bribery and corruption training is 
mandatory for all IAG operating 
companies, Group functions and the Board 
and takes the form of e-learning 
supplemented by face-to-face sessions as 
necessary. Individual training requirements 
are set by each operating company and 
function, and are determined by factors 
such as the level and responsibilities of an 
employee. The Group-wide anti-bribery 
e-learning, which was rolled out in 2019, 
has a recurrence of three years. In 2020 a 
total of 1,984 employees completed the 
anti-bribery and corruption e-learning 
course, compared with 7,933 in 2019. 

To identify, manage and mitigate potential 
bribery and corruption risks, IAG uses 
risk-based third-party due diligence which 
includes screenings, external reports, 
interviews and site visits depending on the 
level of risk that a third party presents. Any 
risks identified during the due diligence 
process are analysed and a mitigation plan 
put in place as necessary. Certain risks 
could result in termination of the proposed 
or existing relationship with the 
counterparty. The IAG Audit and 
Compliance Committee receives an annual 
update on the anti-bribery compliance 
programme.

There were no legal cases regarding 
corruption brought against the Group and 
its operating companies in 2020 and 
management is not aware of any 
impending cases or underlying issues.

IAG has processes and procedures in place 
across the Group, such as supplier vetting 
and management, Know Your 
Counterparty procedures and financial 
policies and controls which help to combat 
money laundering in the business.

51

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

A.5 Sustainability risks and opportunities
GRI 102-11, 102-15

Overview 
Since 2019, sustainable aviation risks have 
been identified as a principal risk to IAG. 
Climate-related risks are considered and 
assessed under the Group Enterprise Risk 
Management (ERM) framework which is 
presented to the Board. More details on 
risk management procedures, and how 
Group risks inter-relate, can be found in 
the ‘Risk Management and principal risk 
factors’ section.

Sustainability risks and opportunities, 
including climate-related risks and 
opportunities, are also identified and 
assessed by the Group Sustainability team, 
in conjunction with the Group ERM team. 
This assessment includes risks over 
medium-term (two to five years) and 
long-term (greater than five year) 
timescales. These risks are bi-annually 
reported to and reviewed by the IAG 
Management Committee and the IAG 
Audit and Compliance Committee, and 
regularly reported to the IAG Chief of Staff 
who reports to the IAG CEO. Plans to 
mitigate risks are developed by relevant 
risk owners in specific areas of the 
business.

IAG allocates significant resources to 
environmental risk management. This 
includes a strategic commitment to invest 
US$400 million (€360 million) over 20 
years in SAF development, production and 
supply, along with a dedicated sustainable 
fuels team. This also includes a significant 
and continued investment over five years 
in the Honeywell GoDirect Flight Efficiency 
software, to manage risks related to 
operational efficiency, with dedicated 
representatives within operating 
companies to manage operational 
efficiency programmes. In addition, each of 
the Group’s four main airlines are working 
towards IEnvA1 accreditation and have 
invested in people and IT resources to 
enable this.

IAG is committed to mitigating the impacts 
of hazards which have uncertain but 
potentially highly negative outcomes, on 
the environment or people, if they occur. 
As such, IAG adopts precautionary 
measures to mitigate these hazards, an 
approach known as the precautionary 
principle. The precautionary principle is 
applied to the planning of operations and 
the development and launch of new 
services, by integrating climate 
considerations into business plans and 
financial forecasts and aligning activities 
with the Flightpath Net Zero programme. 
Detailed risk mitigation measures are 
outlined in the tables on the following 
pages.

TCFD-aligned climate-related scenario 
analysis
IAG was an early adopter of the Task 
Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) guidance on climate-
related scenario analysis and climate-
specific risk assessments. In 2018, IAG 
followed the TCFD six-step process and 
analysed the implications of climate 
change on business activity in 2030. This 
analysis helped in reviewing the resilience 
of IAG’s business strategies in the context 
of climate change and was instrumental in 
the 2019 design and adoption of IAG’s 
Flightpath Net Zero climate strategy. 

The 2018 exercise included two climate 
scenarios and the impacts of these 
scenarios on IAG’s costs of inputs, 
operating costs, revenues, supply chain, 
and business interruption. Outputs 
included an initial qualitative assessment of 
how IAG could respond in terms of 
adapting the business model, portfolio mix, 
investments in transition capabilities and 
technologies and the potential impact on 
strategic and financial plans. 

1  See Sustainability Governance section for IEnvA definition.

52

The scope of the exercise included:

 • a two-degree Celsius temperature rise 

scenario (Representative Concentration 
Pathway (RCP) 2.6), consistent with the 
goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement; 

 • a four-degree temperature rise scenario 

(RCP 8.5), as an alternative high-
emission scenario;

 • stakeholders from IAG Strategy, 

Treasury, ERM, Investor Relations, Digital 
Innovation, Procurement and 
Sustainability as well as environmental 
and fuel efficiency managers from our 
operating companies; and

 • 2030 as a long-term timeframe but an 

intermediate milestone enroute to 2050.

A key finding was that IAG would incur 
additional operating costs under both 
climate scenarios. Under a two-degree 
scenario, most of this increase would result 
from carbon prices or climate-related 
policy interventions. Under a four-degree 
scenario, IAG was more likely to face 
increased costs from operational 
disruption as a result of extreme weather 
events becoming more frequent.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020The results of this scenario analysis raised 
climate change awareness internally and 
have informed specific changes to IAG’s 
business operations and strategy:

 • design and adoption of the industry-
leading Flightpath Net Zero climate 
strategy;

 • identifying and disclosing several new 
climate-related risks and opportunities;
 • identifying “sustainable aviation” risks as 

a principal risk;

 • deeper integration of climate 

considerations into internal business 
planning and financial planning 
processes; and

 • embedding a sustainability category into 
the Hangar 51 accelerator programme to 
support low-carbon innovation.

During 2020 IAG updated internal 
assessments of climate-related risks, by 
testing and revising assumptions on 
post-pandemic business growth and the 
regulatory context and future carbon price 
for all operating airlines. Forecasting of 
climate-related regulatory impacts is 
integrated into IAG’s business and financial 
planning process.

In 2021 IAG plans to repeat climate-related 
scenario analysis in line with the latest 
TCFD recommendations and guidance.

Summary of risk impacts and mitigation
IAG categorises climate-related risks in line 
with Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidance. 
Specific risks are mitigated though existing 
processes, additional investments, or 
specific strategies as outlined in the table 
below. IAG uses internal carbon prices 
based on current EU ETS prices, the UK 
Department for Transport (DfT) Aviation 
Forecast, and International Energy Agency 
(IEA) CORSIA price forecasts. In 2020, EU 
ETS prices of €26/tonne and CORSIA 
prices of $17/tonne were used to forecast 
the compliance costs of international 
flights.

Trend key1: 

Increase

Stable

Decrease

S

short-term  
(1-2 years)

M

medium-term 
(2-5 years)

L

long-term (greater 
than 5 years)

Summary of risk impacts and mitigation
Key climate-related risks

TCFD risk category: Regulatory (current)

Risk title
Higher 
carbon price 
and stringent 
policy 
mechanisms

Risk description
A rising cost of carbon in 
regulatory market-based 
schemes such as the UK ETS and 
EU ETS would add to our 
operating costs.

M

Potential  
financial impacts
EU ETS prices 
rose 55% 
between 
2018-20, from 
€16 to €25/tonne

CORSIA unit 
prices were 
expected to rise 
at least 65% 
between 2020 
and 20302

Mitigating actions
 • Via the Flightpath Net Zero programme, setting and 

working towards ambitious climate targets to minimise 
the IAG footprint and exposure to climate regulation
 • Lobbying for effective global regulation and robust and 

fair policies to meet global climate goals

 • Factoring carbon price forecasts into business decisions 

on fleet planning and investment 

 • Continuing investment in modern fleet and innovations to 

ensure continual improvement in operational fuel 
efficiency

 • An effective procurement strategy for carbon credits to 

protect against price volatility

 • Driving and supporting low-carbon innovation via the 

Hangar 51 accelerator programme

1  Risk and opportunity trends as assessed by IAG Sustainability in relation to external changes, rather than mitigating actions.
2  Pre-pandemic.

53

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

Key climate-related risks

TCFD risk category: Regulatory (emerging)

Risk title
A global 
patchwork of 
uncoordinated 
national and 
regional 
climate policies 

S

Risk description
Several countries and the EU 
have already adopted or are 
considering carbon taxes. The UK 
is establishing a UK ETS. Use of 
regional instruments such as 
taxes or mandates may lead to 
increased compliance costs, 
increasing regulatory complexity, 
and inequitable costs causing 
competitive distortion. Duplicate 
regulations and the inconsistent 
application of monitoring, 
verification and reporting 
requirements could have similar 
effects.

TCFD risk category: Market

Risk title
Changing 
customer 
behaviour

S

Risk description
Ethical and sustainability 
concerns being an increasing 
factor in consumer choices may 
mean some consumers choose to 
travel less frequently, less far, or 
choose different travel modes.

TCFD risk category: Acute physical
Risk title

Risk description

Increased 
severity and 
frequency of 
extreme 
weather events 
and local 
climate-related 
circumstances

S

Increased frequency of high 
winds, fog events, storms, 
turbulence, sustained extreme 
heat events or stronger jet 
stream would increase operating 
costs by increasing delays, fuel 
burn and requiring additional 
cooling and maintenance costs. 
Local climate-related 
circumstances such as fires, algal 
blooms and droughts could make 
destinations temporarily less 
attractive.

54

Potential  
financial impacts
Revenue impact 
due to reduced 
demand as a 
result of higher 
pricing

Mitigating actions
 • Lobbying for a global net zero target for aviation to be 

agreed at the ICAO General Assembly in 2022

 • Allocating resources to engage with governments, trade 
associations, IATA and ICAO to help implement the UN 
CORSIA scheme, which represents a single effective 
global carbon-pricing solution for aviation

 • Supporting implementation and adoption of CORSIA, 
robust rules for monitoring and criteria for emissions 
reductions, and lobbying for universal adoption

Potential  
financial impacts
Potential 
revenue impact 
from reduced or 
changed travel 
behaviours and 
corporate travel 
budgets

Potential  
financial impacts
Costs of delays 
and operational 
disruption 
including 
turbulence

Mitigating actions
 • Using all available tools, as well as influencing global 

policy and driving industry-wide action, to minimise IAG’s 
carbon footprint

 • Acting in advance of potential changes in behaviour by 

effectively communicating the Flightpath Net Zero 
programme to customers and suppliers and offering 
climate mitigation options such as voluntary offsetting 

Mitigating actions

 • Partnerships to mitigate operational disruption. For 

example, working with the UK National Air Traffic Service 
(NATS) and other air navigation service providers, a 
“Linear Holding” system called XMAN was launched at 
London Gatwick airport in 2019. If arriving aircraft are 
delayed by more than seven minutes, this system ensures 
they are slowed down, reducing stack holding and fuel 
burn and therefore CO2 emissions

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Other climate-related risks

TCFD risk category: Technology

Risk title
Sustainable 
aviation fuels 
mandates

M

Risk description
Scandinavian countries have 
introduced mandates for a 
proportion of SAF in aviation 
fuel, and the EU and Spain are 
considering mandates. Mandates 
would incentivise production but 
could force airlines to purchase 
SAF at an excessive price 
premium compared with 
conventional fuels. This could 
also create competitive distortion 
and lead to production of fuels 
with lower sustainability criteria.

Potential  
financial impacts
SAF is currently 
three to four 
times the cost of 
fossil fuels

TCFD risk category: Market

Risk title
Destinations 
becoming 
unattractive 
for visitors 

L

Risk description
For example, extreme weather 
events and physical impacts of 
climate change such as flooding, 
drought, forest fires, heat waves, 
algal blooms, coral bleaching, 
rising sea levels and reduced 
snow cover in ski destinations 
could make certain destinations 
less desirable and impact 
customer demand.

TCFD risk category: Reputation

Risk title
Potential 
target for 
direct action 
protests

Risk description
Direct action e.g. protests could 
disrupt flight operations and/or 
restrict staff and passenger 
access. 

Potential  
financial impacts
Potential revenue 
loss due to 
changing travel 
choices that 
affect markets 
IAG flies to e.g. 
Caribbean due to 
hurricanes, the 
Alps due to 
shorter ski 
seasons

Potential  
financial impacts
Operational 
disruption 

S

Mitigating actions
 • Contributing to the 2020 World Economic Forum 
“Cleaner Skies for Tomorrow” initiative to develop 
scenarios on SAF uptake

 • Contributing to the 2020 EC ReFuelEU consultation, to 
ensure that any mandates do not create competitive 
distortion or carbon leakage

 • Working at UK and international levels to strengthen 

global climate regulations on SAF

 • Supporting policy incentives that help deliver SAF at 

prices competitive with conventional fuels through new 
technology development 

 • IAG believes sustainable fuel mandates should preferably 
only be applied at a global level rather than a national or 
regional level to prevent competitive distortion

See ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuels’ case study

Mitigating actions
 • Ongoing lobbying and engagement in projects and 

initiatives designed to reduce the industry’s impact on 
climate change

 • Teams dedicated to assessing and understanding 

changes in customer demand and managing network 
developments to respond to such changes

 • Strategy to ensure aircraft and crew flexibility means we 
are prepared and able to respond to shifting demand 
patterns

Mitigating actions
 • Close liaison with government agencies, airport operators 

and commercial organisations to assess challenges

 • Contingency and business interruption planning

55

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

Other climate-related risks

TCFD risk category: Reputation

Risk title
Operational 
activities deemed 
to be inconsistent 
with low-carbon 
behaviours (NEW)

Risk description
Perceptions of our products and 
climate-related operational 
practices in relation to the IAG 
climate strategy and national and 
international climate goals.

Potential  
financial impacts
Changes in 
corporate 
accounts or 
travel policies

M

TCFD risk category: Regulatory (emerging)

Risk title
Regulation on 
non-CO2 impacts 
(NEW)

L

Risk description
New external research indicates 
the non-CO2 impacts of aviation 
are at least as significant as CO2. 
The EU is reviewing whether to 
incorporate these impacts into 
climate compliance schemes and 
climate-neutral objectives, which 
could increase compliance costs.

TCFD risk category: Market

Risk title
Cost of capital tied 
to decarbonisation 
strategy (NEW)

Risk description
Governments, investors and 
lenders increasingly tying funding 
to decarbonisation strategies.

M

TCFD risk category: Chronic physical

Risk title
Persistent 
drought-induced 
water scarcity in 
some 
destinations

Risk description
Drought-induced water scarcity 
at outstations could increase the 
need for potable water carriage 
due to volume and quality 
concerns.

L

56

Mitigating actions
 • Minimising IAG’s carbon footprint via the Flightpath 

Net Zero programme

 • Embedding sustainability considerations into 

business planning and operational decision-making

 • Engagement and collaboration with corporate 
customers to identify and address potential 
environmental desires or concerns

 • Effectively communicating actions to customers and 
suppliers and offering climate mitigation options 
such as voluntary offsetting

Potential  
financial impacts
A potentially 
higher obligation 
for climate 
mitigation 

Mitigating actions
 • Via the Flightpath Net Zero programme 
 • Working through trade associations and research 

partnerships to improve understanding of aviation’s 
climate impacts

 • Engaging in research to better understand non-CO2 

benefits of SAF

Potential  
financial impacts
Potential for 
higher rates on 
lending or an 
increase in 
resources 
required to 
secure funding

Potential  
financial impacts
Fuel costs due to 
increased 
potable water 
carriage

Mitigating actions
 • Quantifying the financial impacts of climate risks and 

opportunities

 • Robust and transparent external disclosures on 

climate impact and strategy

 • Engaging with financial stakeholders via IAG Investor 

Relations 

See ‘Stakeholder engagement’ section

Mitigating actions
 • Teams dedicated to assessing and understanding 

changes in customer demand and managing network 
developments to respond to such changes

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Climate-related opportunities

TCFD category: Technology 

Opportunity title
Use of new 
aircraft 
technologies

Opportunity description
Use of latest generation aircraft 
can reduce fuel burn and carbon 
impact by 25 to 40 per cent 
compared with aircraft they 
replace.

Potential  
financial impacts
Fuel savings and 
carbon cost 
savings

Actions to realise opportunity
 • Continually investing in fleet 

modernisation that supports business 
needs and aligns with the Flightpath Net 
Zero programme

 • Retirement of older, less-efficient aircraft
 • Investment to realise opportunity: aircraft 

purchases and engine changes

S

Use of lower-
emission 
sources of 
energy (SAF)

M

Commercial and environmental 
opportunity to source cost-
effective sustainable fuel and 
reduce CO2 emissions, thereby 
reducing compliance costs for 
CORSIA and the EU ETS.

Carbon cost 
savings from use 
of SAF/hydrogen

 • Ongoing lobbying for support for the 

development of new SAF technologies at 
the global, EU and UK levels 

See associated technology risk

 • Investment to realise opportunity: direct 
investments in SAF production, offtake 
agreements

TCFD category: Market

Opportunity title
Differentiate our 
brands

M

Opportunity description
To differentiate IAG brands by 
showing leadership, innovation 
and action to mitigate climate 
impacts, so attracting customers 
concerned about climate change.

Potential  
financial impacts
Greater 
consumer loyalty

Actions to realise opportunity

See mitigation measures for associated risk 

 • Working with specific companies to help them reduce 

the impacts of their corporate travel

 • Investment to realise opportunity: communications 

campaigns and percentage of profit into sustainability

TCFD category: Regulatory

Opportunity title
Higher carbon 
price and strong 
policy incentives

Opportunity description
Support stronger business case 
for investment in low-carbon 
technologies which accelerate 
decarbonisation progress.

Potential  
financial impacts
Financial benefits 
from delivery of 
projects

Actions to realise opportunity

See mitigation measures for associated risk 

 • Investment to realise opportunity: internal people 

resource

M

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www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

A. GOVERNANCE

Climate-related opportunities

TCFD category: Market

Opportunity title
Destinations 
becoming 
attractive for 
visitors

Opportunity description
Climate change could make 
certain destinations more 
attractive or accessible to 
visitors, for example a longer 
summer season.

L

Other sustainability risks

Current regulation, Emerging regulation

Potential  
financial impacts
More flights to 
more attractive 
destinations 

Mitigating actions

See mitigation measures for associated risk 

 • Investment to realise opportunity: n/a as incorporated 

into business planning

Risk title
Operational 
noise 
restrictions and 
charges

S

Risk description
Airport operators and regulators 
apply operational noise 
restrictions and charging 
regimes which may restrict 
airlines’ ability to operate 
especially and introduce 
additional costs.

Potential  
financial impacts
Reduced flying 
on specific 
routes due to 
UK night flight 
regulation

Legal, Reputational

Risk title
Supply chain 
sustainability 
compliance

S

Risk description
Potential breach of compliance 
on sustainability, human rights 
or anti-bribery by an IAG 
supplier resulting in financial, 
legal, environmental, social and/
or reputational impacts.

Potential  
financial impacts
Penalties from 
breaches of 
regulation e.g. 
modern slavery 
and potential 
reputational 
damage

Potential  
financial impacts
Increasing 
regulation, 
increasing cost 
of compliance 
and increasing 
fines related to 
non-compliance

Legal, Reputational

Risk title
Environment 
regulation 
compliance

Risk description
An inadvertent breach of 
compliance requirements with 
associated reputational damage 
and fines.

S

58

Mitigating actions
 • Investing in new quieter aircraft as part of fleet 

modernisation

 • Continually improving operational practices including 
continuous descents, slightly steeper approaches, 
low-power low-drag approaches and optimised 
departures

 • Internal governance and training and external advocacy 

in UK, Ireland and Spain to manage challenges

Mitigating actions

See ‘Supply chain’ case study

 • IAG GBS procedures including Integrity, sanctions and 

CSR audits, IAG Know Your Counterparty due 
diligence for higher-risk third parties, Supplier Code of 
Conduct

 • Internal governance on supplier management to 

identify challenges and mitigation actions

 • Supplier screening using external business intelligence 
databases which actively monitor supplier status and 
flag risks including sustainability

Mitigating actions
 • Strengthening sustainability governance

See ‘Sustainability Governance’ section

 • Embedding sustainability considerations into business 

plans, financial plans, and business cases 

See ‘Strategy’ section

 • Internal governance, training and assigning ownership 

for environmental compliance obligations

 • Engaging with carbon market advisers to understand 

and mitigate compliance challenges and identify 
future opportunities

 • IEnvA certification to improve internal compliance 

process

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020A.6. Stakeholder engagement
GRI 102-43, 102-44

In 2020 IAG continued to engage with a 
wide range of stakeholders specifically on 
sustainability issues. Reasons for engaging 
with eight key stakeholder groups are 
outlined in the tables below. 

IAG is a member of multiple trade 
associations, listed on the next page, and is 

proactively driving trade association 
positions towards consistency with global 
1.5°C climate ambitions. Internal 
governance processes ensure that 
stakeholder engagement is consistent with 
IAG’s material issues and environmental 
goals. Where positions with trade 

associations are inconsistent, IAG 
representatives take roles on task forces 
and working groups and respond to 
consultations to communicate our stance 
and constructively move to alignment.

Summary of organisation and trade association activity in 2020
GRI 102-13

Organisation

UN

Scope
Global

ICAO 

Global

SBTi

Jet Zero Council 
(JZC)

Global

UK

Industry associations 
and alliances

IATA

Scope
Global

Air Transport Action 
Group (ATAG)
oneworld

Global

Global

Airlines 4 Europe 
(A4E)

European

Key leadership role/s
IAG CEO was the only aviation 
CEO to speak at UN Climate 
Ambition Summit in December 
2020

Member of Race to Zero campaign

Keynote panel speakers at ICAO 
Global CO2 Stocktaking Event

Member of Fuels Task Group

Key leadership action
First airline signatory to Business Ambition for 1.5°C 
pledge, which had 364 global signatories as of 
December 31, 2020.

Supporting SAF sustainability standards

Finalising rules for CORSIA scheme

One of sixteen airlines on the 
Technical Working Group for the 
aviation sector

Active in-kind support to develop criteria and 
guidance for ‘science-based’ aviation targets, which 
SBTi will launch in 2021

IAG representative chairs SAF 
Delivery Group

Member of fuels expert group

Supported efforts to ensure primary focus of JZC 
is on SAF and supported set-up of the SAF 
Delivery Group

Key leadership role/s
IAG representative chairs IATA 
Sustainability and Environment 
Advisory Council

Representation on four key 
working groups – SAF, Fuels, Long-
term Targets, Waste

Keynote panel speaker for SAF 
symposium 

Keynote panel speaker at Global 
Sustainability Aviation Summit

IAG representative co-chairs the 
environmental and sustainability 
best practice steering group

British Airways representative 
leads waste workstream

Five staff contribute environmental 
expertise to working groups and 
consultations

Key leadership action
Supporting moves for industry commitment to net 
zero emissions by 2050

Finalising rules for CORSIA scheme to enable carbon-
neutral growth in international aviation

Five staff formally acknowledged for contributions to 
Waypoint 2050 global decarbonisation roadmap 
Instrumental in delivery of oneworld net zero 
commitment in September 2020

Initiated EU aviation carbon roadmap and contributed 
expertise

Created interactive decarbonisation roadmap to share 
with A4E airlines

59

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A. GOVERNANCE

Industry associations 
and alliances

Sustainable  
Aviation (SA)

Scope
UK

Key leadership role/s
Member of SA Council

Member of multiple working groups

Key leadership action
Instrumental in delivery of net zero commitment and 
production of CO2 and fuels roadmaps in February 
2020

Hosted three workshops in 2019 to support the above

Supported RAeS Annual Climate Conference by 
sourcing eight speakers including British Airways CEO 
Sean Doyle

IAG on Executive Committee of 
Greener by Design group

UK

UK

Royal Aeronautical 
Society (RAeS)

Coalition for Negative 
Emissions

Grupo Español de 
Crecimiento Verde

One of 11 member organisations to 
launch this coalition in 2020

Lobbying UK Government to support negative 
emissions technologies

Spain

Iberia is one of 50 pioneering IBEX35 
companies to join

One of 34 members to sign letter calling for green 
recovery

Unless otherwise stated, activities below relate to the Group. More details can be found in the indicated sections. 

Stakeholders 

Industry 
associations

Why we engage/key topics
To develop common policy positions

How we engage 
See previous page

To improve lobbying effectiveness

Leading roles on task forces

Government 
and other 
regulators 

To ensure consistency between IAG sustainability 
goals and the goals of associations of which IAG or 
operating airlines are members 

To share our expertise on SAF and carbon pricing for 
the benefit of industry progress on the environment

To support UK and EU commitments to net zero 
emissions

To build support for a net zero emissions target for 
aviation through the UN aviation regulator ICAO

To influence UK, Spanish, Irish, EU and global policies 
on taxes, SAF and carbon pricing, noise and airspace 
modernisation so that these policies are effective and 
fair

To increase research and funding for low-carbon 
aircraft, SAF and carbon removal technologies

Contributing expertise to roadmaps

Supporting relevant events/working groups

Driving and supporting discussions on achieving net 
zero emissions and 1.5°C-aligned pathways

Contributing to public policy consultations

Attending UN summits and working groups

Through joint dialogue with trade associations

Meetings with government officials, ministers and 
parliamentarians

Senior representation on UK JZC and Airspace Board

Exploring new policy options for producing SAF from 
non-biological sources

Supported successful Sustainable Aviation bid for 
£18 million in funding for SAF development in 2020

Customers

To demonstrate IAG’s sustainability commitments to 
action, initiatives and leadership

Sharing Flightpath Net Zero material on the IAG 
website

To facilitate passenger action on the environment

To stay attuned to changing customer demands

Offering websites for British Airways and Aer Lingus 
passengers to offset their flight emissions 

To offer employment opportunities

Social media communications

Onboard communications e.g. in-flight entertainment

Customer surveys

Focus groups

Meetings and interviews

60

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Unless otherwise stated, activities below relate to the Group. More details can be found in the indicated sections. 

Stakeholders 

Workforce

Why we engage/key topics
To align individual airline sustainability programmes 
with Group

How we engage 
European Works Council (EWC) meetings for 
EEA staff

To share ideas and best practice

To respond to demands from internal stakeholders

To drive positive employee engagement

To improve recruitment and retention opportunities

Monthly IAG Sustainability Network meetings for 
sustainability staff

Voluntary environmental and waste champions

Staff awareness campaigns

Connecting sustainability leads in the IAG operating 
companies to suppliers

See ‘Workforce overview’ section

Suppliers

To minimise exposure to ESG risks

Procurement processes

To support manufacturers in improving aircraft 
efficiency

To gain support for SAF

To identify opportunities to reduce supplier emissions

Shareholders 
and other 
financial 
stakeholders

To understand their approach to ESG, to enable us to 
better align our programmes with their priorities

To demonstrate action and leadership to external 
stakeholders on IAG initiatives

Screening and on-site audits

Joint projects

Hangar 51 accelerator programme

Industry conferences and supplier sustainability 
workshops

See ‘Supply chain management’ case study

See ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel’ case study

See ‘Innovation, research and development’ case study

Investor relations contact with groups including 
institutional investors and shareholders, debtholders, 
debt providers and credit rating agencies

Conference calls with institutional investors

To maintain and increase transparency

Via corporate website

To respond to legal obligations

Communities 

To minimise potentially negative impacts of aircraft 
operations, such as noise and air pollution, on quality 
of life in communities near where airlines operate

To increase IAG’s positive wider impacts

Disclosures to external rating agencies CDP, TPI, 
Sustainanalytics, MSCI, Vigeo Eiris

Surveyed investors on ESG preferences

Emphasised sustainability strategy in half year and full 
year results presentations

Participating in airport community forums

Community giving campaigns

Engaging local schools in sports, charity and 
learning events

See ‘Noise and air quality’ case study

See ‘Community engagement and charitable giving’ 
case study

NGOs and 
academic 
institutions

For independent reviews of materiality

Meetings and visits

To maintain an informed position on sustainability 
leadership

Industry conferences and workshops

Contributing to NGO initiatives

To share our expertise on SAF and carbon pricing for 
the benefit of industry progress on the environment

IAG staff on academic boards at Cranfield, Heriot 
Watt and Aston Supergen consortium

IAG staff on steering board of Biotechnology and 
Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

61

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY 

B. PLANET 

B. Planet 
B.1. Climate change impacts 
GRI 301-1, 302-1, 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, 305-4, 305-5

IAG’s impact on climate change reduced 
dramatically in 2020, primarily reflecting 
the significant drop in flying activity. Scope 
1 emissions dropped by 64 per cent, Scope 
2 emissions dropped by 54 per cent and 
use of renewable energy rose by 11 
percentage points. Emissions are expected 
to rise as the Group recovers from the 
COVID-19 pandemic. However, growth is 
decoupling from emissions and internal 
forecasts suggest 2019 could represent 
peak emissions due to current and future 
use of a more fuel-efficient fleet and 
expanded use of SAF.  

IAG calculates its impact on climate 
change by multiplying fuel and energy use 

by appropriate conversion factors that are 
aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel 
on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth 
Assessment Report. UK Government GHG 
conversion factors are applied across the 
Group as these are deemed to be the most 
robust factors available. IEA national 
electricity emissions factors, and gCO2/
kWh factors from national agencies, are 
used to calculate Scope 2 emissions.

IAG consumed a total of 43 million MWh of 
energy in 2020 with 86 per cent of 
electricity use and 0.6 per cent of total 
energy use being from renewable sources. 
66 per cent of this consumption is 
attributed to the UK, based on British 

Airways Scope 1 emissions and Group 
electricity use in UK-based offices.

IAG discloses its impact in terms of 
CO2-equivalent emissions, which includes 
CO2, CH4, and N2O. Scope 1 emissions in 
2020 were:

 • 10.91 million tonnes (MT) carbon 

oxide (CO2) 

 • 0.10 MT nitrous oxide (N2O) 
 • 0.01 MT methane (CH4) 

This shows that CO2 is 99 per cent of the 
Scope 1 impact. IAG only discloses CH4 and 
N2O as non-CO2 GHGs, in line with the 
latest available UK Government GHG 
5%
158,000 1%
conversion factors.
7%
235,000

Total GHG emissions in tonnes CO2e1

Scope 3 GHG emissions in tonnes CO2e1 2 

17%
564,000

70%
2,286,000

Scope 1
77.0% 
11,020,000

Key Metric

Scope 1 CO2e
Net Scope 1 CO2e
Scope 2 location-based

Scope 2 market-based

Scope 3

Emissions intensity (jet fuel)

Renewable electricity

Scope 2
0.4% 
53,000

Scope 3
22.6% 
3,243,000

Unit

MT CO2e
MT CO2e
kt CO2e
kt CO2e
MT CO2e
gCO2/pkm4
%

5%
158,000 1%

7%
235,000

17%
564,000

70%
2,286,000

Fuel and energy-related activities
Capital goods
Franchises
Downstream transport and distribution
All other Scope 3 categories

Fuel and energy-related activities
Capital goods
Franchises
Downstream transport and distribution
All other Scope 3 categories

vly

2020

2019

-64%

-61%

-23%

-54%

-64%

+18%

+11pts

11.02

10.85

52.6

10.0

3.24

106.2

86%

30.78

27.60

68.6
21.73

9.04

89.8
75%3

2018

29.99

27.22

70.4

40.7

8.79

91.5

54%

2017

28.76

26.17

92.6

61.9

7.88

92.3

54%

2016

28.26

nr

103.1

92.9

7.64

94.8

nr

Note: “nr” means “not reported previously”
1  Values rounded to nearest thousand tonnes.
2  Only material Scope 3 categories are reported here. Other Scope 3 categories are approximately 1% of IAG’s Scope 3 footprint, based on past analysis.
3  Restated using an updated methodology. More details provided on next page.
4  Definition of passenger-km provided on the next page.

62

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Commentary on key metrics
Metric
Flight-only 
emissions intensity

Unit
gCO2/pkm Grammes of CO2 per passenger kilometre is a 

Description

standard industry measure of flight fuel 
efficiency. It is calculated by dividing total jet 
fuel use by total passenger-km, assuming 10 
cargo-tonne-km is equivalent to one 
passenger-km. 

Scope 1 emissions 
and net Scope 1 
emissions

Tonnes 
CO2e

Scope 2 emissions 
(market-based/
location-based)

Tonnes 
CO2e

Scope 3 emissions

Tonnes 
CO2e

Renewable 
electricity 

%

For accuracy, IAG excludes the jet fuel use of 
franchises and cargo freight on other airlines, 
and excludes no-show passengers.

The passenger-km used in the 2020 
calculation is 70,469 million and the cargo-
tonne-km is 3,187 million. 

Direct emissions associated with IAG 
operations including use of jet fuel, diesel, 
petrol, natural gas, and halon. Sources of 
emissions include aircraft engines, boilers, 
auxiliary power units and ground vehicle 
engines. 

These emissions are primarily CO2 but other 
GHGs such as methane and nitrogen oxide 
are also reported as part of the CO2- 
equivalent metric.

Net emissions are calculated by subtracting 
the volumes of offsets voluntarily purchased, 
volumes of offsets purchased to meet 
CORSIA compliance obligations, and 
allowances purchased from other sectors as 
part of meeting EU ETS compliance 
obligations.

Emissions associated with electricity use in, 
for example, offices, lounges, data centres 
and hangars. Market-based emissions are 
based on the carbon intensity of electricity 
purchased from suppliers. Location-based 
emissions are based on the carbon intensity 
of national electricity grids.

Indirect emissions associated with products 
IAG buys and sells. Analysis in 2018 and 2019 
revealed that Scope 3 categories 2, 3, 9, and 
14 represent approximately 99% of IAG’s 
Scope 3 footprint. Other categories are 
calculated within six months of year-end.

The share of electricity generated by 
renewable sources such as solar power and 
wind, based on volumes procured from 
renewable electricity suppliers. In cases 
where electricity sources were unavailable, 
the source of electricity is assumed to be the 
national grid.

Commentary
The 2020 worsening of fuel efficiency is 
driven by much lower load factors. Passenger 
numbers dropped by 73.6% and load factors 
dropped 20.8 percentage points due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Between 2011 and 2019, IAG’s average annual 
improvement in grammes of CO2/pkm was 
1.6% per annum, ahead of the IATA industry 
target of 1.5%.

Group fuel efficiency is expected to be back 
on track by 2023.

99.6% of Scope 1 emissions are from jet fuel. 
Commercial aircraft remain reliant on liquid 
kerosene for the foreseeable future.

While flying activity has decreased by 75%, 
Scope 1 emissions have only dropped by 64% 
due to the effect of continuing to fly aircraft 
with emptier loads.

2020 net emissions are reduced by 168kt due 
to British Airways domestic offsetting.

EU ETS allowances purchased from other 
sectors equate to a net reduction as per 
European Commission guidance. IAG has 
been disclosing net emissions since 2017 
using this methodology.

The 2020 decrease was driven by increased 
procurement of renewable electricity in Spain 
and at UK and Spanish airports, and higher 
use of renewables in national electricity grids.

Where the electricity use of overseas offices 
was not avaiable, this was based on leased 
space in m2, multiplied by relevant kWh/m2 
factors and IEA national electricity emissions 
factors.

The drop in Scope 3 emissions is related to 
the drop in activity of the fleet.

70% of Scope 3 emissions are from fuel and 
energy-related activities (see pie chart on 
previous page).

The 2020 increase is driven by procurement 
of renewables in Vueling and Iberia and at UK 
and Spanish airports where we operate.

The 2019 value has been restated using the 
latest verified data, more robust calculations 
of ground power, and national grid emissions 
factors published after year end.

63

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B. PLANET 

Metric

Emissions intensity (Scope 2)

GHG reduction initiatives

Electricity 

Energy
Revenue per tonne CO2e
Jet fuel use

Fleet age

Unit

gCO2/pkm
Tonnes CO2e
Mn kWh

Mn MWh
€/tonne CO2e
MT fuel

years

% vly

+154%

-78%

-19%

-65%

-15%

-64%

-7%

2020

0.51

17.21

215.7

42.5

705

3.45

10.6

2019

0.20

77.39
267.71
119.71

827

9.65

11.4

2018

0.22

65.66

234.9

119.4 

811

9.41

11.3

2017

0.28

nr

253.2

114.4

796

9.02

11.4

2016

0.35

nr

nr

108.4

796

8.86

10.8

Note: “nr” means “not reported previously”’
1  Restated using a more robust methodology and latest electricity emissions factors. Descriptions and commentary on these metrics is available in the 

‘Additional Disclosures’ section of the IAG Non-Financial Information Statement. 

B.2. Climate change commitments – Flightpath Net Zero
Supports SDG 13

IAG will deliver net zero emissions across 
its global operations by 2050. This aligns 
with worldwide efforts to keep average 
global average temperatures below a 1.5°C 
rise. IAG was the first airline group to 
commit to this goal and the first airline 
group to sign the UN Business Ambition 
for 1.5°C pledge.

In this context, net zero emissions means 
that all CO2 that IAG operations emit in a 
year will be balanced out by an equivalent 
amount of CO2 removed from the 
atmosphere. The net zero commitment 
covers Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions. IAG is 
committed to minimising non-CO2 impacts 
as well, and will review targets on these 
when the science around them becomes 
more robust. The focus is on reducing use 
of fossil jet fuel, as this accounts for 99 per 
cent of the Scope 1 and 2 footprint. 

The pioneering Flightpath Net Zero 
programme underpins the IAG 
commitment. This programme includes 
2025 and 2030 Group-wide targets, 
financial incentives for senior managers 
explicitly tied to delivery of carbon 
intensity targets for both the Group and 
operating airlines (See ‘Sustainability 
strategy’ section), and a published 30-year 
roadmap for achieving net zero.

IAG will minimise gross emissions through 
a combination of fleet modernisation, 
operational efficiency and SAF. In 2050, 
any remaining emissions will be neutralised 
by use of GHG removal technology. IAG 
sees carbon offsets as a transitional 
measure and is advocating for government 
support for GHG removal technology via 
membership of the Coalition for Negative 
Emissions. Net emissions will be reduced in 
the short- and medium-term by use of 
carbon offset and removal projects and 
funding emissions reductions via the UK 
and EU ETS.

Group-wide climate targets remain the 
same and have been re-baselined to 2019 
due to the pandemic:

 • Net zero CO2 emissions for British 
Airways UK domestic flights from 
January 1, 2020;

 • 11 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency 

between 2019 and 2025, from 89.8g 
CO2/pkm to 80g CO2/pkm in 2025;

 • 20 per cent reduction in net CO2 

emissions between 2019 and 2030, from 
27.6 MT to 22 MT in 2030; and

 • Net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 

emissions by 2050.

IAG also had a target for a 10 per cent 
improvement in fuel efficiency between 
2014 and 2020, from 97.5g CO2/pkm to 
87.3g CO2/pkm. In 2019, IAG achieved 
89.8gCO2/pkm and was on track. The 
2020 target was not met due to a drop in 
passenger load factors as a result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Plans for fleet composition and capacity 
and operational efficiency initiatives should 
enable delivery of the 2025 fuel efficiency 
target of 80g CO2/pkm. In light of the 
ongoing impact of COVID-19, IAG will 
review this target in the first half of 2021.

In 2020 IAG was an active participant in 
the SBTi Technical Working Group for 
aviation, to develop methodologies for 
aviation climate targets aligned with a 
global climate scenario of well below 2 
degrees. Once the SBTi finalises a target-
setting methodology for airlines in 2021, 
IAG plans to submit a target for approval.

64

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020B.3. Climate change 
roadmap
IAG was the first airline group to publish a 
quantified roadmap to net zero emissions. 
This was based on comprehensive 
modelling. 

An updated roadmap scenario for IAG is 
shown on the right. This assumes a 
recovery to 2019 levels of passenger 
demand by 2024, and then annual demand 
growth of approximately two per cent to 
2050, in line with IATA industry forecasts. 
The recovery path between 2020 and 
2023 is illustrative and will change, but IAG 
remains committed to its 2025, 2030 and 
2050 targets.

The IAG ambition is for at least 45 per cent 
of fuel in 2050 to be from SAF, up from 30 
per cent due to lower overall jet fuel use 
and continued policy support. Overall fuel 
efficiency will improve by at least 70% by 
2050 compared to 2019 levels.

Fleet modernisation
Supports SDGs 3,8,13

IAG continues to invest in next-generation 
aircraft and engine changes. These 
changes, along with fleet retirements, will 
play a major role in reducing emissions 
intensity per passenger. 

In 2021, IAG will update this 30-year decarbonisation plan to account for the latest 
recovery forecasts, any acquisitions, policy and technology developments, and target-
setting methodologies.

Million tonnes CO2 (MT)

D e m a n d   g r o w t h

31MT

11MT

22MT

Net emissions

45%

25%

30%

)
0
5
0
2
n

i

l

e
u
f

f
o
%
5
4
s
i

F
A
S
(

s
n
o
i
t
c
u
d
e
r

2

O
C
e
g
a
t
n
e
c
r
e
P

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Demand growth

Gross emissions

Net emissions

New aircraft and operations

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)

80gCO2/pkm in 2025

Transition to 100% GHG removals

Market-based measures and offsets

2020 progress:
 • Across the Group 34 new, more 

fuel-efficient aircraft were delivered and 
62 older aircraft disposed of or retired;
 • British Airways and Iberia retired their 
entire fleets of 32 Boeing 747s and 15 
Airbus A340s respectively;

 • British Airways now has 23 Airbus 320/ 
321neos, eight Airbus A350s and 32 
Boeing 787s, all of which are 25 to 40 
per cent more fuel-efficient than the 
aircraft they replaced; 

 • Iberia now has eight Airbus A320neos, 
three Airbus A321neos, and nine Airbus 
A350s, which are between 15 to 35 per 
cent more efficient than the aircraft 
they replaced;

 • Vueling has 25 Airbus A320neo aircraft, 
which achieve an 18 per cent reduction 
in fuel burn compared to the Airbus 
A320ceo; and

 • Aer Lingus retired its last two Boeing 

757 aircraft and received a new Airbus 
A321neoLR which achieves a 20 per cent 
reduction in fuel burn.

65

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SUSTAINABILITY 

B. PLANET 

Operational efficiency
GRI 305-5

Supports SDGs 3, 13

IAG continues to develop annual 
programmes of operational and fuel 
efficiency initiatives for both aircraft and 
ground operations. Representatives within 
each airline are working to reduce onboard 
fuel consumption and fly aircraft as 
efficiently as possible, without negatively 
affecting flight safety, passenger service 
offerings or flight schedules where 
possible. 

The Honeywell GoDirect Flight Efficiency 
software is in use across the Group to 
identify and monitor fuel-saving 
opportunities.

Examples of fuel efficiency initiatives 
implemented over the past two years 

include optimised engine washes, reducing 
the use of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), 
landing light deployment, single engine 
taxi-in, continuous descent operations, 
lighter main wheels and reducing weight 
onboard.

2020 progress:
 • IAG delivered 17,208 tonnes of CO2e 

savings through GHG initiatives, a 78 per 
cent drop compared with the 77,386 
tonnes delivered in 2019, however the 
drop primarily reflects the decline in 
flights and operations due to the 
pandemic;

 • Vueling upgraded APUs to minimise 
energy consumption and is using 

lightweight trolleys to reduce weight 
onboard;

 • Iberia installed more than 5,300 solar 

panels on its aircraft engine maintenance 
hangar in Madrid, working in partnership 
with specialist firm Getting Greener. 
From 2021 these solar panels will 
generate 80 million kWh a year for 
Iberia’s hangars, workshops and offices;

 • Aer Lingus fully replaced its hangar 
lighting with energy-efficient light-
emitting diode (LED) units; and

 • IAG Cargo planned trials of new electric 
vehicles at Heathrow and Dublin airports 
for 2021.

2020 progress:
 • IAG’s SAF programme is on track and 
£0.5 million was invested in the Altalto 
waste-to-jet fuel plant in Immingham, 
England, a partnership between British 
Airways and fuels technology company 
Velocys;

 • Planning permission was secured for the 

Altalto project. Subject to financing, 
construction of the plant could start in 
late 2022 and it is planned to be 
operational in 2025, producing over 
32,000 tonnes of SAF per year. This will 
be the UK’s first dedicated sustainable 
jet fuels plant; 

 • British Airways contributed to the 
formation of the SAF development 
company Lanzajet, has recently invested 
in the business, and has also committed 
to purchase 7,500 tonnes of SAF a year 
from Lanzajet’s first alchohol-to-jet fuel 
plant in Georgia, USA from late 2022. In 
addition, the deal involves funding the 
early stage development of a larger SAF 
biorefinery in the UK; and

 • IAG contributed to the World Economic 
Forum “Cleaner Skies for Tomorrow” 
initiative to develop scenarios on global 
SAF uptake.

IAG continues to work with technology 
developers to establish a range of SAF 
supply options for the future.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels 
Supports SDGs 7, 8, 13

IAG is a leader in developing SAF by 
making direct investments in production 
capacity for “second generation” fuels, 
which use carbon-rich waste feedstocks, in 
addition to purchasing these fuels where 
mandates exist to do so. SAF is chemically 
almost identical to jet fuel from fossil fuels, 
but over its recent life cycle emits 70 to 
100 per cent less CO2 and according to 
recent research materially reduces 
particulate emissions and non-CO2 effects. 
The Group’s investments are backed up 
with SAF purchase agreements which are 
critical to the financeability of the new SAF 
production capacity.

The Group has committed to invest 
US$400 million in SAF production over the 
next two decades. IAG’s dedicated 
sustainable fuels team is also leading 
efforts to influence domestic, regional and 
international policy to support uptake and 
production of these fuels.

See ‘Stakeholder engagement’ section

66

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Carbon offsets and removals
Supports SDGs 7, 9, 13

IAG recognises the need for carbon offset 
and removal projects as a transitional 
means of meeting carbon reduction goals 
and to support customers in mitigating the 
impact of their flights. 

and removal projects, they work in 
collaboration with key partners, carry out 
due diligence to select reputable providers, 
and select projects carefully to meet and 
align with verified quality standards. 

IAG voluntarily funds emissions avoidance 
and removal projects around the world, 
offering passengers the chance to do the 
same, and explores the use of carbon 
capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) 
technology in our operations and SAF 
production. Since 2013, operating airlines 
have been funding emissions reductions in 
other sectors to meet compliance 
obligations under the EU ETS, and since 
2019 have been participating in the UN 
CORSIA scheme to enable carbon-neutral 
growth on eligible international flights.

When IAG or operating companies choose 
to voluntarily invest in carbon avoidance 

2020 progress:
 • IAG supported the change of CORSIA 
baseline to 2019 from 2020, due to the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

 • Aer Lingus launched its carbon 

offsetting programme for passengers. 
Projects include rainforest protection in 
Cambodia and Peru and sustainable 
cook stoves for communities in Sudan;

 • The British Airways Carbon Fund, in 

partnership with not-for-profit charity 
Pure Leapfrog, worked to deliver 14 
high-quality carbon reduction projects in 
the UK and Africa. One example was 
delivering solar lighting systems and 

portable solar lights to 40 rural health 
clinics in Zambia and Malawi; and
 • Vueling sponsored the not-for-profit 
GreenNova and their CAPTACO2 
research project to capture CO2 from 
the air.

Since January 2020 British Airways has 
offset the carbon emissions on all flights 
within the UK. Equivalent emissions 
reductions have been achieved through 
British Airways’ voluntary investment in a 
range of quality, Gold Standard- and 
Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)-verified 
carbon reduction projects. These projects 
include rainforest protection in the Congo 
Basin, energy-efficient cookstoves in Peru, 
renewable wind energy in Turkey and solar 
energy projects in India. 

B.4. Waste
GRI 306-1 (2020), 306-2 (2020), 306-3 (2020)

Supports SDG 12

IAG has made great progress with waste 
tracking and waste initiatives over the past 
few years. For example, Iberia waste per 
passenger dropped 12 per cent from 2016 
to 2019. Initiatives across the Group 
include reducing and recycling plastic, 
glass, metal cans, paper and food waste. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has set back 
progress by making it harder to calculate a 
waste baseline, pausing or delaying some 
waste initiatives, and driving temporary 
re-introductions of plastic items for health 
and safety reasons. For example, progress 
on the 2020 British Airways target to 
remove 700 tonnes of onboard single-use 
plastic (SUP) was unable to be tracked as 
result of changes to flying volumes, 
onboard catering and internal resources.

However, in 2021 IAG plans to set new 
Group-wide waste reduction targets, 
update the Group Sustainability policy to 
place greater emphasis on waste, and 
comply with the EU SUP ban when it 
enters into force in July.

Onboard services are IAG’s main source of 
waste. Key inputs include onboard meals 
and newspapers supplied to passengers, 
and key outputs include plastic packaging, 
leftover food waste, drinks cans, and cabin 
items such as wrappers. Waste is typically 
offloaded and processed at airports by 
third-party caterers, with some materials 
recovered on-site and other materials 
incinerated or sent to landfill. The majority 
of cabin and catering waste is processed 
at IAG’s hub airports – London Heathrow, 
Dublin, Madrid and Barcelona.

Where possible, IAG acts to reduce food 
waste while maintaining customer choice. 
For example, British Airways runs a 
pre-flight top-up catering service for 
London flights, to meet late changes to 
onboard catering requirements whilst 
minimising over-catering which would 
increase food waste.

2020 progress:
 • Integrated waste roadmaps into 

operating company forecasting and 
financial plans;

 • A British Airways representative sits on 

the IATA global working group on 
reducing SUP and lobbying for effective 
global policies to support this;

 • Iberia ran trials with environmental 

innovator Countalytics on using data 
analytics to help reduce food waste; and

 • Vueling replaced napkins, plastic cups, 

coffee stirrers and cutlery for passengers 
with recycled or sustainable alternatives 
and launched the KEEP CLEAN project 
to engage staff in waste reduction 
initiatives.

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B. PLANET 

Metric

Total onboard waste at hub airports

Shorthaul waste per passenger

Longhaul waste per passenger

Overall waste per passenger

Unit

millon tonnes

kg/pax

kg/pax

kg/pax

vly

-56%

+63%

+69%

+58%

2020

8.2

0.13

1.96

0.41

2019

18.6

0.08

1.16

0.26

Metric
Waste/pax Onboard catering waste generated per passenger, net of 

Description

Commentary 
Onboard waste at hub airports dropped 56 per cent.

recycling, and split between shorthaul and longhaul 
operations. Total includes cabin waste from Vueling as a 
split was unavailable.

Passenger numbers are based on inbound passengers 
who have their waste processed at hub airports e.g. 
London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Madrid, Barcelona 
and Dublin.

Shorthaul and longhaul flights are defined by distance 
and by onboard product.

Onboard waste per passenger increased. Decreases, 
driven by reductions in onboard services and greater 
rates of recycling at hub airports, were offset by higher 
rates of cancelled bookings and greater use of 
disposable products for health and safety reasons.

B.5. Noise and air quality 
GRI 305-7. Supports SDGs 3, 11

IAG is committed to reducing aircraft noise 
and air pollution, to minimise our impact 
on local communities near airports. The 
average noise per landing and take-off 
cycle (LTO) dropped by 10 per cent 
between 2015 and 2019.

Operating companies regularly monitor 
noise and air quality performance using 
national databases and global aircraft 
noise standards. They drive improvements 
through fleet modernisation and specific 
operational practices like continuous 
descents. They also engage with 

Metric

Noise per cycle
NOx per cycle

Unit

QC per LTO

kg per LTO

Note: “nr” means “not reported previously”’

stakeholders such as community groups, 
regulators and industry partners and 
participate in research and operational 
trials.

2020 progress:

 • Vueling grew its fleet of Airbus 

A320neos, which produce half the noise 
of Airbus A320ceos;

 • Aer Lingus received an Airbus 

A321neoLR, which produces half the 
noise of Airbus A321ceos; 

 • Iberia participated in the AVIATOR 

project, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 
programme, to develop sensors to 
monitor air pollution at airports; and
 • IAG set a new Group target of a 10 per 

cent reduction in noise per LTO between 
2020 and 2025. 

vly

-3.5%

+6.6%

2020

0.96

9.84

2019

1.00

9.23

2018

1.07

9.71

2017

1.06

nr

2016

1.08

nr

Metric
Noise per LTO cycle

NOx per LTO cycle

68

Description 
Average noise per flight considering arrival and 
departure noise for each aircraft type. Based on 
the number of flights of all aircraft which operated 
during the year, including leased aircraft. Quota 
Count (QC) values from the UK Government are 
used to create a relative categorisation based on 
certified noise levels. For example, for a single 
flight, a Boeing 747 would have a score of 6.0 
while an Airbus A320 would have a score of 1.0.

Average emissions of the air pollutant nitrogen 
oxide (NOx) as aircraft take off and land. The 
calculation considers the engine certifications and 
aircraft types of all aircraft which operated during 
the year, including leased aircraft, referencing 
information from the ICAO emissions database.

Commentary 
The 2020 improvement is driven by the 
accelerated retirement of older aircraft such as 
the Airbus A340s and Boeing 747s.

Year-on-year trends can fluctuate due to multiple 
factors. The 2020 increase is driven by a relative 
increase in longhaul versus shorthaul flying at 
British Airways, and use of A330s in the 
Aer Lingus fleet.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Over 98 per cent of the IAG fleet has met the ICAO Chapter 4 and ICAO CAEP 4 standards for several years so these are not disclosed 
in 2020. IAG typically reports on continuous descent (CDO) compliance but was unable to in 2020 due to limited data availability from 
the National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

2020 metric

ICAO Chapter 142
CAEP Chapter 63

CAEP Chapter 8

Unit1

% at standard

% at standard

% at standard

vly

+5pts

+2pts

+5pts

2020

58%

80%

40%

2019

53%

78%

35%

2018

50%

74%

29%

2017

46%

69%

26%

2016

46%

68%

25%

1  Based on the fleet position at the end of 2020, including parked aircraft and excluding leased aircraft
2  ICAO Chapter standards compare aircraft noise against standardised limits that are a combination of lateral, approach, and flyover noise levels. Higher 

standards are more stringent. Chapter 14 applies to new aircraft certified from January 1, 2017.

3  ICAO CAEP standards are for NOx emissions from aircraft engines. Higher standards are more stringent. The CAEP 6 NOx standard applies to engines 

manufactured from January 1, 2008, and the CAEP 8 standard applies to engines manufactured from January 1, 2014. 

B.6. Innovation, research and development

IAG leads the aviation industry in engaging 
with global sustainability innovators. As 
part of Hangar 51, IAG’s core innovation 
platform, the Group continues to attract 
the world’s top emerging technology 
companies working on sustainability 
solutions. 

Types of engagement include supporting 
applications for grant funding, running 
accelerator programmes, incubation, 
investment opportunities, university 
collaborations, active pilots, and research 
and development consortiums. IAG 
representatives also sit on academic 
boards and public-private partnerships to 
support new technologies and innovation.

Since 2019, sustainability has been one of 
the eight core challenge areas within the 

Hangar 51 structured ten-week accelerator 
programme. The Group has increased its 
engagement with global tech communities 
focused on sustainability and has seen a 
six-fold increase in the number of active 
projects in this area. 

2020 progress:
 • Hangar 51 held its first virtual 

programme and attracted applications 
from top innovators around the world;

 • Eight operating companies explored 
groundbreaking environmental pilots 
which include commercialisation of 
hydrogen powertrains with ZeroAvia, 
carbon-to-jet fuel technology, food 
waste reduction using artificial 
intelligence (AI) and machine vision, 
and managing sustainability within the 

IAG supply chain;

 • IAG partnered with other energy and 

travel companies to invest in i6 Group, 
a leading fuel management software 
company; and

 • Iberia, together with the Politécnica de 
Madrid University (UPM), has created 
La Cátedra Iberia with the goal of 
finding ways to decarbonise the air 
transport industry.

In 2021 the Group will continue to 
engage with a range of emerging 
green technology disruptors. More 
details are available on the dedicated 
Hangar 51 website. 

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C. PEOPLE AND PROSPERITY

C. People and Prosperity
C.1. Workforce overview
GRI 403-4, 408-1, 409-1

Supports SDG 12

Measures to support employee satisfaction 
and talent management are primarily 
managed within operating companies. 
Each operating company has its own 
established methods of measuring 
employee satisfaction. IAG is currently 
working to align the talent management 
framework across the Group, focusing at 
Group level on the IAG Management 
Committee and their direct reports. IAG 
has a good track record of retaining and 
promoting talent into senior roles, as 
evidenced by the Management Committee 
appointments during 2020.

IAG has employees based in European 
countries which comply with the 
conventions of the International Labour 
Organization (ILO), covering subjects that 
are considered as fundamental principles 
and rights at work: freedom of association 
and the effective recognition of the right 
to collective bargaining; the elimination of 
all forms of forced or compulsory labour; 
the effective abolition of child labour; and 
the elimination of discrimination in respect 
of employment and occupation. Outside of 
the EU, IAG recognises trade unions in 
many jurisdictions, has collective 
agreements and meets/exceeds all 
relevant labour standards.

IAG has a European Works Council (EWC) 
which brings together employee 
representatives from the different 
European Economic Area (EEA) Member 
States in which the Group operates. EWC 
representatives are informed about and, 
where appropriate, consulted on 
transnational matters which may impact 
employees in two or more EEA Member 
States. During 2020, IAG hosted one full 
meeting of the EWC (compared with two 
in 2019) and eight Select Committee 
meetings, which have all been held virtually 
since March. 

IAG aims to create an environment in 
which employees feel motivated, safe and 
able to thrive as this is central to the 
continued success of the Group. Core 
principles in the Code of Conduct include 
fair and equal treatment, non-
discrimination, fairness and respect for 
human rights. This Code applies to all 
Directors, managers and employees of the 
Group and e-learning training to support it 
is mandatory and applicable to all 
employees and Directors. Individual 
operating companies have responsibility 
for policies and procedures relating to 
their employees, including appropriate 
reward frameworks to ensure they can 
continue to attract and retain the best 
talent for every role. 

At the end of 2020, 57,928 people were 
employed across the Group in 82 
countries, a decrease of 20 per cent in the 
year. Our voluntary turnover rate for 2020 
was 15 per cent compared with 7 per cent 
in 2019, a change that reflects the 
unfortunate but necessary resizing of the 
business.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
British Airways has worked closely with its 
trades unions to reach agreements to save 
jobs and reduce costs. In some areas this 
has reduced the need for redundancies by 
a significant number or even altogether. 
This has been coupled with voluntary 
measures such as unpaid leave and 
part-time working to reduce the size of the 
workforce as the demand for flying 
remained significantly reduced. Where 
redundancies have been necessary, a large 
proportion of these have been achieved 
through voluntary measures.

For those employees who were made 
redundant, support has been offered to 
help them find alternative employment and 
explore redeployment opportunities. In 
British Airways, for instance, retention 
pools have been created to support 
redundant employees back into the 
workplace, should the situation improve.

70

Within the Group, individual operating 
companies have responsibility for the 
policies and procedures relating to their 
employees, including reward frameworks 
to ensure they can continue to attract and 
retain the best talent for every role.

Due to the diverse nature of Group 
businesses, both in terms of jurisdictions 
and operations, all training policies and 
programmes are implemented at operating 
company level. Each is responsible for 
determining the specific courses offered 
within their organisation, the frequency 
with which training courses must be 
completed, and the employees required to 
attend. However, across the Group, all 
operating companies are required to run 
the following mandatory corporate training 
courses for their employees:

 • Code of Conduct
 • Compliance with Competition Laws
 • Anti-bribery and Corruption 

Compliance

 • Data Privacy, Security and Protection.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020C.2. Health, safety and wellbeing 
Supports SDG 3

IAG is committed to the health and safety 
of our employees, customers and all others 
affected by our activities. This means 
operating in a healthy, safe and secure way 
in compliance with all applicable laws, 
regulations, company policies and industry 
standards. Health and safety are 
fundamental to our business, whether in 
the air or on the ground. It is our highest 
priority. 

IAG has robust governance processes in 
place led by the safety committees in each 
operating company. The IAG Board Safety 
Committee, chaired by the Group Chief 
Executive Officer, monitors all matters 
relating to the operational safety of IAG’s 
airlines as well as to the systems and 

resources dedicated to safety activities 
across the Group.

IAG’s customers travel on aircraft and 
through buildings and environments that 
are subject to regulations applicable to 
health and safety in each country. 
Procedures, systems and technology used 
in our operations are designed to protect 
employees and customers alike.

As IAG continued to deal with the 
COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has 
followed expert guidance from bodies 
such as the IATA Council Aviation 
Recovery Taskforce (CART), the WHO, 
Public Health England and Spanish and 
Irish authorities. New hygiene measures 
have been introduced for all employees 
and customers. All these measures have 

been carefully thought through alongside 
the latest advice from public health 
authorities and aviation regulators.

To support employee wellbeing across the 
Group, each operating company created 
new websites and internal resources to 
support mental health and COVID-19 
safety. For example, British Airways built 
on existing resources throughout 2020 
and issued daily press updates which 
included wellbeing signposts, such as 
information about its Employee Assistance 
Programme and the UNMIND mental 
health digital application. The latter 
includes webinars, interviews and other 
resources and access was extended to 
family members of employees in the 
second half of 2020.

C.3. Inclusion and diversity 
GRI 406-1

Supports SDG 5

IAG has a Group-wide Equal Opportunities 
policy to address and eliminate 
discrimination and promote equality of 
opportunity regardless of age, gender, 
disability, ethnicity, religion or sexual 
orientation. At Group level, IAG also has a 
Directors Selection and Diversity Policy 
that sets out the principles that govern the 
selection process and the approach to 
diversity on the Board of Directors and the 
IAG Management Committee. These 
policies have been approved by the Board 
of Directors.

In terms of gender diversity and equality, 
IAG has set a target to reach 33 per cent 
women across senior executive levels by 
2025 and has put in place an extensive 
programme of action to help deliver on 
this target. IAG monitors and reports on 
progress, including on the management 
pipeline across the Group.

Iberia and Vueling have Equality Plans 
covering all employees in Spain. Vueling 
implemented this in 2014 and Iberia 
published an integrated plan in 2018 
covering pilots, cabin crew and ground 

staff agreements. Both plans will be 
revised in 2021 to align with new 
legislation.

2020 progress on gender diversity: 

 • 45 per cent women on the IAG Board, 

up from 33 per cent in 20191;

 • 30 per cent women in senior executive 
levels (15 per cent on the Management 
Committee), maintaining the proportion 
reached in 2019;

 • British Airways held a ‘Power of 

Mentoring’ event, with participation of 
other Group operating companies, to 
inspire and equip employees interested 
in mentoring with tools and guidance;
 • Aer Lingus achieved the “Investors in 
Diversity” Bronze accreditation; and

 • Iberia was awarded by Ellas Vuelan Alto 

(EVA) association for corporate 
commitment to promote gender equality 
and diversity.

The Iberia “Quiero Ser” programme, to 
attract and promote female careers in the 
aviation industry, was postponed in 2020 
due to the pandemic and plans to restart 
in 2021.

Ethnic diversity is an issue of particular 
importance for British Airways. 18 per cent 
of British Airways UK staff have declared a 
Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) 
background, up from 16 per cent in 2019, 
and compared with 14 per cent of the UK 
population. UK employees represent 50 
per cent of the Group total. 

British Airways aims to improve BAME 
representation in senior roles and 2020 
achievements were:

 • Continuing its reverse mentoring and 
cross-company mentoring trial, in 
collaboration with Business in the 
Community and an internal BAME 
network group; and

 • Dialogue with BAME colleagues 
following the Black Lives Matter 
campaign, with feedback being shared 
with the management team and used 
to help create a race action plan.

1  This reflects the changes in Board composition made on December 31, 2020 in response to the outcome of Brexit as well as to meet the new Spanish 

Corporate Governance Code recommendation of at least 40 per cent female Director representation on the Board by 2023.

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C. PEOPLE AND PROSPERITY

C.4. Human rights and modern slavery
Supports SDGs 3, 4, 5

IAG had no known cases of human rights 
violations across the Group during 2020. 
IAG GBS screens suppliers to identify and 
mitigate potential incidences of human 
rights violations, and modern slavery 
clauses feature in all new supplier 
contracts as well as contract renewals. 

IAG is taking steps to prevent incidences 
of modern slavery within the Group and 
across its supply chains. In terms of 
policies associated with human rights, IAG 
asks suppliers to adhere to the third IAG 
Group Slavery and Human Trafficking 
Statement, which was published in 2019. 
This statement is made under section 54, 
part 5 of the 2015 UK Modern Slavery Act 
(MSA). IAG also supports the 2018 IATA 
resolution denouncing human trafficking 

and reaffirming a commitment to tackle 
this issue.

Human trafficking is of particular concern 
to IAG and to the wider aviation industry, 
as the Group transports millions of 
passengers every year and has tens of 
thousands of suppliers across the world. 
To prevent human trafficking, operating 
airlines work closely with governments and 
the airports in which they operate to 
ensure that any suspected trafficking on 
our flights is identified, reported and 
dealt with appropriately.

Operating airlines train staff to recognise 
the signs of potential human trafficking 
situations, and provide procedures for 
reporting where any cases are suspected. 
This training is managed at airline level. 

British Airways, Aer Lingus and Vueling run 
training for pilots and cabin crew on 
identifying and responding to human 
trafficking, and Iberia will refresh such 
training in 2021. Guidance and procedures 
for flight crew and cabin crew are also 
included in the Aer Lingus and Vueling 
Operations Manuals. In 2020, Vueling 
supported the Spanish police in locating 
and arresting members of an organisation 
which trafficked women.

Key risks associated with human rights 
matters are included in the ‘Sustainability 
risks and opportunities’ section. In 2021, 
IAG plans to review the assessment of 
human rights risks within the business.

C.5. Community engagement and charitable support
Supports SDG 11, GRI 201-1, 102-13

IAG operating companies have long-
standing partnerships to support 
community causes both locally and around 
the world. 

In 2020, €4.6 million was raised across the 
Group1, a 19 per cent decrease from the 
€5.7 million raised in 2019 and an 
impressive contribution given reduced 
business activity. Sources were:

 • 40.1% from customer contributions;
 • 35.5% from company donations;
 • 19.5% from employee contributions; and
 • 4.8% from in-kind donations.

Key partnerships:
 • Since 2019, British Airways has had a 

partnership with the British Red Cross 
focusing on support for UK community 
preparedness and crisis response work;

 • Since 2016, Vueling has been working 

with Save the Children and is the 
second-largest sponsor of this NGO in 
Spain; 

 • Since 2013, Iberia has been contributing 
to the UNICEF children’s vaccination 
programme. This programme has paid 
for the vaccinations for more than a 
million children in Chad, Angola and 
Cuba;

 • Since 2011, Aer Lingus staff have an 

annual “Make a Difference” day for staff 
volunteering. While this did not go 
ahead in 2020, Aer Lingus was a 
significant contributor to the COVID-19 
global response via flights of medical 
equipment between Europe and China; 
and

 • Since 2010, British Airways has been 
working with the “Flying Start” global 
charity programme, in partnership with 
Comic Relief. This programme has 
helped over 824,000 people in some of 
the world’s poorest communities.

1  British Airways total based on January-November. The Group 2019 value has been restated due to the expansion of the scope of reported contributions.

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
C.6 Workforce measures 
GRI 102-7, 102-8, 401-1, 405-1

Metric

Unit

Sub-category

vly

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Employment

Headcount

Composition

Composition

Composition

Average 
manpower 
equivalent1
Number of people2

% headcount by 
employment type

% headcount by 
employment 
contract

% headcount by 
employee 
categories

Full-time:

Part-time:

Permanent:

Temporary:

Cabin Crew:

Pilots:

Airport:

Corporate:

Maintenance:

Employees by 
country

Number of people UK:

Spain:

Ireland:

India:

USA:

Other:

Note: “nr” means “not reported previously”.

-8.2%

-19.8%

+5pts

-5pts

+3pts

-3pts

 -4pts

 +2pts

 -1pts

+3pts

0pts

 -4pts

+3pts

+1pts

0pts

 0pts

 0pts

60,612

57,928

66,034

72,268

64,734

71,134

 79%

21%

97%

3%

31%

 13%

25%

20%

11%

 50%

 34%

 8%

 2%

 1%

 5%

74%

26%

94%

6%

35%

 11%

 26%

 17%

 11%

54%

31%

 7%

 2%

 1%

 5%

63,422

63,387

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

 75%

 25%

 94%

6%

 35%

 11%

 26%

 18%

 10%

nr

nr

nr

1  The mean of the manpower equivalent captured quarterly to reflect seasonality. This is not adjusted for time not worked whilst under COVID-19 job 

retention schemes and it reflects normal contractual hours.

2  Actual number of people employed across the Group at December 31, 2020.

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C. PEOPLE AND PROSPERITY

C.6 Workforce measures 
GRI 102-7, 102-8, 401-1, 405-1

Metric

Gender 
diversity

Gender 
diversity

% women at Board 
level

% women at senior 
executive level

Gender 
diversity
Age diversity % of managerial staff in 

% women at Group 
level

each age band

Age diversity % of non-managerial 
staff in each age band

<30

30-50

50+

<30

30-50

50+

Workforce 
turnover

Workforce 
turnover

Workforce 
turnover

% voluntary and 
non-voluntary

Voluntary

Non-voluntary

Overall % by age group <30

30-50

50+

Overall % by gender

Women

Men

Additional workforce metrics
GRI 102-41, 403-9, 404-1

Unit

Sub-category

vly

2020

2019

2018

2017

+12pts

0pts

-1pts

 -1pts

+2pts

 -1pts

-3pts

+4pts

-1pts

+9pts

+3pts

-21pts

-3pts

+24pts

 +5pts

 -5pts

45%

30%

43%

3%

57%

40%

18%

54%

28%

 16%

5%

16%

33%

51%

 52%

 48%

33%

30%

44%

 4%

 55%

 41%

 21%

 50%

 29%

7%

2%

 37% 

36%

 27%

 47%

53%

33%

27%

45%

 7%

 57%

 36%

 22%

 50%

 28%

8%

3%

 35%

 34%

 31%

 51%

49%

25%

24%

44%

 6%

 65%

 29%

 17%

 51%

 32%

8%

2%

nr

nr

2016

25%

23%

44%

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

Metric

Unit

vly

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Social dialogue and 
trade unions

% covered by 
collective bargaining 
agreements

Average hours of 
training

Average hours per 
employee per year

Lost Time Injury (LTI) 
frequency rate

LTI per 200,000 hours 
worked

LTI severity rate

Average days lost per 
LTI

Fatalities

+2pts

-45.4%

-44.5%

+67.0%

0pts

89%

26.4

2.41

37.80

0

87%

48.4

4.341

22.64

0

86%

41.1

4.201

21.12

1

88%

45.8

nr

nr

nr

88%

34.9

nr

nr

nr

Note: “nr” means “not reported previously”. In the table above this can refer to multiple years.
1  The 2018 and 2019 LTI frequency rates have been restated due to change in standardising factor to better align to GRI standards.

74

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Description and commentary for key workforce metrics

Metric
Employment Average 

Unit

manpower 
equivalent

Description
Manpower equivalent is the number of 
employees adjusted to include part-time 
workers, overtime and contractors. 

The average is the mean of the manpower 
equivalent captured quarterly to reflect 
seasonality.

Commentary
The 8.2% decrease reflects the employee 
restructuring at British Airways and Aer Lingus.

This measure accounts for employees’ contractual 
schedule of work and therefore does not account 
for the impact of COVID-19 job retention scheme.

Headcount

Number of 
people

Headcount is the actual number of people 
employed across the Group (employees) at 
December 31, 2020.

Overall headcount decreased over the year by 
19.8%. This reflects the employee restructuring at 
British Airways and Aer Lingus. 

Composition % headcount 

by 
employment 
type, 
contract and 
employee 
categories

Employees 
by country

Number of 
people

Gender 
diversity

% women at 
Board, senior 
executive, 
and Group 
level

Age diversity % of staff in 

each age 
band

Workforce 
turnover

% voluntary 
and non-
voluntary 
turnover

Composition is a breakdown of headcount as at 
December 31, 2020. 

Definitions of full-time and part-time vary across 
the Group. A temporary employment contract 
has a defined end date. 

The employee category breakdown portrays the 
distribution of the major groups within IAG’s 
workforce “in the air” – Pilots and Cabin Crew – 
and “on the ground” – Airport, Corporate 
and Maintenance.

This metric depicts the distribution of the 
Group’s employees according to the country in 
which they are based.

A higher proportion of temporary employee 
leavers in 2020 increased the ratio of permanent 
employees to 97%. The employee category, where 
business restructuring had the highest impact, 
was cabin crew which explains the decrease in its 
proportion of all Group employee categories. 
Airport employees, the second most-reduced 
category, combined with cabin crew represents 
over 80 per cent of all part-time employees which 
explains the increase of the proportion of full-time 
Group employees.

The decrease in the proportion of Group 
employees based in the UK is due to the 
redundancies at British Airways. At the end of 
2020 IAG had employees based in 82 countries.

The share of women as a proportion of all staff 
at specific levels of seniority across the Group. 

There were 193 senior executives as at December 
31, 2020. 

IAG has published objectives for 33% women on 
the Board by 2020 and 33% women across the 
Group’s senior executive levels by 2025.

The ‘on the ground’ managerial population 
includes all airport, corporate and maintenance 
roles equivalent to a manager across the Group.

The ‘in the air’ managerial population includes all 
pilot and cabin crew roles equivalent to Captains 
and Cabin Service Managers.

Measured as the number of leavers as a 
percentage of the average number of Group 
employees in the year. The number of leavers 
excludes temporary contracts and death in 
service. Voluntary turnover occurs when 
employees choose to leave (e.g. resignation, 
retirement, voluntary redundancy) and non-
voluntary turnover occurs when employees 
leave for reasons other than a personal decision 
(e.g. compulsory redundancy, dismissal). The 
table on the previous page shows the overall 
breakdown of turnover by age and gender.

IAG maintained the proportion of women in senior 
executive levels – 30% by the end of 2020. IAG 
achieved its 2020 Board target in 2018 and has 
increased the proportion of women on the Board 
to 45%.

A decrease in the proportion of women across the 
whole Group is explained by 48% of total turnover 
made up of cabin crew, which was composed of 
71% women in 2019.

The decrease in the proportion of employees over 
50 years of age is explained by the higher uptake 
(over 50%) of voluntary redundancy measures in 
this age band.

The decrease in the proportion of employees 
under 30 years of age is explained by the end of 
temporary contracts.

The overall annual turnover in 2020 was 21% – a 
total of 13,654 employees, of which 3,456 were 
non-voluntary leavers. This compares to 9% in 
2019, a total of 6,206 of which 1,372 were non-
voluntary leavers.

The increase in turnover was due to the 
unfortunate but necessary resizing of the business 
due to COVID-19. A recruitment freeze across the 
Group in 2020 also impacted turnover.

Over 88% of total Group turnover was at British 
Airways, the largest employer within the Group, 
mostly through voluntary measures.

75

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED 

C. PEOPLE AND PROSPERITY

Summary of alignment with external frameworks
Key: Green is GRI CORE

Sustainability section
Governance

Sustainability subsection
Sustainability strategy, governance

Governance

Governance

Governance

Governance

Planet

Planet

Supply chain governance and management

Ethics and integrity

Sustainability risks & opportunities

Stakeholder engagement

Climate change impacts, commitments, 
roadmap

Noise and air quality

People and Prosperity 

Workforce overview

People and Prosperity 

Inclusion and diversity

People and Prosperity

Community engagement and support

GRI Standard

Other frameworks

102-43, -44, -46, -47, -48
308-2, 414-2
102-16, 102-17, 205-1, -2, -3
102-11, 102-15
102-13, 102-43, -44
305-1, -2, -3, -4, -5 
See next table

305-7

403-4, 408-1, 409-1

406-1
102-13, 201-1

UK SECR 
TR-AL-110a1, -a2

Relevant Planet metrics
Scope 1

Partial/full alignment with GRI standard
305-1

SASB
TR-AL-110a1

Scope 2

Scope 3 

Emissions intensity

Electricity, energy

Jet fuel use

GHG reduction initiatives

Waste

Relevant People metrics
Employment

Headcount

Employment composition

Employees by country

Gender diversity

Age diversity

Workforce turnover

Social dialogue and trade unions

Hours of training

Lost Time Injury (LTI) frequency rate

Fatalities

305-2

305-3 

305-4

302-1 

301-1

305-5 

306-1 (2020), 306-2 (2020), 306-3 (2020)

Partial/full alignment with GRI standard

102-7

102-7

102-8

102-8
405-1

405-1 

401-1

102-41
404-1

403-9

403-9

TR-AL-310a1

76

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) – recommended disclosures

See below for where relevant information can be found in the Annual Report.

TCFD section
Governance
Disclose the organisation’s 
governance around climate-
related risks and opportunities.

Strategy
Disclose the actual and potential 
impacts of climate-related risks 
and opportunities on the 
organisation’s businesses, 
strategy and financial planning 
where such information is 
material.

Risk management
Disclose how the organisation 
identifies, assesses and manages 
climate-related risks.

Metrics and targets
Disclose the metrics and targets 
used to assess and manage 
relevant climate-related risks and 
opportunities where such 
information is material.

TCFD recommendation

a. Describe the Board’s oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities.

b. Describe management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and 

opportunities.

a. Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organisation has identified over the 

short-, medium- and long-term.

b. Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation’s 

businesses, strategy and financial planning.

c. Describe the resilience of the organisation’s strategy, taking into consideration different 

climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.

a. Describe the organisation’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks.

b. Describe the organisation’s processes for managing climate-related risks.
c. Describe how processes for identifying, assessing and managing climate-related risks are 

integrated into the organisation’s overall risk management.

a. Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climate-related risks and 

opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process.

b. Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and the 

related risks.

c. Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate-related risks and 

opportunities and performance against targets.

Section of the Annual Report
Chairman’s letter and Q&A

Business model

Engaging with our stakeholders

Sustainability A.1. Strategy

TCFD-related information in the section
Strategy (b)

Strategy (b)

Strategy (b)

Strategy (b)

Sustainability A.2. Governance

Governance (a, b)

Sustainability A.5. Sustainability risks and 
opportunities

Governance (b), Strategy (a, b, c),  
Risk (b, c), Metrics (a, b)

Sustainability B.1. Climate impacts

Metrics (a, b, c)

Sustainability B.2. Climate change 
commitments

Metrics (a, b, c)

Sustainability B.3. Climate change roadmap Metrics (a, b, c)

Risk Management and principal risk factors Governance (a, b), Risk (a, b, c)

Page reference

See pages 3-5

See page 11

See pages 12-17

See pages 46-48

See page 49

See pages 52-58

See pages 62-64

See page 64

See pages 65-67

See pages 78-88

77

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS

Managing risk in an extremely 
challenging and uncertain 
environment

The Board of Directors has overall 
responsibility for ensuring that IAG has an 
appropriate risk management framework, 
including the determination of the nature 
and extent of risk it is willing to take to 
achieve its strategic objectives. The Board 
has oversight of the Group’s operations to 
ensure that internal controls are in place 
and operate effectively. Management is 
responsible for the effective operation of 
the internal controls and execution of the 
agreed risk mitigation plans.

The Group has an Enterprise Risk 
Management (ERM) policy which has 
been approved by the Board. This policy 
sets the framework for a comprehensive 
risk management process and 
methodology, ensuring a robust 
identification and assessment of the risks 
facing the Group, including emerging 
risks. Enterprise risks are assessed and 
plotted on an Enterprise risk map (with 
individual risk maps produced for each 
operating company and relevant function, 
such as IAG Tech and IAG Group Business 
Services, and for the overall Group). 
This process is led by the Management 
Committee and best practices are shared 
across the Group. 

This year, in response to the pandemic 
crisis, the risk management framework 
has further evolved to: develop the 
Group’s assessment of the 
interdependencies of risks; built on 
scenario planning to quantify risk impact 
under different assumptions; and consider 
the risks within the Group’s risk map that 
have increased either as a result of the 
external environment or as a result of 
decisions made by the business in 
response to the external environment. 
The process adopted this year has helped 
the Board and management to respond 
quickly to the new and rapidly changing 
risk landscape, enabling clear 
understanding and identification of 
emerging risks arising from the impact of 
the pandemic and of how the pandemic 
has affected existing risks included within 
the Group’s existing risk maps. 

Approach and process
Across the Group, risk owners are 
responsible for identifying potential risks 
and appropriately managing the related 
business decisions within their area of 
responsibility. As the Group transforms, 
the level of change and agility required 
creates risks and opportunities. For these 
business transformational risks, business 

78

owners are assigned, and the business will 
agree appropriate mitigations and 
timelines for implementation, following 
discussions with all relevant stakeholders. 
All risks are assessed for likelihood and 
impact against the Group’s three-year 
Business Plan and strategy. Key controls 
and mitigations are documented including 
appropriate response plans. Where risk 
treatments require time to implement, 
short-term mitigations are assessed and 
the timeline to risk mitigation and 
consequent risk acceptance discussed 
and agreed. Every principal risk has clear 
Management Committee oversight.

As part of the risk management 
framework, potential emerging risks 
and longer-term threats are considered 
to identify new trends, competitor 
actions, regulations, governments’ 
interventions, or business disruptors that 
could impact the Group’s business 
strategy and plans. These emerging risks 
are monitored within the overall risk 
framework as ‘on watch’ until they are 
re-assessed to be no longer a potential 
threat to the business or where an 
assessment of the risk impact over the 
next two to three years can be made, and 
appropriate mitigations can be put in 
place. Following the pandemic impact, 
consideration of other high-impact, low 
likelihood risks have been discussed. 

IAG considers risks to the Strategic 
Business Plan over the short term up 
to two years, medium term from three to 
five years and in the longer term beyond 
five years. Risk outcomes are quantified 
as the potential cash impact to the 
business plan over two years, as well as 
potential brand reputation, regulatory 
scrutiny and share price considerations.

The risk management framework is 
embedded across the Group. Risk maps 
are discussed, and risk potential impacts 
assessed for each operating company 
and Group functions that support the 
business, such as IAG Tech and IAG GBS, 
and at the Group level, and the enterprise 
risk function ensures consistency over the 
risk management process.

Risk maps are reviewed by each 
operating company’s management 
committee, which considers the accuracy 
and completeness of the map, significant 
movements in risk and any changes 
required to the response plans addressing 
those risks. Where the Group’s operating 
companies have a reliance on other parts 

of the Group for services delivery, risks are 
reflected appropriately across risk maps to 
ensure accountability is clear. Each 
operating company’s management 
committee confirms to its operating 
company board as to the identification, 
quantification and management of 
risks within its operating company as 
a whole at least annually.

The management committee of each 
operating company escalates risks 
that have a Group impact or require 
Group consideration in line with the 
Group ERM framework. 

At the Group level, key risks from the 
operating companies, together with 
Group-wide risks, are maintained in a 
Group risk map. The IAG Management 
Committee reviews risk during the year 
including the Group risk map semi-
annually in advance of reviews by the 
Audit and Compliance Committee in 
accordance with the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code and 
the Spanish Good Governance Code 
for Listed Companies.

The IAG Board of Directors discusses risk 
and considers the risk environment as part 
of wider Board discussions at every 
meeting in addition to the bi-annual risk 
map review, including a review of the 
assessment of IAG’s performance against 
its risk appetite, scenarios for assessment 
of viability and the outputs from the 
viability modelling. The Board has ongoing 
early sight of management consideration 
of potential scenarios to enable it to 
challenge subjectivities and confirm 
rationale. 

IAG has a risk appetite framework which 
includes statements informing the 
business, either qualitatively or 
quantitatively, of the Board’s appetite for 
certain risks. Each risk appetite statement 
formalises how performance is monitored 
either on a Group-wide basis or within 
major projects. The framework remained 
in place throughout the year, with the 
Board assessing its appetite to tolerance 
of certain risks through additional reviews 
with management. The highly regulated 
and commercially competitive 
environment, together with the businesses’ 
operational complexity, exposes the 
Group to a number of risks. 2020 has 
heightened IAG’s exposure to certain of 
these risks as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic’s unprecedented impact on the 
travel and aviation industry. Management 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020remains focused on mitigating these risks at all 
levels in the business although many remain 
outside our control; for example, changes in 
political and economic environment, 
government restrictions over travel and 
movement of their citizens, governance 
requirements and regulations, external events 
causing operational disruption including civil 
unrest, adverse weather or pandemic, volatility 
in the markets and availability of funding and 
changes in the competitive landscape.

Risks are grouped into four categories: 
strategic, business and operational, financial 
including tax and treasury, compliance and 
regulatory risks.

Guidance is provided below on the key risks 
that may threaten the Group’s business model, 
future performance, solvency and liquidity. 

Where there are particular circumstances that 
mean that the risk is more likely to materialise, 
those circumstances are described below. No 
new principal risks were identified through the 
risk management discussions across the 
Group’s businesses this year. Where the 
existing principal risks have been reconsidered 
to reflect the challenges faced by the Group 
following the COVID-19 pandemic impact, 
these are highlighted by the ‘C19’ symbol in the 
table below. Additional key business responses 
implemented by management are also set out.

Link to  
strategy

Principal 
risks

1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
7, 8, 9, 10

1
Strengthening 
a portfolio of 
world-class 
brands and 
operations

2
Growing
global
leadership
positions

3
Enhancing 
IAG’s common
integrated
platform

Principal 
risks

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10,
11, 12, 13, 
14, 15, 16

Principal 
risks

1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,
9, 12, 13, 
14, 15, 16

See our Business 
model and Strategic 
priorities sections

See our Sustainability section

Key:  
Risk trend

Increase

Stable

Decrease

C19

Affected by 
COVID-19

The list is not intended to be exhaustive but does reflect those risks that the Board and Management Committee believe to be the most 
likely risks to have a material impact on the Group.

Strategic
Open competition and markets are in the long-term best interests of the airline industry and consumers. The Group seeks to mitigate 
the risk from government intervention or changes to the regulations that can have a significant impact on operations.

1. Airports, infrastructure and critical third parties 

C19

1

2

3

Status The pandemic resulted in restrictions being imposed, which have required capacity adjustments, including fleet adjustments and new operating 
procedures to recommence flying. The operations of the Group’s suppliers, including aircraft manufacturers, have also been impacted by the 
pandemic, which has increased the risk of significant business interruption, delays or disruptions, such as a temporary suspension of operations, a lack 
of availability of labour to support supplier operations and/or longer-term problems in maintaining supply, whether as a result of suppliers entering 
insolvency or otherwise. This may lead to shortages of business-critical services and/or increased costs to secure such services.

The Group continues to lobby and raise awareness of the negative impacts of ATC airspace restrictions and performance issues on the aviation sector 
and economies across Europe, particularly through a future recovery period. 

The Group relies on the provision of airport infrastructure and is dependent on the timely delivery of appropriate facilities. A third runway expansion 
proposal at London Heathrow and additional facilities at Dublin Airport are among examples where the Group supports solutions that are efficient, 
cost effective and of value to our customers.

Risk description
IAG is dependent on the timely 
entry of new aircraft and the engine 
performance of aircraft to improve operational 
efficiency and resilience and support 
the delivery of the Group sustainability 
programme.

IAG is dependent on the timely, on-budget 
delivery of infrastructure changes, particularly 
at key airports.

IAG is dependent on resilience 
within the operations of ATC services to ensure 
that its flight operations are delivered 
as scheduled.

IAG is dependent on the performance and costs 
of critical third-party suppliers that provide 
services to our customers and the Group such 
as airport operators, border control and 
caterers. The impact of the pandemic on the 
Group’s supply chain will also impact the Group 
where suppliers face ongoing financial stress 
or restructuring where they exit the 
market for supply of services.

Strategic relevance
Any sub-optimal service delivery or asset 
supplied by a critical supplier can impact 
on the Group airlines’ operational and 
financial performance as well as 
disrupting our customers.

Infrastructure decisions or changes in 
policy by governments, regulators or 
other entities could impact operations 
but are outside of the Group’s control.

London Heathrow has no spare 
runway capacity.

An uncontrolled increase in the planned 
cost of expansion could result in 
increased landing charges.

Airport charges represent a significant 
operating cost to the airlines and have an 
impact on operations.

Mitigations
•  The Group mitigates engine and fleet performance 

risks, including unacceptable levels of carbon 
emissions to the extent possible by working closely 
with the engine and fleet manufacturers, as well 
as retaining flexibility with existing aircraft 
return requirements. 

•  The Group engages in regulatory reviews of supplier 
pricing, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s 
periodic review of charges at London Heathrow and 
London Gatwick airports.

•  The Group is active at an EU policy level and in 

consultations with airports covered by the EU Airport 
Changes Directive.

•  The Group pro-actively works with suppliers to 

ensure operations are maintained and the impact to 
their businesses understood, with mitigations 
implemented where necessary. 

•  The Group procurement function has led an 

ongoing review of all critical contracts across the 
Group’s businesses.

79

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Strategic continued

2. Brand reputation 

1

C19

Status The Group’s ability to attract and secure bookings, and therefore revenue depends on the public recognition of the Group’s airlines’ brands and 
their associated reputation. The Group’s airlines brands are, and will continue to be, vulnerable to adverse market or customer perception. Reliability, 
including on-time performance, is a key element of the brands and of each customer’s experience. IAG remains focused on strengthening its customer-
centricity to ensure that its operating companies continue to adapt and focus their business models to meet changing customer expectations. The 
Group’s airlines have implemented strict hygiene and social distancing measures to ensure customer and employee safety in line with EASA 
regulations. British Airways was awarded a Skytrax 4-star Airline Safety rating in November, the first airline to receive such a rating. 

Risk description
Erosion of the brands, through either a 
single event or a series of events, may 
adversely impact the Group’s leadership 
position with customers and ultimately 
affect future revenue and profitability.

If the Group is unable to meet the 
expectations of its customers and does 
not engage effectively to maintain their 
emotional attachment, then the Group 
may face brand erosion and loss of 
market share.

Strategic relevance
The Group’s brands are well positioned 
in their respective markets and have 
significant commercial value. Any 
change in engagement or travel 
preferences could impact the financial 
performance of the Group. 

IAG will continue to focus on its 
customer propositions to ensure 
competitiveness in its chosen priority 
customer demand spaces and to ensure 
that it adapts to meet changing 
customer expectations.

The Group is clear on the key levers to 
improve brand perception and 
satisfaction for each of its operating 
company brands.

3. Competition, consolidation and government regulation 

Mitigations
•  All IAG airlines are considered within the brand 

portfolio review.

•  Brand initiatives for each operating company have been 
identified and are aligned to the Strategic Business Plan.
•  Product investment to enhance the customer experience 
supports the brand propositions and is provided for in the 
Strategic Business Plan.

•  All airlines track and report internally on their Net Promoter 

Score (NPS) to measure customer satisfaction.
•  IAG Customer Steering Group meets monthly and 

shares initiatives.

•  New hygiene protocols are being adopted across the 

Group’s airlines to address regulatory requirements resulting 
from the pandemic.

•  Enhanced disruption management tools within airlines to 

allow customers to manage their travel preferences.

•  The Group’s global loyalty strategy builds customer loyalty 

within IAG airlines.

•  The Group’s focus on sustainability and sustainable aviation 

including the IAG Climate Change strategy to meet the target 
of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

•  Robust portfolio process to determine the right investments 

across the Group.

C19

1

2

3

Status The scale of governmental support and aviation-specific state aid measures have varied by market and the potential consequential impact to 
the competitive landscape is under continuous assessment. Governmental restrictions, introduced to address the pandemic risk, have been fragmented 
and volatile and have required significant agility within our networks to manage the impact on our customers and business. 
The Group announced plans in 2019 to acquire Air Europa, which is owned by Globalia, subject to regulatory approvals. In November 2020, the Group 
reached an amended agreement with Globalia, which is still subject to the satisfactory negotiation with Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones (SEPI) 
regarding the non-financial terms associated with the financial support provided by SEPI to Air Europa in 2020. The acquisition is still subject to 
approval by the European Commission. 

The Group continues to monitor and discuss the negative impacts of government policies such as the imposition of Air Passenger Duty (APD).

Risk description
Competitor capacity growth in excess 
of demand growth could materially 
impact margins.

Any failure of a joint business or a joint 
business partner could adversely 
impact the Group’s airline business 
operations and financial performance.

Some of the markets in which the 
Group operates remain regulated by 
governments, in some instances 
controlling capacity and/or restricting 
market entry. Changes in such 
restrictions may have a negative impact 
on margins.

Governments’ support schemes for the 
aviation sector create distortionary 
effects across the markets in which 
IAG’s airlines operate. 

Strategic relevance
The markets in which the Group 
operates are highly competitive. The 
Group faces direct competition on its 
routes, as well as from indirect flights, 
charter services and other modes of 
transport. Some competitors have other 
competitive advantages such as 
government support or benefits from 
insolvency protection.

Regulation of the airline industry covers 
many of the Group’s activities including 
route flying rights, airport landing rights, 
departure taxes, security and 
environmental controls. The Group’s 
ability to comply with and influence 
changes to regulations is key to 
maintaining operational and 
financial performance.

Mitigations
•  The IAG Management Committee meets weekly. Additional 

Management Committee meetings, to address strategic issues 
arising from the responses of regulators and governments to 
the pandemic, were convened throughout the year.

•  The Board of Directors discusses strategy throughout the 

year and dedicates two days per year to undertake a detailed 
review of the Group’s strategic plans. Similar to the additional 
Management Committee meetings, additional Board meetings 
were convened throughout the year.

•  The Group strategy function supports the Management 

Committee by identifying where resources can be devoted to 
exploit profitable opportunities.

•  The airlines’ revenue management departments and systems 

optimise market share and yield through pricing and 
inventory management activity. Additional processes and 
reviews have allowed daily and weekly route analysis as 
required to respond to the rapidly changing environment 
resulting from government actions.

•  The Group maintains rigorous cost control and targeted 

investment to remain competitive. The Group Procurement 
function has led an ongoing review of all critical contracts. 
•  The Group has restructured its businesses and operations to 

meet the challenge of the current environment.

•  The portfolio of brands provides flexibility as capacity can be 

deployed at short notice as needed.

•  The IAG Management Committee regularly reviews the 
commercial performance of joint business agreements.

•  The Group’s airlines review their relationships with business 

partners supported where appropriate by the Group 
strategy function.

•  The Group’s government affairs department monitors 

government initiatives, represents the Group’s interest and 
forecasts likely changes to laws and regulations.

80

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 20204. Digital disruption 

1

2

3

Status The Group has established an IAG Tech function which brings together the digital and IT departments from across the Group under the Group’s 
Chief Information Officer (CIO). All of the Group’s businesses have a Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) who represents their business within 
IAG Tech. This has strengthened IAG Tech’s focus on understanding business requirements, helping to transform the Group’s businesses and deliver a 
digital customer experience, which together with the Group’s exploitation of technology, reduces the impact digital disruptors can have.

Risk description
Technology disruptors may use tools to 
position themselves between our brands 
and our customers.

Strategic relevance
Competitors and new entrants to the 
travel market may use technology more 
effectively and disrupt the Group’s 
business model.

5. Sustainable aviation

Mitigations
•  IAG Tech is responsible for digital and IT.
•  Operating companies’ CDIOs are members of the IAG Tech 

management committee.

•  The Group’s CIO and Chief Transformation Officer are 

members of the IAG Management Committee.

•  IAG Customer Steering Group.
•  The Group continues to develop platforms such as the New 
Distribution Capability, changing distribution arrangements 
and moving from indirect to direct channels.

•  IAG Tech continues to create early engagement and 

leverages new opportunities with start-ups and technology 
disruptors.

1

2

Status IAG was the first airline group to commit to a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, including adding management targets in current 
incentive arrangements. Sustainable Aviation, oneworld and Airlines for Europe have also all now committed to net zero emissions by 2050. There is 
an emerging trend of introduction of aviation “eco taxes” globally. The Group has accelerated the retirement of its aged fleet of Boeing 747s and 
Airbus A340s during 2020, in response to the pandemic. The Group also maintained its plans and initiatives to meet climate change commitments.

IAG was an early adopter of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines for climate-related scenario analysis and 
climate-specific risk assessments. During 2020 the Group has updated its assessment of climate-related risks, by testing and revising the assumptions 
on updated forecasts for future business growth and the regulatory context and future carbon price. The Group has also embedded forecasting of its 
climate impacts into its strategic, business and financial planning processes. 

While 2020 was a year of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty due the pandemic, other key aspects of aviation policy continued to be 
developed in relation to sustainability. In July the European Commission published a roadmap for its legislative initiative aimed at implementing the 
Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), alongside the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

See the Sustainability risk and opportunities section

Risk description
Increasing global concern about climate 
change and the impact of carbon affects 
Group airlines’ performance as 
customers seek alternative methods of 
transport or reduce their levels of travel.

New taxes and increasing price of 
carbon impact on demand for air travel. 
Customers may choose to reduce the 
amount they fly.

Strategic relevance
IAG is committed to being the leading 
airline group in sustainability. This 
means that environmental 
considerations are integrated into the 
business strategy at every level and the 
Group uses its influence to drive 
progress across the industry.

Mitigations
•  IAG climate change strategy to meet target of net zero 

carbon emissions by 2050.

•  British Airways offsets all UK domestic flight carbon 

emissions.

•  Fleet replacement plan will introduce aircraft into the fleet 

that are up to 40 per cent more carbon efficient.

•  IAG investment in sustainable aviation fuels of 

US$400 million, including British Airways’ partnership with 
Velocys.

•  Management incentives aligned to IAG’s targets.
•  Partnering with ZeroAvia to explore hydrogen-powered 

aircraft technology.

•  Participating in CORSIA, the ICAO global aviation carbon 

offsetting scheme.

81

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS CONTINUED

Business and operational
The safety and security of customers and employees is a fundamental value to the Group.

6. Cyber attack and data security

Status The risks from cyber threats has been heightened in the year as many of the Group’s employees and suppliers’ employees moved to working-
from-home arrangements in line with governments’ advice and restrictions, requiring analyses of security arrangements and authentications over 
access to corporate environments. More widely, the external environment saw an increase in the frequency of phishing attacks as cyber criminals 
attempted to take advantage of remote working practices. 

The regulatory regimes associated with data and infrastructure security are also becoming more complex with different regulators applying different 
framework approaches and guidance for reporting. The Group airlines are subject to the requirements of privacy legislation such as GDPR and the 
National Information Security Directive (NISD). 

In relation to the theft of customer data in 2018 the UK Information Commissioner’s Office issued a final penalty notice to British Airways. 

Despite significant reductions in the Group’s capital expenditure, in response to the liquidity impact of the pandemic, investment in cyber security 
systems remained at levels originally planned.

C19

2

3

Risk description
The Group could face financial loss, 
disruption or damage to brand 
reputation arising from an attack on the 
Group’s systems by criminals, foreign 
governments or hacktivists.

If the Group does not adequately 
protect customer and employee data, it 
could breach regulation and face 
penalties and loss of customer trust.

Changes in working practices and 
environments for the Group’s employees 
and third-party suppliers could result in 
new weaknesses in the cyber and data 
security control environment.

Strategic relevance
The cyber threat environment remains 
challenging for all organisations, 
including the airline industry. Cyber 
threat actors, criminals, foreign 
governments and hacktivists have the 
capacity and motivation to attack the 
airline industry for financial gain and 
other political or social reasons.

The fast-moving nature of this risk 
means that the Group will always retain 
a level of vulnerability.

7. Event causing significant network disruption

Mitigations
•  The Group has a Board-approved cyber strategy that drives 

investment and operational planning. This is regularly 
reviewed by the IAG Audit and Compliance Committee, IAG 
Management Committee and the IAG Tech leadership.

•  There is oversight of critical systems and suppliers to ensure 
that the Group understands the data it holds, that it is secure, 
and regulations are adhered to.

•  A cyber risk management framework ensures the risk is 

reviewed across all operating companies.

•  The Group Cyber Governance board assesses the portfolio of 
cyber projects quarterly and each operating company reviews 
their own cyber projects on a quarterly basis.

•  The IAG Chief Information Security Office supports the Group 

businesses providing assurance and expertise around 
strategy, policy, training and security operations for the 
Group. 

•  Threat Intelligence is used to analyse cyber risks to the Group.
•  Data Protection Officers are in place in all operating 

companies, coordinated through a Group wide Privacy 
Steering Group.

•  New working practices have been reviewed to ensure the 
integrity of the cyber and data security environment and 
controls with additional oversight measures being 
implemented as required.

•  All third-party suppliers have confirmed their adherence to 

IAG security requirements within any revised security 
protocols.

C19

1

3

Status The outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 resulted in an unprecedented level of disruption to the aviation sector, as well as global economic 
impacts. Other potential high-impact, low-likelihood events have been considered that could have the potential to disrupt IAG and/or the aviation 
sector. Many of these events remain outside of the Group’s control such as adverse weather, another pandemic, civil unrest or terrorist event seen in 
cities served by the Group’s airlines. 

Risk description
An event causing significant network 
disruption or the inability to promptly 
recover from short term disruptions may 
result in lost revenue, customer 
disruption and additional costs to the 
Group. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to 
continue to have an adverse effect on 
the Group over the period of the 
Business Plan, as would any future 
pandemic outbreak or other material 
event that results in the imposition of 
governments’ restrictions on travel and 
the movement of its populations.

Strategic relevance
The Group’s airlines may be disrupted 
by a number of different events. 

A single prolonged event, or a series of 
events in close succession, impact on 
the Group’s airlines’ operational 
capability and brand strength.

The Group needs to adhere to local 
governments’ restrictions and 
regulations especially related to safety 
and public health and is therefore 
sensitive to any consequential impact to 
demand.

Mitigations
•  Management has business continuity plans to mitigate this 
risk to the extent feasible with focus on operational and 
financial resilience and customer and colleague safety and 
recovery.

•  Resilience to minimise the impact of ATC airspace restrictions 
and strike action on the Group’s customers and operations 
are in place.

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 20208. IT systems and IT infrastructure 

C19

1

3

Status The Group recognises the importance of technology across the business and has brought all of its digital and IT resources together into IAG 
Tech, reporting to the Chief Information Officer, a member of the IAG Management Committee. The IAG Tech management committee has established 
a new governance structure that is mirrored across into the Group’s businesses to ensure that IT investment and operating company requirements are 
appropriately prioritised and delivered. There is an increased focus on service delivery and services management as the Group addresses its legacy 
environment. Plans and investment to upgrade or transform away from obsolete systems or architecture have been subject to ongoing review in the 
light of the pandemic. 

Risk description
The dependency on IT systems for key 
business and customer processes is 
increasing and the failure of a critical 
system may cause significant disruption 
to the operation and lost revenue.

The level of transformational change at 
pace required by the Group’s airlines 
may result in disruption to operations as 
the legacy environment is addressed.

Obsolescence within the IAG Tech 
estate could result in service outages 
and/or operational disruption or delays 
in implementation of the Group’s 
transformation, particularly if the Group 
needs to defer investment to preserve 
cash.

Strategic relevance
IAG is dependent on IT systems 
for most key business processes. 
Increasingly, the integration within IAG’s 
supply chain means that the Group is 
also dependent on the performance of 
suppliers’ IT infrastructure e.g. airport 
baggage operators.

Mitigations
•  IAG Tech works with the Group operating companies to 

deliver digital and IT change initiatives to enhance security 
and stability.

•  Operating companies’ IT Boards are in place to review 

delivery timelines.

•  IAG Tech leadership and professional development 

framework.

•  Reversion plans are developed for migrations on critical 

IT infrastructure.

•  System controls, disaster recovery and business continuity 
arrangements exist to mitigate the risk of a critical system 
failure.

•  Robust portfolio process to determine the right investments 

across the Group.

9. People, culture and employee relations 

C19

1

3

Status Additional safety procedures have been introduced to protect the Group’s staff and customers, in line with industry recommendations. Where 
possible, the Group’s staff are working from home and in line with governments’ recommendations. 

Employee consultations have been undertaken as required and appropriate in relation to restructuring necessitated by the pandemic. Where possible, 
the Group has utilised government wage support schemes. In November 2020, the Unite union representing the Group’s cargo handling business in 
the UK balloted its members for industrial action in December. An agreement was reached in January 2021 between the union and the cargo business. 

The resilience and engagement of our people and leaders has been critical through the pandemic period to ensuring the Group is best positioned to 
resume operations and adapt as needed to the uncertain external environment. As the Group rapidly transforms all its operations to adjust for the new 
environment, the engagement and support of the Group’s employees is going to be a critical enabler. 

In 2021, the Company will be bringing a new remuneration policy to shareholders for approval that will be closely aligned to the Company’s strategy 
and will support the aim of attracting and retaining exceptional talent across the Group. 

All Operating Companies recognise the critical role that their employees will play in the recovery and transformation of the Group and they are 
focusing on improving organisational health and employee engagement. 

Risk description
Any breakdowns in the 
bargaining process with the unionised 
workforces may result in subsequent 
strike action which may disrupt 
operations and adversely affect business 
performance and customer perceptions 
of the airlines.

Strategic relevance
The Group has a large unionised 
workforce represented by a number of 
different trades unions. IAG relies on the 
successful agreement of collective 
bargaining arrangements across its 
operating companies to operate its 
airlines.

Our people are not engaged, or they do 
not display the required leadership 
behaviours. 

The right skillsets and culture are 
needed to transform our businesses at 
the pace required. 

Mitigations
•  Collective bargaining takes place on a regular basis with the 
operating companies’ human resources specialists, who have 
a strong skillset in industrial relations.
•  Operating companies’ people strategies.
•  Succession planning within and across operating companies.
•  IAG Tech refresh of professional development framework. 
•  Operating companies’ engagement surveys and subsequent 

action plans.

•  IAG Code of Conduct.

The Group businesses fail to attract, 
motivate, retain or develop its people to 
deliver service and brand excellence. 
Digital and agile skillsets are not in place 
to execute on the required 
transformation and drive the business 
forward.

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Business and operational continued

10. Political and economic environment

C19

1

2

Status The pandemic has resulted in governments around the world implementing, at very short notice, numerous, differing and wide-ranging 
measures in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus, such as travel restrictions, curfews, quarantines, lockdowns and restrictions on non-essential 
services. This has led to an unprecedented decrease in the demand for both domestic and international air travel and has also resulted in severe 
economic downturns and rising unemployment levels in a number of countries and regions. These are being actively monitored and near-term capacity 
plans are refreshed dynamically, according to the latest status. 

There can also be no certainty as to the level of demand for the Group’s services after any restrictions are lifted; the Group anticipates that global 
passenger demand will not return to 2019 levels until at least 2023. 

Wider macroeconomic trends are being monitored such as tensions between the US and China, particularly over the terms of the trade deal and how 
the new administration in the US plans to engage with the Chinese government. The imposition of tariffs by the EU on the US in response to the 
findings of a WTO review could also result in an escalation of application of tariffs elsewhere. The stress of the pandemic could have further far-
reaching impacts including currency devaluations, new tax regimes on corporates and individuals as well as changes in control of governments and 
new government policies.

Following the referendum decision in 2016, the UK left the EU on December 31, 2020 under the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement 
between the EU and the UK. This agreement includes all arrangements for aviation that would otherwise be covered by a typical air services 
agreement and the business has made all necessary adjustments. 

See the Regulatory environment section

Strategic relevance
IAG remains sensitive to political 
and economic conditions in the 
markets globally.

Risk description
Economic deterioration in either a 
domestic market or the global economy 
may have a material impact on the 
Group’s financial position, while foreign 
exchange, fuel price and interest rate 
movements create volatility.

Uncertainty or failure to plan and 
respond to economic change or 
downturn impacts the operations of the 
Group.

Political decisions to respond to the 
pandemic impact economies across all 
markets, causing longer-term economic 
stress.

11. Safety or security incident

Mitigations
•  The Board and the Management Committee review the 

financial outlook and business performance of the Group 
through the financial planning process and regular reforecasts 
(frequently during 2020).

•  Reviews are used to drive the Group’s financial performance 

through the management of capacity, together with 
appropriate cost control measures including the balance 
between fixed and variable costs, management of capital 
expenditure, and actions to improve liquidity. External 
economic outlook, fuel prices and exchange rates are 
carefully considered when developing strategy and plans and 
are regularly reviewed by the Board and IAG Management 
Committee as part of business performance monitoring.
•  IAG Government Affairs function and the Group’s operating 
companies have been in discussions with governments 
regarding restrictions and approaches for the implementation 
of consistent, customer-centric testing regimes.

2

Status The IAG Safety Committee of the Board continued to monitor the safety performance of IAG’s airlines. Safety and security responsibility lies 
with each Group airline in accordance with its applicable standards. See the Safety Committee report.

Risk description
A failure to prevent or respond 
effectively to a major safety or security 
incident or intelligence may adversely 
impact the Group’s brands, operations 
and financial performance.

Strategic relevance
The safety and security of our 
customers and employees are 
fundamental values for the Group. 

Mitigations
•  The corresponding safety committees of each of the airlines 

of the Group satisfy themselves that they have the 
appropriate resources and procedures which include 
compliance with Air Operator Certificate requirements.

•  Incident centres respond in a structured way in the event of a 

safety or security incident or intelligence.

•  The Board’s Safety Committee shares best practices between 

Group airlines.

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Financial
IAG balances the relatively high business and operational risks inherent in its business through managing liquidity and financial risks so 
as to protect the Group.

12. Debt funding

C19

2

3

Status Despite disruption in the financial markets since the spread of the pandemic, the Group has proactively focused on protecting liquidity by 
renewing and extending credit facilities and agreeing new aircraft leases, together with agreeing additional one-year funding facilities in advance of a 
future improvement in market conditions. Aircraft were successfully financed on long-term arrangements during the year and the additional one-year 
facilities were repaid. The Group also raised additional equity, with net proceeds of €2.7 billion received in early October. In December British Airways 
announced that it had received commitments for a 5-year Export Development Guaranteed term loan for £2.0 billion underwritten by a syndicate of 
banks, partially guaranteed (80 per cent) by UK Export Finance (UKEF). 

Risk description
Failure to finance ongoing operations, 
committed aircraft orders and future 
fleet growth plans.

New financial arrangements, in addition 
to the repayment of existing 
arrangements, and government support 
schemes (as applicable) may impact 
plans to transform the Group and will 
influence the timing for IAG to resume 
paying dividends to its shareholders.

Strategic relevance
The Group has substantial debt that will 
need to be repaid or refinanced. The 
Group’s ability to finance ongoing 
operations, committed aircraft orders 
and future fleet growth plans is 
vulnerable to various factors including 
financial market conditions, financial 
institutions’ appetite for secured 
aircraft financing and the financial 
market’s perceptions of the future 
resilience and cashflows of the Group.

13. Financial and treasury-related risk 

Mitigations
•  The IAG Board and Management Committee have reviewed 

the Group’s financial position and financing strategy on a very 
frequent basis (often weekly) throughout the period of the 
pandemic.

•  The Group has maintained clear focus on protecting liquidity. 
•  Additional funding arrangements entered into, including 

raising additional equity.

C19

2

3

Status The financial markets were impacted by the uncertainty derived from the pandemic. The imposed travel ban resulted in reduced jet fuel 
consumption. The Group’s reduced capacity in addition to sharp decline in jet fuel prices in the first half of 2020 amounted to an exceptional loss on 
fuel and foreign exchange hedges. 

The approach to fuel risk management, financial risk management, interest rate risk management, proportions of fixed and floating debt management 
and financial counterparty credit risk management and the Group’s exposure by geography have all been re-evaluated this year to ensure the Group 
responds to the rapidly changing financial environment appropriately. Details are set out in the Group financial statements.

Strategic relevance
The volatility in the price of oil and 
petroleum products can have a material 
impact on the Group’s operating results.

Mitigations
•  Fuel price risk is partially hedged through the purchase of oil 

derivatives in accordance with the Group risk appetite. 

•  All airlines hedge in line with the Group hedging policy under 

Risk description
Failure to manage the volatility in the 
price of oil and petroleum products. 

Failure to manage currency risk on 
revenue, purchases, cash and 
borrowings in foreign currencies in 
currencies other than the airlines’ local 
currencies of euro and sterling.

The volatility in currencies other than 
the airlines’ local currencies can have a 
material impact on the Group’s 
operating results. 

Failure to manage the impact of interest 
rate changes on floating finance debt 
and floating operating leases.

The volatility in floating interest rates 
can have a material impact on the 
Group’s operating results.

Failure to manage the financial 
counterparties credit exposure arising 
from cash investments and derivatives 
trading.

The Group is exposed to non-
performance of financial contracts that 
may result in financial losses.

the Group Treasury oversight.

•  The IAG Audit and Compliance Committee and IAG 

Management Committee regularly review the Group’s fuel and 
currency positions.

•  Currency risk is hedged through matching inflows and 
outflows and managing the surplus or shortfall through 
foreign exchange derivatives.

•  All airlines review routes to countries with exchange controls 
to monitor delays in the repatriation of cash and/or with the 
risk of material local currency devaluation.

•  The impact of rising interest rates is mitigated through 

structuring selected new debt and lease deals at fixed rates 
throughout their term as well as through derivatives 
instruments.

•  The Group has a financial counterparty credit limit allocation 
by airline and by type of exposure and monitors the financial 
and counterparty risk on an ongoing basis.

•  The IAG Management Committee and the IAG Audit and 

Compliance Committee regularly review the financial risks 
and the hedged amounts.

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RISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS CONTINUED

Financial continued

14. Tax

C19

2

3

Status Tax is managed in accordance with the Tax Strategy, found in the Corporate Policies section of the IAG website. Further information about 
taxes paid and collected by IAG is set out in note 9 of the Group financial statements.

Risk description
The Group is exposed to systemic tax 
risks arising from either change to tax 
legislation and accounting standards or 
challenges by tax authorities on the 
interpretation or application of tax 
legislation. 

Businesses and consumers may be 
subject to higher levels of taxation as 
governments seek to recover the 
national debts arising from pandemic 
support measures.

The Group’s stakeholders’ expectations 
of the tax behaviours of large 
corporates may lead to reputational risk 
from the Group’s management of tax. 

Strategic relevance
Payment of tax is a legal obligation. 
Changes in the tax regulatory 
environment, including changes in tax 
rates, may result in additional tax costs 
for the Group and in additional 
complexity in complying with such 
changes. The Group’s tax strategy aims 
to balance the needs of our key 
stakeholders, recognising that tax is one 
of Group’s positive contributions to the 
economies and wider societies of the 
countries in which IAG operates. 

Mitigations
•  The Group adheres to the tax policy approved by the IAG 
Board and is committed to complying with all tax laws, to 
acting with integrity in all tax matters and to working openly 
with tax authorities.

•  Tax risk is managed by the operating companies in 

conjunction with the IAG Tax Department.

•  Tax risk is overseen by the Board through the Audit and 

Compliance Committee.

•  The Group seeks to understand its stakeholders’ expectations 
on tax matters e.g. cooperative working with tax authorities 
and its interaction with non-governmental organisations.

Compliance and regulatory
The Group has no tolerance for breaches of legal or regulatory requirements.

15. Group governance structure

Status Following the referendum decision in 2016, the UK left the EU on December 31, 2020 under the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement 
between the EU and the UK. IAG initiated the remedial plans on the ownership and control of its European airlines that were agreed with all national 
regulators in 2019. The Group will continue to encourage stakeholders in the UK and EU to normalise ownership of airlines in line with other business 
sectors. 

2

3

See section 10

Risk description
The governance structure the Group has 
in place includes nationality structures 
to protect Aer Lingus’, British Airways’ 
and Iberia’s route and 
operating licences.

IAG could face a challenge to its 
ownership and control structure.

Strategic relevance
Airlines are subject to a significant 
degree of regulatory control. In order 
for air carriers to hold EU operating 
licences, an EU airline must be 
majority-owned and effectively 
controlled by EU nationals. British 
Airways is a UK carrier and not subject 
to the same requirement.

16. Non-compliance with key regulation and laws 

Mitigations
•  IAG will continue to monitor regulatory developments 

affecting the ownership and control of airlines in the UK and 
EU. 

Status The Group has maintained its focus on compliance with key regulations and mandatory training programmes have continued throughout the 
year. As employees have exited the Group businesses following restructuring, access to systems and processes has been reviewed and removed from 
these employees in a timely manner. 

2

3

Risk description
The Group is exposed to the risk of 
individual employees’ or groups of 
employees’ inappropriate and/or 
unethical behaviour resulting in 
reputational damage, fines or losses to 
the Group.

Strategic relevance
Carrying out business in a compliant 
manner and with integrity 
is fundamental to the values of the 
Group, as well as the expectation of the 
Group’s customers and stakeholders.

Mitigations
•  The Group has clear frameworks in place including 
comprehensive Group-wide policies designed to 
ensure compliance. 

•  There are mandatory training programmes in place 

to educate Board members and employees as required for 
their roles in these matters.

•  Compliance professionals specialising in competition law and 

anti-bribery legislation support and advise the 
Group’s businesses.

•  IAG Code of Conduct framework and training.
•  Data Protection Officers are in place in all operating 

companies.

•  IAG Compliance Steering Group.

86

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Viability assessment 
The business model and strategic priorities are set out in the Business Model and Strategic Priorities section. The impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on the business is also set out in the Chief Executive Officer’s review and the Financial review.

As part of the review of the business model and assessment of Group strategy alignment to the external environment, the Directors 
have assessed key threats and trends faced by the industry, emerging risks and opportunities arising from the pandemic as well as 
other structural industry risks and non sector-specific risks over a timeframe beyond the plan period, for example climate change risk. 
These are considered in the light of how they could impact our business model and relevance, our operations or our customers and 
include changes in regulations, customer trends and behaviours, macroeconomic predictions on growth, regional market opportunities 
and technology trends and infrastructure developments that could impact our operations, as well as more existential threats to the 
aviation industry.

When developing the Group’s three year Business Plan (‘Business Plan’), longer-term considerations have been assessed by the 
Management Committee in conjunction with the priorities faced by the business during the next three years in responding to the 
impact of the pandemic crisis on the Group’s businesses. The Board has also conducted its annual strategy session in addition to 
increased review meetings during the year, where these longer-term considerations have been assessed in parallel with the near-term 
priorities and adaptions required by the Group. Following this process, short-, medium- and longer-term plans, challenges and 
opportunities have been identified and actions agreed. 

The Group has undertaken extensive analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling over the last 12 months. It has refined the models 
and developed the depth of the analysis to ensure that the stresses considered reflected specifics to markets and regions across 
Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling as well as the analysis completed at the Group level. Assumptions have been refined 
based on the impact of the pandemic on the airlines and other businesses through 2020 and into 2021. The modelling was refreshed in 
February 2021 for the latest available information and predictions. This refresh of the Business Plan formed the Base Case (‘Base 
Case’) for the purposes of the Viability (and Going Concern) assessment.

During 2020 and in January and February 2021, the Board reviewed, on many occasions, scenarios stressing the financial plans for 
both the second half of 2020 and for the period to December 2023. These exercises leveraged the existing processes and models 
used for viability assessment within the Group. When considering the viability of the Group, for the purposes of this report, the 
Directors have evaluated the risk landscape facing the Group and recommended plausible but severe downside scenarios that could 
impact the Group’s refreshed three-year Business Plan (the ‘Base Case’) to determine the Group’s resilience to such impacts. The 
results of these severe but plausible downside scenarios (as described below) on the Base Case have been presented both pre and 
post an assessment of the likely effectiveness of the mitigations that management reasonably believes would be available over this 
period (and not already reflected in the Base Case). 

The scenarios have been defined by management and designed to consider principal risks that could materialise over the viability 
period and weaken the Group’s liquidity position. Each scenario considered the impact on liquidity, solvency and the ability to raise 
financing in an uncertain and volatile environment. When considering the mitigations, management has assessed mitigations that are 
available to the business beyond operating cost reductions including further financing, capital expenditure plans and potential 
disposals. Options that may not have been previously considered as mitigations were presented with recommendations for the Board 
to review. In assessing the potential mitigations, the Board considered, amongst other matters, the expected speed of implementation 
in response to the uncertainty and the future flexibility required for the Group to adapt further as needed.

Sensitivities in the scenarios’ assumptions have been highlighted by management and challenged by the Board. In addition, the Board 
reviewed the results of reverse stress testing, which demonstrated the level of revenue decline (before mitigations) that would result 
in the Group using all available cash balances and compared this to the outputs from the scenarios analyses. 

Management has assessed and the Board considered the longer-term sustainability and climate-related risks, applying scenario 
analysis techniques as set out by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) process, and their potential impact 
on the Group’s viability over the next three years.

For more details of the Group’s sustainability risks and opportunities, see Sustainability section. 

87

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principal 
risks

3, 7, 10, 
12, 13

RISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS CONTINUED

Scenarios modelled

No. Title

1 A Downside Case considering the impacts of delays in the removal of government restrictions beyond the assumptions in 

the Base Case in 2021, further delaying recovery based on demand sensitivity experienced in 2020. This could be caused by 
factors such as the slower than expected pace of roll out of vaccines and/or governments’ risk appetite to remove 
restrictions and allow movement of their populations. 

The Downside Case modelled significant capacity ASK reductions by airline and by region, including adjustments to non-
passenger revenues. Passenger yield assumptions were also significantly reduced to reflect the constantly evolving and 
changing governmental restrictions that adversely impact the airlines and, therefore, customers’ willingness to fly. 

As part of the modelling, consideration was given to some of the key factors that could influence the evolution of cash in the 
Downside Case.

Cost mitigations were considered across all operating cost lines, including sensitivities around the impact of cost variability 
being lower than that assumed. Fuel was modelled directly, based on fuel curves and hedging plans. Working capital and 
capital expenditure adjustments were applied within the scenario. 

Capacity recovery modelled by geographical region saw capacity gradually increasing from a reduction of 79 per cent versus 
2019 in quarter 1 of 2021 to 18 per cent in quarter 1 of 2022. Across the Viability period to December 2023, the Group has 
assumed a gradual easing of travel restrictions, by geographical region, based on deployment of vaccines. Travel corridors 
between countries are assumed to be introduced from quarter 3 2021. The capacity reduction equates on average, to a 
Group passenger revenue stress of over 10 per cent across the total three year period compared to the Base Case.

Sensitivities around mitigating actions were presented to allow the Board to challenge the ability of the Group to respond to 
the range of potential outcomes. The impact of a further delay in recovery was also considered, with a setback in early 2022, 
which could be linked to further resurgence of COVID-19, delays in vaccination, or the need to modify vaccines leading to 
restrictions being re-introduced in the early months of 2022.

The period to March 2022 of this Downside Case scenario has also been applied as the Downside Case set out in the going 
concern analysis (see note 2 of the Group financial statements).

2 A stress to model the impact of a ransomware attack on an IAG airline. The scenario assumes a disruption period resulting 

6, 7, 8

from the attack, impacting customers and operations of the affected airline. 

3 A revenue stress on shorthaul operations across the Group to reflect changes in customer behaviours towards shorthaul 

5

travel where other travel options exist or taxation regimes impact demand.

Increasing global concern about climate change and the impact of carbon is expected to grow in future years especially 
with the potential implementation of new taxes and eco-initiatives (see Sustainable aviation section 5). This scenario was 
not considered to be severe by management but allowed the Board to understand the potential impacts of the 
Sustainability agenda on the Group’s future financial performance. 

Viability Statement 
The Directors have assessed the viability 
of the Group over three-years to December 
2023 considering the ongoing impact of the 
pandemic on the external environment 
and aviation industry and the assumptions 
adopted in the refreshed Business Plan 
(’the Base Case’ for the purposes of this 
Statement), the strategy of the Group and 
the Board’s risk appetite. Although the 
prospects of the Group are considered 
over a longer period, the Directors have 
determined that a three-year period is an 
appropriate time frame for assessment as 
it is aligned with the Group’s strategic 
planning period (as reflected in the Base 
Case) and the external uncertainties facing 
the aviation sector more widely are 
significantly beyond any experience to 
date and regularly unexpectedly change. 
The Board recognises the pace of change 
required within the Group to further adapt 
and respond to this environment in addition 
to the rapidly changing competitive 
landscape and wider global macroeconomic 
conditions.

The Group has modelled the impact of 
mitigating actions to offset further 
deterioration in demand and capacity, 
including reductions in operating 

expenditure and capital expenditure. The 
Group expects to be able to continue to 
secure financing for future aircraft deliveries 
and in addition has further potential 
mitigating actions it would pursue in the 
event of adverse liquidity experience. 

Further details on debt financing can be 
found in the Going Concern disclosures in 
note 2 of the Group financial statements. 

Based on this assessment, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue in operation, 
meet its liabilities as they fall due and raise 
financing as required over the period to 
December 2023. However, this is subject 
to a number of significant factors related 
to the pandemic that are outside of the 
control of the Group. In reaching this 
assessment the Directors have made the 
following assumptions when considering 
both the Base Case and the Downside Case:

 • the Group will continue to have access 
to funding options and that the capital 
markets retain a level of stability and 
appetite for funding within the aviation 
sector;

 • the Group can implement any further 

structural changes required in agreement 
with any union consultation processes 
and regulatory approvals;

 • the pandemic does not result in further 

prolonged and substantial capacity reductions 
and groundings into H2 2022 or beyond; and
 • any new virus strain or threat to public health 
that emerges during the viability period can 
be managed within vaccination and testing 
regimes and do not result in new government 
regulations that further significantly affect 
our airlines’ operations.

Due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 
pandemic and potential for future waves of the 
pandemic and the impact on travel restrictions 
and/or demand, the Group is not able to provide 
certainty that there could not be more severe 
downside scenarios than those it has considered, 
including the stresses it has considered in 
relation to factors such as the impact on yield, 
capacity operated, cost mitigations achieved 
and fuel price variations. In the event that such 
a scenario were to occur, the Group would need 
to implement additional mitigation measures and 
would likely need to secure additional funding 
over and above that which is contractually 
committed at February 25, 2021. The Group has 
been successful in raising financing since the 
outbreak of COVID-19, however the Group 
cannot provide certainty that it will be able 
to secure additional funding, if required, in the 
event that a more severe downside scenario 
than those it has considered were to occur.

88

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Regulatory environment

Overview 
Regulatory matters assumed more than 
their usual level of prominence and scrutiny 
in 2020 with two topics dominating the 
policy agenda: the introduction of 
regulations around the world to restrict 
international air travel in response to the 
spread of COVID-19 and the continuing 
Brexit negotiations as the transition 
period for the UK’s departure from the 
European Union (EU) came to a close at the 
end of December. 

Throughout the year, IAG’s airlines 
contributed directly to the development of 
rules in respect of responses to the 
COVID-19 pandemic that impacted aviation 
and travel in order to maintain operations to 
the greatest extent possible while ensuring 
customer and staff safety. The Group also 
provided input during 2020 to the Brexit 
discussions in support of a positive 
negotiated settlement to benefit UK and 
European citizens. 

IAG also worked with regulators and 
authorities around the world on key policy 
areas such as sustainability in order to try 
and secure the best long-term outcomes for 
its customers. 

COVID-19 
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, 
states around the world began to close their 
borders to different degrees, leading to a 
dramatic impact on worldwide traffic 
volumes.

IAG aimed throughout 2020 to work 
constructively with regulators and 
contributed to their deliberations wherever 
possible on how to respond to the virus to 
allow safe, continued operations and to 
demonstrate the inherent safety of air 
services themselves. 

In Ireland, Spain and the UK, IAG’s airlines 
worked with national regulators as they 
developed their policies to ensure these 
were practically deliverable and balanced so 
as to allow air transport to continue safely 
and that guidance to industry and 
restrictions on travel were, where possible, 
measured and workable. British Airways 
made a significant contribution to the 
development of the ICAO’s Council Aviation 
Recovery Task Force (CART) process, 
running trial protocols and becoming the 
first airline worldwide to be assessed against 
its criteria. Similarly, working directly, and 
with industry association Airlines for Europe 
(A4E), IAG experts helped the European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
develop guidelines on aviation health safety 

protocols. However, where IAG believed 
measures were severely detrimental to its 
own and its customers’ interests, and 
provided no health benefit, the Group also 
acted. This included working with other 
airlines in the UK to bring a Judicial Review 
challenge to the UK Government’s 
imposition of blanket quarantine measures. 
These measures were ultimately amended 
to satisfy the Group’s objections at the 
time. 

As the crisis endured, IAG worked with 
partner and competitor airlines as well as 
with academic partners to provide data on 
the efficacy of different approaches to 
COVID-19 testing. The Group also operated 
programmes to trial different approaches 
for testing in support of enabling states to 
safely remove quarantine policies that 
restrict travel. IAG staff continue to take 
every opportunity to work with national 
regulators and policy makers as the spread 
of the virus and the deployment of 
vaccines influences changes to regulatory 
requirements. In particular IAG continues 
to promote the need for a digital solution 
to the sharing and verification of personal 
data, health certificates and other 
requirements for travel. This includes 
working with individual developers, for 
example the VeriFly app successfully 
trialled by British Airways and contributing 
to potential industry-wide solutions such 
as those being promoted by IATA. 

Brexit
The UK formally left the EU on January 31, 
2020 remaining bound by the EU’s laws 
and benefiting as if it were a member state 
in a transition period running until 
December 31, 2020. 

During 2020 there was therefore no 
change to air services between the EU and 
the UK. Throughout the year IAG engaged 
with regulators and policy makers in the 
UK, Brussels and a number of EU Member 
States to ensure that the needs of IAG’s 
customers after Brexit are understood and, 
in particular, that policymakers recognise 
the economic and social importance of 
uninterrupted air services between the EU 
and the UK. 

After protracted negotiations the UK and 
the EU agreed an overall trade deal that 
includes air transport. This agreement 
ensures that all IAG airlines’ flights could 
continue as they did before Brexit. The 
only change is a very minor limitation on 
codeshare arrangements. 

During 2020, the UK Government also 
finalised agreements with all other countries 
with which it needed to replace existing 
EU-wide arrangements for air services, 
including formally signing on November 17, 
2020 the agreement reached in 2018 with 
the US.

IAG implemented plans to ensure that its 
EU-licensed airlines continue to comply with 
EU ownership and control rules following 
Brexit. These remedial plans were approved 
by national regulators in Spain and Ireland. 
The plans include the implementation of a 
national ownership structure for Aer Lingus 
and changes to the Group's longstanding 
national ownership structure in Spain.

It is notable that the Brexit agreement 
recognises the potential benefits of the 
continued liberalisation of ownership and 
control of air carriers and commits the EU 
and UK to examining options in that area 
during 2021. The Group will continue to 
encourage regulators around the world to 
normalise ownership of airlines in line with 
other business sectors. 

Other policy areas
While 2020 was a year of unprecedented 
disruption and uncertainty due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, other key aspects of 
aviation policy continued to be developed in 
particular in relation to sustainability. In July 
the European Commission published a 
roadmap for its legislative initiative aimed at 
implementing the Carbon Offsetting and 
Reduction Scheme for International Aviation 
(CORSIA). 

With its strong credentials in this field, IAG 
provided key input to the joint product of 
the European aviation industry, initiated by 
A4E, “Destination 2050, aviation’s roadmap 
to carbon neutrality by 2050.” Published in 
December, this roadmap shows how 
European aviation can reduce emissions 
through new aircraft and engine technology, 
operational efficiency, sustainable aviation 
fuels, economic measures (such as CORSIA) 
and greenhouse gas removal technology.

IAG continued to highlight the need for 
reform of the European air traffic 
management system and airport charges 
legislation to make the industry fit for a new 
future. The Group continues to demonstrate 
the economic and social value of aviation, 
through trade, tourism and bringing families 
together as tools to support economic 
recovery from the pandemic. 

89

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationCHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Overseeing a time of  
fundamental change

matters, while issues around the 
acquisition of Air Europa and Brexit were 
also high on our agenda.

I am very proud of the work and 
commitment shown by the Board in our 
response to the pandemic. We held a total 
of 42 Board meetings during the year as 
well as carrying out extra work 
to challenge, support and advise 
the management team. It’s in times like 
these when a Board really proves its worth 
and I think that the Board rose to the 
occasion on contribution, availability 
and commitment.

As I’ve said the interests of stakeholders 
have been to the fore. But I would 
highlight one group in particular - the 
great people who work for our Group. 
Their wellbeing and ability to adapt to new 
ways of working have been central 
to our thinking, particularly when difficult 
decisions have had to be taken and 
sacrifices made. Efforts by our airlines 
to make sure customers remain safe 
at every point of travel during this 
overwhelming health emergency were also 
a big focus for the Board.

Board and committee changes
Effective succession planning is a vital 
element of good corporate governance. 
We faced some huge challenges here, 
which tested the resilience of our 
governance framework.

For any company, no change in leadership 
is greater than the appointment of a new 
chief executive. We were glad, at the start 
of the year, to announce the appointment 
of an internal candidate, Luis Gallego, 
to succeed Willie Walsh in the role. Luis’ 
knowledge of the Group and of our 
industry is proving extremely valuable 
in these trying circumstances. I would like 
to thank Willie for his fundamental 
contribution to IAG and for his 
commitment from the inception of the 
Group right through to his last day with us, 
and particularly for agreeing to stay on for 
an extra six months in 2020.

Kieran Poynter, an IAG non-executive 
director since 2011, stepped down from 
the Board at our shareholders’ meeting 
in September, having been an outstanding 
chair of the Audit Committee. We thank 
him for his great contribution to the Group 
from its inception. We also said farewell 
to Marc Bolland, who decided not to seek 

Javier Ferrán
Chairman

“2020 was an 
unprecedented year 
for IAG and for the 
Board, as we tackled 
the huge and 
disruptive challenges 
of the COVID-19 
pandemic and made 
significant changes 
in our leadership.” 

90

This is my first report as the Chairman 
of IAG and I want to begin by thanking 
Antonio Vázquez, our outgoing Chairman, 
for the magnificent job he has done since 
the Group was created in 2011 to create 
such solid foundations for our corporate 
governance structure. I am also indebted 
to him for the tremendous support he has 
given me during the transition process.

It’s a great honour to lead the IAG Board 
and to have the trust of my fellow 
directors in carrying out this role.

I come into the post at the end of an 
unprecedented year for the Group, 
faced with the incredible disruption to our 
business caused by COVID-19 but also 
in the midst of the most fundamental 
changes in our executive and Board 
leadership in ten years, including the 
appointment of five new Board members.

Despite these extraordinary times, the 
Board’s role remains the same – to create 
long-term sustainable value for 
shareholders and our wider stakeholders. 

In a crisis, however, the guidance we 
provide to the management team is more 
important than ever and our focus on the 
long term and on the interests of different 
stakeholders is right at the forefront of our 
thinking. This year, we were particularly 
focused first and foremost on confronting 
this crisis, overseeing the different 
initiatives for cash preservation and 
securing liquidity, as well as considering 
allocation of capital and risk management 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020re-election, and he goes with our great 
gratitude also.

make sure we had stability in the early 
days of the pandemic.

To fill these vacancies, Giles Agutter and 
Robin Phillips were elected to the Board, 
having been proposed by our largest 
shareholder, Qatar Airways. Both are 
valuable recruits to our team – Giles with a 
background in aviation, and Robin with his 
long experience in the financial sector.

As Antonio mentioned in his opening letter 
to this report, we had to make other 
significant changes in relation to Brexit 
to meet the requirement of having a 
majority of independent, EU non-executive 
directors. Deborah Kerr, María Fernanda 
Mejía and Steve Gunning stepped down 
in December 2020 to help us fulfil this 
requirement and we thank them for their 
flexibility and their contribution. Steve’s 
executive duties as Chief Financial Officer 
remain unchanged and he will continue 
to attend Board meetings.

We appointed Peggy Bruzelius, Eva 
Castillo and Heather Ann McSharry to fill 
these positions and are grateful for the 
perspective and experience they bring 
– Peggy, with a background in financial 
services and project finance; Eva, with 
deep knowledge of telecoms and finance; 
and Heather Ann, with a career spent in 
pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial 
services and consumer products. They are 
all well versed in governance having all 
served as non-executives before.

It’s particularly pleasing to note that with 
their appointment female representation 
on the Board now stands at 45 per cent, 
with women also chairing two of our 
Committees. We remain committed 
to improving ethnic diversity in line with 
current best practice.

We have also refreshed the membership 
of the Board’s Committees, including 
appointing new chairs in each case. 

You can find further details of all these 
changes and appointments in the 
Nominations Committee report.

Management changes
In addition to approving the appointment 
of a new Chief Executive, the Board also 
considered the appointments of Javier 
Sánchez-Prieto, replacing Luis as Executive 
Chairman and CEO of Iberia, and Marco 
Sansavini moving over to lead Vueling. 
These appointments were delayed, along 
with Luis’ elevation, until September to 

The Nominations Committee also 
approved the following further significant 
changes in our leadership team:

 • Sean Doyle, as the new British Airways 

Chief Executive;

 • Donal Moriarty as acting interim Chief 

Executive of Aer Lingus;

 • Fernando Candela in a new Management 
Committee role of Chief Transformation 
Officer; and

 • David Podolsky as the new IAG Chief 

Strategy Officer.

All these appointments with the exception 
of David, who was previously at Bain & Co, 
were internal – yet again proving the 
superb pipeline of talent we have within 
the Company.

Board evaluation and inductions
We carried out an internal evaluation 
of the Board during the year. Although 
it was a limited exercise because of the 
amount of change in the Board and 
committees composition, it came to some 
useful conclusions, allowing us to draw 
on the experience of former directors and 
committee members. The process was 
overseen by the Nominations Committee 
and led by Antonio and me, with the 
support of the Board Secretariat. You 
can read more about it further on in 
this report.

We are making a special effort 
to introduce our new colleagues to 
the business as quickly and efficiently 
as possible. Obviously the induction 
programme has had to be adjusted 
to contend with the current environment, 
ensuring it brings new directors up to 
speed on current matters being debated 
by the Board and its committees. Details 
of the induction process are provided 
further on in this report.

Culture, employee and stakeholder 
engagement
Last year, given the challenging 
environment and the travel restrictions, 
work on culture and employee 
engagement was led by the operating 
companies. The IAG Board was regularly 
and closely informed of these initiatives. 
Particular focus was given to the wellbeing, 
health and safety of our employees. 

In addition, in the last quarter a major and 
deep study was undertaken using common 
methodology with the help of McKinsey 
to evaluate culture for each business unit. 
This comprehensive study constitutes an 
excellent base to identify opportunities 
and establish action plans to continue 
to make sustainable progress in this 
critical area.

Restructuring plans were also shared with 
the Board, and the Board could confirm 
the rigour with which the different 
companies approached these difficult 
processes. We are extremely proud of the 
commitment, resilience and flexibility 
shown by people right across the Group 
during these very challenging times. 

Finally, as a result of a review of our 
governance architecture, the Board 
has decided to retain direct oversight 
of culture and governance matters, giving 
it a greater priority by involving all Board 
members in this task. In addition, the remit 
of the Safety Committee was expanded 
to include environment and corporate 
responsibility, with a new composition fully 
meeting governance requirements. It will 
help improve the Board’s oversight and 
involvement on sustainability and all 
related matters, sharpening our focus 
in this crucial area.

Outlook
I cannot say how proud I am of how 
people at every level of the Group 
have performed in these most difficult of 
times. Our employees, our various 
leadership teams and the Board itself, have 
all shown remarkable strength, endurance 
and adaptability.

That gives me great confidence that 
we will emerge from this crisis – not only 
stronger, but also ready to transform 
IAG into a more sustainable business for 
the future.

Javier Ferrán
Chairman

91

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Javier Ferrán

Luis Gallego

Alberto Terol

Giles Agutter

Peggy Bruzelius

Eva Castillo

Margaret Ewing

Robin Phillips

Heather Ann McSharry

Emilio Saracho

Nicola Shaw

92

Javier Ferrán  N
Key areas of experience:
Consumer, finance, sales/marketing, governance
Current external appointments:
Chairman, Diageo Plc. Senior advisor to 
BlackRock Long Term Private Capital and 
director of investee company.
Previous relevant experience:
Non-executive director, Coca Cola European 
Partners Plc 2016-2020. Chairman of 
Supervisory Board, Picard Surgelés 2010-2020. 
Member, International Advisory Board ESADE 
2005–2019. Non-executive director, Associated 
British Foods plc 2005–2018. Non-executive 
director, SABMiller plc 2015–2016. Vice 
Chairman, William Grants & Sons Limited 
2005–2014. Non-executive director, Louis 
Dreyfus Holdings BV 2013–2014. Non-executive 
director, Abbott Group 2005–2008. Non-
executive director, Desigual SA. Non-executive 
director, Chupa Chups SA. Partner, Lion Capital 
LLC 2005–2018. President EMEA, President and 
CEO, Bacardi Group 1992-2004.
Luis Gallego  S
Key areas of experience: 
Airline industry
Current external appointments:
Member of the Board of Governors and Member 
of the Chair Committee, IATA.
Previous relevant experience:
Chairman and CEO, Iberia 2013-2020. CEO, 
Iberia Express 2012-2013. Chief Operating 
Officer, Vueling 2009-2012. Founder of Clickair 
2006-2009. 

R A N

Alberto Terol 
Key areas of experience: 
Finance, professional services, information 
technology, hospitality industry
Current external appointments: 
Vice Chairman, Lead Independent Director and 
Chair of the Nominations, Remuneration and 
Corporate Governance Committee, Indra 
Sistemas. Director, Broseta Abogados. 
International Senior Advisor, Centerbridge. 
Non-executive director, Schindler España. 
Independent Director Varma, S.A.. Patron of 
Fundación Telefónica. Executive Chairman of 
various family owned companies.
Previous relevant experience: 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Senvion 
GmbH 2017–2019. Non-executive director, OHL 
2010–2016. Non-executive director, Aktua 
2013–2016. Non-executive director, N+1 
2014–2015. International Senior Advisor, BNP 
Paribas 2011–2014. Member, Global Executive 
Committee Deloitte 2007–2009. Managing 
Partner, EMEA Deloitte 2007–2009, Managing 
Partner Global Tax & Legal, Deloitte 2007–2009. 
Member, Global Management Committee 
Deloitte 2003–2007. Managing Partner, Latin 
America Deloitte 2003–2007, Integration 
Andersen Deloitte 2002–2003, Managing 
Partner EMEA, Arthur Andersen 2001–2002, 
Managing Partner Global Tax & Legal, Arthur 
Andersen 1997–2001, Managing Partner, 
Garrigues-Andersen 1997–2000.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Emilio Saracho  R
Key areas of experience:
Banking, corporate finance, 
investment management
Current external appointments:
Director, Altamar Capital Partners. Non-
executive director, Inditex.
Previous relevant experience:
Chairman, Banco Popular Español 2017. Vice 
Chairman and Member Investment Banking 
Management Committee, JP Morgan 2015–2016. 
Deputy CEO EMEA 2012–2015, Co-CEO 
Investment Banking for EMEA 2009-2014 , 
JP Morgan. CEO, JP Morgan Private Banking for 
EMEA 2006–2008. Director, Cintra 2008. 
Director, ONO 2008. Chairman, JP Morgan Spain 
& Portugal 1998–2006. Global Investment 
Banking Head, Santander Investment (UK) 
1995–1998. Head Corporate Finance Iberia, 
Goldman Sachs International 1990–1995.
Nicola Shaw  R S
Key areas of experience:
Transport sector, public policy and regulatory 
affairs, consumer, general management
Current external appointments:
Executive Director, National Grid plc. Director, 
Major Projects Association. Director, Energy 
Networks Association and Energy UK.
Previous relevant experience:
Member of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
English Heritage 2015–2018. Non-Executive 
Director Ellevio AB 2015–2017. CEO, HS1 Ltd 
2011–2016. Non-Executive Director, Aer Lingus 
Plc 2010–2015. Director and previously other 
senior positions FirstGroup plc 2005–2010. 
Director of Operations and other management 
positions at the Strategic Rail Authority 
2002–2005. Deputy Director and Deputy Chief 
Economist, Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) 
1999–2002. 

Giles Agutter  N S
Key areas of experience:
Airline industry
Current external appointments:
CEO, Southern Sky Ltd. Director, JSX Airlines.
Previous relevant experience:
Non-executive director, LATAM Airlines 
Group 2017-2020. Non-executive director, Air 
Italy 2017-2020.
Peggy Bruzelius  A
Key areas of experience:
Financial services, corporate finance
Current external appointments:
Chair, Lancelot Holding AB. Non-executive 
director and Chair of the Audit Committee, 
Lundin Energy AB. Non-executive director and 
Chair of the Investment Committee, Skandia 
Mutual Life Insurance. Member, the Royal 
Academy of Engineering Sciences. 
Previous relevant experience:
Chair, Swedish National Agency for Higher 
Education 2008-2011. Member Board of 
Trustees, Stockholm School of Economics 
2000-2011. Various Corporate Boards, Trygg 
Hansa Liv AB, Celsius AB, AB Ratos, Scania AB, 
The Body Shop Plc, Axel Johnson AB, Axfood 
AB Husqvarna AB 1992-2019. Senior 
Independent Director, AB Electrolux 1996-2012. 
Non-executive director, Syngenta AG 2001-2014. 
Non-executive director, Diageo plc 2009-2018. 
Non-executive director, Akzo Nobel nv 
2007-2019. Executive Vice President, Head of 
Asset Management Skandinaviska Enskilda 
Banken 1997-1998. CEO, ABB Financial Services 
AB 1991-1997.
Eva Castillo  A R
Key areas of experience:
Financial sector, telecoms sector
Current external appointments:
Non-executive director, Bankia. Non-executive 
director, Zardoya Otis. Member of the Council 
for Economy of the Holy See (Vatican), Member 
of the Board of the Comillas ICAI Foundation. 
Member of Entreculturas Foundation. Member 
of JAMS Foundation.
Previous relevant experience:
President and CEO Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, 
Spain 1999-2006. President and CEO, Merrill 
Lynch, Wealth Management EMEA 2006-2009. 
President and CEO, Telefónica Europe 2012-
2014. Non-executive director, Old Mutual Plc 
2011-2013. Non-executive director, Telefónica, 
S.A. 2008-2018. Non-executive director VISA 
Europe Plc 2014-2017. Chair Telefónica 
Deutschland AG. 2012-2018.

Margaret Ewing  A N
Key areas of experience:
Professional services, financial accounting, 
corporate finance, strategic and capital planning, 
corporate governance, risk management
Current external appointments:
Senior Independent Director and Chair of the 
Audit and Risk Committee, ConvaTec Group Plc. 
Non-executive director and Chair of the Audit 
and Risk Committee, ITV Plc.
Previous relevant experience:
Trustee and Chairman of the Finance and Audit 
Committee, Great Ormond Street Hospital 
Children’s Charity 2015-2020. Non-executive 
director, Standard Chartered Plc 2012–2014. 
Non-executive director, John Lewis Partnership 
Plc 2012–2014. Non-executive director, 
Whitbread Plc 2005–2007. Vice Chairman, 
Managing Partner, Public Policy, Quality and Risk 
and London Practice Senior Partner, Deloitte 
LLP 2007–2012. Director, Finance, BAA Ltd 
2006 and Chief Financial Officer, BAA PLC 
2002–2006. Group Finance Director, Trinity 
Mirror PLC 2000–2002. Partner, Corporate 
Finance, Deloitte & Touche LLP 1987–1999.

Robin Phillips
Key areas of experience:
Finance, airline industry and transportation
Current external appointments:
Chairman, Development Funding Board, 
Pancreatic Cancer UK. Senior Advisor, 
Circadence Corporation (US). Board member, IR 
- Scientific (Canada).
Previous relevant experience:
Global Head/Co-Head of Corporate and 
Investment Banking, Head of Global Banking and 
Markets (Hong Kong), Group Head Climate 
committee, Head of Global Industries Group, 
Head of Transport, Services and Infrastructure, 
HSBC 2003-2019. Global Co-Head of Transport 
& Infrastructure Group, Citigroup 1999-2003. 
Executive Director, Transportation and Aviation 
Investment Banking, UBS Warburg 1992-1999. 
Assistant Director, Capital Markets, Kleinwort 
Benson 1985-1991.
Heather Ann McSharry  N R
Key areas of experience:
General management, pharmaceuticals/health 
care, financial services, consumer products, food 
and construction industry sectors, governance
Current external appointments:
Non-executive director, Chair of Remuneration 
Committee, CRH plc. Non-executive director, 
Chair of Nominations and Governance 
Committee, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc.
Previous relevant experience:
Non-executive director, Greencore plc 2013-
2021. Non-executive director, Uniphar Plc 
2019-2020. Non-executive director, Bank of 
Ireland Plc 2007-2011. Chairman, Bank of Ireland 
Pension Fund Trustee Board 2011-2017. 
Managing Director, Reckitt Benckiser Ireland 
2004-2009 Managing Director, Boots 
Healthcare Ireland 1998-2004.

Committee Chair

Audit and Compliance Committee

Nominations Committee

Safety Committee

Remuneration Committee

A

N

S

R

93

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationCORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Statement of 
compliance  
with applicable 
corporate governance 
codes
As a company incorporated and listed 
in Spain, IAG is subject to applicable 
Spanish legislation and to the Spanish 
corporate governance framework. In 
accordance with Spanish legal 
requirements, this Corporate Governance 
report includes information regarding 
compliance with the Spanish Good 
Governance Code of Listed Companies 
(which was updated and published in June 
2020), as well as other information related 
to IAG’s corporate governance. This report 
is part of the IAG Management Report. 

At the same time, as IAG has a listing 
on the London Stock Exchange, it 
is also subject to the UK Listing Rules, 
including the requirement to explain 
whether it complies with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code published by the UK 
Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) as 
amended from time to time. A copy of the 
current version of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code applicable to this 
reporting period (updated and published 
in July 2018) is available at the website of 
the FRC (www.frc.org.uk). 

IAG has prepared a consolidated 
Corporate Governance Report responding 
to both Spanish and UK reporting 
requirements. This Corporate Governance 
Report is available on the Company’s 
website (www.iairgroup.com), and it is also 
available on the Spanish Comisión Nacional 
del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) website 
(www.cnmv.es). Pursuant to the CNMV 
regulations, this report has been filed with 
the CNMV accompanied by a statistical 
annex covering some legally required data. 

In addition, and as required by the LSE 
Listing Rules, this Corporate Governance 
Report includes an explanation regarding 
the Company’s application of the principles 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code. In 
effect, the disclosures in this Corporate 
Governance section of this Annual Report, 
including the different Board committees’ 
reports, have been grouped into each of 
the five areas in which the Code is divided 
with the objective of helping shareholders 
and investors to assess how IAG has 
applied the Code principles during the 
reporting period.

During 2020, IAG fully complied with 
almost all the applicable recommendations 
of the Spanish Corporate Governance 
Code with the following exceptions, in 
relation to which the Company is reporting 
partial compliance:

 • Recommendation number 1 regarding 

the existence of share ownership 
restrictions in the Company’s bylaws, as 
IAG is required to have such restrictions 
due to applicable legal and regulatory 
requirements of the aviation sector.

 • Recommendations number 4, 42, 45 and 

54; in relation to the amendments 
introduced to these recommendations in 
June 2020, the Company was not able 
to update the relevant internal policies 
and the Board of Directors Regulations 
before December 31, 2020. The IAG 
Board will consider the relevant 
amendments and policy changes to 
bring the Company in line with these 
requirements within the first quarter 
of 2021.

 • Recommendation number 52 regarding 

the rules on the composition and 
operation of non-mandatory board 
committees, because IAG’s Safety 
Committee is chaired by an executive 
director, the Group Chief Executive, and 
not by an independent director as 
recommended by the Code. In this 
respect, on February 25, 2021 the Board 
reviewed its regulations and approved 
separate regulations for each Board 
advisory committee. As part of this 
review, it was decided to combine the 
support provided to the Board over 
safety matters with those related to 
environmental and corporate 
responsibility matters under a new 
Safety, Environment and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee. The 
composition of this Committee is fully 
compliant with the recommendation 52 
of the Spanish Code. 

As far as the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code is concerned, the 
Company considers that it has complied 
with almost all of the Code provisions. The 
Company considers it is not in alignment 
with Provision 36 of the Code, as it has not 
developed a formal policy for post-
employment shareholding requirements, 
but as explained in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report, it will approve such 
a policy as part of the changes to be 
introduced in the revised remuneration 
policy that it is due to be submitted to 
shareholders for approval during 2021.

Over the past year, work on culture and 
workforce engagement was primarily 
carried out at the level of the Group’s 
various companies.  Both the challenges 
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and 
changes in the Group’s leadership have led 
to a reconsideration of these matters both 
within the Board of Directors and the 
Management Committee itself. 

Following the review of its corporate 
governance framework, the Board will 
have direct oversight over corporate 
culture and governance to support and 
monitor these matters at main board level. 

At the same time, it has been agreed to 
reallocate oversight of environmental and 
corporate responsibility matters from the 
Audit and Compliance Committee to the 
new Safety, Environment and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee, thus alleviating 
the workload of the former and providing 
a closer and more specialised monitoring 
environment.

In addition, within the Management 
Committee, a new position has been 
created with responsibility for culture, 
talent and sustainability to promote and 
coordinate these areas at Group level.

In taking these steps, IAG’s Board and 
Management Committee are reinforcing 
their commitment to ESG, especially at a 
time when the Group is seeking to rebuild 
itself as it overcomes the crisis created by 
the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key principles of the 2018 Corporate 
Governance Code

Board Leadership

Division of responsibilities

Composition, Succession and 
Evaluation

Audit, Risk and Internal Control

Remuneration

95

103

108

114

124

94

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Board Leadership

IAG governance framework
IAG, as the Group’s parent company, is 
responsible for the Group’s strategy and 
business plan. It centralises the Group’s 
corporate functions, including the 
development of its global platform. IAG 
sets the long-term vision for the Group, 
defines portfolio attractiveness and makes 
capital allocation decisions. Further details 
on the Group structure and corporate 
governance framework is included further 
on in this report.

The IAG Board is collectively responsible 
for the long-term sustainable success of 
the Group. As stated in its Regulations, the 
Board shall endeavour to reconcile the 
corporate interest with the legitimate 
interests, as applicable, of the employees, 
suppliers, customers and other 
stakeholders that might be affected, also 
taking into consideration the impact of its 
activities on the community as a whole and 
on the environment. Examples of this 
long-term focus and consideration of 
stakeholders’ interest are discussed further 
on in this report and in the stakeholder 
section. In addition to this, each operating 
company has an individual brand and 
cultural identity, is responsible for the 
management of their respective businesses 
and accountable for the implementation of 
the joint business and synergy plans.

The IAG Board
The Board has delegated the day-to-day 
management of the Company to the 
Group Chief Executive and the Group’s 
management team but it has reserved for 
itself the authority on a number of matters 
detailed in article 3.4 of the Board 
Regulations, which are available on the 
corporate website (www.iairgroup.com).

The Board’s primary responsibilities are 
summarised further on in this report.

Each Board meeting starts with a report 
from each of the committee’s chairs on the 
key discussions and decisions considered 
by the respective committees, providing 
an opportunity for directors to comment 
or ask questions on the matters dealt with 
by each committee. This is followed by a 
general update from the Group Chief 
Executive Officer and subsequently, from 
the Chief Financial Officer.

With support from the General Counsel 
and the Board Secretary, the Chairman 
sets a carefully structured agenda for each 
meeting in consultation with the Chief 
Executive Officer. The Board has a 
12-month rolling planner including both 
standard items and specific topics. During 
2020, the Board activities and oversight of 
the business was adjusted to respond to 
the COVID-19 pandemic. The key activities 
of the Board in 2020 are detailed in 
the Board activities table further on in 
this report. 

Board composition 
The IAG Board currently comprises 
eight independent non-executive directors, 
two proprietary non-executive directors 
and one executive director, IAG’s Chief 
Executive Officer. The biographies of each 
member of the Board are set out in the 
Board of Directors section.

At the Shareholders’ Meeting on 
September 8, 2020, Luis Gallego was 
appointed as an executive director of the 
Company and its Chief Executive Officer 
following the retirement of Willie Walsh. 
Giles Agutter and Robin Phillips were 
appointed as proprietary non-executive 
directors at the proposal of Qatar Airways, 
IAG’s biggest shareholder, with Kieran 
Poynter and Marc Bolland retiring from 
the Board. 

As part of the plans implemented to 
ensure that the Group’s EU licensed airlines 
continue to comply with EU ownership and 
control rules following Brexit, the 
composition of the IAG Board of Directors 
was changed so that it has a majority of 
independent EU non-executive directors. 
To this effect, on December 31, 2020 
Deborah Kerr, María Fernanda Mejía and 
Steve Gunning stepped down from the 
Board and Peggy Bruzelius, Eva Castillo 
and Heather Ann McSharry were 
appointed as new members. Steve 
Gunning’s executive functions as Chief 
Financial Officer remain unchanged. 

As set out in the Company’s Bylaws the Board shall comprise a minimum of nine and a maximum of 14 members. As of December 31, 
2020, the Board composition was:

Name of Board Member
Antonio Vázquez 

Luis Gallego

Alberto Terol
Giles Agutter2

Peggy Bruzelius

Eva Castillo

Margaret Ewing

Javier Ferrán

Heather Ann McSharry
Robin Phillips2

Emilio Saracho

Nicola Shaw

Position/Category
Chairman

Chief Executive

Senior Independent Director

Director (Proprietary)

Director (independent)

Director (independent)

Director (independent)

Director (independent)

Director (independent)

Director (Proprietary)

Director (independent)

Director (independent)

First appointed
May 25, 20101

September 8, 2020

June 20, 2013

September 8, 2020

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

June 20, 2019

June 20, 2019

December 31, 2020

September 8, 2020

June 16, 2016
January 1, 20183

1  Antonio Vázquez retired from the Board on January 7, 2021. As previously announced, Javier Ferrán succeeded him as Chair.
2  Appointed on proposal from Qatar Airways (Q.C.S.C) a significant shareholder of IAG.
3  The appointment of Nicola Shaw as a non-executive director was approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting on June 15, 2017 but did not become effective 

until January 1, 2018.

95

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Further details of Board appointments 
during 2020 are set out in the Nominations 
Committee report. 

The Board Secretary is Álvaro López-
Jorrín, partner of the Spanish law firm J&A 
Garrigues, S.L.P, and the Deputy Secretary 
is Lucila Rodríguez. The Group Chief 
Financial Officer, Steve Gunning, and the 
Group General Counsel, Chris Haynes, 
attend all Board meetings.

Board Committees
The Board has four advisory committees 
to support its oversight on a number of 
areas, and exercises a direct supervision 
over the Group strategy, culture and 
governance. As a general rule, copies of 
the minutes of all committees’ meetings as 
well as the documents made available 
ahead of each committee meeting are 
made available to all Board members.

The roles, memberships and activities of 
these committees during 2020 are 
described in their individual reports within 
this corporate governance report.

 • Audit and Compliance Committee
 • Nominations Committee
 • Remuneration Committee
 • Safety Committee

The Board decided in 2020 that it should 
reinforce its focus on ESG matters, 
assigning these responsibilities to an 
advisory Board committee. Following the 
Board evaluation and the review of the 
Board and committees’ remits, it was 
decided to include sustainability matters 
within the existing Safety Committee, 
reviewing its remit and composition. The 
Board approved new and separate 
regulations for each one of the Board 
committees in its February 2021 meeting. 
These regulations are available on the 
corporate website.

Board diversity1

Nationality

Gender

Tenure2

5

1

Spain

Ireland

1

4

Sweden

UK

45%

55%

10%

20%

70%

Male

Female

0-3

4-6

7-9

Core areas of expertise2

Related industry

General management

Consumer Brands B2C

Corporate transactions

CEO/Chair experience in a listed company

International

Accounting, Financial and related

Technology

1  Analysis completed on current Board composition.
2  Non-executive directors only.

96

30%

90%

30%

70%

20%

50%

70%

20%

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Board and committee meetings 
The Board was scheduled to meet nine 
times during the year along with its annual 
two-day strategy meeting scheduled for 
September 2020. Due to the COVID-19 
pandemic from April the Board held 
weekly/bi-weekly meetings bringing the 
total meetings held during the reporting 
period to 42. 

Some of these meetings were needed to 
be held at short notice in order to properly 
monitor business developments, support 
management during this difficult period 
and to make critical decisions in response 
to the COVID-19 pandemic. This illustrates 
director’s individual and collective 
commitment to the Company. 

The annual two-day strategy meeting was 
postponed and held in December allowing 

the new Chief Executive Officer and the 
management team to present their initial 
consideration on the required 
transformation of the Group.

During 2020, the Chairman and the 
non–executive directors met privately 
following each scheduled Board meeting. 
In addition to this, the Senior Independent 
Director also met with the non-executive 
directors, without the Chairman, as part of 
the chair succession planning process.

As stated in the Board Regulations, 
directors shall make their best efforts to 
attend Board meetings. If this is not 
possible, they may grant a proxy to 
another director, although non-executive 
directors may only grant their proxy to 
another non-executive director. These 
proxies need to be in writing and 

specifically granted for each meeting. No 
director may hold more than three proxies, 
except for the Chairman, although he 
cannot represent more than half of the 
Board members. As far as possible, 
proxies should be granted including 
voting instructions. Due to the extensive 
number of additional Board Meetings held 
during the year due to the COVID-19 
pandemic some directors due to other 
commitments, were not able to attend 
all meetings.

Meetings attended by each director of 
the Board and the different committees 
during the reporting period are shown in 
the table below. The Board is listed as at 
date of this report:

Director

Total in the period

Current directors
Javier Ferrán1
Luis Gallego2,3
Giles Agutter24
Peggy Bruzelius5
Eva Castillo5
Margaret Ewing6
Heather Ann McSharry5
Robin Phillips2
Emilio Saracho7

Nicola Shaw 
Alberto Terol8

Former Directors
Antonio Vázquez9
Willie Walsh10
Marc Bolland10
Steve Gunning11
Deborah Kerr11
María Fernanda Mejia11
Kieran Poynter10

Audit  
and 
Compliance 
Committee

12

1/1

1/1

12/12

12/12

10/11

11/11

7/7

Board

42

40/42

12/12

12/12

1/1

1/1

42/42

1/1

12/12

42/42

35/42

42/42

42/42

29/30

29/30

42/42

42/42

41/42

29/30

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Safety 
Committee

9

4/4

4/4

5/5

9/9

9/9

5/5

7/8

9

6/7

9/9

8/9

6/6

3/3

9/9

2

0/1

1/1

1/1

2/2

1/2

1/1

1/1

1  Appointed chair and member of Nominations Committee on September 8 2020; stepped down from the Remuneration and Safety Committees on 

September 24, 2020; appointed Chairman of the Board on January 7, 2021.

2  Appointed on September 8, 2020.
3  Luis Gallego was due to take over from Willie Walsh as Chief Executive on March 26, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the exceptional 
circumstances facing the airline industry it was decided that Willie Walsh would remain as Chief Executive and delay his retirement. Luis Gallego 
attended Board Meetings as a guest until his official appointment at the Shareholders’ Meeting held on September 8, 2020. Appointed chair and 
member of the Safety Committee on September 8, 2020.

4  Joined the Nominations Committee and the Safety Committee on September 24, 2020.
5  Appointed on December 31, 2020. Heather Ann McSharry joined the Nominations Committee. Peggy Bruzelius and Eva Castillo joined the Audit and 

Compliance Committee. Eva Castillo and Heather Ann McSharry joined the Remuneration Committee.

6  Appointed chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee on September 8, 2020, having been a member since June 20, 2019; joined the Nominations 

Committee on January 28, 2021.

7  Joined the Remuneration Committee on September 8, 2020; stood down from the Nominations Committee on September 24, 2020.
8  Appointed chair and member of the Remuneration Committee on December 31, 2020.
9  Retired on January 7, 2021.
10 Retired from the Board on September 8, 2020.
11  Stepped down from the Board on December 31, 2020.

97

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Board activities

2020 has been an unprecedent year for 
the Group, as it faced, and continues to 
face, the biggest challenge the airline 
industry has ever encountered. The Board 
activity clearly reflects these 
circumstances. The key areas of Board 
activity during 2020 both on standard 
items and on COVID-19 pandemic 
oversight are outlined herein:

Strategy and planning
 • Joint Board/ Management Committee 
two-day strategy session, including: 

 • IAG TSR drivers and performance
 • COVID-19 scenarios and IAG ambition
 • Recovery plan and priorities
 • Operating companies plans
 • Culture and talent
 • Analysis of key strategic questions

 • Update on strategy with respect to the 

Performance and monitoring
 • Operating companies regular reporting
 • Quarterly and full year financial reporting
 • Monthly financial report (reviewed at the 
relevant meeting or distributed to all 
Board members) 

 • Review of different joint business 

agreements and franchise agreements.

 • Update on the UK Information 

Commissioner’s Office enforcement 
proceedings against British Airways

US market

 • LEVEL’s strategy
 • 2021 financial plan
 • €2.74 billion capital increase

Board oversight – COVID-19 Crisis

MARCH
Number  
of meetings
3

APRIL
Number  
of meetings
6

MAY
Number  
of meetings
4

JUNE
Number  
of meetings
4

JULY
Number  
of meetings
6

 • Operational and 

 • Operational and financial 

 • Operational and 

 • Operational and 

financial monitoring 
updates

financial monitoring 
updates

 • Regulatory and 
governmental 
engagement 
activities
 • Report on 

workforce related 
measures

 • Preparation for 
capital increase 
(announced July 
31)

 • Briefing on Board 
responsibilities (III)

financial monitoring 
updates

 • Cancellation of 2019 

dividend

 • Delay of Annual 

monitoring updates
 • Financial plan: phase II 
initiatives and balance 
sheet repair exercise
 • Engagement with key 

Shareholders’ Meeting

suppliers

 • Financing initiatives 
(Spanish ICO Loans)
 • Pre-release of 2020 
first quarter results
 • Report on workforce 
related measures

 • Briefing on Board 
responsibilities (II)

 • Regulatory and 
governmental 
engagement activities 
(quarantine measures)
 • Update on the restart of 
passenger operations
 • Report on workforce 
related measures

 • Evaluation of funding 

alternatives

 • Initial impact of the 
pandemic (first 
lockdowns and 
reduction of 
operations)

 • Engagement with key 
stakeholder groups

 • Initial cash 

preservation initiatives

 • COVID-19 crisis 
governance

 • Briefing on Board 
responsibilities (I)
 • Delay of leadership 
succession plans / 
salary/Board fee 
reduction measures 
adopted

98

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Significant transactions, investments and 
expenditures
 • Air Europa acquisition proposal and 

renegotiation of terms

Risk management and internal controls
 • Review risk map and risk appetite 

performance and statements
 • Approve going concern and 

 • Launch of new products and fleet 

viability statements

reconfigurations (Q1)

 • Effectiveness review of the internal 

 • Significant aircraft acquisitions, lease-

control and risk management systems

backs and aircraft-related 
financing arrangements

 • Financing arrangement for the 
acquisition or lease of aircrafts
 • Disposals/write-off of aircraft and 

deferral agreements

 • Updates regarding Brexit process
 • External auditor yearly report to the 

Board

 • Recommendation to appoint KPMG as 
external auditor for the period 2021 
to 2024

Shareholders, stakeholders and 
governance
 • Sustainability update
 • Review feedback from institutional 
shareholders, roadshows as well as 
analyst reports 

 • Board and management 
succession planning 
 • Remuneration matters
 • Shareholders’ meeting call notice and 

proposed resolutions

 • Review of the Board committee’s 

composition

 • Board and committees effectiveness 

evaluation, and agreed 
improvement priorities

 • Corporate governance updates

AUGUST
Number  
of meetings
2

SEPTEMBER
Number  
of meetings
4

OCTOBER
Number  
of meetings
3

NOVEMBER
Number  
of meetings
4

DECEMBER
Number  
of meetings
3

 • Initial impact of the 
pandemic (first 
lockdowns and 
reduction of 
operations)

 • Preparation for capital 

increase

 • Financial markets and 
IAG trading updates
 • Annual Shareholders’ 

Meeting

 • Capital increase 
(launched on 
September 9)
 • Capital allocation 

framework

 • Financial markets and 
IAG trading updates 
(including revenue/
pricing framework 
analysis)

 • Pre-release of 2020 
third quarter results

 • Capital allocation 

update

 • Financing update

 • Operational update
 • Financing and capital 
allocation proposals
 • Update on impact of 

 • Operational update
 • Financing and capital 
allocation proposals
 • Update on impact of 

new lockdowns 
measures

new lockdowns 
measures 

99

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Culture and stakeholder 
engagement
During 2020, IAG continued working under 
the same framework, based on its vision ‘to 
be the world’s leading airline group, 
maximizing sustainable value creation for 
our shareholders and customers’ and the 
values that derive from the Code of 
Conduct approved in 2019. This Code that 
applies to all directors and employees of 
the Group, establishes simple integrity and 
compliance values applicable across the 
Group while respecting the different 
cultures and values existing in each of the 
operating companies.

Although compliance and training 
activities were carried out to support 
awareness of the principles detailed in the 
IAG Code of Conduct, the COVID-19 
pandemic and the delay in the change of 
leadership, postponed some of the Group’s 
plans in this area, but each of the operating 
companies continued with their own 
programmes and initiatives during the 
year. The IAG Board was regularly and 
closely informed of these initiatives. A 
specific case study regarding IAG Tech, a 
crucial area for the Group which works 
across the different business units, is 
provided opposite.

In the last quarter of 2020, a Group wide 
exercise was completed with external 
support. The survey has been designed to 
help understand the key leadership and 
cultural elements that are required to build 
a consistently high performing 
organisation. As the Group seeks to 
recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
survey sought to identify strengths to 
build on, opportunities for improvement, 
and obstacles standing in the way of IAG 
being the leading airline group. The results 
and initial conclusions from this exercise 
were shared with the Board during the 
two-day strategy meeting held in 
December, during a session devoted to 
culture and talent. 

The Audit and Compliance Committee has 
also reviewed and reported to the Board 
on the effectiveness and functioning of the 
confidential speak up channels available 
throughout the Group, where concerns can 
be raised on a confidential basis, and the 
number and nature of incidents reported 
to the speak up channels during 2020.

The Board continued to be updated 
throughout 2020 in relation to each 
operating company’s employee matters as 
part of the report each company presents 
to the Board, in addition to specific 
matters that were conveyed as part of the 
COVID-19 pandemic ongoing reporting. In 
particular, information was shared with the 
Board on the COVID-19 specific measures 
adopted across the Group to support 
employee safety and wellbeing.

100

 • Talent Management aiming to ensure 
IAG Tech has the best people with 
the right skills at the right time. A 
strategic resource plan will be 
prepared in 2021 contemplating 
talent acquisition and onboarding, a 
new graduate and apprentice 
programme, a pipeline to identify and 
develop our people, succession and 
retention plans, and opportunities for 
growth and progression. 

 • Recognition framework allowing us to 

identify and celebrate great 
performance and examples of people 
living our values and behaviours. 
 • Performance Management directly 
linking everyone’s objectives to our 
goals and targets, and KPIs and 
metrics so our people understand how 
they are personally contributing to 
achieving our vision, purpose and the 
business outcomes. We believe in fair, 
transparent and continual feedback. 
 • Learning and Development enabling 
us to have the right capabilities, skills 
and competencies needed to deliver 
the business outcomes and our vision 
of Technology Excellence whilst 
ensuring that our people feel they can 
grow and progress.

IAG Tech participated in the Group’s 
Organisation Health Index and other 
employee satisfaction surveys in 2020. 
Although we are still analysing the 
feedback received from the Organisation 
Health Index completed in December 
2020, we acknowledge that we are only 
at the start of a long journey to create a 
world class culture. In order to support 
our journey, we have a robust plan as 
part of Project Magna (IAG Tech 
transformation programme) to continue 
to define, embed and nurture our culture. 
To complete this effort and to measure 
progress, we have planned an internal 
audit of our culture in 2021.

John Gibbs
IAG CIO 

IAG Tech culture journey

IAG Tech was launched at the end of 
2019, following my appointment as IAG 
CIO, bringing together over 1,500 digital 
and IT professionals across the Group, 
with a renewed mission to accelerate 
business performance, enable employees 
and protect the business through the use 
of technology and data.  

IAG Tech has refocused around a 
common vision of bringing Technology 
Excellence to everything we do and 
started a transformative journey, where a 
single identity and a common vision 
purpose and values are key. These 
common values are innovation, 
empowerment, professionalism, 
transparency and agility. 

During 2020, we have redefined the IAG 
Tech operating model and placed people 
at the heart of everything we do. As part 
of this effort, we have appointed our 
own Head of People and Culture 
emphasising the importance of nurturing 
culture and providing a focal point to 
hold everyone accountable.

When recruiting externally as well as 
when promoting people, there is a 
special focus to ensure the continuity 
and consolidation of IAG Tech’s common 
values. Our own leadership academy is 
playing a key role in ensuring the right 
values and culture, as well as the right 
behaviours are fostered.

IAG Tech’s targeted culture is 
underpinned by five people themes: 

 • Engagement to ensure people are 

motivated, energised, happy, healthy 
and fulfilled. This is driven by 
widespread communication to 
capture our employees voice so we 
can include their views in any 
decisions we take, a focus on mental 
and physical wellbeing, encouraging a 
positive work/life balance, embracing 
diversity in every way, making 
everyone feel included and valued, 
being strong advocates for 
environment, social and governance 
activities inside and outside work, a 
strong and supportive network of IT/
Digital professionals, and fostering 
the right working environment.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Shareholders 
Shareholders’ interests have always been 
present in the Board’s considerations. The 
Board engages directly in active dialogue 
with shareholders and investors mainly 
through the Group Chief Executive Officer, 
the Group Chief Financial Officer and the 
Chairman, who regularly meet with 
shareholders and investors. In addition, 
the Senior Independent Director has 
attended meetings at the request of certain 
shareholders. In January to March 2020, 
meetings were conducted in person, but 
from April onwards meetings have 
been conducted by telephone or by 
virtual means.

The Board is regularly appraised of 
shareholders’ feedback and the main issues 
discussed with or raised by shareholders 
and investors. During 2020, the Company’s 
brokers and other financial advisors gave a 
number of presentations to the Board to 
report on specific topics, including the 
capital increase, as well as the macro 
economic environment.

In July 2020, the IAG Board proposed the 
execution of a capital increase, which was 
approved at the 2020 Annual Shareholders’ 
Meeting and was completed in October 
2020. As part of this, a full roadshow was 
held with major shareholders on the day of 
the announcement and the subsequent 
days, and also several meetings were 
conducted in the month of September with 
numerous members of IAG’s shareholder 
base and key potential investors, mainly 
across Europe and the US. 

In addition, a wide campaign was launched 
to ensure retail shareholders were duly 
informed and provided the opportunity to 
participate exercising their pre-emptive 
rights or selling the corresponding 
subscription rights. As the capital increase 
was conducted under Spanish law, which 
differs from the UK rules, the Company 
launched a retail campaign in relation to its 
UK retail shareholders to ensure they were 
made aware of the process, of the relevant 
key dates to participate in the capital 
increase, as well as the fact that those who 
took no action would not be entitled to 
receive compensation for any unused and 
expired subscription rights and that their 
shareholding will be diluted, this being an 
important difference in relation to UK 
practice. 

This retail campaign included contact 
centres both in the UK and Spain which 
provided support with shareholder queries 
in relation to the process, and the 
preparation of a shareholder guide 
including frequently asked questions which 
was made available on the corporate 
website, as well as media campaigns both 
in the UK and Spain.

At the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting, the 
2019 report on directors’ remuneration 
(resolution 8) was passed with 71.60% of 
the votes. As publicly stated, while the 
Board welcomed the majority support for 
this report, it was disappointed that 20.56% 

voted against this resolution. In accordance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
recommendation, the Company completed 
an analysis of the voting results in order to 
identify those shareholders in the Top 100 
who voted against or abstained on this 
resolution. Following this, a consultation 
process was launched in November 2020, 
including the main proxy advisory firms and 
more than 30 institutions that represent 
approximately half of the dissenting vote. 

The main conclusion drawn from the 
conversations held were, while it was 
recognised that bonuses were determined 
at the end of February 2020 and paid in 
respect of the financial year to December 
2019, these investors would have expected 
the implementation of exceptional measures 
in light of the financial situation of the 
Company and also to reflect the stakeholder 
experiences of employees and shareholders. 
They welcomed the salary reduction and 
other measures put in place by the 
Company and did not express any concern 
regarding IAG’s current remuneration policy.

Considering stakeholders’ interests
As explained in the stakeholder section of 
the report, IAG’s engagement framework is 
articulated in accordance with the Group’s 
business model. In line with this, the 
relationship with certain stakeholders is 
managed at an operating company level, as 
is the case of customers, employees, and, to 
a certain extent in the case of airline 
partners and industry associations, or 
governments and regulators. This ensures 
that the relationship is established as closely 
as possible and within the relevant cultural 
and business context. This does not 
preclude that the Group coordinates certain 
activities and sets minimum standards or 

guidance as far as this is deemed 
appropriate.

In addition, the relationship with 
shareholders and investors is conducted at 
IAG level, mainly through the investor 
relations department, the Group Chief 
Financial Officer, the Group Chief Executive 
Officer and the IAG Chairman. Engagment 
with debt and operating lease providers is 
also done at IAG level to ensure a strategic 
and consistent approach across the Group.

IAG GBS provides a centralised 
procurement function for the Group and 
generally manages supplier engagement. 

As far as sustainability matters are 
concerned, these are coordinated at Group 
level, covering the Group policies and 
objectives, governance structure, risk 
management, strategy and targets on 
material issues, sustainability performance 
indicators, communications and stakeholder 
engagement plans. Each individual 
operating company within the Group has a 
distinct sustainability programme that is 
aligned with the Group strategy. In 2020, 
the Board decided to reinforce its focus on 
this important area assigning this 
responsibility to a separate Board 
committee which can provide a closer 
oversight and support to this function. In 
February 2021, the Board decided to 
enhance the remit of the existing Safety 
Committee to fulfil this objective as a new 
Safety, Environment and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee. Further details on 
IAG’s sustainability governance and 
engagement with stakeholders on 
sustainability can be found in the 
‘Sustainability’ section.

The following graph details how the Board is 
kept informed in relation to IAG’s key 
stakeholders.

IAG Key Stakeholders

Airline partners  
and industry 
associations

Customers

Governments 
and regulators

Sustainability

Employees

Suppliers

Shareholders  
and other financial 
stakeholders

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www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBOARD LEADERSHIP CONTINUED

Shareholders and other financial 
stakeholders

Employees

Customers

Suppliers

Governments and regulators

Airline partners and industry  
associations

102

The Board has been regularly informed about shareholders considerations and 
concerns. As an example, the IAG Head of Investor Relations and the Company 
brokers were invited to the January 2020 Board meeting to inform about 
investors’ comments following the Company’s recent announcements in relation 
to the removal of the restrictions for non-EU shareholders, as well as regarding 
the retirement of the Group Chief Executive and the appointment of Luis Gallego 
as his successor. In addition, an analysis was shared with the Board on the 
market and investors’ reaction to the announcement of the removal of these 
capital restrictions.

The Board was also regularly informed about engagement efforts with institutional 
shareholders as well as with retail shareholders in relation to the capital increase, 
from the preparation of the transaction until its completion in early October. The 
Board placed particular emphasis on retail shareholders to ensure they were 
informed of their rights, the process to be followed and the calendar of the 
capital increase.

The Board was also kept informed during 2020 about engagement with both debt 
and lease providers, as well as with respect to the different governmental support 
programmes in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Board has been regularly informed about each operating company initiatives 
with respect to their workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, a 
session at the annual strategy meeting was devoted to the analysis and 
discussion of the results and initial conclusions from the employee survey 
completed in the Group.

The Board has always paid special attention to issues related to customers and 
brands, and the focus on customer issues has always been present in Board 
discussions. During 2020, the Board has been regularly provided with customer 
information as part of its standard performance and monitoring activities. During 
this difficult period, the Board has been informed about the activities undertaken 
by the Group airlines to respond to COVID-19 pandemic customer expectations 
and changes introduced in the flying experience, as well as the measures adopted 
to support consumer confidence. 

The Board receives regular updates regarding key supplier relationships, relevant 
developments and engagement activities, including updates received through 
internal audit and risk management reporting. Within the context of the COVID-19 
crisis, the Board received regular reports on the engagement with the Group 
strategic suppliers, including airframe manufacturers and engine maintenance 
providers.

The Board is kept informed of any relevant issues within the regulatory and 
political context. In 2020, the Board was regularly informed about Brexit 
developments and the engagement with the relevant authorities at EU and 
Member State level.

In addition to this, through the frequent meetings held during 2020, the Board 
was kept updated on the different engagement workstreams open with regulators 
and policy makers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributing on how to 
respond to the virus to allow safe, continued operations and to demonstrate the 
inherent safety of air services and at the same time highlighting to those 
stakeholders IAG believed measures were severely detrimental to it and its 
customers’ interests and provided no health benefit.

As part of its usual work, the Board reviewed the Group’s existing partnerships 
and joint business agreements and was frequently informed of the most relevant 
matters affecting the industry, particularly in the context of environmental 
matters. In addition to this, the Board was kept updated on the different initiatives 
put in place through cooperation with airlines partners and industry associations 
in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Division of Responsibilities

There is a clear separation of the roles of 
the Chairman and the Group Chief 
Executive. The Chairman is responsible for 
the operation of the Board and is 
responsible for its overall effectiveness in 
directing the company.

The Chief Executive is responsible for the 
day-to-day management and performance 
of the Group and for the implementation 
of the strategy approved by the Board. 
All the powers of the Board have been 
permanently delegated to the IAG Chief 
Executive Officer save for those which 
cannot be delegated pursuant to the 

Bylaws, the Board Regulations or the 
applicable legislation.

The different Company roles and their 
respective responsibilities are detailed in 
the Board Regulations as amended on 
February 25, 2021 (available on the 
corporate website).

Shareholders

IAG Board of Directors
The Board has ultimate responsibility for the 
long-term success of the Group and for 
delivering sustainable shareholder value as well 
as contributing to wider society

Key matters reserved to the Board are:
 • submission of proposals to the 

shareholders’ meetings

Chairman
Javier Ferrán

 • chairs shareholders’ meetings
 • leads the Board’s work
 • sets the Board’s agenda and directs 
its discussions and deliberations

 • main link with Chief Executive 

and management

 • ensures effective communication 

 • approval of the Group’s strategy, business and 

with shareholders

financial plans

 • approval of the Group’s general policies
 • appointment and removal of senior executives
 • determination of the policy on shareholders’ 

 • ensures the highest standards of 

corporate governance

 • promotes the highest standards of 

corporate governance

remuneration

 • approval of significant investment or 

divestment decisions

 • approval of the risk management and 

control policy

 • ensures effectiveness of the corporate 

governance system

Board Advisory Committees

n
o
i
t
a
g
e
e
D

l

Senior Independent Director
Alberto Terol

 • acts as a sounding board for the 

Chairman and appraises his 
performance

 • serves as intermediary for other 

directors when necessary
 • is available to shareholders, if 

concerns not resolved through 
normal channels

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
t
n
u
o
c
c
A

Audit and 
Compliance

Nominations

Remuneration

Safety, Environment  
and Corporate 
Responsibility

IAG Management Committee
Led by the Chief Executive, is responsible for 
the day-to-day management of the Company. It 
is responsible for the performance of the Group 
and the implementation of the strategy 
approved by the Board

Group CEO
Luis Gallego

 • is responsible and accountable to the 

Board for the management and 
operation of the Company

 • leads the Company’s management team
 • oversees the preparation of operational 

and commercial plans
 • develops an effective 
management strategy

 • puts in place effective controls
 • coordinates the activities of the Group

Updated to the corporate governance framework approved by the Board on February 25, 2021

103

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationDIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

Non-executive directors
The role of non-executive directors is to 
hold management to account in respect of 
the Group’s performance. They should 
provide guidance and advice but also a 
constructive challenge to the executive 
team.

The Board, as reported by the Nominations 
Committee, is satisfied that those directors 
classified as independent are free from any 
business or other relationship that could 
materially interfere with exercising an 
independent judgement, both as a 
question of character and judgement. 
Directors are required to provide the 
Nominations Committee with relevant 
information regarding potential conflict of 
interest that may arise, any positions that 
they hold or activities they perform at 
other companies or entities, as well as any 
substantial change that may affect their 
independence.

The shareholders’ meeting held on 
September 8, 2020 approved the 
appointment of Giles Agutter and Robin 
Phillips as non-executive proprietary 
directors as proposed by IAG’s significant 
shareholder Qatar Airways Group 
(Q.C.S.C.). Qatar Airways, a Middle East air 
carrier headquartered in Doha, has been 
the single largest shareholder of IAG since 
2016, owning, as of the date of this report, 
25.1% of the share capital of the Company. 
Throughout this period there has been a 
long-standing business and commercial 
relationship between Qatar Airways and 
the airlines of the IAG Group. This close 
relationship of commercial cooperation, 
which has always been undertaken on an 
arms-length and commercial basis, 
significantly reduces the potential 
existence of permanent conflicts of 
interest between Qatar Airways and the 
Group’s airlines. Any potential conflict of 
interest that might affect the new 
proprietary directors is managed by 
applying the duty to abstention in 
accordance with the procedure for 
managing conflicts of interest 
described below.

As far as the relationship of the proprietary 
directors with the significant shareholder 
who proposed their appointments is 
concerned, it should be noted that Giles 
Agutter is the owner and Chief Executive 
of the consultancy services firm Southern 
Sky Limited, one of whose material clients 
is Qatar Airways Group, and that Robin 
Phillips has no relevant connection with 
Qatar Airways Group.

All schedule Board meetings include a 
private session for non-executive directors 
to meet with the Chairman.

Directors’ disclosure duties, 
conflicts of interests, and related 
party transactions
Directors must inform the Company of any 
participation or interest they may hold or 
acquire in any company that is 
a competitor of the Group, or any activities 
that could place them in conflict with the 
corporate interest.

According to article 21 of the Board 
Regulations, directors have an obligation 
to adopt the measures necessary to avoid 
conflict of interest situations. These include 
any situation where the interest of the 
director, either directly or through third 
parties, may conflict with the corporate 
interest or with his duties to the Company. 
In the event of conflict, the affected 
director must inform the Company and 
abstain from participating in the discussion 
of the transaction referred to by the 
conflict. For the purposes of calculating 
the quorum and voting majorities, the 
affected director would be excluded from 
the number of members in attendance. 

In accordance with article 3.4 of the Board 
Regulations, the Board of Directors has the 
exclusive authority to approve transactions 
with the directors, with shareholders that 
have a significant holding or with any 
persons related to them.

The execution of these type of 
transactions or any transaction which 
may entail a conflict of interest need 
to be reported to the Audit and 
Compliance Committee to ensure that 
they are carried out at arm’s length and 
with due observance of the principle of 
equal treatment of shareholders. In the 
case of transactions that fall within the 
ordinary course of business and are 
customary or recurring in nature and 
following a report by the Audit and 

Compliance Committee, the Board may 
grant a general authorisation as long as 
they are executed under certain terms and 
conditions. This authorisation needs to be 
endorsed by the shareholders’ meeting in 
those cases established in the Spanish 
companies’ legislation and, in particular, in 
any transaction with a director valued at 
more than 10 per cent of corporate assets.

In addition to this, and prior to the 
Audit and Compliance Committee 
consideration, shareholder related party 
transactions are also reviewed by the IAG 
Management Committee and are reported 
to the IAG Head of Group Audit.

IAG maintains commercial relationships 
with Qatar Airways, including cargo 
capacity agreements, passenger 
codeshares, wet leases and interline 
agreements. As a significant shareholder, 
all of these transactions have been 
reviewed by the Audit and Compliance 
Committee and approved by the Board.

Board information and training
All Board and committee meeting 
documents are available to all directors, 
including the minutes of each meeting. All 
directors have access to the advice of the 
Board Secretary and the Group General 
Counsel. Directors may take independent 
legal, accounting, technical, financial, 
commercial or other expert advice at the 
Company’s expense when it is judged 
necessary in order to discharge their 
responsibilities effectively. No such 
independent advice was sought in the 
2020 financial year.

In 2020 the Board received specific 
briefings on key developments, such as the 
ongoing negotiations regarding the UK’s 
exit from the EU, and specific briefings 
regarding directors’ duties and liabilities 
under Spanish and UK law, as well as 
regarding corporate governance 
developments both in Spain and the UK. 

Directors are offered the possibility to 
update and refresh their knowledge of the 
business and any technical related matter 
on an ongoing basis to enable them to 
continue fulfilling their responsibilities 
effectively. Directors are consulted about 
their training and development needs and 
given the opportunity to discuss training 
and development matters as part of their 
annual individual performance evaluation. 

104

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Appointment, re-election, resignation 
and removal of directors
The selection and appointment process is 
described in detail in the Nominations 
Committee report.

IAG directors are appointed for a period of 
one year, as set out in the Company’s 
Bylaws. At the end of their mandate, 
directors may be re-elected one or more 
times for periods of equal duration to that 
established in the Bylaws. In this way, the 
Company complies with the UK Code 
recommendation that directors should be 
subject to annual re-election.

Re-election proposals are subject to a 
formal process, based on the Nominations 
Committee proposal in the case 
of non-executive directors, or its 
recommendation report for executive 
directors. This proposal or report is 
prepared having due regard to the 
performance, commitment, capacity, 
ability and availability of the director to 
continue to contribute to the Board 
with the knowledge, skills and 
experience required. 

Directors cease to hold office when the 
term of office for which they were 
appointed expires.

Notwithstanding the above, a director 
must resign in the cases established in 
article 17.2 of the Board Regulations, 
among other things when the director 
ceases to have the good standing, 
suitability, reliability, competence, 
availability or commitment to office 
necessary to be a director of the Company 
or when his or her remaining on the Board 
might affect the Company’s crediibility or 
reputation or otherwise jeopardises its 
interests. 

According to article 24.2 of the Board 
Regulations, directors have a number of 
disclosure obligations, including the duty 
to inform the Company of circumstances 
that might harm the Group’s name or 
reputation. In particular, if they become 
subject to any judicial, administrative or 
other proceedings. In such circumstances, 
the Board would consider the case as soon 
as practicable and adopt the decisions it 
deems fit, taking into account the 
corporate interest. As stated previously, if 
remaining on the Board would affect the 
Company’s reputation, or otherwise 
jeopardise its interest, a director must 

place their position at the disposal of the 
Board and, at its request, formally resign. 

i 

The Board may only propose the removal 
of a non-executive director before the end 
of the mandate when it considers there is 
just cause, following a report by the 
Nominations Committee. For these 
purposes, just cause is deemed to exist 
when the director takes up new positions 
or enters into new obligations that prevent 
them from dedicating the necessary time 
to the performance of his or her duties as a 
director, otherwise breaches his or her 
duties as a director or unexpectedly 
becomes subject to any of the 
circumstances provided for in article 16.2 
of the Board Regulations. The removal 
may also be proposed as a result of 
takeover bids, mergers or other similar 
corporate transactions that determine a 
material change of control. 

A director who stands down before the 
end of their term of office must state their 
reasons in a letter to be sent to all the 
directors. In addition, these explanations 
need to be included in the Company’s 
Annual Corporate Governance Report.

The rules above have been updated 
according with the Spanish Corporate 
Governance Recommendations approved 
in June 2020 and incorporated in the 
Board Regulations approved in February 
2021, and are available on the Company’s 
website (www.iairgroup.com), and the 
website of the Spanish Comisión Nacional 
del Mercado de Valores (wwww.cnmv.es).

Other Statutory 
Information
Share issues, buy-backs and 
treasury shares
The Annual General Meeting held on 
September 8. authorised the Board, with 
the express power of substitution, for a 
term ending at the 2021 Annual General 
Meeting (or, if earlier, 15 months from 
September 8, 2020), to:

reduce the share capital by means of 
reducing the par value of the shares 
by €0.40 each, to €0.10 per share.

ii 

increase the share capital pursuant to 
the provisions of Article 297.1.b) of the 
Spanish Companies Law, by up to fifty 
per cent of the aggregate nominal 
amount of the Company’s issued share 
capital resulting after the capital 
reduction of passing such resolution 
(such amount to be reduced by the 
amount that the share capital has 
been increased by and the maximum 
amount that the share capital may 
need to be increased by on the 
conversion or exchange of any 
securities issued by the Board under 
the relevant authorisation), through 
the issuance and placement into 
circulation of new shares (with or 
without a premium) the consideration 
for which shall be cash contributions;
issue securities (including warrants) 
convertible into and/or exchangeable 
for shares of the Company, up to a 
maximum limit of 1,500,000,000 
euros or the equivalent thereof in 
another currency, provided that the 
aggregate share capital that may need 
to be increased on the conversion or 
exchange of all such securities may 
not be higher than one-third of the 
aggregate nominal amount of the 
Company’s issued share capital as at 
the date of passing such resolution 
(such amount to be reduced by the 
amount that the share capital has 
been increased by the Board under 
the relevant authorisation); 
iv  exclude pre-emptive rights in 

iii 

connection with the capital increases 
and the issuance of convertible or 
exchangeable securities that the 
Board may approve under the 
previous authorities for the purposes 
of allotting shares or convertible or 
exchangeable securities in connection 
with a rights issue or in any other 
circumstances subject to an aggregate 
maximum nominal amount of the 

Company’s share capital
During the year the following changes to the share capital occurred:

 Date of change

September 9, 2020

October 5, 2020

Share capital (euros) Number of shares/voting rights

199,203,263.40

497,147,601

1,992,032,634

4,971,476,010

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shares so allotted or that may be 
allotted on conversion or exchange of 
such securities of five per cent of the 
aggregate nominal amount of the 
Company’s issued share capital as at 
September 8, 2020.
carry out the acquisition of its own 
shares directly by the Company or 
indirectly through its subsidiaries, 
subject to the following conditions: 

v 

a  the maximum aggregate number of 
shares which is authorised to be 
purchased shall be the lower of the 
maximum amount permitted by the 
law and such number as represents 10 
per cent of the aggregate nominal 
amount of the Company’s issued share 
capital on September 8, 2020, the 
date of passing the resolution; 

b the minimum price which may be paid 

for an ordinary share is zero;

c  the maximum price which may be paid 
for an ordinary share is the highest of: 

1  an amount equal to five per cent 
above the average of the middle 
market quotations for the shares as 
taken from the relevant stock 
exchange for the five business days 
immediately preceding the day on 
which that ordinary share is 
contracted to be purchased; and 

2  the higher of the price of the last 

independent trade and the highest 
current independent bid on the 
trading venues where the 
transaction is carried out at the 
relevant time; in each case, exclusive 
of expenses. 

The shares acquired pursuant to this 
authorisation may be delivered directly 
to the employees or directors of the 
Company or its subsidiaries or as a result 
of the exercise of option rights held 
thereby. For further details see note 27 
to the Group financial statements. 

The IAG Securities Code of Conduct 
regulates the Company’s dealings in 
its treasury shares. This can be accessed 
on the Company’s website.

Capital structure and shareholder rights
As of December 31, 2020, the share capital 
of the Company amounted to 497,147,601 
euros (2019: 996,016,317 euros), divided 
into 4,971,476,010 shares (2019: 
1,992,032,634 shares) of the same class 
and series and with a nominal value of 
€0.10 each (2019: €0.50 each), fully 
subscribed and paid.

As of December 31, 2020, the 
Company owned 5,096,863 shares 
as treasury shares.

Each share in the Company confers on its 
legitimate holder the status of shareholder 
and the rights recognised by applicable 
law and the Company’s Bylaws which can 
be accessed on the Company’s website.

The Company has a Sponsored Level 1 
American Depositary Receipt (ADR) 
facility that trades on the over-the-counter 
market in the US. Each ADR is equivalent 
to two ordinary shares and each ADR 
holder is entitled to the financial rights 
attaching to such shares, although the 
ADR depositary, Deutsche Bank, is the 
registered holder. As at December 31, 

2020 the equivalent of 40,957,218 shares 
was held in ADR form (2019: 6 million 
shares).

During 2020, the Company filed one 
treasury shares reporting statement with 
the CNMV as a consequence of the change 
of the number of shares of the Company, 
as required by Spanish regulations, 
communicating the transfer of a total of 
3,117,151 shares and resulting in a total of 
5,737,059 treasury shares owned by the 
Company as of October 2, 2020.

Following shareholder approval, the 
nominal value of the Company’s shares 
was reduced from €0.50 to €0.10 per 
share.

On July 31, 2020 the Company announced 
its proposal to undertake a capital 
increase with pre-emptive subscription 
rights to raise gross proceeds of up 
to €2.75 billion which was approved by 
shareholders at the shareholder meeting 
held on September 8, 2020. Therefore, 
during the period, 2,979,443,376 ordinary 
shares in the Company were issued and 
allotted on completion of the capital 
increase.

The significant shareholders of the Company at December 31, 2020, calculated according to the Company’s share capital as at the date 
of this report and excluding positions in financial instruments, were:

Name of  
shareholder 

Number of  

direct shares

Number of  

indirect shares

Qatar Airways (Q.C.S.C)

1,249,999,997

–

Name of  

direct holder

Total shares

Percentage  
of capital

1,249,999,997

25.14%

Invesco Limited 

Lansdowne Partners International 
Limited 

Allan & Gill Gray foundation

–

–

–

65,995,270

62,414,365

54,667,573

Various mutual pension funds 
managed by Invesco Ltd 

Funds and accounts managed by 
Lansdowne Partners (UK) LLP 

Funds managed by Orbis 
Investment Management Limited

65,995,270 

1.327%

62,414,365

1.255%

54,667,573

1.100%

As reported to the Spanish CNMV on February 23, 2021, Lansdowne Partners International Limited’s shareholding increased to 80,876,691 shares, 
representing 1.627 % of the Company’s share capital.

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
Shareholders’ meeting 
The quorum required for the constitution 
of the shareholder’s meeting, the system of 
adopting corporate resolutions, the 
procedure for amending the Bylaws and 
the applicable rules for protecting 
shareholders’ rights when changing the 
Bylaws are governed by the provisions 
established in the Spanish Companies Law. 

knowledge of such shareholder or other 
person, including any information that the 
Company deems necessary or desirable in 
order to determine the nationality of the 
holders of said shares or other person with 
an interest in the Company’s shares or 
whether it is necessary to take steps in 
order to protect the operating rights of the 
Company or its subsidiaries.

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic 
circumstances as well as the 
recommendation of the 2020 Spanish 
Corporate Governance Code, the 
Company facilitated attendance and 
participation to the 2020 Annual 
Shareholders’ Meeting using an online 
platform.

The Shareholder Meeting Regulations, 
which establishes the operating rules of 
the shareholder meeting, are available in 
the Corporate Governance section of the 
Company’s website.

Disclosure obligations
The Company’s Bylaws establish a series 
of special obligations concerning 
disclosure of share ownership as well as 
certain limits on shareholdings, taking into 
account the ownership and control 
restrictions provided for in applicable 
legislation and bilateral air transport 
treaties signed by Spain and the UK.

In accordance with article 7.2 b) of the 
Bylaws, shareholders must notify the 
Company of any acquisition or disposal of 
shares or of any interest in the shares of 
the Company that directly or indirectly 
entails the acquisition or disposal of a 
stake of over 0.25 per cent of the 
Company’s share capital, or of the voting 
rights corresponding thereto, expressly 
indicating the nationality of the transferor 
and/or the transferee obliged to notify, as 
well as the creation of any charges on 
shares (or interests in shares) or other 
encumbrances whatsoever, for the 
purposes of the exercise of the rights 
conferred by them.

In addition, pursuant to article 10 of the 
Bylaws, the Company may require any 
shareholder or any other person with a 
confirmed or apparent interest in shares of 
the Company to disclose to the Company 
in writing such information as the 
Company shall require relating to the 
beneficial ownership of or any interest in 
the shares in question, as lies within the 

In the event of a breach of these 
obligations by a shareholder or any other 
person with a confirmed or apparent 
interest in the Company’s shares, the 
Board may suspend the voting or other 
political rights of the relevant person. If the 
shares with respect to which the 
aforementioned obligations have been 
breached represent at least 0.25 per cent 
of the Company’s share capital in nominal 
value, the Board may also direct that 
no transfer of any such shares shall 
be registered.

Limitations on ownership of shares
In the event that the Board deems 
it necessary or appropriate to adopt 
measures to protect an operating right of 
the Company or of its subsidiaries, in light 
of the nationality of its shareholders or any 
persons with an interest in the Company’s 
shares, it may adopt any of the measures 
provided for such purpose in article 11 of 
the Bylaws, including the determination of 
a maximum number of shares that may be 
held by non-qualifying shareholders 
provided that such maximum may not be 
lower than 40 per cent of the Company’s 
share capital. If such a determination is 
made and notified to the stock market, no 
further acquisitions of shares by non-
qualifying persons can be made.

In such circumstances, if non-qualifying 
persons acquire shares in breach of such 
restriction, the Board may also (i) agree on 
the suspension of voting and other political 
rights of the holder of the relevant shares, 
and (ii) request that the holders dispose of 
the corresponding shares so that no 
non-qualifying person may directly or 
indirectly own such shares or have an 
interest in the same. If such transfer is not 
performed on the terms provided for in the 
Bylaws, the Company may acquire the 
corresponding shares (for their subsequent 
redemption) pursuant to applicable 
legislation. This acquisition must be 
performed at the lower of the following 
prices: (a) the book value of the 

corresponding shares according to the 
latest published audited balance sheet of 
the Company; and (b) the middle market 
quotation for an ordinary share of the 
Company as derived from the London 
Stock Exchange’s Daily Official List for the 
business day on which they were acquired 
by the relevant non-qualifying person. 

Impact of change of control
The following significant agreements 
contain provisions entitling the 
counterparties to exercise termination 
in the event of a change of control of 
the Company:

 • the brand alliance agreement in respect 

of British Airways and Iberia’s 
membership of oneworld, the globally-
branded airline alliance, could be 
terminated by a majority vote of the 
parties in the event of a change of 
control of the Company;

 • the joint business agreement between 

British Airways, Iberia, American Airlines 
and Finnair and the joint business 
agreement between British Airways, 
Japan Airlines and Finnair can be 
terminated by the other parties to those 
agreements in the event of a change of 
control of the Company by either a 
third-party airline, or the parent of a 
third-party airline; and

 • certain IAG financing and fuel 

arrangements allow for prepayment, 
redemption or early termination in 
certain circumstances if there is a 
change of control of the Company.

In addition, the Company’s share plans 
contain provisions as a result of which 
options and awards may vest and become 
exercisable on a change of control of the 
Company in accordance with the rules of 
the plans.

Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance
The Company has purchased 
insurance against Directors’ and Officers’ 
liability for the benefit of the directors 
and officers of the Company and 
its subsidiaries.

107

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationComposition, Succession and 
Evaluation

Report of the Nominations Committee 

I am convinced that the Group starts this 
new phase of its development with a 
strong board and senior management 
team with the breadth of skills, experience, 
capabilities and perspectives necessary to 
respond to the demands and challenges 
the business and the Group faces. 

Javier Ferrán
Nominations Committee Chair

The Nominations Committee
The composition, competencies and 
operating rules of the Nominations 
Committee are regulated by article 31 of 
the Board Regulations and by the 
Nominations Committee Regulations as 
approved by the Board on February 25, 
2021. A copy of the Board and the new 
Nominations Committee Regulations can 
be found on the Company’s website. 

The Nominations Committee has overall 
responsibility for leading the process for 
appointments to the Board and to ensure 
that these appointments bring the 
necessary skills, experience and 
competencies to the Board, aligning 
its composition to the business strategy 
and needs. The Committee also reports to 
the Board on the proposed appointment 
of senior executives of the Company. It 
oversees Board and senior management 
succession planning and in general 
the development of a diverse pipeline 
for succession.

The Nominations Committee shall be 
made up of no less than three non-
executive directors appointed by the 
Board, with the dedication, capacity and 
experience necessary to carry out its 
function. A majority of the members 
must be independent directors that are 
EU nationals.

The Committee was chaired by Antonio 
Vázquez until September 8, 2020, when he 
was replaced by Javier Ferrán. Antonio 
Vázquez remained a member until he 
retired from the Board on January 7, 2021. 

The former members of the Committee 
during 2020 were:

 • Antonio Vázquez left January 7, 2021
 • Marc Bolland left September 8, 2020
 • Deborah Kerr left December 31, 2020
 • Emilio Saracho left September 24, 2020

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present my first report of 
the Nominations Committee, after taking 
the chair position on September 8, 2020.

The main focus of the Committee during 
the year was on Board and Board 
committee’s composition. The oversight of 
the succession arrangements for both the 
Chief Executive and, as far as appropriate 
as this process was led by the Senior 
Independent Director, for the Board 
Chair position were also key areas of 
consideration. The Committee was also 
consulted on appointments to, and 
promotions within, the IAG 
Management Committee.

I have covered in detail all the changes 
made during the year in my introduction to 
the Corporate Governance Report. As far 
as the Board is concerned, I would add 
that after a year with significant changes, 
we are very pleased with the outcome, 
having a Board with very solid and diverse 
set of skills, experience and capabilities. 
We are especially satisfied to have reached 
a female representation of 45%, but we 
recognise that there is more to do in other 
areas, such as ethnicity, as well as to 
ensure the development of diversity in its 
broadest sense in senior management 
across the Group. 

Following executive leadership changes, 
the Committee’s key priority for 2021 will 
be to focus on IAG’s succession and talent 
management plans, as well as to reinforce 
the diversity of our pipeline. 

Javier Ferrán
Nominations Committee Chair

Committee members

Javier Ferrán 
(Chair)

Giles Agutter

Date appointed

September 8, 
2020

September 24, 
2020

Margaret Ewing

January 28, 2021

Heather Ann 
McSharry

Alberto Terol

December 31, 
2020

June 20, 2019

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020The Committee’s responsibilities 
The Nominations Committee’s 
responsibilities can be summarised as:

 • evaluating the mix of competencies, 

knowledge and experience necessary in 
the Board‘s membership and reviewing 
the criteria for the Board composition 
and the selection of candidates

 • submitting the recommendation for 

appointment of directors to the Board 
for approval, and reporting on the 
proposed designations of the members 
of the Board committees and their chairs
 • succession planning for Board members 
making proposals to the Board so that 
such succession occurs in a planned and 
orderly manner

 • reporting to the Board on the 
appointment and removal of 
senior executives (which includes all IAG 
Management Committee members)

 • ensuring that non-executive 
directors receive appropriate 
induction programmes

 • setting diversity targets (gender, 

ethnicity and other criteria) both within 
the senior management and the 
succession pipeline

 • ensuring that plans are in place for 

orderly succession of senior 
management positions whilst 
safeguarding the achievement of agreed 
diversity targets establishing a target for 
female representation on the Board 
which should adhere to the Company’s 
Directors Selection and Diversity Policy

•  coordinating the annual evaluation of 
the performance of the Board and 
its committees

The Committee’s activities in 2020
The Committee met nine times during 
2020, including five scheduled meetings 
and four ad hoc meetings. Directors’ 
attendance at these meetings can be 
found in the Corporate Governance 
section. The Group Chief Executive is 
invited to attend the Committee’s 
meetings as and when necessary. During 
2020, the Group General Counsel also 
attended several meetings.

The Committee focused on the following 
activities during the year:

 • Group Chief Executive succession and 

appointment of Luis Gallego

 • Board Chair succession plan and 
appointment of Javier Ferrán

 • the composition of the Board, including 

Brexit considerations

 • reviewing the Board committees’ 

membership

 • annual evaluation of performance of the 
Board Chair and of the Chief Executive

 • management succession plans
 • talent management, pipeline 

and diversity

 • overview of the Board annual evaluation 
process and conclusions, as well as that 
of the Nominations Committee

•  changes to Group company boards

Throughout the year, Spencer Stuart 
provided recruitment consultancy services 
to the Committee. Spencer Stuart does not 
have any other connection with the 
Company or individual directors and is a 
signatory to the UK Voluntary Code of 
Conduct for Executive Search Firms.

Board changes
The Committee regularly reviews the 
formal succession plan for the Board, 
including analysis of non-executive 
directors’ length of tenure, skills and 
experience, and planning for succession of 
any areas that would require strengthening 
from a skills and succession perspective. 
The conclusions of this exercise helped to 
inform new directors’ searches and the 
profile and skills required.

As foreseen in the Board refreshment plan, 
Kieran Poynter did not stand for re-
election at the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting 
having served as an independent director 
of the Company for more than nine years. 
Marc Bolland also did not stand for 
re-election having considered his non-IAG 
commitments and increased demand of 
these commitments on his time during 
2020. To fill the vacancies this created, 
Giles Agutter and Robin Phillips were 
appointed as non-executive proprietary 
directors in representation of the 
significant shareholder Qatar Airways 
Group (Q.C.S.C.), owner of 25.1% of the 
share capital of the Company. These 
appointments were reviewed by the 
Nominations Committee, taking into 
consideration the composition of the 
Board of Directors, as well as the suitability 
of the professional profiles and 
experiences of the proposed directors.

Having served nine years in office and as 
anticipated, Antonio Vázquez announced 
on July 31, 2020 his intention to retire from 
his position as a member and Chair of the 
Board of Directors. In accordance with the 
succession process outlined further on in 
this report, the Board unanimously 
approved the appointment of Javier 
Ferrán as his successor. Javier Ferrán met 
the independence criteria set out in the 
Spanish legislation and in the 2018 UK 
Code on appointment.

Due to the nature of our business and 
Brexit, IAG had to implement its plans to 
ensure that its EU licensed airlines continue 
to comply with EU ownership and control 
rules. In this context, the composition of 
the Board of Directors was changed so 
that it has a majority of independent EU 
non-executive directors. To facilitate these 
changes, on December 31, 2020 Deborah 
Kerr, María Fernanda Mejía and Steve 
Gunning stepped down from the Board, 
and Peggy Bruzelius, Eva Castillo and 
Heather Ann McSharry were appointed to 
fill these vacancies.

The search for these three new 
independent non-executive directors was 
initiated in 2019 by the Nominations 
Committee in accordance with the Board 
succession plan and was later redefined to 
identify suitable candidates to ensure that 
the Board had a majority of independent 
EU non-executive directors.

This process was completed in accordance 
with the IAG Directors Selection and 
Diversity Policy, respecting the 
following principles:

 • Spencer Stuart was engaged to conduct 

this search. 

 • The search criteria was formulated 

following the evaluation of the balance 
of skills, experience, independence, 
diversity and knowledge on the Board. 
Based on these considerations, the 
role and capabilities required for these 
appointments were established, and the 
resulting criteria were included as 
an annex to the search firm’s 
engagement letter.

 • Two long-lists of candidates were 
reviewed during September and 
October 2020 and, following a detailed 
analysis of the profiles of the candidates 
included on both lists, it was agreed on a 
potential shortlist of candidates.
 • This shortlist was reviewed and 
discussed by the Chair of the 
Nominations Committee, the Board 
Chair and the Senior Independent 
Director, and according to the 
conclusions reached and after hearing 
the feedback from a compliance 
perspective from the Group General 
Counsel, it was reported to the 
Nominations Committee.

•  The interview process was completed 
between October and November 2020.

Following this, the three candidates 
identified were agreed, and submitted for 
approval at the Nominations Committee 
held on December 31, 2020. A final report 
was presented to the Board endorsing the 
three candidates’ nominations.

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Board positions and committee 
memberships
There has been a number of important 
changes to the Board composition and 
consequently to its committees, all of 
which have been overseen by the 
Nominations Committee.

Being a key position on the Board, 
succession for the chair of the Audit and 
Compliance Committee was carefully 
planned, ensuring an adequate handover 
process. Following the 2020 Shareholders’ 
Meeting, Margaret Ewing succeeded 
Kieran Poynter in this position. Deborah 
Kerr and María Fernanda Mejía resigned as 
members of the committee with effect 
from December 31, 2020. This committee 
membership includes Alberto Terol, who 
has been an IAG director for seven years 
providing his expertise and knowledge of 
the sector. Peggy Bruzelius and Eva 
Castillo were appointed as members of 
this committee on December 31, 2020 
given their respective backgrounds 
and experience.

Following his appointment as designated 
Chair, Javier Ferrán was appointed as 
Chair of the Nominations Committee. 
Antonio Vázquez, incumbent Chair, 
continued as a member of this committee 
until his retirement. Alberto Terol, as Senior 
Independent Director is also a member 
and was throughout 2020. Current 
membership also includes Giles Agutter, 
Margaret Ewing and Heather Ann 
McSharry ensuring a balanced composition 
as well as adequate cross-membership 
with other key committees.

On December 31, 2020 Alberto Terol was 
appointed as chair of the Remuneration 
Committee. In a challenging period for this 
committee, Alberto brings not only his 
experience as a current member of this 
committee, but also his experience of 
having chaired other listed companies’ 
remuneration committees. This committee 
also includes Nicola Shaw and Emilio 
Saracho, and recently appointed members 
Eva Castillo and Heather Ann McSharry, all 
of them with relevant backgrounds.

On February 24, 2021 the Nominations 
Committee considered the composition of 
the new Safety, Environment and 
Corporate Responsibility Committee which 
was subsequently approved by the Board. 
This committee will be chaired by an 
independent non-executive director, Nicola 
Shaw, and it will be exclusively composed 
of non-executive directors with a majority 
of independent directors, thus conforming 
to the Spanish Code requirements.

Directors independence, performance 
and re-election
The Nominations Committee, having 
considered the matter carefully, is 
of the opinion that all of the current 
non-executive directors, with the 
exception of the two recently appointed 

proprietary directors, are independent, 
both in line with the definition set out 
by the Spanish Companies Act and 
with that of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, and are free from any relationship 
or circumstances that could 
affect, or appear to affect, their 
independent judgement. 

All proposals for the appointment or 
re-election of directors presented to 
the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting were 
accompanied by an explanatory report 
issued by the Board of Directors with the 
support of the Nominations Committee 
assessing the competence, experience and 
merits of each candidate. Following this 
review, the Committee was of the opinion 
that each non-executive director 
submitting him or herself for re-election 
continued to demonstrate commitment to 
the role as a member of the Board and its 
committees, discharged his or her duties 
effectively and that each was making 
a valuable contribution to the 
leadership of the Company for 
the benefit of all shareholders.

The Committee also reviews the time 
commitment of each non-executive 
director on at least an annual basis. 
During 2020, the commitment, support 
and availability demonstrated by all 
directors without exception during these 
difficult months has been and continues to 
be outstanding.

Each director is required to advise the 
Committee and seek its authorisation 
before accepting any external directorship 
or other significant appointment that 
might affect the time they are able 
to devote to the role as a director of 
the Company.

Management appointments and 
succession planning
At the beginning of the year, the 
Committee reviewed and finalised the 
succession plan for the Group Chief 
Executive, which culminated with the 
announcement, in January 2020, that Luis 
Gallego, the Chairman and Chief Executive 
of Iberia, would succeed Willie Walsh as 
Group Chief Executive. 

In addition to this, and as proposed by 
both the incumbent and designated Chief 
Executive, the Committee considered the 
appointment of Javier Sánchez-Prieto, the 
then Chairman and Chief Executive of 
Vueling, as Chairman and Chief Executive 
of Iberia, and of Marco Sansavini, the then 
Commercial Director of Iberia, as Chairman 
and Chief Executive of Vueling.

Initially the appointments were due to take 
effect on March 26, 2020 but because of 
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 
the Group’s operations and the exceptional 
circumstances facing the airline industry, 
the Board decided to delay Willie Walsh’s 
retirement as well as the relevant changes 
in the leadership of Iberia and Vueling to 

preserve management stability in the 
immediate response to the crisis. The 
appointments took effect following the 
Shareholders’ Meeting held on 
September 8, 2020. 

In addition, the Committee reviewed the 
following Management Committee 
appointments, which took effect on 
October 11, 2020, on the recommendation 
of the new Group Chief Executive:

 • Sean Doyle, then Aer Lingus Chairman 

and Chief Executive, appointed to 
succeed Alex Cruz as British Airways 
Chief Executive.

 • Donal Moriarty, then Aer Lingus Chief 
Corporate Affairs Officer, appointed 
interim Chief Executive in Sean’s place. 
•  Fernando Candela, then Chief Executive 
of LEVEL, appointed to the Management 
Committee in a new role of Chief 
Transformation Officer.

In January 2021, the Committee also 
considered and reported to the Board on 
the appointment of David Podolsky as the 
new IAG Chief Strategy Officer.

In 2020 a formal review of the senior 
management succession plan was not 
undertaken by the Committee other than 
in respect of the changes outlined above. 
This will be an area of focus both for the 
Committee and the Group Chief Executive 
and its management team during 2021.

Diversity
The Nominations Committee and the 
Board are committed to achieving 
diversity in its broadest sense in the 
composition of the Board and senior 
management. Details of Board diversity 
can be found in the Corporate Governance 
section. Female directors currently 
represent 45% of the Board of Directors. 

The Committee and the Board will be 
reviewing the Group’s diversity and 
inclusion policies in 2021 to align to both 
the Spanish and UK Corporate Governance 
Codes’ requirements as well as to current 
best practices. The Committee recognises 
that there is more to do in other areas 
beyond gender such as ethnicity and 
disability and will seek to further diversify 
the management and Board composition 
while recognising the difficulties it faces as 
far as the Board composition is concerned 
due to Spanish and UK governance and 
other relevant regulatory requirements.

IAG’s approach to inclusion and diversity 
on the Board is set out in the Company’s 
Director Selection and Diversity Policy, 
available on the corporate website. 
The procedure for the appointment of 
directors follows the principles established 
in this policy, and, as recommended by 
the Spanish Good Governance Code, 
the Nominations Committee reviews 
compliance with this policy on a 
annual basis. 

110

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020When considering director appointments, 
the Committee follows a formal, rigorous 
and transparent procedure, designed to 
preserve this diversity value while ensuring 
that any appointment is made on merit, 
and taking into account the specific skills 
and experience needed at any point in 
time to ensure continuing Board balance 
and relevant knowledge. Gender diversity 
principles are followed throughout the 
process, while preserving the general 
diversity and merit-based appointment 
principles established in the policy. The 
Board’s policy is to consider candidates 
from a wide variety of backgrounds, 
without discrimination based on gender, 
race, colour, age, social class, beliefs, 
religion, sexual orientation, disability or 
other factors.

Searches are conducted by selected 
executive search firms, only engaging with 
those who are signatories to the UK 
Voluntary Code of Conduct for Executive 
Search Firms. During 2020, Spencer Stuart 
was engaged to conduct relevant searches 
on behalf of the Board. Spencer Stuart, 
received the accreditation in 2019 under 
the Enhanced Code of Conduct for 

meeting exacting performance criteria and 
best practice standards in gender-
balanced selection for FTSE 350 boards.

To ensure IAG meets its diversity 
standards, it requires that the long-list of 
potential candidates includes adequate 
representation of female candidates, and 
candidates, as far as possible, from the 
widest possible diverse pool. IAG 
Board’s aspiration to have 33% female 
representation on the Board by the end of 
2020 is formally reflected in the Directors 
Selection and Diversity Policy. This target 
was met in 2018, and as of today female 
directors have a 45% representation on 
the Board.

This policy also sets out IAG’s commitment 
to strengthen the gender balance in IAG’s 
leadership and senior management teams. 
IAG’s Management Committee is 
responsible for improving diversity within 
management and generally across the 
Group. and the Nominations Committee 
monitors progress in achievement of 
management’s diversity targets on a 
regular basis. The Nominations Committee 
is committed to improving diversity, and 
gender diversity in particular, across the 

Group, and encourages and supports 
Group initiatives in this respect. Relevant 
details on diversity can be found in 
the Sustainability section.

Induction of directors
An induction programme was launched for 
Giles Agutter and Robin Phillips following 
their appointments in September 2020. 
The programme is based upon IAG’s 
induction guidelines but has been adapted 
to take account of the COVID-19 pandemic 
constraints. Due to his appointment as IAG 
Chairman there has also been a further 
induction programme for Javier Ferrán, 
including specialised one-to-one sessions 
as well as meetings with the leadership 
teams of each operating company. 
Handover sessions were also facilitated 
with the current Chairman to ensure a 
smooth transition.

In January 2021, another induction 
programme began to incorporate the 
three newly appointed directors following 
the same guidelines. In this regard, 
meetings with management have been 
arranged to prioritise a rapid introduction 
to the Group and briefings on main current 
matters, leading to a second phase of 

My induction experience

Having spent many years in the airline 
industry, the IAG induction programme 
was an extremely useful exercise to get 
a better understanding of the 
complexities of this successful airline 
group. IAG is such a broad group of 
leading brands that it will no doubt take 
many months to get to know better the 
people that will work together to lead 
the company out of the current 
pandemic. The induction programme 
has highlighted the quality of talent that 
exists within the organisation and 
strengthened my confidence in the 
people to successfully adapt this 
company to the changing environment 
in which we operate. It has become 
clear to me the sense of pride that 
exists within the team for the companies 
that they have built, and this will no 
doubt continue to be a crucial asset for 
the company. I am so pleased to have 
the opportunity to work with the team 
in the months and years to come to 
ensure that IAG remains a leader in the 
global airline industry.

Giles Agutter

Given the pandemic, the induction 
process was necessarily more restricted: 
there were no site visits for example, and 
evidently in some cases the discussions 
needed to be online. Luis Gallego had 
formally taken over as Chief Executive 
only weeks before, and with several new 
faces in his leadership team. With this 
background, and given the 
unprecedented challenges facing the 
team, I was extremely impressed and very 
appreciative of the time, engagement and 
commitment of all who presented to 
us. Importantly the sessions were highly 
interactive, and across the entire 
management team there was the 
preparedness to listen as well as speak. 
For those recently appointed, I sensed 
that our induction meetings also served 
as a platform to articulate some of their 
plans and aspirations in their new 
roles. There was consistently a good 
balance in the discussion between the 
immediate priorities in confronting the 

pandemic and at the same time the focus 
on medium and longer term strategic 
goals. Overall, the approach was very 
diligent and demonstrated a clear respect 
for and understanding of the importance 
of the role of the board. 

The preparation for the induction was 
thorough: not only ensuring that the 
broader remit and complexities of the 
group were fully represented and 
balanced, but also showing sensitivity to 
the key emerging issues and risks, for 
example cybersecurity, sustainability/
environment and Brexit.

I emerged from the induction with a 
rounded understanding of the group, 
both across the business verticals and 
functions, and felt confident as a result in 
being able to carry out my role on the 
board, and critically also knowing that I 
have had the time to start to develop 
personal working relationships with the 
management team as well.

Robin Phillips

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customary meetings with all Management 
Committee members and other key 
positions within IAG.

The Committee annual evaluation
The annual performance evaluation of the 
Board and its committees was internally 
facilitated, having been carried out by an 
independent external facilitator in 2019. 
The evaluation concluded that 
the Committee operated effectively 
during 2020 and has successfully managed 
two key succession processes at Board 
level, while dealing with important changes 
to the Board and its committees 
composition in very difficult circumstances. 
Two key areas of focus for the Committee 
during 2021 will be:

 • talent oversight and deeper review of 
management succession planning, so 
that the Committee has greater visibility 
of the bench across functions, and

•  reinforcement of diversity and inclusion 

initiatives, ensuring that the Group builds 
a diverse talent pipeline aligned to its 
culture and values.

Chair succession 
Last year’s annual report stated that, 
having completed nine years as a non-
executive director, the succession 
arrangement for the Chair of the Board 
was one of the priorities for the 
Nominations Committee for 2020. This 
process was led by the Senior Independent 
Director, involving all non-executive 

Board and committee evaluation 
The effectiveness of the Board and its 
committees is reviewed annually, with an 
independent, externally facilitated review 
being conducted every three years. The 
last external review was conducted in 
2019, therefore an internal evaluation was 
completed for 2020. 

implementation of proper transition, 
acknowledging the compromise and 
collaboration of the departing Chief 
Executive and departing Chair. The 
planning of the Board succession and its 
execution was also positively commented 
on considering its relevance and depth in 
2020. Specific questions were asked in 
the evaluation in relation to the Board’s 
reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, both from 
a process and substance point of view. 
Directors concurred in considering that 
the engagement, support and oversight 
exercised by the Board during this 
difficult period has been outstanding. The 
strength of the different directors’ 
profiles and their independent judgement 
was also put to test during this period 
and proved to be valuable.

The main focus for 2021 will be:

To accelerate and reinforce the induction 
programme for new directors, tailoring it 
to each director needs and profile, given 
the large amount of change in the 
Board’s composition. 

In view of the discussions held at the 
annual strategy session, to determine the 
strategic topics that should be covered in 
depth throughout the Board calendar.

The set up and functioning of the new 
Safety, Environment and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee.

The internal evaluation was led by 
both the incumbent and designated 
Chair and was conducted by the Board 
Secretary using a self-assessment 
questionnaire, complemented with an 
individual interview conducted by the 
new Chair with each of the non-executive 
directors. The report was presented to all 
Board members, together with the Group 
General Counsel and the Board Secretary 
and Deputy Secretary. 

Considering the amount of change 
experienced by both the Board and the 
committees’ composition during 2020, as 
well as the current circumstances, the 
exercise was inevitably more limited but 
more focused at the same time on the 
key challenges faced during the year. The 
overall conclusions of the review were 
positive, confirming that the Board and 
the committees continue to adequately 
fulfil their responsibilities. Directors 
considered that the two important 
succession plans completed during the 
year were handle in a very solid and 
professional manner, both in relation to 
the process and identification of suitable 
candidates as in the design and 

112

directors and executive directors. An 
internal potential candidate was identified 
very early in the process, and subsequently 
Alberto Terol decided to conduct the 
process jointly with the Chair of the Audit 
and Compliance Committee and long-
serving director, Kieran Poynter. Within 
this process, the input from executive 
directors, and particularly that of the 
incumbent and designated Chief 
Executive, were sought as appropriate.

Several meetings with all non-executive 
directors were held where the role 
specification was discussed, including the 
skillset, experience and key leadership 
characteristics required to guide IAG 
throughout the next stage of the Group’s 
development and to lead the Board and 
support management in confronting the 
challenges ahead. Spencer Stuart was 
engaged to complete a mapping exercise 
to identify potential chair candidates in 
accordance with the proposed role 
specification, which was also discussed 
and agreed with them. Following a first 
analysis of the long-list of potential 
candidates provided, a short list was 
prepared evidencing the existence of 
strong internal candidate. The short list 
was considered and discussed with all non-
executive directors, excluding the already 
identified internal candidate. In addition 
the views of several major shareholders 
and advisors were also sought as part of 
the ordinary engagement contacts with 
these stakeholders.

The process resulted in a unanimous 
recommendation that Javier Ferrán was 
the most suitable candidate, and such 
proposal was discussed at the Nominations 
Committee meeting held on July 29, 2020 
and submitted to the Board of Directors 
for approval. Javier Ferrán brings extensive 
board and governance experience, both in 
Spain and the UK, as well as a solid 
management expertise. Having been a 
director of the Company for more than a 
year at the date of approval of his 
appointment, the Board considered that 
his personal qualities and style perfectly 
matches the specifications required for 
the role. 

Following Javier Ferrán’s designation, the 
Committee considered the plan to induct 
him as Chair, working alongside Antonio 
Vázquez for the five months prior to 
his appointment. 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Report of the Safety Committee

Luis Gallego
Safety Committee Chair

Committee members

Luis Gallego 
(Chair) 

Giles Agutter

Nicola Shaw

Date appointed

September 8, 
2020

September 24, 
2020

June 14, 2018

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to share with you my first 
report as IAG Safety Committee Chair.

In addition to myself, we were pleased to 
welcome Giles Agutter as a member to the 
Committee after joining the Board as a 
non-executive director in September 2020.

During this year, the Committee’s usual 
oversight over safety matters was 
understandably impacted by the COVID-19 
pandemic, as the operations of the Group 
airlines diminished, and the normal safety 
activities adjusted to the new reality 
imposed by the pandemic.

According to the aviation regulatory 
framework, safety and security 
responsibility lies with the management of 
each Group airline under their respective 
operating licence and Air Operators 
Certificate. IAG’s Safety Committee 
exercises a high-level overview of safety 
activities and fosters the discussion of 
common issues and the sharing of best 
practices between the Group airlines. This 
latter sphere of activity has proven very 
valuable in such unprecedented 

circumstances as it allowed us to share 
challenges, initiatives and best practices 
among the different Group airlines.

Luis Gallego
Safety Committee Chair

The Safety Committee
The Committee composition, 
competencies and operating rules were 
regulated by article 32 of the Board 
Regulations. Following the corporate 
governance review completed in February 
2021, the remit of this Committee has been 
enhanced to cover environmental and 
corporate responsibility matters as a new 
Safety, Environmental and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee.

The Committee is made up of no fewer 
than three directors appointed by the 
Board, with the necessary dedication, 
capacity and experience. 

In addition to Committee members, senior 
managers with responsibility for safety 
matters are invited to attend and report 
at Committee meetings as and when 
required. During 2020, representatives of 
the British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and 
Vueling safety teams attended meetings.

The Committee’s responsibilities
Responsibility for safety matters belongs 
to the Group’s airlines. IAG, through its 
Safety Committee, has an overall view of 
each airline’s safety performance and of 
any important issues that may affect the 
industry. The Committee also has visibility 
of the Group airlines’ resources and 
procedures. Responsibility for performing 

detailed and technical assessments 
remains with each airline, overseen by 
their respective safety committees.

According to article 32 of the 
Board Regulations the Committee’s 
duties included: 

 • to receive significant safety information 

about IAG’s subsidiaries, franchise 
codeshare or wet-lease providers used 
by any member of the Group 

 • to exercise a high-level overview of 

safety activities and resources

•  to inform the Board and to follow up on 

any safety-related matters as 
determined by the Board

The Committee’s activities  
during the year
During 2020 the Committee held two 
meetings. Directors’ attendance at 
these meetings is detailed in the Corporate 
Governance report.

The Committee reviewed the relevant 
areas of each operating company’s 
performance across the Safety Risk 
Management activities. Although the 
reporting period included some pre 
COVID-19 operations, in the first quarter of 
2020, a significant amount of the 
Committee’s time after that was dedicated 
to the activities undertaken to ensure the 
effective management of risk as a 
consequence of the pandemic by each 
airline. This reflected the scale and pace of 
change following the restrictions imposed 
across the global operations and the 
impact on colleagues’ skills, health and 
wellbeing and the continued airworthiness 
of the fleets. A substantial amount of work 
by each of the airlines’ safety teams had 
been undertaken to manage safety risk 
that supported both citizen repatriation 
operations and the provision of cargo only 
services the details of which were shared 
with the Committee. 

Former members of the Committee during 
2020 were:

 • Willie Walsh left September 8, 2020
 • Kieran Poynter left September 24, 2020
 • Javier Ferrán left September 24 2020
•  Antonio Vazquez left January 7, 2021

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Report of the Audit and Compliance Committee

Former members of the Committee during 
2020 were:

 • Kieran Poynter (Committee chair until 
September 8, 2020) left on September 
8, 2020

 • Deborah Kerr left on December 31, 2020
 • María Fernanda Meijía left on December 

31, 2020

As noted in the Governance Report, 
Peggy Bruzelius and Eva Castillo joined the 
Committee, replacing Deborah Kerr and 
María Fernanda Mejía, on December 31, 
2020. I would like to thank Deborah and 
María Fernanda for their valuable 
contribution to the Committee and 
welcome Peggy and Eva, who are already 
making an important impact on the 
Committee’s agenda. Despite the recent 
changes, the Committee continues to have 
strong and diverse membership. It is well 
placed to provide robust challenge to the 
internal and external auditors and 
management. It also has the capability 
and expertise required to respond 
effectively to the significant and emerging 
opportunities and challenges faced by 
the Group. 

I would also like to take this opportunity, 
on behalf of the Committee, to 
acknowledge and express our significant 
gratitude to management and teams 
(including internal auditors) who have 
interfaced with and provided support to 
the Committee during this period. We are 
incredibly proud of the way they have 
responded to the crisis and worked 
relentlessly with such determination and a 
real sense of purpose.

The Committee held twelve formal 
meetings during 2020 (compared to eight 
in 2019) and members held numerous ad 
hoc and one-to-one meetings with finance 
team representatives, management and 
internal and external auditors, reflecting 
the Committee’s increased level of support 
and constructive challenge to 
management as the impact of the 
pandemic and the risk landscape evolved 
rapidly. As restrictions impacting IAG’s 
business emerged globally, the associated 
potential effects on the control 
environment, cyber security and Group 
funding arrangements resulted in the 
Committee providing additional oversight 
and seeking supplementary assurance. The 
Committee also focused on the significant 
operational, compliance and financial risks 

Margaret Ewing
Audit and Compliance Committee Chair

Committee members

Date appointed

June 20, 2019

Margaret Ewing 
(Chair)
Peggy Bruzelius December 31, 2020
December 31, 2020
Eva Castillo

Alberto Terol 

August 2, 2013

Detailed biographies of all current 
Committee members are included in this 
Annual Report. Despite the changes in 
composition, the Board is satisfied that, 
throughout the year, the Committee has 
retained competence relevant to its overall 
responsibilities and a wide range of 
financial, audit, risk management and 
relevant sector and business experience 
amongst its members, providing the right 
mix of skills and experience to provide 
constructive challenge and support to 
management. In accordance with the 
FRC’s 2018 Code, the Board has 
determined that Margaret Ewing has 
recent and relevant financial experience. 
The Board, through the Nominations 
Committee, will continue to review the 
Committee’s membership to ensure the 
skills and experience of its members align 
with the business as it develops.

Dear Shareholder 
I am pleased to present my first Report as 
Chair of the Audit and Compliance 
Committee. The unprecedented and 
significant challenges faced by the Group 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic 
influenced the activities of the Committee 
during 2020. We ensured: the key 
challenges faced by the Group were 
reflected in the external and internal audit 
plans; effective controls remained in place; 
rapidly changing key and emerging risks 
were identified and effectively managed; 
continued compliance with all regulatory 
and legal obligations; and sound financial 
judgements and estimates continued to be 
made.

I would like to start by thanking Kieran 
Poynter who stood down from the Board 
and as Chair of the Committee in 
September 2020, after ten years as a 
Non-Executive Director. During his time on 
the Committee Kieran made a significant 
contribution, playing a key role in 
advocating considerable and continuous 
improvement in the Group’s internal 
control, risk management and compliance 
practices across the Group and ensuring 
that management was held accountable 
for delivering these improvements.

114

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Following an external evaluation process in 
2019, the Committee members completed 
an internally facilitated evaluation of the 
Committee’s effectiveness during 2020. 
The findings were discussed and shared 
with the Board and indicated that the 
Committee continued to perform 
effectively and should focus in 2021 on the 
key matters noted above, including 
monitoring changing and emerging risks 
and their mitigations and increase our 
understanding and focus on evolving 
climate change and other non-financial 
information reporting regulations.

I hope that you find this report informative 
and can continue to take assurance from 
the work undertaken by the Committee 
during 2020 and planned for 2021. The 
Committee seeks to respond to 
shareholders’ and other stakeholders’ 
expectations in our reporting and we 
welcome feedback from and meetings 
with them on this Committee report or 
other related issues.

Margaret Ewing
Audit and Compliance Committee Chair

resulting from the pandemic impact and 
the potential implications for the Group’s 
financial statements, non-financial 
information disclosures and compliance 
(including Task Force and Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures ‘TCFD’) and the 
Group’s ability to execute and deliver its 
strategy, adapting our agenda and plans 
as appropriate as the year progressed. 

Following the external audit tender in 
January 2020 and the Board’s 
recommendation and shareholder approval 
at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in 
September, KPMG will be the external 
auditor from, and including, the 2021 
financial year. KPMG commenced its 
transition in November and liaised with 
IAG and operating company and functional 
management, as well as the incumbent 
auditor, EY, to be well placed to embark on 
the 2021 audit. We would like to thank the 
EY team members for their consistent 
delivery of quality audits. The smooth 
transition of the external audit remains a 
key priority of the Committee during 2021. 

As we look forward to this current year, 
2021, the Committee will continue to 
provide robust challenge of management 
and our new auditor as governments’ 
responses to the COVID-19 pandemic 
continue to devastate the aviation sector 
and the risk environment consequently 
further evolves. In addition to the topics 
outlined above, the Committee will 
continue to target known and emerging 
risk areas for deep dives to ensure that the 
transformation occurring across the Group, 
as well as challenges posed by continuing 
economic, regulatory and political change, 
are appropriately reflected in the Group’s 
accounting, internal control and 
compliance procedures. The Committee 
will also have regard to the developments 
in the UK Government’s current initiatives 
on audit reform and will ensure that the 
Company develops appropriate plans to 
comply with any changes in regulatory 
requirements. 

The Audit and Compliance 
Committee
The composition, competencies and 
operating remit of the Audit and 
Compliance Committee are regulated by 
article 29 of the Board Regulations. The 
Committee and Board approved revisions 
to Article 29 in February 2021 to reflect the 
latest guidance and regulatory 
requirements in Spain and the UK. A copy 
of these Regulations can be found on IAG’s 
website. 

The Committee’s responsibilities 
and activities
The Committee’s principal responsibility is 
to oversee and provide assurance to the 
Board with regards to the integrity and 
quality of financial reporting, effectiveness 
of audit arrangements and robustness and 
effective operation of internal controls and 
risk management processes. 

In addition to the Secretary and Deputy 
Secretary, regular attendees at Committee 
meetings included the Chairman, the Head 
of Group Audit (who reports functionally 
to the Chair of the Committee) and 
representatives from the external auditor. 
KPMG also attended all Committee 
meetings from November. Members of the 
management team, including the Chief 
Executive Officer, the Chief Financial 
Officer and the Group Financial Controller, 
were invited to attend specific agenda 
items as required and when relevant.

A summary of the Committee’s activities 
during 2020 and until the date of this 
report is detailed below. The Committee 
meeting agendas are always flexed to 
allow for ad-hoc discussion and reviews as 
and when required. 

A private session of the Committee 
members was held during each Committee 
meeting and, at least once a year, the 
Committee meets privately with each of 
the external and internal auditor. 

Further detail on significant financial 
reporting matters and other significant 
topics is provided in this report.

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Area of Committee  
focus

Financial 
reporting

External auditor

Internal auditor

Internal Control 
over Financial 
Reporting 
(ICFR)

Activities
 • reviewing the financial statements and announcements of the Group to ensure integrity;
 • consideration of the process for confirming and recommending to the Board that the 2020 Annual Report and 

Accounts is fair, balanced and understandable;

 • reviewing and challenging significant accounting estimates and judgements applied in the financial statements of 

the Group and related reporting and disclosures; and

 • reviewing and challenging management’s assessment of the going concern and viability of the Group.
 • completion of the competitive external audit tender and recommending the appointment of KPMG as the 2021 
external auditor, review of KPMG’s transition arrangements and plan and overseeing implementation progress;
 • approval of the 2020 external audit plan and strategy including consideration of scope, changes in approach and 

methodology, emerging industry- and Group-specific audit risks and materiality. Monitoring the audit plan’s 
implementation, including receiving regular reports from EY on key judgement and audit matters and any 
significant weaknesses detected in the internal control environment;

 • performing evidence-based assessment of the effectiveness and independence of the current external auditor, 

including the quality of the 2019 and 2020 audits, and reviewing and approving the EY fees and terms of 
reference; and

 • reviewing and approving 2020 non-audit services expenditure against policy and previously determined limit 

guidance. Reviewing and approving non-audit services limit guidance and expectations for 2021.

 • reviewing and agreeing the internal audit 2020 plan and 2021 first 6 months plan (including resourcing and 
budget to appoint appropriate external specialist resource when required), amendments to the plan (as the 
internal auditor responded to the pandemic’s impact on the Group) and effectiveness of the function;

 • reviewing key audit conclusions, discussing management’s responses and monitoring the resolution of issues 

raised;

 • holding regular meetings during the year between the Committee, the Head of Group Audit and the external 

audit partner as well as ensuring the Head of Group Audit feels able to raise any concerns informally and directly 
with the Chair of the Committee; and

 • monitoring and protecting Internal audit’s independence and standing within the Group, ensuring its ability to 
influence and engage at the most senior levels across IAG and all operating companies and functions and is 
closely involved in the Group’s discussions on risk.

 • consideration and challenge of management’s analysis of risks in financial reporting and documentation of 

accounting processes;

 • monitoring the internal controls manuals and procedures adopted by the Company, to verify compliance with 

them and review the designation and replacement of the individuals responsible for them; and

 • reviewing the results of the internal audits of ICFR, consideration of the external auditor’s findings and 

conclusions on this matter and tracking the progress of implementation of internal and external ICFR audit 
recommendations.

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Area of Committee 
Focus

Enterprise Risk 
Management 

Activities
 • reviewing the principal and emerging risks facing the Group, including gaining assurance as to the effectiveness 

of the internal control system, mitigations, and risk management process; 

 • reviewing the performance of the Group against its risk appetite and confirming management’s assessment that 
the Group has applied appropriate mitigations or other effective controls (such as frequent Board updates) to 
ensure that an appropriate risk appetite has operated throughout the period;

 • overseeing treasury risk management, including reviewing the Group’s fuel and foreign exchange hedging 

positions and financial counterparty exposure, and consideration of the implications of the approved hedging 
profile given the unprecedented decline in demand and its continued appropriateness in managing these 
risks; and

 • overseeing tax risk management and considering the tax strategy before recommending to the Board for 

approval and publishing on the IAG website.

Legal and 
compliance

 • reviewing the Group’s anti-bribery, sanctions, competition, privacy and Spanish Criminal Code compliance 
programmes including the latest related risk maps, regulatory developments, the key programme activities 
during 2020 and priorities for 2021;

 • reviewing the design of the internal control framework to prevent and detect fraud, including consideration of 
the key controls and assurance activities provided across the Group in relation to financial and non-financial 
fraud; and

 • reviewing the Group’s independent third party-facilitated whistleblowing procedures and the Annual Report on: 
incidents reported via the whistleblowing channels, by category and nature; timeliness and responsibility for 
follow-up; and investigations and actions taken to address substantiated reports; and

 • consideration of litigation status reports from the General Counsel including the status of remaining and potential 

civil litigation actions. Information relating to litigation is available in note 31 to the Financial statements.

Non-Financial 
Information

 • reviewing the processes and integrity of information provided in the Group’s Consolidated Statement of Non-
Financial Information prepared to comply with the requirements of Law 11/2018, including information on 
environmental, social, employee-related, and human rights-related matters; and

Governance and 
other matters

 • reviewing the information prepared to cover the Group’s longer-term sustainability and climate-related risks and 

opportunities, including the Group’s alignment with the provisions set out by the TCFD process.

 • reviewing and recommending to the Board the adoption of amendments to relevant policies. In 2020 

this included:
 • related party transactions policy;
 • external auditor services policy (incorporating changes from the Revised FRC Ethical Standard 2019); and
 • changes to existing policies and regulations resulting from the Revised CNMV Good Governance Code of 

Listed Companies June 2020.

Significant financial 
reporting matters 
considered by the Audit 
and Compliance Committee
The Committee takes account of 
significant issues and risks, including 
strategic, business and operating, financial, 
compliance and regulatory, that may 
impact the quarterly financial results 
announcements or the 2020 Annual 
Report and Accounts.

The Committee has also sought to ensure 
that the Group’s reporting is aligned with 
the latest guidance and requirements from 
regulators, that it is fair, balanced and 
understandable and that all matters 
disclosed and reported upon, including the 
Company’s response to the pandemic and 
its implications for the future strategy of 
the Group, meet the rapidly evolving needs 
of the Group’s stakeholders. 

The significant accounting judgements, 
estimates and issues considered by the 
Committee in relation to the Annual 
Report and Accounts for the year to 

December 31, 2020 (including those 
considered as significant audit issues by 
the external auditor and described in the 
Independent Auditor’s Report) are set out 
in the table below, together with a 
summary of the financial outcomes where 
appropriate. After robust challenge and 
debate, there are no topics where the 
conclusion resulted in significant 
disagreement between management, the 
external auditor and the Committee, or 
unresolved issues that needed to be 
referred to the Board

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Viability and going concern assessments
Matter
Throughout the year and in finalising the 2020 Financial 
Statements and Annual Report, given the economic uncertainty 
arising from the global COVID-19 pandemic and the further 
uncertainty and impact of the UK leaving the EU, the Committee 
has considered and robustly challenged management’s 
comprehensive going concern review and viability assessment, 
including the supporting analysis. 

Management sense-checked the assumptions underlying the Base 
Case projections and Downside scenarios by comparison to 
forecasts available from informed external commentators 
(including IATA, analysts etc). 

The Committee considered the enhanced level of assessment and 
rigour applied by management and agreed it was appropriate in 
light of the level of volatility in the external environment. The 
Committee considered management’s rationale for assuming the 
Group would be able to raise additional financing over the agreed 
Viability assessment period.

The Committee also reviewed the external auditor’s findings and 
conclusions on this matter, particularly at half year and year end 
and their review of working capital for the purpose of the capital 
increase in September.

The Committee had regard to the recent going concern guidance 
issued by the FRC.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee provided robust challenge of the assumptions 
applied in management’s evolving Base Case projections 
(reflecting the deteriorating impact of the pandemic and related 
government responses), the severe but plausible Downside 
sensitivity scenarios and underlying assumptions and the reverse 
stress test scenario. Management responded to the Committee’s 
concerns and, during the review in July provided additional 
granularity and insight in their analysis and assumptions, 
particularly in respect of the revenue and capacity forecasts. This 
was repeated in the year end review.

Following this thorough challenge, the Committee recommended 
the viability and going concern statements and related 
disclosures to the Board for inclusion in the 2020 half year interim 
results announcement, the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts 
and preliminary results announcement, including a related 
‘material uncertainty’ statement in respect of going concern and 
significantly expanded disclosures.

The Committee will continue to robustly monitor the Group’s 
viability assessment going forward.

Capital increase, funding strategy and capital allocation
Matter
Following shareholder approval on September 8, 2020, IAG 
commenced a fully underwritten capital increase to raise gross 
proceeds of €2,741 million. The Committee provided robust and 
constructive challenge and support to management throughout 
the capital increase process, including the planning stages of the 
process, to ensure the existence of a strong rationale and 
business case. Throughout the process the Committee 
considered the views of the external auditor and reporting 
accountant.

Outcome/future actions
Specifically, the Committee:

 • Reviewed the working capital statement. The nature of the 

Committee’s review was the same as that applied in reviewing 
the going concern and viability assessments (see above). 
 • Reviewed the Financial Position and Prospects Procedures 
(FPPP) report from the reporting accountant including 
challenging potential talent retention issues and the potential 
consequences for the effectiveness of the Group’s processes 
and internal controls.

Due to the ongoing significant risk and implications for resilience 
and future viability resulting from trading challenges and other 
influences outside the control of the Group, the Committee has 
recently agreed with the Board that all funding strategy and 
capital allocation matters will be reviewed directly by the Board 
(rather than the Committee).

 • Challenged management on the level of credit risk associated 
with the proposed arrangements for the receipt of the funds 
from the capital raise. Management subsequently reached an 
alternative agreement with the banks involved in the capital 
increase, mitigating the risk in accordance with the Group’s 
treasury policy.

 • Challenged the sufficiency of the Directors’ and Officers’ liability 

insurance cover considering the heightened risks and value 
associated with the capital increase. Additional cover was 
subsequently obtained for the period required. 

 • Reviewed and commented on various drafts of the Prospectus, 

providing appropriate assurance to the Board.

 • Considered management’s accounting treatment of the rights 

issue, transaction costs and related disclosures. 

118

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Exceptional items
Matter
During 2020, various costs were regarded as exceptional items as 
they were incurred solely because of the impact of the pandemic 
and management’s response. These exceptional items included 
discontinuance of hedges of fuel derivatives and foreign currency 
derivatives, impairment of fleet assets stood down, write-down of 
expendable inventories related to fleet impairment and 
restructuring costs.

In addition, certain other non-recurring material items (unrelated 
to the pandemic) were proposed as exceptional items by 
management, including the fine imposed in October 2020 from 
the UK Information Commissioner’s Office relating to the theft of 
customer data at British Airways in 2018. 

Outcome/future actions
The Committee reviewed management’s process for measuring 
derivative hedges to be discontinued and for reviewing and 
testing potential impairment, considered the reasonableness of 
the judgements and estimates deriving the exceptional items and 
the rationale for classifying them as COVID-19 related. In addition, 
the Committee considered the external auditor’s findings and 
conclusions.

The Committee debated with management the classification and 
disclosure of exceptional items in the financial statements with 
reference to the Group’s policy, the views of the external auditor 
and the comment letters received from the CNMV (in October 
and December 2020 – see more detail below) plus further 
guidance issued by ESMA and the FRC.

The Committee concluded that the approach taken in respect of 
identifying exceptional costs arising purely as a result of 
COVID-19 was appropriate and has been applied in line with the 
Group’s policy and guidance from the relevant regulators and the 
judgements and estimates applied in determining the value of the 
relevant exceptional costs were reasonable.

The Committee and management agreed that the Group’s 
presentation of exceptional items in the 2020 Annual Report and 
Accounts would be altered and only disclosed in notes to the 
financial statements, as part of the Alternative Performance 
Measures disclosure note.

Revenue recognition of IAG Loyalty contract with American Express
Matter
Effective from August 1, 2020, IAG Loyalty renewed its co-brand 
and marketing contracts with American Express through to 2028.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee concluded that, as a critical estimate/judgement 
in the Annual Report and Accounts. the approach taken, and 
related disclosures, in respect of determining the amortisation 
period, amortisation method and annual reassessment of the 
upfront payment were appropriate.

While the performance obligations are consistent with the 
previous contract, the Committee considered management’s 
proposed accounting treatment of two new aspects of the 
renewed contract, being an upfront payment for Avios points and 
an upfront sign-on bonus. Management had been advised by 
external professional experts, PwC.

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Other significant matters considered 
Highlights of other key matters that the Committee considered are explained below.

CNMV letter
Matter
In October 2020 the Company received a letter from the Director 
of the Departamento de Informes Financieros y Corporativos of 
the CNMV, requesting certain information or clarification related 
to accounting matters and disclosures in the Group’s 2019 Annual 
Report and Accounts, 2020 condensed consolidated interim 
financial statements announcement and 2019 non-financial 
information statement. 

The Committee received confirmation from the auditor that the 
CNMV letter of October 2020 was representative of letters 
periodically sent to the largest corporates in Spain and there were 
no items of significance or concern raised in the letter.

Management prepared a comprehensive response to the 
enquiries from the CNMV set out in their letter of October 2020, 
which was approved by the Committee for submission to the 
CNMV on November 16, 2020.

Following the Company’s response to the CNMV letter of 
October, a further letter was received from the CNMV on 
December 28, 2020 that focused on the Company’s proposed 
treatment and disclosure of the impact of COVID-19 on the Group 
and its financial affairs and the disclosure of exceptional items.

IT, cyber security and GDPR
Matter
The Committee received an annual GDPR compliance update and 
quarterly updates from IAG Tech on the Group’s IT and cyber 
security improvement programme covering the strategy, 
methodology and framework being applied and deep dives into 
various aspects of the programme.

The Committee was pleased to note that management has 
retained the budgeted significant level of capital investment in 
the cyber security programme throughout 2020 and will continue 
to do so in 2021.

Fraud Procedures
Matter
The fraud risk profile of the Group evolved rapidly because of the 
global COVID-19 pandemic as well as working from home 
becoming common practice for many of the Group’s employees, 
auditors and suppliers.

The Committee reviewed and approved the amended internal 
audit plan adapted to monitor key anti-fraud controls as well as 
adopting an agile approach to assurance over the continuous 
operation of the key ICFR controls across the Group during this 
period.

In addition, the Committee reviewed the design of the internal 
control framework to prevent and detect fraud. This included 
consideration of the key controls and assurance activities taking 
place across the Group in relation to financial and non-financial 
fraud, whether from internal or external sources.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee reviewed and approved the response to the 
CNMV’s second letter of December 28, 2020. The Company’s 
response highlighted the intention to provide adequate disclosure 
of the impact of COVID-19 on the Group and agreement to alter 
the presentation and disclosure of exceptional items in the 
2020 Financial Statements (see note on Exceptional Items 
above).

It is anticipated that, following completion of the CNMV’s review 
(which may have already occurred), the CNMV’s letters and 
Company’s responses will be published on the CNMV’s website.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee received additional granularity and visibility of the 
key cyber improvement projects and agreed that the direction 
and pace of progress made by IAG Tech is as expected and risk 
levels are understood. The Committee noted that the constraining 
factor on the pace of programme implementation is the ability of 
the organisation to absorb the volume of significant change 
occurring across the Group plus availability in the marketplace of 
relevant skilled personnel.

The Committee will continue to monitor this business-critical 
programme in 2021 and has requested enhanced visibility of trend 
analysis and benchmarking data to better understand the Group’s 
progress.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee will continue to monitor fraud and internal 
controls carefully, including considering the views of the external 
auditor, the results of the annual ICFR audit and the results of 
focused anti-fraud control internal audits.

The Committee requested management to identify additional 
sources of fraud detection assurance going forward to ensure the 
framework around internal control is operating appropriately.

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020SWIFT compliance
Matter
SWIFT is a key supplier of secure financial messaging services to 
the Group to facilitate the settlement of payments and receipts 
with all counter parties. In 2018, SWIFT introduced its Customer 
Security Controls Framework to drive security improvement and 
transparency across the global financial community and a 
requirement for all SWIFT customers to complete an annual 
self-attestation assessment.

The Committee challenged management on the progress made 
towards full compliance with SWIFT’s requirements and 
requested regular status updates throughout 2020.

Outcome/future actions
Management demonstrated the progressive resolution of the 
compliance issues during the year. This included the successful 
delivery of a series of initiatives, including the movement towards 
cloud infrastructure for a critical treasury system. 

The Committee was pleased with management’s achievement of 
full compliance in 2020 despite the challenges experienced. The 
Committee will continue to receive regular updates in 2021.

Non-Financial Information (NFI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD)
Matter
As part of the Group’s Management Report, a Consolidated 
Statement of Non-Financial Information is prepared to comply 
with the requirements of Law 11/2018, on non-financial 
information and diversity.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee was reassured with management’s demonstration 
of close alignment with key sustainability frameworks including 
TCFD and the achievement of full compliance in 2020, despite 
the challenges experienced.

The Committee considered the challenges faced by management 
in collating, analysing and verifying the required employee data 
due to the impact of various government subsidies on 
remuneration and gender pay gap data during the year.

In addition, the Committee considered the impact of COVID-19 on 
the emissions levels of the Group and the disclosed 2020 ratio 
and indicator variances compared with 2019 data.

Audit reform 
Matter
The proposed reform of the audit environment, including 
implications for companies, boards and audit committees, is an 
area of regulatory development that the Committee continues to 
monitor closely.

The Committee considered management’s analysis of the 
Company’s current level of compliance with the relevant 
recommendations made by Sir Donald Brydon in his independent 
review of the quality and effectiveness of audit (the Brydon 
review).

In addition, the Committee considered management’s self-
assessment exercise which concluded the Group’s internal audit 
function practices are consistent or broadly consistent with the 
UK IIA Internal Audit Code of Practice released in January 2020.

The Committee will continue to receive regular updates in 2021.

Outcome/future actions
The Committee agreed with management’s recommendation that 
the Group will await the publication by BEIS of its consultation 
document on audit reform to identify a plan to achieve 
compliance by the date of required implementation. 

The Committee agreed to the recommended actions to address 
the aspects of the IA Code where the Group is currently partially 
compliant.

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Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors is ultimately 
responsible for the supervision of the 
existence and effectiveness of Internal 
Control over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”). 
The Board has delegated the responsibility 
for the development of effective controls 
to the Chief Executive Officer and the 
supervision of the effectiveness of these 
controls to the Audit and Compliance 
Committee. 

The Group’s ICFR monitoring and auditing 
covers processes applied by the Company, 
Aer Lingus, IAG Loyalty, British Airways, 
IAG GBS, Iberia, and Vueling and covers 
processes performed by IAG GBS and IAG 
Cargo on behalf of the operating 
companies. The Committee reviews and 
validates the Group’s approach to 
complying with the CNMV’s ICFR 
recommendations.

In 2020, the Committee reviewed the 
results of the internal audits of ICFR (which 
included IT general controls) as well as the 
results of the external audit. Despite the 
operating conditions of 2020 and remote 
working or furlough being applied for the 
majority of employees, no material or 
significant weaknesses were identified, and 
management continued to improve the 
control environment across the Group. The 
Committee also tracked the progress of 
internal audit recommendations to address 
any weaknesses identified.

Internal audit
The Committee considers and evaluates 
the level of Internal Audit resource and its 
quality, experience and expertise, 
supplemented as appropriate by third-
party support and subject matter 
expertise, to ensure it is appropriate to 
provide the required level of assurance 
over the principal risks, processes and 
controls throughout the Group. 

The Committee reviewed and approved 
the nature and scope of the work of 
Internal Audit throughout 2020. The half 
yearly audit plans were approved in 
January and July 2020 by the Committee, 
and all changes to the plan subsequently 
approved, including those to reflect the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 
rapidly changing risk profile of the Group. 
The 2020 audit plans were adapted to 
include agile and real-time assurance over 
fraud risk while also ensuring coverage of 
specific risks, including cyber security, and 
satisfying ICFR and Spanish Criminal Code 
requirements. Progress against the plan 
and the results of Internal Audit’s activities, 
including the quality and timeliness of 
management responses, was monitored 
throughout the year. 

The Committee undertook an effectiveness 
review of the Internal Audit function and 
its leadership, which concluded that 
Internal Audit remains effective, has coped 
well with the challenges of the COVID-19 

122

pandemic and continues to meet, adapt 
and add value to the needs of the Group. 

External audit
The Committee engaged throughout the 
year with EY, with the engagement 
partners attending all Committee meetings 
as well as a series of ad hoc meetings. The 
Committee Chair met with the Group and 
lead audit partners throughout the year, 
and more frequently at the public 
reporting periods, to review Group 
developments, audit progress and their 
planned reporting. The Committee also 
discussed with EY, prior to 
recommendation of the financial 
statements to the Board for approval, the 
audit findings, including audit differences, 
and observations on internal controls, 
operations and resources. 

Scope and execution 
The Committee discussed and agreed the 
scope of the audit with EY prior to the 
commencement of the year end audit, 
ensuring that the audit plan was robust 
and informed by the auditor’s review of 
the first half of the year financial 
statements. EY set out for the Committee 
the key tests that they intended 
performing on the identified higher-risk 
audit areas that could lead to material 
misstatement of the financial statements 
and significantly influenced the audit plan. 
The auditor and the Committee confirmed 
a shared understanding of these risks and 
key audit matters, including going concern 
and viability, the carrying value of tangible 
and intangible assets, the accounting for all 
Group financing arrangements and how 
these were to be considered in the audit 
approach. In addition, the Committee 
provided input to management and EY on 
areas that it wanted to receive additional 
audit attention, such as the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on current working 
from home practices (in respect of both 
IAG financial management and the audit 
team), loss of key people or any audit 
procedures involving physical 
inventory counts.

The auditor confirmed that 97 per cent 
(2019: 97 per cent) of the Group’s revenue 
and 91 per cent (2019: 96 per cent) of the 
Group’s total assets would be subject to a 
full scope audit and that specific scope 
procedures would be performed on IAG 
Loyalty and ICAG. The Committee 
challenged the auditor over the planned 
specific scope audit for IAG Loyalty and 
ICAG, however, following consideration of 
the combined coverage and clarification of 
the procedures adopted in a specific scope 
audit, the Committee agreed that the 
approach was appropriate and approved 
the plan.

The Committee agreed with EY, in 
considering the accuracy of financial 
reporting, the scale of accounting errors of 
lesser significance that were to be brought 
to the Committee’s attention and the 
amounts that would need to be adjusted 

so that the financial statements give a true 
and fair view. For 2020, EY proposed a 
different methodology to determining 
the overall audit planning materiality 
compared to that applied in the prior 
year given the economic and financial 
consequences of COVID-19 on the Group’s 
revenues and profitability. The Committee 
agreed that a significant reduction in 
materiality was appropriate, however 
challenged the method used in the 
calculation. The Committee was ultimately 
satisfied by the auditor’s explanation that, 
regardless of the method adopted, a 
similar result would be obtained and, in all 
cases, lead to a significant reduction in 
the planning materiality compared to 
2019 and therefore the level of audit work, 
specifically sample sizes, required of 
the auditor. 

External auditor quality and effectiveness
The Committee remains focused on audit 
quality and effectiveness, which is 
reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure 
the rigour and challenge of the external 
audit process is maintained. The 
Committee assessed and measured the 
quality of the audit through monitoring the 
auditor’s compliance with relevant 
regulatory, ethical and professional 
guidance and assessed the audit team’s 
qualifications, expertise, resources, partner 
rotation and the effectiveness of the audit 
process. The Committee’s assessment 
included a detailed discussion with key 
executives and finance staff, which 
demonstrated that management regarded 
the quality of the EY audit and the audit 
team’s overall performance as good. This 
aligned with the Committee’s independent 
assessment of the overall quality of the 
audit, including the independence of EY 
and whether the auditor exhibited an 
appropriate level of challenge and 
scepticism in their work and dealings 
with management. 

In particular, the Committee assessed the 
depth of review and level of challenge 
provided by the external auditor over the 
significant accounting judgements and 
estimates made by management. An 
example of where the Committee 
observed the external auditor demonstrate 
both professional scepticism and a 
challenge of management was in relation 
to the treatment of the ICO fine to British 
Airways as an exceptional item in the 
income statement. Whilst the Committee 
supported management’s rationale for 
treating the item as exceptional, the 
Committee observed healthy debate 
initiated by EY which ensured that 
management’s rationale was discussed in 
the Committee meetings throughout the 
year and the uncorrected misstatement in 
disclosure was included in the Board’s 
letter of representation

In addition to the annual evaluation and 
regular review of reports and the working 
practices of the EY audit team, the 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020External auditor non-audit services and 
independence 
Non-audit services provided by the 
external auditor are subject to a Board-
approved policy that prohibits certain 
categories of work and controls the overall 
level of expenditure. The Company 
complies voluntarily with the revised UK 
standards in relation to non-audit services.

The Committee reviews the nature and 
volume of projects undertaken by the 
external auditor on a quarterly basis and all 
projects are either pre-approved in line 
with the list of permitted services in the 
FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2019 or 
approved by the Committee Chair for 
projects over €100,000 or of an unusual 
nature. The overall volume of work is 
addressed by a target annual maximum of 
€1.6 million with an additional allowance of 
up to €1.2 million for large projects where 
the external auditor is uniquely placed to 
carry out the work. 

Average spend across the last three years 
was within the total target maximum. 
Spend in 2020 was €1,134,000 with an 
additional €1,238,000 relating to work 
performed on working capital and FPPP 
reviews for the capital increase completed 
in October, required under the regulations 
and most effectively performed by the 
statutory auditor. 20 per cent of the 
€1,134,000 spend related to recurring work 
on the audit of accounts required by the 
Group’s Joint Business arrangements. 
Details of the fees paid to the external 
auditor during the year can be found in 
note 6 to the Group financial statements. 

Committee undertook an ongoing 
assessment of external audit quality and 
effectiveness including, but not limited to, 
the following:

 • The Committee oversaw formal terms of 

engagement with the auditor and 
agreed the audit fee. EY assured the 
Committee that the approved fee was at 
a level that was appropriate for the 
scope of the audit and to enable a 
quality audit to be undertaken.

 • Reports from the external auditor were 

reviewed during four Committee 
meetings in 2020 and again in January 
and February 2021 Committee meetings, 
covering: the conclusions of the review 
of the Group’s results for the half year, 
interim audit findings, early warning 
report for year end matters, and final 
report for year end matters. 

EY attended all Committee meetings 
during the year, including ad-hoc 
meetings, to answer any questions the 
Committee had outside of these formal 
updates. The Committee is satisfied that 
the audit was probing, challenging and 
robust and the approach provided a 
reliable audit opinion with a reasonable 
expectation of detecting material errors, 
irregularities and material fraud. The 
Committee considered the external audit 
to have been effective and of a high 
quality.

External auditor reappointment
Having reviewed EY’s performance during 
2019, the Committee concluded that EY 
were independent and that it was in 
shareholders’ interests to re-appoint the 
firm for 2020 before the transition of the 
audit to KPMG in 2021. The Board of 
Directors refrains from engaging any audit 
firm entitled to be paid fees by the 
Company for all services rendered that are 
in excess of 10 per cent of such firm’s total 
revenue for the previous year. The EY lead 
audit and opinion signing partner for 2020 
was Hildur Eir Jónsdóttir, who has held her 
role since 2016.

External audit tender and transition
To comply with the Spanish Act 22/2015, 
the Committee conducted an audit tender 
process that concluded in January 2020. 
KPMG’s appointment as the auditor of the 
Company for the years 2021, 2022 and 
2023 was approved by shareholders at the 
General Meeting in September 2020. There 
were no contractual or similar obligations 
restricting the Group’s choice of external 
auditor. KPMG confirmed its independence 
in November 2020 and the Committee has 
since reviewed and monitored the 
implementation of KPMG’s transition plans.

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Report of the Remuneration Committee

As set out in more detail elsewhere in this 
report, it has clearly been a very 
challenging year for the Group, as a result 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to 
the unique challenges presented by 
COVID-19, and the subsequent capital 
increase, we have also seen a change in 
CEO following the decision by Willie Walsh 
to stand down from the role, along with a 
number of changes in the membership of 
the Management Committee level. The 
Committee recognises the magnitude of 
these challenges and changes, and the 
impact that they have had, whether that 
be on our shareholders, employees, 
customers, or wider stakeholder base.

At this time, we face a significant risk in the 
retention of our Management Committee 
and other key senior talent and it is 
important for our business that they are 
motivated, incentivised and remunerated 
appropriately to support the return to 
strong, sustainable business performance. 
Over the course of 2020, the Committee 
has sought to make decisions which 
appropriately balance these 
considerations. As a result, we were 
naturally disappointed with the lower than 
usual vote for our 2019 Annual Report on 
Remuneration at our delayed 2020 AGM. 
IAG has always recognised the need to 
build strong relationships with our 
investors through a process of open and 
transparent dialogue, and the Committee 
has continued that approach during 2020. 
We have consulted widely with 
shareholders over the last six months, both 
to ensure that we fully understand the 
reasons for the vote, as well as to get their 
views and feedback in relation to the next 
review of our Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy. I discuss both in more detail below, 
and would like to thank shareholders for 
their time and constructive feedback.

At the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting, we 
were disappointed that a significant 
minority voted against the 2019 Annual 
Report on Remuneration resolution but 
were confident that the decisions made 
with regard to remuneration were in line 
with our policy and were appropriate 
under the unique circumstances given the 
performance of the Company in 2019. 
Since then, we have engaged with 
shareholders to more fully understand their 
concerns and have had a number of 
productive meetings. The outcomes of 
these discussions are covered in more 
detail in the remuneration report.

Alberto Terol
Remuneration Committee Chair

Committee members

Alberto Terol 
(Chair) 

Nicola Shaw 

Emilio Saracho

Date appointed

December 31, 2020

January 1, 2018

June 20, 2019

Heather Ann 
McSharry
Eva Castillo Sanz December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

Dear Shareholder
As Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, and on behalf of the Board, 
I am pleased to present the Remuneration 
Report for 2020. This is my first report as 
Chairman of the Committee, having taken 
over the role from Deborah Kerr, who 
herself took over the role in September 
2020 from Marc Bolland. I would like to 
thank Marc and Deborah for their 
contributions during their time as Chair 
of the Committee and I am very much 
looking forward to serving you in this 
new role.

Former members of the Committee during 
2020 were:

 • Marc Bolland (Committee chair until 

September 8, 2020) left September 8, 
2020

 • Deborah Kerr (Committee chair 
from September 8, 2020) left 
December 31, 2020

 • Javier Ferrán left September 24, 2020
•  María Fernanda Mejía left  

December 31, 2020

124

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Capital increase
Finally, in October 2020 we carried out a 
€2.74 billion capital increase with a view to 
strengthening our financial position. The 
Committee considered the effects of this 
capital increase on the Company’s 
share-based plans and we took action to 
ensure that participants were neither 
advantaged nor disadvantaged as a result 
of the rights issue.

On behalf of the Committee, I appreciate 
your time in reading our 2020 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report, and hope that it will 
receive your support at our 2021 
Shareholders’ Meeting. I also hope that our 
final proposal following the review of our 
Remuneration Policy will also have your 
support as shareholders of the Company.

Approved by the Board and signed on its 
behalf by

Alberto Terol
Remuneration Committee Chairman

2020 Shareholders’ Meeting and 
shareholder consultation
Once the full impact of the pandemic 
became clear, particularly from late 
February 2020 onwards, we acted 
immediately and took decisive action on 
executive pay:

 • Executive directors and non-executive 

directors took a 20 per cent reduction in 
salary or fees from the beginning of April 
2020 until the end of the year. Heading 
into 2021, we are maintaining a reduction 
of 10%; and

•  Upon recommendation from the 

Committee, the Board took the decision 
to cancel the 2020 annual incentive plan.

At the same time, the Committee was 
considering 2019 incentive outcomes. As a 
result of strong financial and operational 
performance during 2019, the Committee 
was comfortable that the payments earned 
by employees, including the Executive 
Directors, were appropriately aligned with 
the overall Company circumstances and 
justifiable. At the time the outcomes were 
approved, the full impact of COVID-19 was 
not fully apparent.

By the time our 2020 Shareholders’ 
Meeting took place in September, the 
world was fully in the midst of the 
pandemic. The advisory vote on the 2019 
Annual Report on Remuneration was 
passed with 71.6 per cent in favour, a 
disappointing result given historical levels 
of support. In engaging with shareholders 
following the Shareholders’ Meeting, some 
expressed concerns as to whether the 
2019 bonus payments were aligned with 
the overall shareholder and employee 
experience, given subsequent events in 
2020. The Committee listened carefully to 
all feedback received, both on this issue, as 
well as wider discussions on our 
remuneration framework given our Policy 
was due for renewal. This helped shape the 
Committee’s thinking, and informed 
internal discussions regarding our Policy 
review.

Strategy and link to remuneration
IAG’s aim is to become the world’s leading 
airline group. Its strategy is to actively 
participate in the consolidation of the 
airline industry to create a multi-brand 
portfolio of leading airline businesses, each 
focused on addressing specific customer 
markets and geographies, while driving 
revenue and cost synergies through 
commercial cooperation, scale effects and 
leverage of the broader Group platform. 
Execution of this strategy, coupled with 
disciplined capital allocation, will allow IAG 
to deliver superior value and sustainable 
financial returns to its shareholders.

In reviewing the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, the Committee’s main objective is 
to ensure that remuneration at IAG is 
aligned with, and drives delivery of, our 
business and strategic priorities, because 
we see that as the best way to drive 
short-term and long-term performance. 
We recognise the need to ensure that 
there is alignment between performance 
and pay outcomes, such that the 
management team receive fair outcomes 
under our incentive plans only where this 
can be supported by Company and 
individual performance and wider 
stakeholder experience.

Summary of 2020 performance and 
incentive outcomes
As a result of the pandemic, following the 
report from the Committee, the Board 
took the decision to cancel the 2020 
annual incentive plan in its entirety.

The 2018 award of the PSP reached the 
end of its three-year performance period 
in 2020. As a result of the pandemic, all 
three measures (relative TSR, EPS, and 
RoIC) fell short of the threshold level at 
which payments begin, resulting in zero 
vesting overall for executive directors.

Board changes
Luis Gallego took over from Willie Walsh 
as IAG CEO in September 2020. The 
Committee carefully considered the 
leaving arrangements for Willie and the 
appointment package for Luis.

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Key elements of pay
Executive directors
The Company’s remuneration policy is to provide total 
remuneration packages which are linked to the business strategy, 
are competitive, and take into account each individual’s 
performance of their role in the Company’s work. 

The Committee is updated on pay and conditions of the 
employees within the Group, and takes this into account when 
considering executive directors’ remuneration. 

The current and proposed future Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy
The current Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved at the 
Shareholders’ Meeting on June 14, 2018. The policy was fully 
disclosed in the 2017 Directors’ Remuneration Report. It is the 
intention of the Committee that the proposed future policy will 
reflect a number of changes within the existing regulatory and 
corporate governance framework. The proposed future 
remuneration policy will be presented in reports that will 
accompany the notice of the 2021 Shareholders’ Meeting and will 
be submitted for a shareholder vote at that meeting.

REPORT OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Introduction
The Remuneration Committee takes responsibility for the 
preparation of the Report of the Remuneration Committee, 
which is approved by the Board.

The Company’s current policy on directors’ remuneration 
was approved by shareholders at the Shareholders’ Meeting 
on June 14, 2018. It was intended that the policy would 
apply for three years and, therefore, during 2020 the 
Committee commenced a review of the policy. The proposal 
for this new remuneration policy will be included as part of 
the reports that will accompany the notice of the 2021 
Shareholders’ Meeting.

As a Spanish incorporated company, IAG is subject to 
Spanish corporate law. The Spanish legal regime regarding 
directors’ remuneration is substantially parallel to that of the 
UK as far as directors´ remuneration disclosure and 
approval requirements are concerned.

The Company welcomes the opportunity provided by the 
Spanish CNMV allowing companies to prepare free format 
reports. Therefore, for the third consecutive year, IAG is 
presenting a consolidated report responding to Spanish and 
UK disclosure requirements. This report will be 
accompanied by a duly completed form which is required 
by the CNMV covering some relevant data. This is prepared 
in accordance with Spanish legislation and is available on 
the Company’s and the CNMV’s respective websites.

It is the Company’s intention once again to comply 
voluntarily with all reporting aspects of the UK legislation of 
2013, The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 
2018 (SI 2018/860) and The Companies (Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and Directors’ Remuneration Report) 
Regulations 2019, and to follow best practice UK standards.

In addition to the Remuneration Committee Chairman’s 
statement, this Directors’ Remuneration Report contains the 
Annual Report on Remuneration, which covers the 
information on directors’ remuneration paid in the 
reported year.

126

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Service contracts and exit payments policy
Executive directors
The following is a description of the key terms of the service contracts of executive directors.

The contracts of executive directors are for an indefinite period.

There are no express provisions in executives’ service contracts with the Company for compensation payable upon termination of 
those contracts, other than for payments in lieu of notice.

Executive director

Luis Gallego

Date of contract

September 8, 2020

Notice period

12 months

The period of notice required from the executive is six months; the period of notice required from the Company is 12 months. Where 
the Company makes a payment in lieu of notice, a lump sum in lieu of the first six months’ base salary is payable within 28 days of the 
date of termination of employment. A payment in respect of base salary for the second six month period only becomes payable if, in 
the Company’s opinion, the executive has taken reasonable steps to find alternative paid work and then only in six monthly instalments. 
The Company may reduce the sum payable in respect of any month by any amount earned by the executive (including salary and 
benefits) referable to work done in that month.

In the event of an executive’s redundancy, compensation, whether in respect of a statutory redundancy payment or a payment in lieu 
of notice or damages for loss of office is capped at an amount equal to 12 months’ base salary. The Company will honour the 
contractual entitlements of a terminated director; however, the Company may terminate an executive’s service contract with 
immediate effect and without compensation on a number of grounds including where the executive is incapacitated for 130 days in any 
12 month period, becomes bankrupt, fails to perform his duties to a reasonable standard, acts dishonestly, is guilty of misconduct or 
persistent breach of his duties, brings the Company into disrepute, is convicted of a criminal offence, is disqualified as a director, 
refuses to agree to the transfer of his service contract where there is a transfer of the business in which he is working or ceases to be 
eligible to work in Spain or the UK (as applicable).

Under the PSP and IADP if a director leaves, the Board, after considering the recommendation of the Remuneration Committee, may 
exercise its discretion (within the rules of the two schemes) to grant Good Leaver status. This can be granted in certain circumstances 
including for example (list not exhaustive) the director leaving for reasons of ill-health, redundancy, retirement or death. Executive 
directors leaving with Good Leaver status will receive shares awarded to them under the IADP scheme, and a pro-rata amount of their 
PSP shares subject to the company performance conditions being met. The pro-ration is calculated according to what proportion of 
the performance period the executive director spent in company service. If Good Leaver status is not granted to an executive director, 
all outstanding awards made to them under the PSP and IADP will lapse.

In the event of an executive director’s termination from the Company, they must not be employed by, or provide services to, a 
Restricted Business (i.e. an airline or travel business that competes with the Company) for a period of six months.

Non-executive directors
Non-executive directors (including the Chairman) do not have service contracts. Their appointment is subject to the Board regulations 
and the Company’s Bylaws. They do not have the right to any compensation in the event of termination as directors. Board members 
shall hold office for a period of one year. The dates of the Chairman’s and current non-executive directors’ appointments are as follows:

Non-executive director

Date of the first appointment

Javier Ferrán

Alberto Terol

Giles Agutter

Margaret Ewing

Robin Phillips

Emilio Saracho

Nicola Shaw

Peggy Bruzelius

Eva Castillo Sanz

Heather Ann McSharry

June 20, 2019

June 20, 2013

September 8, 2020 

June 20, 2019

September 8, 2020

June 16, 2016
January 1, 20181

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

Date of last re-election

September 8, 2020

September 8, 2020

–

September 8, 2020

–

September 8, 2020

September 8, 2020

–

–

–

1  Appointment approved by the annual Shareholders’ Meeting 2017 on June 15, 2017 but effective January 1, 2018.

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Annual Remuneration Report 
The Annual Remuneration Report sets out how the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (as approved by shareholders at the Shareholders’ 
Meeting on June 14, 2018) was put into practice in 2020 and how the current policy is being implemented in 2021.

The Committee’s activities during the year
In 2020, the Committee met nine times and discussed, amongst others, the following matters:

Meeting

Agenda items discussed

January (two 
meetings)

CEO exit arrangements

CEO succession remuneration arrangements

February

2019 annual incentive plan payments to IAG Management Committee members

Review of IAG Management Committee members’ basic salaries

2020 Management Committee role-specific objectives

Vesting outcome of the Performance Share Plan (PSP) 2017 award

Proposal of the 2020 annual incentive plan

Proposal of the 2020 PSP

Final review of 2019 Directors’ Remuneration Report

Review of incentive plans in all operating companies across the Group

Approval of remuneration for a new Management Committee member

Remuneration approach in response to COVID-19

Preparation for the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting

Remuneration implications as a result of the capital increase

Approval of remuneration for two new Management Committee members, and change in remuneration for the 
new CEO of British Airways (BA) on change of role 

CEO of BA exit arrangements

Executive remuneration market update

Remuneration strategy for 2021

June

July

September

October (two 
meetings)

December

Review of remuneration measures introduced in response to COVID-19

Initial review of proposed future remuneration policy

Subject to audit
Single total figure of remuneration for each executive director
The table below sets out the single total figure and breakdown for each executive director during 2020. An explanation of how the 
figures are calculated follows the table.

Salary

Benefits

Pension

Total Fixed

Annual 
incentive

Long-term 
incentive

Total Variable

Total

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

Director (’000)

Luis Gallego (GBP)1, 2

Luis Gallego (euro)
Steve Gunning (GBP)1, 3

Steve Gunning (euro)
Willie Walsh (GBP)1, 4

Willie Walsh (euro)

Total (€’000)

2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
–

206

69

26

–

–

232

–

315
519
585 358
511 850
576 967
1,393 1,325

78

18

20

23

26

124

–

8

9

30

34

43

29

65

–

39

301

339

602

–

–

362

73

44

411
678
662 1,093
213
128
144 242
746 1,243
246 286 1,763 1,654

–

–

–

–

–

–

286

325

883
–
– 1,004
1,329
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

380

432

1,222
–
– 1,390
1,822
–

–

–

–

–

–

666

757
–
– 2,105
– 2,394
3,151
–

301

–

–
339
602 1,028
1,168
678
662 3,198
746 3,637
1,763 4,805

1  Remuneration for all executive directors above is paid in sterling and expressed in euro for information purposes only.
2  Luis Gallego joined the Board on September 8, 2020.
3  Steve Gunning stepped down from the Board on December 31, 2020, having joined the Board on June 20, 2019.
4  Willie Walsh stepped down from the Board on September 8, 2020.

128

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Additional explanations in respect of the single total figure table for 2020
Each director has confirmed in writing that they have not received any other items in the nature of remuneration other than those 
already disclosed in the table above.

Base salary
Salary paid in year for executive directors. All executive directors agreed to a 20 per cent reduction in base salary as a result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Willie Walsh had a reduction in salary from £850,000 to £680,000 from April 1, 2020 until his retirement. Steve 
Gunning had a reduction in salary from £610,000 to £488,000 from April 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. Luis Gallego had a reduction 
from his salary on appointment of £820,000 to £656,000 from his date of appointment to December 31, 2020. These reductions are 
reflected in the single total figures in the table above.

Taxable benefits
Taxable benefits including personal travel and, where applicable, a company car, fuel and private health insurance. Luis Gallego also 
received payments towards relocation costs. 

Pension-related benefits
Employer’s contribution to pension scheme and/or cash in lieu of pension contribution. 

Annual incentive plan
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual incentive plan for the year to December 31, 2020 was cancelled.

Long-term incentive vesting
This relates to the IAG PSP 2018 award based on performance measured to December 31, 2020. The outcomes of the performance 
conditions resulted in zero vesting for executive directors and are described in detail later in this report.

For the year to December 31, 2020, the €:£ exchange rate applied is 1.1273 (2019: 1.1371).

Share price appreciation and depreciation
The amount of remuneration attributable to share price appreciation is zero, as there was zero vesting of the IAG PSP 2018 award. The 
Committee has not exercised any discretion as a result of share price appreciation or depreciation for any of the remuneration in the 
above table.

Life Insurance
The Company provides life insurance for all executive directors. For the year to December 31, 2020 the Company paid contributions of 
€15,366 (2019: €26,790).

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Subject to audit
Variable pay outcomes 
2020 Annual Incentive Plan
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Annual Incentive Plan was cancelled.

IAG PSP award 2018
The IAG PSP award granted on May 10, 2018 was tested at the end of the performance period which began on January 1, 2018 and 
ended on December 31, 2020. The awards were equivalent to 200 per cent of salary for Willie Walsh, who was Chief Executive Officer 
of IAG at the time of the award, and 150 per cent of salary for Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, who was Chief Financial Officer of IAG at the 
time of the award. Luis Gallego and Steve Gunning, who were not executive directors at the time of the award, received awards of 150 
per cent and 120 per cent of salary respectively.

One-third of the award was subject to a TSR performance condition measured against the TSR performance of the MSCI European 
Transportation (large and mid-cap) index, one-third subject to achievement of the Company’s adjusted EPS targets (diluted EPS, 
adjusted for exceptional items), and one-third subject to RoIC. The definition of RoIC used was the methodology as described in the 
Company’s 2017 Annual Report and Accounts. The vesting of any award was subject to the Board being satisfied that the Group’s 
underlying financial performance was satisfactory in the circumstances prevailing over the three-year period.

The outcome of the performance condition was as follows:

Measure

Threshold

Maximum

Outcome

TSR performance compared to the TSR 
performance of the MSCI European 
Transportation (large and mid-cap)  
index (one-third)

IAG’s TSR performance 
equal to the index (25 
per cent of award 
vests)

IAG’s TSR performance 
exceeds index by 8 per 
cent p.a. (100 per cent 
of award vests)

IAG underperformed 
the index by 20.7 per 
cent p.a.

Vesting (as per 
cent award 
granted in 2018)

0 per cent

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) 
(one-third)

Return on Invested Capital (RoIC) 
(one-third)

2020 EPS of 
130 €cents (10 per cent 
of award vests)

2020 EPS of 170 €cents 
(100 per cent of award 
vests)

2020 RoIC of  
13 per cent (10 per cent 
of award vests)

2020 RoIC of  
16 per cent (100 per 
cent of award vests)

(122.6) €cents

0 per cent

(22.4) per cent

0 per cent

Details of any discretion exercised

Overall outcome for executive directors

0 per cent

IAG PSP award 2017
The IAG PSP award granted on March 6, 2017 was tested at the end of the performance period which began on January 1, 2017 and 
ended on December 31, 2019. The awards were equivalent to 200 per cent of salary for Willie Walsh, who was Chief Executive Officer 
of IAG at the time of the award, and 150 per cent of salary for Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, who was Chief Financial Officer of IAG at the 
time of the award. Luis Gallego and Steve Gunning, who were not executive directors at the time of the award, received awards of 150 
per cent and 120 per cent of salary respectively.

The performance measures, and their weightings and definitions, were the same as described above for the 2018 award. The vesting of 
any award was subject to the Board being satisfied that the Group’s underlying financial performance was satisfactory in the 
circumstances prevailing over the three-year period.

The outcome of the performance condition was as follows:

Measure

Threshold

Maximum

Outcome

TSR performance compared to the TSR 
performance of the MSCI European 
Transportation (large and mid-cap)  
index (one-third)

IAG’s TSR 
performance equal to 
the index (25 per 
cent of award vests)

IAG’s TSR 
performance exceeds 
index by 8 per cent 
p.a. (100 per cent of 
award vests)

IAG outperformed 
the index by 4.3 per 
cent p.a.

Vesting (as per cent 
award granted in 2017)

65 per cent

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) 
(one-third)

Return on Invested Capital (RoIC) 
(one-third)

Details of any discretion exercised

Overall outcome

2019 EPS of 100 
€cents (10 per cent 
of award vests)

2019 EPS of 130 
€cents (100 per cent 
of award vests)

2019 RoIC of 12 per 
cent (10 per cent of 
award vests)

2019 RoIC of 15 per 
cent (100 per cent of 
award vests)

116.8 €cents

60 per cent

14.7 per cent

91 per cent

72.11 per cent

130

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Subject to audit
Scheme interests awarded during the financial year
The IAG PSP is a discretionary plan targeted at key senior Group executives and managers who directly influence shareholder value. 
The Company granted an award under the PSP on March 6, 2020. The table in this section sets out the key details of the award.

The Committee believes that comparing the Company’s TSR to that of European transportation companies, including airlines, is 
appropriate, given that these companies are subject to external influences impacting share price performance similar to those of the 
Group. As outlined in last year’s report, for the first time the index will be the STOXX Europe 600 Travel and Leisure Index, as the Board 
believes this is an appropriate benchmark, particularly as the index includes a large number of other airlines. This comparison provides 
a good reference point for management outperformance and value creation.

Adjusted EPS reflects the underlying profitability of our business and the core elements of value creation for our shareholders.

The Company uses rolling RoIC as a profitability indicator to assess efficient return on the Group’s asset base. It quantifies how well the 
airlines generate cash flow in relation to the capital invested in their businesses together with their ability to fund growth and to pay 
dividends.

PSP 2020 – eligibility, metrics and targets

Type of award 

Shares

Basis of determination of the size of award Awards only made to those executives who are consistently high-performing, and/or are 

in key roles, and/or whom the Company wishes to retain in the long term.

Face value awarded (per cent of salary)

Grant price 

Performance period

CFO of IAG – 175 per cent

CEO of IAG (Luis Gallego) 
– 200 per cent 
No award made to Willie 
Walsh, as his retirement had 
been announced shortly 
before the date of award

£4.59

January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022

Performance conditions and weightings

Threshold

Target

Maximum

TSR performance compared to the TSR 
performance of the STOXX Europe 600 
Travel and Leisure Index 
(one-third weighting)

IAG’s TSR performance 
equal to the index 
25 per cent vests

Adjusted EPS. Measure is adjusted EPS in 
final year of the performance period, i.e. 
2022 adjusted EPS 
(one-third weighting)

EPS of 140 €cents  
10 per cent vests

RoIC. Measure is RoIC in final year of the 
performance period, i.e. 2022 RoIC 
(one-third weighting)

RoIC of 14 per cent 
10 per cent vests

IAG’s TSR performance 
between index return and 8 
per cent p.a. outperformance 
(straight-line vesting 
between threshold and 
maximum)

EPS between 140 €cents and 
180 €cents 
(straight-line vesting 
between threshold and 
maximum)

RoIC between 14 per  
cent and 16 per cent  
(straight-line vesting 
between threshold and 
maximum)

IAG’s TSR performance 
exceeds index by 8 per cent 
p.a. 
100 per cent vests

EPS of 180 €cents 
100 per cent vests

RoIC of 16 per cent 
100 per cent vests

Holding period

Additional period of two years after the performance period

The adjusted EPS and RoIC measures are as defined for the 2018 PSP award earlier in the report. The Board, after considering the 
recommendation of the Remuneration Committee, retains the discretion to review and, if appropriate, revise the adjusted EPS targets 
and/or definition in the context of any corporate transactions, provided that, in its view, any revised targets are no more or less 
challenging than the original targets. To the extent that any such adjustments are made, the Committee will disclose the basis for any 
adjustments and the rationale in subsequent reports. Further details in relation to Committee discretion and malus and clawback 
provisions are set out in the Company’s Remuneration Policy.

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Subject to audit
Total pension entitlements
Willie Walsh is not a member of the Company’s pension scheme and the Company, therefore, did not pay any contributions in his time 
as an executive director during the reporting period (January 1, 2020 to September 8, 2020) (2019: zero). He received cash in lieu of 
contributions of £127,822 (2019: £212,500).

Luis Gallego is not a member of the Company’s pension scheme and the Company, therefore, did not pay any contributions in his time 
as an executive director during the reporting period (September 8, 2020 to December 31, 2020). He received cash in lieu of 
contributions of £25,780.

Steve Gunning is not a member of the Company’s pension scheme and the Company, therefore, did not pay any contributions during 
the reporting period (2019: zero). He received cash in lieu of contributions of £64,812 (2019: £39,357).

Payments for loss of office: Willie Walsh
On January 9, 2020 it was announced that Willie Walsh had decided to retire as Chief Executive and would step down from the Board 
on March 26, 2020. Because of the exceptional circumstances that faced the aviation industry due to COVID-19, it was announced on 
March 16, 2020 that he would delay his retirement for a short period. He stepped down from the Board and retired from the Company 
on September 8, 2020.

The details of his leaving arrangements were set out in the 2019 remuneration report and these were unaltered except for his revised 
leaving date. His outstanding performance share plans (2018 and 2019 awards) were pro-rated to his new leaving date of September 8, 
2020, as opposed to the date of June 30, 2020 as stated in the 2019 Remuneration Report. As reported earlier in this report, the 2018 
award of the performance share plan resulted in zero vesting.

Since leaving the Company, he has received a payment of £75,192 in lieu of 23 days of accrued but untaken holiday entitlement.

No other loss of office payments were made during the year in excess of the minimum threshold of £1,000 set for this purpose.

Payments for loss of office: Enrique Dupuy de Lôme
The former Chief Financial Officer of IAG, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme (who stood down from the Board on June 20, 2019) has received 
the following payments during 2020:

Basic salary of £164,091, taxable benefits of £8,693, and pension benefits of £41,023 (cash allowance). The details for the vesting of his 
outstanding IADP and PSP awards were set out in the 2019 Remuneration Report and these are unaltered.

Payments to past directors
Baroness Kingsmill received travel benefits worth €3,395 during 2020.

James Lawrence received travel benefits worth €7,192 during 2020.

Dame Marjorie Scardino received travel benefits worth €13,757 during 2020.

Patrick Cescau received travel benefits worth €12,114 during 2020.

Marc Bolland received travel benefits worth €2,129 during 2020 after he had left the Company.

Kieran Poynter received travel benefits worth €4,116 during 2020 after he had left the Company.

Subject to audit
Statement of directors’ shareholding and share interests
In order that their interests are aligned with those of shareholders, each executive director is required to build up and maintain a 
minimum personal shareholding in the Company.

Under the Group’s shareholding guidelines, the CEO of IAG is required to build up and maintain a shareholding of 350 per cent of 
salary. Other executive directors are required to build up and maintain shareholdings of 200 per cent of salary. In addition, they are 
required to retain all shares (net of tax) which vest from share plans until their respective shareholding requirement is attained. The 
Committee has reviewed executive directors’ progress against the requirements and notes that both executive directors are above the 
shareholding requirement.

Shares which count towards the guideline include shares already held by the executive, vested and exercised shares, vested and 
unexercised shares including those in the performance share plan holding period, and unvested deferred annual incentive shares. The 
table below summarises current executive directors’ interests as of December 31, 2020:

Executive director

Shareholding requirement

Shares already 
vested, or in 
the holding 
period, from 
performance  
share plans

Shares already 
vested from 
deferred annual 
incentive plans

Shares 
owned

Unvested shares 
from deferred 
annual  

incentive plans

Total qualifying shareholding

Luis Gallego

350 per cent of salary

403,834

513,747

89,785

130,565

Steve Gunning

200 per cent of salary

228,473

220,986

84,220

93,185

1,137,931 
(498 per cent of salary)

626,864 
(342 per cent of salary)

The current Remuneration Policy does not cover post-cessation shareholding requirements. However, the new Remuneration Policy 
(subject to approval at the 2021 Shareholders’ Meeting) will provide details of post-cessation shareholding requirements.

132

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020External non-executive directorship
The Company’s consent is required before an executive director can accept an external non-executive appointment and permission is 
only given in appropriate circumstances. During the reporting period in question, Steve Gunning was a non-executive director at 
FirstGroup Plc, for which he received a fee of €55,576.

Non-executive directors
Non-executive directors are paid a flat fee each year, as per the following table:

Role

Non-executive Chairman (this fee relates to Antonio Vázquez, who stood down from the Board on January 7, 2021. The 
fee for the new Chairman is covered in the 2021 implementation section).

Non-executive directors

Additional fee for holding a Committee chairmanship

Additional fee for Senior Independent Director

Fee

€645,000

€120,000

€20,000

€30,000

As set out in the British Airways and Iberia merger documentation, the conditions of IAG’s former Chairman’s service contract as an 
Iberia executive were taken into account at the time of the merger, meaning that he continued to be entitled to a lump-sum retirement 
benefit in an amount of €2,800,000. This was externalized at that time in the corresponding insurance policy, with the fund balance 
under the policy (including accrued interest) being payable upon exit from the Company for any reason. Pursuant to such conditions, 
following his retirement on January 7, 2021, Antonio Vázquez received his retirement benefit as set forth above by collecting the fund 
balance under the policy.

Subject to audit
Single total figure of remuneration for each non-executive director

Director  
(€’000)

Antonio Vázquez

Alberto Terol
Patrick Cescau1
Giles Agutter2
Marc Bolland3
Margaret Ewing4
Javier Ferrán5
Deborah Kerr6
María Fernanda Mejía7
Robin Phillips8
Kieran Poynter9

Emilio Saracho
Dame Marjorie Scardino10

Nicola Shaw

Total (€’000)

2020 fees

Taxable  
benefits

Total for year 
to December 
31, 2020

2019 fees

Taxable  
benefits

Total for year 
to December 
31, 2019

548

128

–

30

84

107

107

107

102

30

84

102

–

102

1,531

–

10

–

–

3

4

4

–

15

–

2

6

–

1

45

548

138

–

30

87

111

111

107

117

30

86

108

–

103

645

136

71

–

138

64

64

120

120

–

140

120

58

120

5

26

27

–

19

1

2

11

14

–

24

18

40

16

650

162

98

–

157

65

66

131

134

–

164

138

98

136

1,576

1,796

203

1,999

1  Patrick Cescau retired from the Board on June 20, 2019.
2  Giles Agutter joined the Board on September 8, 2020.
3  Mark Bolland retired from the Board on September 8, 2020.
4  Margaret Ewing joined the Board on June 20, 2019.
5  Javier Ferrán joined the Board on June 20, 2019.
6  Deborah Kerr stepped down from the Board on December 31, 2020.
7  María Fernanda Mejía stepped down from the Board on December 31, 2020. 
8  Robin Phillips joined the Board on September 8, 2020.
9  Kieran Poynter retired from the Board on September 8, 2020.
10 Dame Marjorie Scardino retired from the Board on June 20, 2019.

Peggy Bruzelius, Eva Castillo Sanz, and Heather Ann McSharry joined the Board on December 31, 2020 but had no remuneration for 
2020.

Additional explanations in respect of the single total figure table 
Each director has confirmed in writing that they have not received any other items in the nature of remuneration other than those 
already disclosed in the table above.

Fees
Fees paid in the year for non-executive directors. All non-executive directors agreed to a reduction in fees of 20 per cent from April 1, 
2020 to December 31, 2020. The fees subject to a reduction were non-executive director fees, the non-executive chairman fee, the 
additional fee for the Senior Independent Director, and the additional fee for holding a Committee chairmanship and this reduction is 
reflected in the table above.

Taxable benefits
Taxable benefits including personal travel.

For the year to December 31, 2020, the €:£ exchange rate applied is 1.1273 (2019: 1.1371).

133

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Subject to audit
Directors’ interests in shares

Antonio Vázquez 

Luis Gallego

Alberto Terol 

Giles Agutter

Margaret Ewing

Javier Ferrán

Robin Phillips

Emilio Saracho

Nicola Shaw

Peggy Bruzelius

Eva Castillo Sanz

Heather Ann McSharry

Total

Total shares 
and voting 
rights

1,490,726

749,784

66,341

625

18,750

774,750

0

0

4,285

0

0

0

3,105,261

Percentage 
of capital

0.030

0.015

0.001

0.000

0.000

0.016

0.000

0.000

0.000

0.000

0.000

0.000

0.062

There have been no changes to the shareholdings set out above between December 31, 2020 and the date of this report.

Share scheme dilution limits
The Investment Association sets guidelines that restrict the issue of new shares under all the Company’s share schemes in any ten-year 
period to 10 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital and restrict the issues under the Company’s discretionary schemes to 5 per 
cent in any ten-year period. At the annual Shareholders’ Meeting on June 14, 2018 the Company was given authority to allocate up to 
45,000,000 shares (2.26 per cent of the share capital at that time) in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Of this a maximum of 5,100,000 shares 
could be allocated to executive directors under all IAG share plans for awards made during 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Company performance graph and CEO of IAG ‘single figure’ table 
The chart shows the value by December 31, 2020 of a hypothetical £100 invested in IAG shares on listing compared with the value of 
£100 invested in the FTSE 100 index over the same period. A spot share price has been taken on the date of listing, and a three-month 
average has been taken prior to the year ends. 

The FTSE 100 was selected because it is a broad equity index of which the Company is a constituent, and the index is widely 
recognised.

IAG’s total shareholder return (TSR) performance compared to the FTSE 100

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Jan 2011

Dec 2011

Dec 2012

Dec 2013

Dec 2014

Dec 2015

Dec 2016

Dec 2017

Dec 2018

Dec 2019

Dec 2020

IAG

FTSE 100

The table below shows the CEO ‘single total figure’ of remuneration for each year since the creation of IAG in January 2011:

CEO of IAG – ‘total single figure’ 
of remuneration

Annual incentive payment as a 
percentage of the maximum

Long-term incentive vesting as a percentage of the 
maximum

2011

2012 

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

£1,550,000

£1,083,000

£4,971,000

£6,390,000

£6,455,000

£2,462,000

£3,954,000

£3,030,000

£3,198,000

18 per cent of maximum

35 per cent of maximum

No annual incentive payment

Zero vesting of long-term incentives

78.75 per cent of maximum

100 per cent of maximum

97.78 per cent of maximum

85 per cent of maximum

80 per cent of maximum

100 per cent of maximum

33.33 per cent of maximum

50 per cent of maximum

92.92 per cent of maximum

66.67 per cent of maximum

61.85 per cent of maximum

46.19 per cent of maximum

51.97 per cent of maximum

72.11 per cent of maximum

2020 Willie Walsh £662,000

No annual incentive payment

Zero vesting of long-term incentives

Luis Gallego £301,000

No annual incentive payment

Zero vesting of long-term incentives

Single total figure of remuneration includes basic salary, taxable benefits, pension-related benefits, annual incentive award and long-
term incentive vesting and in 2020 reflects the reduction in salary from April 1 to December 31, 2020.

2011 figure includes 20 days of remuneration in January 2011 paid by British Airways.

134

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Percentage change in remuneration of the CEO of IAG compared to employees 
The table below shows how the remuneration of the CEO of IAG has changed for 2020 compared to 2019. 

This is then compared to a group of appropriate employees. It has been determined that the most appropriate group of employees are 
all UK employees in the Group, which comprised around 39,000 employees at the beginning of 2020 but, following restructurings in 
the Group as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were around 29,000 employees at the end of 2020. To make the comparison 
between the CEO of IAG and employees as meaningful as possible, it was determined that as large a group as possible of employees 
should be chosen. 

The selection of all UK employees in the Group (roughly two-thirds of the entire Group’s employees) meets these criteria. The majority 
of the UK employees in the Group are employed by British Airways, but there are also a number of employees from all other companies 
in the Group based in the UK. It was determined that employees outside the UK would not be considered for the comparison, as very 
different employment market conditions exist in other countries.

CEO of IAG

UK employees

Basic 
salary

Annual 
incentive

Taxable 
benefits

No basic salary increase for 2020 (Willie Walsh). Luis Gallego’s basic salary on 
appointment was 3.5 per cent lower than the final (non-reduced) basic salary of 
Willie Walsh.

Basic salary awards in 2020 to UK based 
employees varied from zero to around 3.0 
per cent.

Decrease from £883,000 (Willie Walsh) in March 2020 (covering the 2019 
performance period) to zero in March 2021 (covering the 2020 performance 
period) (both Willie Walsh and Luis Gallego), as the 2020 annual incentive was 
cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

No change in benefits policy.  
Actual payments were £23,000 (Willie Walsh) and £69,000 (Luis Gallego) in 
2020, and were £30,000 (Willie Walsh) in 2019. Luis Gallego’s benefits included 
relocation costs.

Annual incentive payments in 2020 were 
zero in all companies in the Group, as a 
result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

No change in benefits policy.  
Overall costs 2020 versus 2019 increased 
slightly in line with inflation.

Change in directors’ remuneration compared to employees
The table below shows the percentage change between 2019 and 2020 in salary/fee, benefits and annual bonus for directors compared 
with average earnings for UK employees in the Group.

Director 

Luis Gallego

Steve Gunning

Willie Walsh

Antonio Vázquez

Alberto Terol

Giles Agutter

Marc Bolland

Margaret Ewing

Javier Ferrán

Deborah Kerr

María Fernanda Mejía

Robin Phillips

Kieran Poynter

Emilio Saracho

Nicola Shaw

Average pay based on the Group’s UK employees

Salary/fees

Taxable  
benefits

Annual 
incentive

–

65%

(40%)

(15%)

(6%)

–

(39%)

67%

67%

(11%)

(15%)

–

(40%)

(15%)

(15%)

(12%)

–

125%

(23%)

(100%)

(62%)

–

(84%)

300%

100%

(100%)

7%

–

(92%)

(67%)

(94%)

-

–

(100%)

(100%)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

-

For Steve Gunning, Margaret Ewing, and Javier Ferrán, the increase in fees is because the 2019 fee was only for the period after they 
joined the Board, which was on June 20, 2019. 

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Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows, for 2020 and 2019, total remuneration costs, adjusted operating profit/(loss) and dividends for the Company.

Total employee costs, IAG1

Total remuneration, directors (including non-executive directors)

IAG adjusted operating (loss)/profit (before exceptional items)

Dividend declared

Dividend proposed

2020

2019

€3,247,000,000

€4,962,000,000

€3,339,000

€7,485,000

(€4,365,000,000)

€3,285,000,000

–

–

€288,000,000
Cancelled2

1  Total employee costs are before exceptional items, and include furlough grants received.
2  The Company announced on April 2, 2020 that the 2019 proposed final dividend of €337,000,000 was cancelled.

CEO Pay Ratio
The table below shows the ratio of pay between the CEO of IAG and IAG’s UK employees. The CEO of IAG remuneration is the 2020 
‘single figure’ total remuneration and is a combined figure for the two CEOs of IAG who were in this role during 2020. This is compared 
with the 25th, median and 75th percentile 2020 total remuneration of full-time equivalent UK employees in IAG. The Government’s 
methodology “Option A” has been used to calculate the remuneration, as we believe that this is the option that most investors favour, 
and gives the most accurate and robust ratio. The data for the UK employees is from the payroll records of 37,081 UK employees who 
were in the Group for the whole of or some of 2020.

Percentile

25th (Lower Quartile) 
50th (Median)
75th (Upper Quartile)

CEO of IAG Pay Ratio
2019 

109:1

72:1

49:1

CEO of IAG Pay Ratio 

2020 Basic Salary, UK employees
£17,173

34:1

22:1

15:1

£28,551

£45,228

Total Remuneration, UK 
employees

£28,383

£42,823

£63,877

Around 98 per cent of the Group’s UK employees work for BA. BA has undertaken many initiatives in recent years to ensure its 
lower-paid workers are paid fairly.

Investor Engagement Plan
At the Company’s 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting, the consultative vote on the 2019 annual Directors’ Remuneration Report received a 
vote in favour of less than 75 per cent. Since the Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company has engaged with major shareholders to 
understand the main issues causing the low vote in favour, and these were:

 • The annual bonus payments for 2019, in light of the Company’s current circumstances, in particular the bonus of £883,000 paid to 

departing CEO Willie Walsh, given the use of government support and the clear challenges the industry is facing; and

 • the new CFO’s remuneration package, which had a higher salary and higher maximum award levels than his predecessor under the 

annual bonus and the PSP schemes.

The Company has had a helpful and productive dialogue in our engagement with our main shareholders when discussing these issues. 
The Committee listened carefully to all feedback received on this, as well as wider discussions on our remuneration framework given 
our Policy is due for renewal. This will help shape the Committee’s thinking and will inform internal discussion and development of the 
proposed new Remuneration Policy. The Company’s response is covered in more detail in the Corporate Governance section of the 
Annual Report.

136

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2021
For 2021, the Remuneration Policy applies to the only executive director in the Board, the CEO of IAG, as the CFO of IAG stood down 
from the Board on December 31, 2020.

Basic salary
Basic salaries for executive directors are reviewed from January 1 each year. After careful consideration of Company affordability, the 
contribution of each executive, retention risks and the size of pay increases generally across the Group for 2020 (which varied across 
the Group from zero to 3.0 per cent), the Board, following the recommendation of the Remuneration Committee, approved the 
following:

Executive director

CEO of IAG

Basic salary review

£820,000 (€924,000) (no increase from 2020). Luis Gallego has agreed to take 
a 10 per cent salary reduction from January 1, 2021 until further notice.

2021 annual incentive plan, and 2021 long-term incentive plan
The Company’s current Remuneration Policy includes an annual incentive award, with a maximum opportunity for the CEO of IAG of 
200 per cent of salary. This incentive is subject to certain financial and non-financial measures: (i) at least 60 per cent and no more than 
80 per cent is subject to financial measures (e.g. IAG operating profit); (ii) 25 per cent or less will be subject to role-specific objectives, 
and; (iii) the remaining portion is subject to measurable non-financial metrics (e.g. NPS and carbon measures). There will be no 
payment until performance for each particular metric has reached the threshold level of the agreed target range, 50 per cent of the 
maximum opportunity will be awarded for on-target performance, and the maximum for each element will only be awarded once a 
stretch target has been reached. Finally, half of the overall outcome of the annual incentive detailed above is payable in deferred shares 
in the Company vesting after three years (under the Incentive Award Deferral Plan).

For the long-term incentive, the existing Policy includes a Performance Share Plan (PSP), a discretionary plan targeted at key senior 
executives and managers of the Group. The PSP consists of an award of the Company’s shares which vests subject to the achievement 
of pre-defined performance conditions designed to reflect the creation of long-term value within the business and which are measured 
over a three-year performance period. Following the performance period, there is an additional holding period of at least two years.

A full description of the Company’s current Remuneration Policy is available on the Company’s website.

As the Company’s Remuneration Policy is due to be renewed at the 2021 Shareholders’ Meeting, the frameworks for the 2021 annual 
incentive plan and the 2021 long-term incentive plan will be detailed in the Remuneration Policy proposal, which will be submitted for a 
shareholder vote at that meeting.

Taxable benefits and pension-related benefits
Taxable benefits remain unchanged for 2021.

Non-executive director fees
Non-executive director fees were last reviewed in 2017 and remain unchanged for 2021. The fees have remained unchanged since 2011.

Javier Ferrán was appointed Chairman of the Board on January 7, 2021. His fee on appointment was €645,000 per annum.

All non-executive directors, including the newly appointed Chairman, have agreed to take a 10 per cent reduction in fees from January 
1, 2021 until further notice, as a result of the pandemic.

The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is regulated by article 32 of the IAG Board Regulations and by its own Regulations approved on 
February 25, 2021. A copy of these Regulations is available on the Company’s website (www.iairgroup.com).

Beyond executive directors, the Committee oversees the general application of the remuneration policy for the members of the IAG 
Management Committee (and also occasionally considering remuneration matters related to managers generally across the Group).

According to article 32 of the Board Regulations the Remuneration Committee shall be made up of no fewer than three independent 
non-executive directors, with the dedication, capacity and experience necessary to carry out their function. Alberto Terol chairs the 
Committee. None of the Committee members has any personal financial interest, other than as a shareholder, in the matters to be 
decided.

In accordance with the 2018 UK Code, the Remuneration Committee also has responsibility to review workforce remuneration and 
related policies and the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture.

137

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationREPORT OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Advisers to the Committee
The Committee appointed Deloitte as its external adviser in September 2016. Deloitte reports directly to the Committee. The fees paid 
to Deloitte for advice provided to the Remuneration Committee during 2020 were €117,071, charged on a time and materials basis. 
Deloitte is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and a signatory to the voluntary UK Code of Conduct. As well as advising 
the Remuneration Committee, other Deloitte teams provided advice in relation to remuneration, pensions, global employment 
programmes, data governance, business process improvement, financial advisory work and tax to the Group in 2020. The Committee 
has reviewed the remuneration advice provided by Deloitte during the year and is comfortable that it has been objective and 
independent.

The Company obtained high-level headline remuneration survey data from a variety of sources. During the year, both CEOs of IAG 
provided regular briefings to the Committee apart from when their own remuneration was being discussed.

Statement of voting
The table below shows the consultative vote on the 2019 annual Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting, 
and the binding vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2018 Shareholders’ Meeting:

2019 Annual Directors’  
Remuneration Report

Number of votes cast

For

Against

Abstentions/Blank

871,102,122

623,709,500  

179,093,920  

68,298,702  

(71.60 per cent)

(20.56 per cent)

(7.84 per cent)

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

1,463,865,426

1,396,029,011  

13,091,180  

54,745,235  

(95.37 per cent)

(0.89 per cent)

(3.74 per cent)

Supplementary information
Directors’ share options
The following directors held nil-cost options over ordinary shares of the Company granted under the IAG PSP as at December 31, 2020.

Director

Date of grant

Number of 
options at 
date of 
appointment

Options 
exercised 
during 
the year

Options 
lapsed 
during 
the year

Options 
granted 
during 
the year

Exercise 
price

Adjustment 
as a result 
of the 
capital 
increase

Exercisable 
from

Expiry date

Number of 
options at 
December 31, 
2020

Executive 
directors
Luis 
Gallego

May 28, 2015

87,031

March 7, 2016

64,988

March 6, 2017

160,476

May 10, 2018

128,826

March 8, 2019

162,543

March 6, 2020

357,298

Total

961,162

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 44,757

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 44,757

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Number of 
options at 
January 1, 
2020

Options 
exercised 
during 
the year

Options 
lapsed 
during 
the year

Options 
granted 
during 
the year

Exercise 
price

Date of grant

May 28, 2015

52,363 433.4p

52,363

Director

Steve 
Gunning

March 7, 2016

37,621

March 6, 2017

96,703

May 10, 2018

77,800

March 8, 2019

101,587

March 6, 2020

–

Total

366,074

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

26,970

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 226,852

115,240

52,363 26,970 226,852

260,903

44,211

33,013

58,785

65,443

82,571

181,507

465,530

Adjustment 
as a result 
of the 
capital 
increase

–

19,111

35,424

39,522

51,606

January 1, 
2020

December 31, 
2024

January 1, 
2021

December 31, 
2025

January 1, 
2022

December 31, 
2026

January 1, 
2023

December 31, 
2027

January 1, 
2024

December 31, 
2028

January 1, 
2025

December 31, 
2029

Exercisable  

from

Expiry date

January 1, 
2020

December 31, 
2024

January 1, 
2021

December 31, 
2025

January 1, 
2022

December 31, 
2026

January 1, 
2023

December 31, 
2027

January 1, 
2024

December 31, 
2028

January 1, 
2025

December 31, 
2029

131,242

98,001

174,504

194,269

245,114

538,805

1,381,935

Number of 
options at 
December 31, 
2020

–

56,732

105,157

117,322

153,193

342,092

774,496

The award granted on March 6, 2017 was tested at the end of the performance period, and as a result 72.11 per cent of the award 
vested, as detailed earlier in this report in the section on Variable pay outcomes.

138

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020The performance conditions for each of the other PSP awards listed above will be tested to determine the level of vesting. For each of 
these awards, one-third of the award is subject to TSR performance measured against an index, one-third is subject to adjusted EPS 
performance, and one-third is subject to RoIC performance. The performance conditions will be measured over a single three-year 
performance period. For each of these awards, following the performance period there is an additional holding period of two years.

The value attributed to the Company’s ordinary shares in accordance with the plan rules on the date of the 2020 PSP award was 
459 pence (2019: 567 pence; 2018: 691 pence; 2017: 546 pence; 2016: 541 pence; and 2015: 550 pence).

Incentive Award Deferral Plan (IADP) 
The following directors held conditional awards over ordinary shares of the Company granted under the IAG IADP (awarded as a result 
of IAG’s performance for the periods that ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2019).

Relates to 
incentive 
award 
earned in 
respect of 
performance

Director

Number of 
awards at 
date of 
appointment

Awards 
released 
during the 
year

Date of 
award

Awards 
lapsing 
during the 
year

Date of 
vesting

Awards made 
during the year

Adjustment 
as a result of 
the capital 
increase

Number of 
awards at 
December 
31, 2020

Executive directors
Luis Gallego

Total

2017

May 10, 2018

2018 March 8, 2019

2019 March 6, 2020

59,850

49,454

54,059

163,363

– March 8, 2021

– March 8, 2022

– March 6, 2023

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,403

25,122

27,461

90,253

74,576

81,520

82,986 246,349

Relates to 
incentive 
award 
earned in 
respect of 
performance

Number of 
awards at 
January 1, 
2020

Awards 
released 
during the 
year

Date of 
award

Awards 
lapsing 
during the 
year

Date of 
vesting

Awards made 
during the year

Adjustment 
as a result of 
the capital 
increase

Number of 
awards at 
December 
31, 2020

Steve Gunning

2016 March 6, 2017

2017

May 10, 2018

2018 March 8, 2019

2019 March 6, 2020

Total

16,117

37,603

32,813

–

16,117 March 6, 2020

– March 8, 2021

– March 8, 2022

– March 6, 2023

86,533

16,117

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

46,177

46,177

–

19,102

16,669

23,457

–

56,705

49,482

69,634

59,228

175,821

There are no performance conditions to be tested before vesting for the IADP, except that the director must still be employed by the 
Company at the time of vesting or have left as a Good Leaver.

The value attributed to the Company’s ordinary shares in accordance with the plan rules on the date of the 2020 IADP award was 
459 pence (2019: 567 pence; 2018: 691 pence; and 2017: 546 pence).

The value attributed to the Company’s ordinary shares in accordance with the plan rules on the date of the 2017 IADP award was 
546 pence. The share price on the date of the vesting of this award (March 6, 2020) was 432 pence. The money value of the shares 
received was the share price on the date of the vesting multiplied by the number of shares in respect of the award vested, as shown in 
the table above.

139

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
140

International Airlines GroupAnnual Report and Accounts 2020Financial  
Statements

142 Consolidated income statement

143 Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income

144 Consolidated balance sheet

145 Consolidated cash flow statement

146 Consolidated statement of changes in equity

148 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

202 Alternative performance measures

209 Group investments

141

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationCONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

€ million 
Passenger revenue 

Cargo revenue 

Other revenue 

Total revenue 

Employee costs 

Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges 

Handling, catering and other operating costs 

Landing fees and en-route charges 

Engineering and other aircraft costs 

Property, IT and other costs 

Selling costs 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

Currency differences 

Total expenditure on operations 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Net financing credit relating to pensions 

Net currency retranslation credits 

Other non-operating charges 

Total net non-operating costs 

(Loss)/profit before tax 
Tax 

(Loss)/profit after tax for the year 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

Note 

4 

7 

5 

8 

8 

8 

8 

9 

Year to December 31

2020 
5,512  

1,306  

988  

7,806  

3,560  

3,735  

1,340  

918  

1,456  

782  

405  

2,955  

81  

20191
22,468 

1,117 

1,921 

25,506 

5,634 

6,021 

2,972 

2,221 

2,092 

811 

1,038 

2,111 

(7)

15,232  

(7,426) 

22,893 

2,613 

(670) 

41  

4  

245  

(4) 

(384) 

(7,810) 

887  

(6,923) 

(6,923) 

– 

(6,923) 

(611)

50 

26 

201 

(4)

(338)

2,275 

(560)

1,715 

1,715 

– 

1,715 

56.1 

55.5 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share (€ cents)2 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (€ cents)2 

10 

10 

(196.2) 

(196.2) 

1 

In 2020 the Group has presented the Income statement using a single column approach whereas in prior years the Group presented the Income 
statement using a three-column approach. The 2019 comparative figures have also been re-presented. Further information is given in the basis of 
preparation in note 2.  

2  The earnings per share information for 2019 has been restated to reflect the impact of the rights issue. Further information is given in note 10.

142

138 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

€ million 

Passenger revenue 

Cargo revenue 

Other revenue 

Total revenue 

Employee costs 

Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges 

Handling, catering and other operating costs 

Landing fees and en-route charges 

Engineering and other aircraft costs 

Property, IT and other costs 

Selling costs 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

Currency differences 

Total expenditure on operations 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Net financing credit relating to pensions 

Net currency retranslation credits 

Other non-operating charges 

Total net non-operating costs 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Tax 

(Loss)/profit after tax for the year 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

Year to December 31

Note 

15,232  

(7,426) 

22,893 

2,613 

4 

7 

5 

8 

8 

8 

8 

9 

2020 

5,512  

1,306  

988  

7,806  

3,560  

3,735  

1,340  

918  

1,456  

782  

405  

2,955  

81  

(670) 

41  

4  

245  

(4) 

(384) 

(7,810) 

887  

(6,923) 

(6,923) 

– 

(6,923) 

20191

22,468 

1,117 

1,921 

25,506 

5,634 

6,021 

2,972 

2,221 

2,092 

811 

1,038 

2,111 

(7)

(611)

50 

26 

201 

(4)

(338)

2,275 

(560)

1,715 

1,715 

– 

1,715 

56.1 

55.5 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share (€ cents)2 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (€ cents)2 

10 

10 

(196.2) 

(196.2) 

1 

In 2020 the Group has presented the Income statement using a single column approach whereas in prior years the Group presented the Income 

statement using a three-column approach. The 2019 comparative figures have also been re-presented. Further information is given in the basis of 

preparation in note 2.  

2  The earnings per share information for 2019 has been restated to reflect the impact of the rights issue. Further information is given in note 10.

€ million 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net profit 

Cash flow hedges: 

Fair value movements in equity 

Reclassified and reported in net profit 

Fair value movements on cost of hedging 

Cost of hedging reclassified and reported in net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Items that will not be reclassified to net profit 

Fair value movements on other equity investments 

Fair value movements on cash flow hedges 

Fair value movements on cost of hedging 

Remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations 

Total other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax 

(Loss)/profit after tax for the year 

Year to December 31

Note 

2020

2019

29 

(2,171)

1,871 

(16)

(19)

(192)

(53)

(45)

26 

(632)

(1,231)

(6,923)

610 

141 

36 

(10)

296 

(8)

(70)

32 

(788)

239 

1,715 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year 

(8,154)

1,954 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income is attributable to: 

Equity holders of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

29 

(8,154)

– 

(8,154)

1,954 

– 

1,954 

Items in the consolidated Statement of other comprehensive income above are disclosed net of tax. 

138 

139 

143

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

€ million 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Investments accounted for using the equity method 

Other equity investments 

Employee benefit assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Deferred tax assets 

Other non-current assets 

Current assets 
Inventories 

Trade receivables 

Other current assets 

Current tax receivable 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current interest-bearing deposits 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Shareholders’ equity  
Issued share capital 

Share premium 

Treasury shares 

Other reserves 

Total shareholders’ equity 
Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 

Employee benefit obligations 

Deferred tax liability 

Provisions 

Deferred revenue on ticket sales 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other long-term liabilities 

Current liabilities 
Borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Deferred revenue on ticket sales 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current tax payable 

Provisions 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

December 31, 
2020 

December 31,
20191

12 

15 

16 

17 

30 

26 

9 

18 

18 

18 

9 

26 

19 

19 

27 

27 

29 

23 

30 

9 

24 

21 

26 

22 

23 

20 

21 

26 

9 

24 

17,531  

3,208  

29  

29  

282  

42  

1,075  

228  

19,168 

3,442 

31 

82 

314 

268 

546 

273 

22,424  

24,124 

351  

557  

792  

101  

122  

143  

5,774  

7,840  

30,264  

497  

7,770  

(40) 

(6,917) 

1,310 

6  

1,316  

13,464  

719  

40  

2,286  

473 

310  

140  

565 

2,255 

1,314 

186 

324 

2,621 

4,062 

11,327 

35,451 

996 

5,327 

(60)

560 

6,823 

6 

6,829 

12,411 

400 

290 

2,416 

- 

286 

71 

17,432  

15,874 

2,215  

2,810  

4,657  

1,160 

48  

626  

11,516  

28,948  

30,264  

1,843 

4,344 

5,486 

252 

192 

631 

12,748 

28,622 

35,451 

1  The 2019 Balance sheet includes a reclassification in the presentation of assets and liabilities for employee benefits and deferred tax. Refer to note 2 

for further information. 

144

140 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 

Investments accounted for using the equity method 

€ million 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Other equity investments 

Employee benefit assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Deferred tax assets 

Other non-current assets 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade receivables 

Other current assets 

Current tax receivable 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current interest-bearing deposits 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Shareholders’ equity  

Issued share capital 

Share premium 

Treasury shares 

Other reserves 

Total shareholders’ equity 

Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Employee benefit obligations 

Deferred tax liability 

Provisions 

Deferred revenue on ticket sales 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other long-term liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Deferred revenue on ticket sales 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current tax payable 

Provisions 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

for further information. 

€ million 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Operating (loss)/profit 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

Movement in working capital 

Decrease/(increase) in trade receivables, inventories and other current assets 

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables and deferred revenue on ticket sales 

Payments related to restructuring 

Employer contributions to pension schemes 

Pension scheme service costs 

Provisions and other non-cash movements 

Unrealised loss on discontinuance of fuel and foreign exchange hedge accounting 

Interest paid 

Interest received 

Tax received/(paid) 

Note 

Year to December 31

2020

2019

5 

24 

30 

(7,426)

2,955 

1,227 
2,347 

(1,120)

(383)

(318)

5 

556 

569 

(548)

22 

45 

2,613 

2,111 

(70)

(935)

865 

(180)

(870)

5 

951 

– 

(481)

42 

(119)

Net cash (outflows)/inflows from operating activities 

(3,296)

4,002 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Decrease/(increase) in current interest-bearing deposits 

Other investing movements 

Net cash inflows/(outflows) from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from borrowings 

Repayment of borrowings 

Repayment of lease liabilities 

Dividend paid 

Proceeds from rights issue 

Net cash inflows/(outflows) from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Net foreign exchange differences 

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at year end 

17,432  

15,874 

Interest-bearing deposits maturing after more than three months 

Cash, cash equivalents and interest-bearing deposits 

(1,939)

1,133 

2,366 

2 

1,562 

3,567 

(978)

(1,536)

(53)

2,674 

3,674 

1,940 

(228)

4,062 

5,774 

(3,465)

911 

(103)

(1)

(2,658)

2,286 

(730)

(1,507)

(1,308)

– 

(1,259)

85 

140 

3,837 

4,062 

143 

2,621 

5,917 

6,683 

11 

19 

19 

19 

For details on restricted cash balances refer to note 19 Cash, cash equivalents and current interest-bearing deposits. 

December 31, 

December 31,

Note 

2020 

20191

12 

15 

16 

17 

30 

26 

9 

18 

18 

18 

9 

26 

19 

19 

27 

27 

29 

23 

30 

9 

24 

21 

26 

22 

23 

20 

21 

26 

9 

24 

22,424  

24,124 

17,531  

3,208  

29  

29  

282  

42  

1,075  

228  

351  

557  

792  

101  

122  

143  

5,774  

7,840  

30,264  

497  

7,770  

(40) 

(6,917) 

1,310 

6  

1,316  

13,464  

719  

40  

2,286  

473 

310  

140  

2,215  

2,810  

4,657  

1,160 

48  

626  

11,516  

28,948  

30,264  

19,168 

3,442 

31 

82 

314 

268 

546 

273 

565 

2,255 

1,314 

186 

324 

2,621 

4,062 

11,327 

35,451 

996 

5,327 

(60)

560 

6,823 

6 

6,829 

12,411 

400 

290 

2,416 

- 

286 

71 

1,843 

4,344 

5,486 

252 

192 

631 

12,748 

28,622 

35,451 

1  The 2019 Balance sheet includes a reclassification in the presentation of assets and liabilities for employee benefits and deferred tax. Refer to note 2 

140 

141 

145

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

€ million  
January 1, 2020 

Issued 
share 
capital 
(note 27) 
996  

Share 
premium 
(note 27)
5,327 

Treasury 
shares 
(note 27)
(60)

Other 
reserves 
(note 29)
(2,579)

Retained 
earnings

3,139  

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity 
6,823  

Non-
controlling 
interest 
(note 29)
6 

Total 
equity
6,829 

Loss for the year 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(6,923)

(6,923) 

– 

(6,923)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

20 

– 

– 

50 

356 

18 

12 

1,435 

(2,216)

(53)

10 

(19)

(192)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

50  

356  

18  

12  

1,435  

(2,216) 

(53) 

10  

(19) 

(192) 

– 

(632)

(599)

(7,555)

(632) 

(8,154) 

(18)

– 

– 

797 

– 

– 

(10)

(22)

– 

(70)

(18) 

(10) 

(2) 

– 

2,671  

1,310  

(40)

(2,399)

(4,518)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

50 

356 

18 

12 

1,435 

(2,216)

(53)

10 

(19)

(192)

(632)

(8,154)

(18)

(10)

(2)

– 

2,671 

1,316 

Other comprehensive loss for the year 

Cash flow hedges reclassified and 
reported in net profit: 

Passenger revenue 

Fuel and oil costs 

Currency differences 

Finance costs 

Discontinuance of hedge accounting 

Net change in fair value of cash flow 
hedges 

Net change in fair value of equity 
investments 

Net change in fair value of cost of 
hedging 

Cost of hedging reclassified and 
reported in the net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Remeasurements of post-employment 
benefit obligations 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Hedges reclassified and reported in 
property, plant and equipment 

Cost of share-based payments 

Vesting of share-based payment 
schemes 

Share capital reduction 

Rights issue 

December 31, 2020 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(797) 

298  

497  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,443 

7,770 

146

142 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
For the year to December 31, 2019 

€ million  

January 1, 2020 

Issued 

share 

capital 

(note 27) 

Share 

Treasury 

premium 

(note 27)

shares 

(note 27)

Other 

reserves 

(note 29)

Retained 

earnings

996  

5,327 

(60)

(2,579)

3,139  

Total 

controlling 

Non-

interest 

(note 29)

6 

shareholders’ 

equity 

6,823  

Total 

equity

6,829 

Loss for the year 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(6,923)

(6,923) 

– 

(6,923)

Other comprehensive loss for the year 

Cash flow hedges reclassified and 

reported in net profit: 

Passenger revenue 

Fuel and oil costs 

Currency differences 

Finance costs 

Discontinuance of hedge accounting 

Net change in fair value of cash flow 

hedges 

investments 

hedging 

Net change in fair value of equity 

Net change in fair value of cost of 

Cost of hedging reclassified and 

reported in the net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Remeasurements of post-employment 

benefit obligations 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Hedges reclassified and reported in 

property, plant and equipment 

Cost of share-based payments 

Vesting of share-based payment 

schemes 

Share capital reduction 

Rights issue 

December 31, 2020 

50 

356 

18 

12 

1,435 

(2,216)

(53)

10 

(19)

(192)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

20 

– 

(632)

(599)

(7,555)

(632) 

(8,154) 

(18)

– 

– 

– 

797 

– 

(10)

(22)

– 

(70)

(40)

(2,399)

(4,518)

(797) 

298  

497  

2,443 

7,770 

(2,216) 

(2,216)

50  

356  

18  

12  

1,435  

(53) 

10  

(19) 

(192) 

(18) 

(10) 

(2) 

– 

2,671  

1,310  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

50 

356 

18 

12 

1,435 

(53)

10 

(19)

(192)

(632)

(8,154)

(18)

(10)

(2)

– 

2,671 

1,316 

€ million  
January 1, 2019 

Issued 
share 
capital 
(note 27)
996 

Share 
premium 
(note 27)
6,022 

Treasury 
shares 
(note 27)
(68)

Other 
reserves 
(note 29)
(3,556)

Retained 
earnings 
2,770  

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity 
6,164 

Non-
controlling 
interest 
(note 29)
6 

Total 
equity
6,170 

Profit for the year 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,715  

1,715 

– 

1,715 

Other comprehensive income for the 
year 

Cash flow hedges reclassified and 
reported in net profit: 

Passenger revenue 

Fuel and oil costs 

Currency differences 

Finance costs 

Net change in fair value of cash flow 
hedges 

Net change in fair value of equity 
investments 

Net change in fair value of cost of 
hedging 

Cost of hedging reclassified and 
reported in net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Remeasurements of post-employment 
benefit obligations 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Hedges reclassified and reported in 
property, plant and equipment 

Cost of share-based payments 

Vesting of share-based payment 
schemes 

Dividend 

Redemption of convertible bond 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(695)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8 

– 

– 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

540 

(8)

68 

(10)

296 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

540 

(8)

68 

(10)

296 

– 

1,027 

(788) 

927  

(788)

1,954 

(11)

– 

– 

– 

(39)

– 

33  

(14) 

(615) 

38  

(11)

33 

(6)

(1,310)

(1)

December 31, 2019 

996 

5,327 

(60)

(2,579)

3,139  

6,823 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

540 

(8)

68 

(10)

296 

(788)

1,954 

(11)

33 

(6)

(1,310)

(1)

6,829 

142 

143 

147

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

1  Background and general information 

International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (hereinafter ‘International Airlines Group’, ‘IAG’ or the ‘Group’) is a leading European 
airline group, formed to hold the interests of airline and ancillary operations. IAG is a Spanish company registered in Madrid and was 
incorporated on December 17, 2009. On January 21, 2011 British Airways Plc and Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España S.A. Operadora 
(hereinafter ‘British Airways’ and ‘Iberia’ respectively) completed a merger transaction becoming the first two airlines of the Group. 
Vueling Airlines S.A. (‘Vueling’) was acquired on April 26, 2013, and Aer Lingus Group Plc (‘Aer Lingus’) on August 18, 2015. A list of 
the subsidiaries of the Group is included in the Group investments section. 

IAG shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities and also on the stock exchanges of Madrid, 
Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia (the ‘Spanish Stock Exchanges’), through the Spanish Stock Exchanges Interconnection System 
(Mercado Continuo Español).

2 

 Significant accounting policies 

Basis of preparation 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting 
Standards as endorsed by the European Union (IFRSs as endorsed by the EU). The consolidated financial statements are rounded 
to the nearest million unless otherwise stated. These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost convention except 
for certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments and other equity investments that are measured at 
fair value. The carrying value of recognised assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value hedges are adjusted to record changes 
in the fair values attributable to the risks that are being hedged. The financial statements for the prior year include reclassifications 
that were made to conform to the current year presentation. 

The Group’s financial statements for the year to December 31, 2020 were authorised for issue, and approved by the Board of 
Directors on February 25, 2021. 

Reclassification 

Deferred tax assets arising on the restriction of surpluses to reflect minimum funding requirements of the British Airways Airways 
Pension Scheme (APS) and New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS) defined benefit schemes, previously recognised within Employee 
benefit assets in the Balance sheet at December 31, 2019, have been reclassified to be presented net within Deferred tax liabilities at 
both December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019 to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification had the effect of 
reducing Deferred tax liabilities, reducing the Employee benefit assets and increasing the Employee benefit obligations at both 
balance sheet dates.  

There is no impact to Profit after tax for the year, Other comprehensive income for the year, Net assets or the Statement of changes 
in equity in any year presented. The following table summarises the impact of the reclassification on the Consolidated balance sheet 
line items at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019: 

Consolidated balance sheet (at December 31, 2019) 

€ million 
Non-current assets 

Employee benefit assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Employee benefit obligations 

Deferred tax liability 

Consolidated balance sheet (at January 1, 2019) 

€ million 
Non-current assets 

Employee benefit assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Employee benefit obligations 

Deferred tax liability 

Presentation of results 

Previously
reported

Reclassification 

Adjusted

524 

328 

572 

(210) 

314 

72  

(282) 

400 

290 

Previously
reported

Reclassification 

Adjusted

1,129 

536 

289 

453 

(365) 

131  

138  

(372) 

764 

667 

427 

81 

Following consideration of regulatory publications, the Group has re-presented its results in the Income statement from using a 
three-column approach to a single column approach. The comparative figures have also been re-presented. The impact of 
exceptional items on the performance of the Group is detailed in the Alternative performance measures section. 

Going concern 

The economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fragmented and varied responses from governments have had a 
significant impact on the Group’s results and cash flows. At December 31, 2020, the Group had cash and interest-bearing deposits 
of €5.9 billion, €0.9 billion of committed and undrawn general facilities and a further €1.2 billion of committed and undrawn aircraft 
specific facilities. Liquidity has been enhanced through to the date of this report by a further €2.2 billion arising from the Group 
finalising the terms of a UK Export Credit Facility.  

The reduction in liquidity during 2020 was partially mitigated by, amongst other actions, accessing Spain’s Instituto de Crédito 
Oficial (ICO) facility, the UK’s Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility (CCFF) and Ireland’s Strategy Investment Fund (ISIF). These 
actions raised an additional €1.4 billion, of which €0.3 billion matures within 12 months from the date of this report. The Group’s 

148

144 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

1  Background and general information 

International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (hereinafter ‘International Airlines Group’, ‘IAG’ or the ‘Group’) is a leading European 

airline group, formed to hold the interests of airline and ancillary operations. IAG is a Spanish company registered in Madrid and was 

incorporated on December 17, 2009. On January 21, 2011 British Airways Plc and Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España S.A. Operadora 

(hereinafter ‘British Airways’ and ‘Iberia’ respectively) completed a merger transaction becoming the first two airlines of the Group. 

Vueling Airlines S.A. (‘Vueling’) was acquired on April 26, 2013, and Aer Lingus Group Plc (‘Aer Lingus’) on August 18, 2015. A list of 

the subsidiaries of the Group is included in the Group investments section. 

IAG shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities and also on the stock exchanges of Madrid, 

Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia (the ‘Spanish Stock Exchanges’), through the Spanish Stock Exchanges Interconnection System 

(Mercado Continuo Español).

2 

 Significant accounting policies 

Basis of preparation 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting 

Standards as endorsed by the European Union (IFRSs as endorsed by the EU). The consolidated financial statements are rounded 

to the nearest million unless otherwise stated. These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost convention except 

for certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments and other equity investments that are measured at 

fair value. The carrying value of recognised assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value hedges are adjusted to record changes 

in the fair values attributable to the risks that are being hedged. The financial statements for the prior year include reclassifications 

that were made to conform to the current year presentation. 

The Group’s financial statements for the year to December 31, 2020 were authorised for issue, and approved by the Board of 

Directors on February 25, 2021. 

Reclassification 

Deferred tax assets arising on the restriction of surpluses to reflect minimum funding requirements of the British Airways Airways 

Pension Scheme (APS) and New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS) defined benefit schemes, previously recognised within Employee 

benefit assets in the Balance sheet at December 31, 2019, have been reclassified to be presented net within Deferred tax liabilities at 

both December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019 to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification had the effect of 

reducing Deferred tax liabilities, reducing the Employee benefit assets and increasing the Employee benefit obligations at both 

balance sheet dates.  

There is no impact to Profit after tax for the year, Other comprehensive income for the year, Net assets or the Statement of changes 

in equity in any year presented. The following table summarises the impact of the reclassification on the Consolidated balance sheet 

line items at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019: 

Consolidated balance sheet (at December 31, 2019) 

Previously

reported

Reclassification 

Adjusted

Previously

reported

Reclassification 

Adjusted

524 

328 

572 

1,129 

536 

289 

453 

(210) 

314 

72  

(282) 

400 

290 

(365) 

131  

138  

(372) 

764 

667 

427 

81 

Consolidated balance sheet (at January 1, 2019) 

€ million 

Non-current assets 

Employee benefit assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Employee benefit obligations 

Deferred tax liability 

€ million 

Non-current assets 

Employee benefit assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Employee benefit obligations 

Deferred tax liability 

Presentation of results 

Going concern 

Following consideration of regulatory publications, the Group has re-presented its results in the Income statement from using a 

three-column approach to a single column approach. The comparative figures have also been re-presented. The impact of 

exceptional items on the performance of the Group is detailed in the Alternative performance measures section. 

The economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fragmented and varied responses from governments have had a 

significant impact on the Group’s results and cash flows. At December 31, 2020, the Group had cash and interest-bearing deposits 

of €5.9 billion, €0.9 billion of committed and undrawn general facilities and a further €1.2 billion of committed and undrawn aircraft 

specific facilities. Liquidity has been enhanced through to the date of this report by a further €2.2 billion arising from the Group 

finalising the terms of a UK Export Credit Facility.  

The reduction in liquidity during 2020 was partially mitigated by, amongst other actions, accessing Spain’s Instituto de Crédito 

Oficial (ICO) facility, the UK’s Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility (CCFF) and Ireland’s Strategy Investment Fund (ISIF). These 

actions raised an additional €1.4 billion, of which €0.3 billion matures within 12 months from the date of this report. The Group’s 

facilities have limited financial covenants, but there are a number of non-financial covenants to protect the position of the banks, 
including restrictions on the upstreaming of cash to IAG or lending to other Group companies. 

Despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has continued to successfully secure financing arrangements for all 
aircraft delivered in 2020. This includes the one-year aircraft-backed financing facilities for old and new aircraft which were secured 
in the second quarter of 2020 and subsequently repaid prior to year-end and the aircraft-specific facility achieved as part of the 
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate (EETC) financing structure. In total the Group raised proceeds of €2.2 billion through aircraft 
specific financing. 

In its assessment of going concern over the period to March 31, 2022 (the ‘going concern period’), the Group has modelled two 
scenarios referred to below as the Base Case and the Downside Case. The Group’s three-year Business plan, prepared and 
approved by the Board in December 2020, was subsequently refreshed with the latest available internal and external information in 
February 2021. This refreshed Business plan supports the Base Case, which takes into account the Board’s and management’s views 
on the anticipated impact and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic on the Group across the going concern period. The key inputs 
and assumptions underlying the Base Case include: 

•  As part of the recovery, the Group has assumed a gradual easing of travel restrictions, by geographical region, based on 

deployment of vaccines during the year. Travel corridors between countries are assumed to be introduced from quarter 3 2021, 
first in Europe then North America, with other regions following in the first half of 2022; 

•  Capacity recovery modelled by geographical region (and in certain regions, by key destinations) with capacity gradually 

increasing from a reduction of 79 per cent in quarter 1 2021 (compared to the equivalent period in 2019) to 18 per cent in quarter 1 
2022 (again compared to quarter 1 2019), with the average over the going concern period being 43 per cent down;  

•  Passenger unit revenue per ASK, although forecast to continue recovering, is expected to still remain below levels of 2019 by the 

end of the going concern period, which is based on, amongst other assumptions, a greater weighting of shorthaul versus 
longhaul, leisure versus business and economy versus premium compared to 2019. Specifically, the Group’s expectation is that 
traffic related to domestic and leisure will recover faster than longhaul and business;  

•  The Group has assumed that the committed and undrawn general facilities of €0.9 billion will not be drawn over the going 

concern period. The availability of certain of these facilities reduces over time, with €0.1 billion being available to the Group at the 
end of the going concern period; 

•  The Group has assumed that of the committed and undrawn aircraft specific facilities of €1.2 billion, €0.4 billion will be drawn to 
fund specific aircraft scheduled for delivery during 2021 and of the remaining €0.8 billion, €0.3 billion would be available to be 
drawn over the going concern period if required; and 

•  Of the capital commitments detailed in note 14, €1.6 billion is due to be paid over the going concern period and the Group has 
forecast securing 80 per cent, or €1.0 billion, of the aircraft financing required that is currently uncommitted, to align with the 
timing and payments for these aircraft deliveries. This loan to value assumption is below the level of financing the Group has been 
able to achieve recently, including over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic to date. 

The Downside Case applies further stress to the Base Case to model a more prolonged downturn, with a more gradual recovery 
relative to the Base Case. The Downside Case is representative of a slower roll out of the vaccination programme on a regional 
basis, with travel restrictions remaining in place and the gradual recovery of capacity being delayed longer than in the Base Case. 
The Downside Case also models a more acute impact on the longhaul sector, with the domestic sector and European shorthaul 
sectors recovering faster than longhaul. The result of which is that the levels of capacity assumed under the Base Case for the third 
quarter of 2021 are not achieved under the Downside Case until the first quarter of 2022. In the Downside Case, over the going 
concern period capacity would be 60 per cent down on 2019. The Directors consider the Downside Case to be a severe but 
plausible scenario.  

The Group has modelled the impact of further deteriorations in capacity operated and yield, including mitigating actions to 
reduce operating and capital expenditure. The Group expects to be able to continue to secure financing for future aircraft 
deliveries and in addition has further potential mitigating actions, including asset disposals, it would pursue in the event of adverse 
liquidity experience.  

Furthermore, to add resilience to the liquidity position of the Group, the Directors are actively pursuing a range of financing options, 
including the renegotiation of existing financing arrangements and securing additional long term financial facilities, but these have 
not been included in the Base or Downside Cases. 

Having reviewed the Base Case, Downside Case and additional sensitivities, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group has sufficient liquidity to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and hence continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 

However, due to the uncertainty created by COVID-19, there are a number of significant factors that are outside of the control of 
the Group, including: the status and impact of the pandemic worldwide; the emergence of new variants of the virus and potential 
resurgence of existing strains of the virus; the availability of vaccines worldwide, together with the speed at which they are 
deployed; the efficacy of those vaccines; and the restrictions imposed by national governments in respect of the freedom of 
movement and travel. The Group, therefore, is not able to provide certainty that there could not be a more severe downside 
scenario than those it has considered, including the sensitivities in relation to the timing of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
capacity operated, impact on yield, cost mitigations achieved and the availability of aircraft financing to offset capital expenditure. 
In the event that a more severe scenario were to occur, the Group will need to secure sufficient additional funding. As set out above, 
sources of additional funding are expected to include the renegotiation of existing financing arrangements and securing additional 
long term financial facilities. However, the Group’s ability to obtain this additional funding in the event of a more severe downside 
scenario represents a material uncertainty at February 25, 2021 that could cast significant doubt upon the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern. 

The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern. 

144 

145 

149

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

Consolidation 

The Group financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, each made up to December 31, 
together with the attributable share of results and reserves of associates and joint ventures, adjusted where appropriate to conform 
to the Group’s accounting policies. 

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, which is the date on which the Group obtains control and continue 
to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Control exists when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration paid is the fair value of the 
assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Non-controlling interests 
represent the portion of profit or loss and net assets in subsidiaries that are not held by the Group and are presented separately 
within equity in the consolidated Balance sheet. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. 

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in 
the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through the Income statement. 

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling 
interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

All intragroup account balances, including intragroup profits, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

Unconsolidated structured entities 

The Group regularly uses sale and leaseback transactions to finance the acquisition of aircraft. In certain instances the Group will 
finance several such transactions at once through Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs). Under each of these financing 
structures, a company (the EETC Issuer) is established to facilitate such financing on behalf of a number of unrelated investors. The 
proceeds from the issuance of the EETCs by the EETC Issuer are then used to purchase aircraft solely from the Group. Payments by 
the Group (under the asset financed liabilities) to the EETC Issuer are distributed, through a trust, to the aforementioned unrelated 
investors. The main purpose of the trust structure is to enhance the credit worthiness of the Group’s debt obligations through 
certain bankruptcy protection provisions and liquidity facilities, and also to lower the Group’s total borrowing cost. 

The EETC Issuer is established solely with the purpose of providing the asset-backed financing and upon maturity of such financing 
is expected to have no further activity. The relevant activities of the EETC Issuer are restricted to pre-established financing 
agreements and the retention of the title of the associated financed aircraft. Accordingly, the Group has determined that each EETC 
Issuer is a structured entity. Under the contractual terms of the EETC structure, the Group does not own any of the share capital of 
the EETC Issuer, does not have any representation on the respective boards and has no ability to influence decision making. 

In considering the aforementioned facts, management has concluded that the Group does not have access to variable returns from 
the EETC Issuers because its involvement is limited to the payment of principal and interest under the arrangement and, therefore, it 
does not control the EETC Issuers and as such does not consolidate them. 

Segmental reporting 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with how resource allocation decisions are made by the chief operating 
decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for resource allocation and assessing performance of the 
operating segments, has been identified as the IAG Management Committee. 

Foreign currency translation 

a   Functional and presentation currency 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the functional currency, being the 
currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. In particular, British Airways and Avios have a 
functional currency of pound sterling. The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the Group’s 
presentation currency. 

b   Transactions and balances 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency using the rate of exchange prevailing on the date 
of the transaction. Monetary foreign currency balances are translated into the functional currency at the rates ruling at the balance 
sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at 
balance sheet exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income 
statement, except where hedge accounting is applied. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary 
assets and liabilities classified as non-current on the Balance sheet are recognised within Net currency retranslation 
(charges)/credits in the Income statement. All other gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities 
are recognised in operating profit. 

c  Group companies 

The net assets of foreign operations are translated into euros at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Profits and 
losses of such operations are translated into euros at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting exchange differences 
are taken directly to a separate component of equity (Currency translation reserve) until all or part of the interest is sold, when the 
relevant portion of the cumulative exchange difference is recognised in the Income statement. 

150

146 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

Consolidation 

The Group financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, each made up to December 31, 

together with the attributable share of results and reserves of associates and joint ventures, adjusted where appropriate to conform 

to the Group’s accounting policies. 

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, which is the date on which the Group obtains control and continue 

to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Control exists when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 

returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration paid is the fair value of the 

assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities 

assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Non-controlling interests 

represent the portion of profit or loss and net assets in subsidiaries that are not held by the Group and are presented separately 

within equity in the consolidated Balance sheet. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. 

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in 

the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through the Income statement. 

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling 

interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

All intragroup account balances, including intragroup profits, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

Unconsolidated structured entities 

The Group regularly uses sale and leaseback transactions to finance the acquisition of aircraft. In certain instances the Group will 

finance several such transactions at once through Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs). Under each of these financing 

structures, a company (the EETC Issuer) is established to facilitate such financing on behalf of a number of unrelated investors. The 

proceeds from the issuance of the EETCs by the EETC Issuer are then used to purchase aircraft solely from the Group. Payments by 

the Group (under the asset financed liabilities) to the EETC Issuer are distributed, through a trust, to the aforementioned unrelated 

investors. The main purpose of the trust structure is to enhance the credit worthiness of the Group’s debt obligations through 

certain bankruptcy protection provisions and liquidity facilities, and also to lower the Group’s total borrowing cost. 

The EETC Issuer is established solely with the purpose of providing the asset-backed financing and upon maturity of such financing 

is expected to have no further activity. The relevant activities of the EETC Issuer are restricted to pre-established financing 

agreements and the retention of the title of the associated financed aircraft. Accordingly, the Group has determined that each EETC 

Issuer is a structured entity. Under the contractual terms of the EETC structure, the Group does not own any of the share capital of 

the EETC Issuer, does not have any representation on the respective boards and has no ability to influence decision making. 

In considering the aforementioned facts, management has concluded that the Group does not have access to variable returns from 

the EETC Issuers because its involvement is limited to the payment of principal and interest under the arrangement and, therefore, it 

does not control the EETC Issuers and as such does not consolidate them. 

Segmental reporting 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with how resource allocation decisions are made by the chief operating 

decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for resource allocation and assessing performance of the 

operating segments, has been identified as the IAG Management Committee. 

Foreign currency translation 

a   Functional and presentation currency 

presentation currency. 

b   Transactions and balances 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the functional currency, being the 

currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. In particular, British Airways and Avios have a 

functional currency of pound sterling. The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the Group’s 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency using the rate of exchange prevailing on the date 

of the transaction. Monetary foreign currency balances are translated into the functional currency at the rates ruling at the balance 

sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at 

balance sheet exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income 

statement, except where hedge accounting is applied. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary 

assets and liabilities classified as non-current on the Balance sheet are recognised within Net currency retranslation 

(charges)/credits in the Income statement. All other gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities 

are recognised in operating profit. 

c  Group companies 

The net assets of foreign operations are translated into euros at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Profits and 

losses of such operations are translated into euros at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting exchange differences 

are taken directly to a separate component of equity (Currency translation reserve) until all or part of the interest is sold, when the 

relevant portion of the cumulative exchange difference is recognised in the Income statement. 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant and equipment is held at cost. The Group has a policy of not revaluing property, plant and equipment. Depreciation 
is calculated to write off the cost less the estimated residual value on a straight-line basis, over the economic life of the asset. 
Residual values, where applicable, are reviewed annually against prevailing market values for equivalently aged assets and 
depreciation rates adjusted accordingly on a prospective basis. 

a  Capitalisation of interest on progress payments 

Interest attributed to progress payments made on account of aircraft and other qualifying assets under construction are capitalised 
and added to the cost of the asset concerned. All other borrowing costs are recognised in the Income statement in the year in 
which they are incurred. 

b   Fleet 

All aircraft are stated at the fair value of the consideration given after taking account of manufacturers’ credits. Fleet assets owned 
or right of use (‘ROU’) assets are disaggregated into separate components and depreciated at rates calculated to write down the 
cost of each component to the estimated residual value at the end of their planned operational lives (which is the shorter of their 
useful life or lease term) on a straight-line basis. Depreciation rates are specific to aircraft type, based on the Group’s fleet plans, 
within overall parameters of 23 years and up to 5 per cent residual value for shorthaul aircraft and between 25 and 29 years 
(depending on aircraft) and up to 5 per cent residual value for longhaul aircraft. Right of use assets are depreciated over the shorter 
of the lease term and the aforementioned depreciation rates. 

Cabin interior modifications, including those required for brand changes and relaunches, are depreciated over the lower of five years 
and the remaining economic life of the aircraft. 

Aircraft and engine spares acquired on the introduction or expansion of a fleet, as well as rotable spares purchased separately, are 
carried as property, plant and equipment and generally depreciated in line with the fleet to which they relate. 

Major overhaul expenditure, including replacement spares and labour costs, is capitalised and amortised over the average 
expected life between major overhauls. All other replacement spares and other costs relating to maintenance of fleet assets 
(including maintenance provided under ‘pay-as-you-go’ contracts) are charged to the Income statement on consumption or as 
incurred respectively. 

c   Other property, plant and equipment 

Provision is made for the depreciation of all property, plant and equipment. Property, with the exception of freehold land, 
is depreciated over its expected useful life over periods not exceeding 50 years, or in the case of leasehold properties, over the 
duration of the lease if shorter, on a straight-line basis. Equipment is depreciated over periods ranging from 4 to 20 years. 

d   Leases 

The Group leases various aircraft, properties and equipment. The lease terms of these assets are consistent with the determined 
useful economic life of similar assets within property, plant and equipment. 

At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the 
contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.  

Leases are recognised as a ROU asset and a corresponding lease liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by 
the Group. 

Right of use assets 
At the lease commencement date a ROU asset is measured at cost comprising the following: the amount of the initial measurement 
of the lease liability; any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; any initial 
direct costs; and restoration costs to return the asset to its original condition. (with a corresponding amount recognised within 
Provisions). 

The ROU asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. If ownership of the 
ROU asset transfers to the Group at the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is 
calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset. 

Lease liabilities 
Lease liabilities are initially measured at their present value, which includes the following lease payments: fixed payments (including 
in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable; variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate; 
amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees; the exercise price of a purchase option if the Group 
is reasonably certain to exercise that option; payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group 
exercising that option; and payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options.  

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. The interest rate implicit in the lease is the discount 
rate that, at the inception of the lease, causes the aggregate present value of the minimum lease payments and the unguaranteed 
residual value to be equal to the fair value of the leased asset and any initial indirect costs of the lessor. For aircraft leases these 
inputs are either observable in the contract or readily available from external market data. The initial direct costs of the lessor are 
considered to be immaterial. If the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be determined, the Group entity’s incremental borrowing 
rate is used.  

Each lease payment is allocated between the principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the Income statement over 
the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability for each period. 
After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the 
lease payments made. 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 
The carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification of the lease contract, a re-assessment of the lease 
term (specifically in regard to assumptions regarding extension and termination options) and changes in variable lease payments 
that are based on an index or a rate. 

The Group has elected not to recognise ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or 
less and those leases of low-value assets. Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised 
on a straight line basis as an expense in the Income statement. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, 
that do not contain a purchase option. Low-value assets comprise IT equipment and small items of office furniture.  

The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, which are not included in 
the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability 
is reassessed and adjusted against the ROU asset. Extension options are included in a number of aircraft, property and equipment 
leases across the Group and are reflected in the lease payments where the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise the 
option. The Group is also exposed to variable lease payments based on usage or revenue generated over a defined period. Such 
variable lease payments are expensed to the Income statement as incurred. 

The Group regularly uses sale and lease transactions to finance the acquisition of aircraft. Each transaction is assessed as to whether 
it meets the criteria within IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ for a sale to have occurred. If a sale has occurred, then 
the associated asset is de-recognised and a ROU asset and lease liability is recognised. The ROU asset recognised is based on the 
proportion of the previous carrying amount of the asset that is retained. Any gain or loss is restricted to the amount that relates to 
the rights that have been transferred to the counter-party to the transaction. Where a sale has not occurred, the asset is retained on 
the balance sheet within Property, plant and equipment and an asset financed liability recognised equal to the financing proceeds. 

Financing arrangements with the following features that do not meet the recognition criteria as a sale under IFRS 15 are therefore 
not eligible for recognition under IFRS 16: the lessor has legal ownership retention as security against repayment and interest 
obligations; the Group initially acquired the aircraft or took a major share in the acquisition process from the manufacturer; in view 
of the contractual conditions, it is virtually certain that the aircraft will be purchased at the end of the lease term.  

Cash flow presentation 
Lease payments are presented as follows in the Consolidated cash flow statement: the repayments of the principal element of lease 
liabilities are presented within cash flows from financing activities; the payments of the interest element of lease liabilities are 
included within cash flows from operating activities, and; the payments arising from variable elements of a lease, short-term leases 
and low-value assets are presented within cash flows from operating activities. 

COVID-19 related rent concessions 
On May 28, 2020, the IASB issued ‘COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions – amendments to IFRS 16 Leases’. The EU subsequently 
adopted the amendment on October 9, 2020. The amendment provides a practical expedient for lessees not to assess whether a 
COVID-19 related rent concession is a lease modification. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods commencing on 
or after June 1, 2020 and the Group has elected to adopt this amendment for the year to December 31, 2020. 

Intangible assets 

a   Goodwill 

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and represents the excess of the consideration 
paid over the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree. Where the net fair value of the identifiable assets 
and liabilities of the acquiree is in excess of the consideration paid, a gain on bargain purchase is recognised immediately in the 
Income statement. 

For the purpose of assessing impairment, goodwill is grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash 
flows (cash generating units). Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and whenever indicators exist that the carrying value may 
not be recoverable. 

b   Brands 

Brands arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are initially recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Long established brands 
that are expected to be used indefinitely are not amortised but assessed annually for impairment. 

c   Customer loyalty programmes 

Customer loyalty programmes arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are initially recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. A 
customer loyalty programme with an expected useful life is amortised over the expected remaining useful life. Established customer 
loyalty programmes that are expected to be used indefinitely are not amortised but assessed annually for impairment. 

d   Landing rights 

Landing rights acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Landing rights acquired from 
other airlines are capitalised at cost. 

Capitalised landing rights based outside of the United Kingdom and the EU are amortised on a straight-line basis over a period not 
exceeding 20 years. Capitalised landing rights based within the EU are not amortised, as regulations provide that these landing 
rights are perpetual. 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

The carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification of the lease contract, a re-assessment of the lease 

term (specifically in regard to assumptions regarding extension and termination options) and changes in variable lease payments 

that are based on an index or a rate. 

The Group has elected not to recognise ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or 

less and those leases of low-value assets. Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised 

on a straight line basis as an expense in the Income statement. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, 

that do not contain a purchase option. Low-value assets comprise IT equipment and small items of office furniture.  

The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, which are not included in 

the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability 

is reassessed and adjusted against the ROU asset. Extension options are included in a number of aircraft, property and equipment 

leases across the Group and are reflected in the lease payments where the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise the 

option. The Group is also exposed to variable lease payments based on usage or revenue generated over a defined period. Such 

variable lease payments are expensed to the Income statement as incurred. 

The Group regularly uses sale and lease transactions to finance the acquisition of aircraft. Each transaction is assessed as to whether 

it meets the criteria within IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ for a sale to have occurred. If a sale has occurred, then 

the associated asset is de-recognised and a ROU asset and lease liability is recognised. The ROU asset recognised is based on the 

proportion of the previous carrying amount of the asset that is retained. Any gain or loss is restricted to the amount that relates to 

the rights that have been transferred to the counter-party to the transaction. Where a sale has not occurred, the asset is retained on 

the balance sheet within Property, plant and equipment and an asset financed liability recognised equal to the financing proceeds. 

Financing arrangements with the following features that do not meet the recognition criteria as a sale under IFRS 15 are therefore 

not eligible for recognition under IFRS 16: the lessor has legal ownership retention as security against repayment and interest 

obligations; the Group initially acquired the aircraft or took a major share in the acquisition process from the manufacturer; in view 

of the contractual conditions, it is virtually certain that the aircraft will be purchased at the end of the lease term.  

Cash flow presentation 

Lease payments are presented as follows in the Consolidated cash flow statement: the repayments of the principal element of lease 

liabilities are presented within cash flows from financing activities; the payments of the interest element of lease liabilities are 

included within cash flows from operating activities, and; the payments arising from variable elements of a lease, short-term leases 

and low-value assets are presented within cash flows from operating activities. 

COVID-19 related rent concessions 

On May 28, 2020, the IASB issued ‘COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions – amendments to IFRS 16 Leases’. The EU subsequently 

adopted the amendment on October 9, 2020. The amendment provides a practical expedient for lessees not to assess whether a 

COVID-19 related rent concession is a lease modification. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods commencing on 

or after June 1, 2020 and the Group has elected to adopt this amendment for the year to December 31, 2020. 

Intangible assets 

a   Goodwill 

Income statement. 

not be recoverable. 

b   Brands 

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and represents the excess of the consideration 

paid over the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree. Where the net fair value of the identifiable assets 

and liabilities of the acquiree is in excess of the consideration paid, a gain on bargain purchase is recognised immediately in the 

For the purpose of assessing impairment, goodwill is grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash 

flows (cash generating units). Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and whenever indicators exist that the carrying value may 

Brands arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are initially recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Long established brands 

that are expected to be used indefinitely are not amortised but assessed annually for impairment. 

c   Customer loyalty programmes 

Customer loyalty programmes arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are initially recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. A 

customer loyalty programme with an expected useful life is amortised over the expected remaining useful life. Established customer 

loyalty programmes that are expected to be used indefinitely are not amortised but assessed annually for impairment. 

d   Landing rights 

other airlines are capitalised at cost. 

rights are perpetual. 

Landing rights acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Landing rights acquired from 

Capitalised landing rights based outside of the United Kingdom and the EU are amortised on a straight-line basis over a period not 

exceeding 20 years. Capitalised landing rights based within the EU are not amortised, as regulations provide that these landing 

e   Contract based intangibles 

Contract based intangibles acquired in a business combination are recognised initially at fair value at the acquisition date and 
amortised over the remaining life of the contract. 

f 

Software 

The cost to purchase or develop computer software that is separable from an item of related hardware is capitalised separately and 
amortised on a straight-line basis generally over a period not exceeding five years, with certain specific software developments 
amortised over a period of up to 10 years. 

g   Emissions allowances 

Purchased emissions allowances are recognised at cost. Emissions allowances are not revalued or amortised but are tested for 
impairment whenever indicators exist that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

From time to time the Group enters into sale and repurchase transactions for specified emission allowances. Such transactions do 
not meet the recognition criteria of a sale under IFRS 15 and accordingly the asset is retained on the balance sheet within Intangible 
assets and an other financing liability recognised equal to the proceeds received. 

Impairment of non-financial assets 

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are 
subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the value by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its 
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and value-in-use. Non-financial 
assets other than goodwill that were subject to an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each 
reporting date. 

a   Property, plant and equipment, including Right of use assets 

The carrying value is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be 
recoverable and the cumulative impairment losses are shown as a reduction in the carrying value of property, plant and equipment. 

b  

Intangible assets 

Intangible assets are held at cost and are either amortised on a straight-line basis over their economic life, or they are deemed to 
have an indefinite economic life and are not amortised. Indefinite life intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

Investments in associates and joint ventures 

An associate is an undertaking in which the Group has a long-term equity interest and over which it has the power to exercise 
significant influence. Where the Group cannot exercise control over an entity in which it has a shareholding greater than 51 per cent, 
the equity interest is treated as an associated undertaking. 

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net 
assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when 
decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The considerations made in 
determining significant influence or joint control are similar to those necessary to determine control over subsidiaries. 

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, and initially recognised at cost. The Group’s 
interest in the net assets of associates and joint ventures is included in Investments accounted for using the equity method in the 
Balance sheet and its interest in their results is included in the Income statement, below operating result. The attributable results of 
those companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included for the periods of ownership. 

Financial instruments 

a   Other equity investments 

Other equity investments are non-derivative financial assets including listed and unlisted investments, excluding interests in 
associates and joint ventures. On initial recognition, these equity investments are irrevocably designated as measured at fair value 
through Other comprehensive income. They are subsequently measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in Other 
comprehensive income with no recycling of these gains and losses to the Income statement when the investment is sold. Dividends 
received on other equity investments are recognised in the Income statement. 

The fair value of quoted investments is determined by reference to bid prices at the close of business on the balance sheet date. 
Where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. 

b  

Interest-bearing deposits 

Interest-bearing deposits, principally comprising funds held with banks and other financial institutions with contractual cash flows 
that are solely payments of principal and interest, and held in order to collect contractual cash flows, are carried at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method. 

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2  Significant accounting policies continued 

c   Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities 

Derivative financial instruments, comprising interest rate swap agreements, foreign exchange derivatives and fuel hedging 
derivatives (including options, swaps and futures) are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered 
into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. They are classified as financial instruments through the Income statement. 
The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss arising from remeasurement depends on whether the derivative is designated 
as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged (as detailed below under cash flow hedges). The time value 
of options is excluded from the designated hedging instrument and accounted for as a cost of hedging. Movements in the time 
value of options are recognised in Other comprehensive income until the underlying transaction affects the Income statement. 

When a derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and that instrument expires, is sold or is restructured, any cumulative 
gain or loss remains in the cash flow hedge reserve until such time as the hedging instrument was due to mature at inception of 
the relationship. Where a forecast transaction which was previously determined to be highly probable and hedge accounting 
applied, is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss in the cash flow hedge reserve is immediately reclassified to the 
Income statement. 

Exchange gains and losses on monetary investments are taken to the Income statement unless the item has been designated and is 
assessed as an effective hedging instrument. Exchange gains and losses on non-monetary investments are reflected in equity. 

d   Cash flow hedges 

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as a hedge of a highly probable expected future cash flow 
and assessed as effective are recorded in equity. Gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as a cash flow hedge 
are reported in the Income statement. Gains and losses recorded in equity are reflected in the Income statement when either the 
hedged cash flow impacts the Income statement or the hedged item is no longer expected to occur. 

Certain loan repayment instalments denominated in US dollars, euros, Japanese yen and Chinese yuan are designated as cash flow 
hedges of highly probable future foreign currency revenues. Exchange differences arising from the translation of these loan 
repayment instalments are recorded in equity and subsequently reflected in the Income statement when either the future revenue 
impacts income or its occurrence is no longer expected to occur. 

e   Long-term borrowings 

Long-term borrowings are recorded at amortised cost, including lease liabilities which contain interest rate swaps that are closely 
related to the underlying financing and as such are not accounted for as an embedded derivative. 

f   Convertible debt 

Convertible bonds are classified as compound instruments, consisting of a liability and an equity component. At the date of issue, 
the fair value of the liability component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for similar non-convertible debt, and is 
subsequently recorded at an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method until extinguished on conversion or maturity 
of the bonds, and is recognised within Interest-bearing borrowings. The difference between the proceeds of issue of the convertible 
bond and the fair value assigned to the liability component, representing the embedded option to convert the liability into equity of 
the Group, is included in Equity portion of convertible bond in Other reserves and is not subsequently remeasured. 

Issue costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components of the convertible bonds where appropriate based on their 
relative carrying values at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component is charged directly against equity. 

The interest expense on the liability component is calculated by applying the effective interest rate for similar non-convertible debt 
to the liability component of the instrument. The difference between this value and the interest paid is added to the carrying 
amount of the liability. 

g 

Impairment of financial assets 

At each balance sheet date, the Group recognises provisions for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortised 
cost, based on 12-month or lifetime losses depending on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial 
recognition. The simplified approach, based on the calculation and recognition of lifetime expected credit losses, is applied to 
contracts that have a maturity of one year or less, including trade receivables. 

When determining whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition and when estimating the 
expected credit loss, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available. This includes both 
quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Group's historical experience and informed credit assessment, 
including forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information takes into consideration the forecast economic conditions 
expected to impact the outstanding balances at the balance sheet date. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable 
expectation of recovery, such as the customer having filed for liquidation. 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

c   Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities 

Derivative financial instruments, comprising interest rate swap agreements, foreign exchange derivatives and fuel hedging 

derivatives (including options, swaps and futures) are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered 

into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. They are classified as financial instruments through the Income statement. 

The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss arising from remeasurement depends on whether the derivative is designated 

as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged (as detailed below under cash flow hedges). The time value 

of options is excluded from the designated hedging instrument and accounted for as a cost of hedging. Movements in the time 

value of options are recognised in Other comprehensive income until the underlying transaction affects the Income statement. 

When a derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and that instrument expires, is sold or is restructured, any cumulative 

gain or loss remains in the cash flow hedge reserve until such time as the hedging instrument was due to mature at inception of 

the relationship. Where a forecast transaction which was previously determined to be highly probable and hedge accounting 

applied, is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss in the cash flow hedge reserve is immediately reclassified to the 

Exchange gains and losses on monetary investments are taken to the Income statement unless the item has been designated and is 

assessed as an effective hedging instrument. Exchange gains and losses on non-monetary investments are reflected in equity. 

Income statement. 

d   Cash flow hedges 

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as a hedge of a highly probable expected future cash flow 

and assessed as effective are recorded in equity. Gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as a cash flow hedge 

are reported in the Income statement. Gains and losses recorded in equity are reflected in the Income statement when either the 

hedged cash flow impacts the Income statement or the hedged item is no longer expected to occur. 

Certain loan repayment instalments denominated in US dollars, euros, Japanese yen and Chinese yuan are designated as cash flow 

hedges of highly probable future foreign currency revenues. Exchange differences arising from the translation of these loan 

repayment instalments are recorded in equity and subsequently reflected in the Income statement when either the future revenue 

impacts income or its occurrence is no longer expected to occur. 

Long-term borrowings are recorded at amortised cost, including lease liabilities which contain interest rate swaps that are closely 

related to the underlying financing and as such are not accounted for as an embedded derivative. 

e   Long-term borrowings 

f   Convertible debt 

Convertible bonds are classified as compound instruments, consisting of a liability and an equity component. At the date of issue, 

the fair value of the liability component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for similar non-convertible debt, and is 

subsequently recorded at an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method until extinguished on conversion or maturity 

of the bonds, and is recognised within Interest-bearing borrowings. The difference between the proceeds of issue of the convertible 

bond and the fair value assigned to the liability component, representing the embedded option to convert the liability into equity of 

the Group, is included in Equity portion of convertible bond in Other reserves and is not subsequently remeasured. 

Issue costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components of the convertible bonds where appropriate based on their 

relative carrying values at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component is charged directly against equity. 

The interest expense on the liability component is calculated by applying the effective interest rate for similar non-convertible debt 

to the liability component of the instrument. The difference between this value and the interest paid is added to the carrying 

amount of the liability. 

g 

Impairment of financial assets 

At each balance sheet date, the Group recognises provisions for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortised 

cost, based on 12-month or lifetime losses depending on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial 

recognition. The simplified approach, based on the calculation and recognition of lifetime expected credit losses, is applied to 

contracts that have a maturity of one year or less, including trade receivables. 

When determining whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition and when estimating the 

expected credit loss, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available. This includes both 

quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Group's historical experience and informed credit assessment, 

including forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information takes into consideration the forecast economic conditions 

expected to impact the outstanding balances at the balance sheet date. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable 

expectation of recovery, such as the customer having filed for liquidation. 

Employee benefit plans 

a   Pension obligations 

The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the 
Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further 
contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current 
and prior years. 

Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent 
on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. 

The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the 
amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years. The benefit is 
discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets are deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the 
balance sheet date on AA-rated corporate bonds of the appropriate currency that have durations approximating those of the 
Group’s obligations. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the net 
obligation calculation results in an asset for the Group, the recognition of an asset is limited to the present value of any future 
refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan (‘the asset ceiling’). The fair value of the plan assets is based 
on market price information and, in the case of quoted securities, is the published bid price. The fair value of insurance policies which 
exactly match the amount and timing of some or all benefits payable under the scheme are deemed to be the present value of the 
related obligations. Longevity swaps are measured at their fair value. 

Current service costs are recognised within employee costs in the year in which they arise. Past service costs are recognised in the 
event of a plan amendment or curtailment, or when the Group recognises related restructuring costs or severance obligations. The 
net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period 
to the net defined benefit liability or asset, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability or asset during the 
period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net interest and other expenses related to the defined benefit plans are 
recognised in the Income statement. Remeasurements, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling 
(excluding interest) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), are recognised immediately in Other comprehensive income. 
Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Income statement in subsequent periods. 

b   Severance obligations 

Severance obligations are recognised when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or 
whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises a provision for 
severance payments when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a 
detailed formal plan without realistic possibility of withdrawal, or providing severance payments as a result of an offer made to 
encourage voluntary redundancy. 

Other employee benefits are recognised when there is deemed to be a present obligation. 

Taxation 

Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation 
authorities, based on tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their 
carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exceptions: 

•  Where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a 

business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss; 

•  In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries or associates, where the timing of the 

reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future; and 

•  Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which 

the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply 
when the related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date. 

Income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise income 
tax is recognised in the Income statement. 

Inventories 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Such cost is determined by the weighted average cost method. 
Inventories include mainly aircraft spare parts, repairable aircraft engine parts and fuel. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits with any qualifying financial institution repayable on demand or 
maturing within three months of the date of acquisition and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. 

150 

151 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

Share-based payments 

The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based payment plans, under which the Group awards equity instruments of 
the Group for services rendered by employees. The fair value of the share-based payment plans is measured at the date of grant 
using a valuation model provided by external specialists. The resulting cost, as adjusted for the expected and actual level of vesting 
of the plan, is charged to the Income statement over the period in which the options vest. At each balance sheet date before 
vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s 
best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions, and accordingly the number of equity instruments that will 
ultimately vest. The movement in the cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the Income 
statement with a corresponding entry in equity. 

Provisions 

Provisions are made when an obligation exists for a present liability in respect of a past event and where the amount of the 
obligation can be reliably estimated. 

Employee leaving indemnities and other employee provisions are recorded for flight crew who, meeting certain conditions, have the 
option of being placed on reserve or of taking early retirement. The Group is obligated to remunerate these employees until they 
reach the statutory retirement age. The calculation is performed by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. 

Other employee related provisions are recognised for direct expenditures of business reorganisation such as severance payments 
(restructuring provisions) where plans are sufficiently detailed and well advanced, and where appropriate communication to those 
affected has been undertaken at the balance sheet date. 

Restoration and handback provisions arising on the commencement of a lease are recognised as a provision with a corresponding 
amount recognised as part of the ROU asset. Any change in estimation relating to such costs are reflected in the ROU asset. 
Maintenance and handback provisions that occur through usage or through the passage of time are recognised with a 
corresponding amount recorded over time in the Income statement. 

If the effect is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to 
the provision. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to unwinding the discount is recognised as a finance cost. 

Revenue recognition 

The Group’s revenue primarily derives from transportation services for both passengers and cargo. Revenue is recognised when the 
transportation service has been provided. Passenger tickets are generally paid for in advance of transportation and are recognised, 
net of discounts, as deferred revenue on ticket sales in current liabilities until the customer has flown. Prior to the impact of COVID-
19 on the ability of passengers to utilise the Group’s transportation services, unused tickets were recognised as revenue after the 
contracted date of departure using estimates regarding the timing of recognition based on the terms and conditions of the ticket 
and statistical analysis of historical trends. If as a result of the impact of COVID-19 a flight is cancelled, the passenger is entitled to 
either a refund, changing to an alternative flight or the receipt of a voucher. Where a voucher is issued, given the relative short 
period of historical data, no revenue is recognised until either the voucher is redeemed through transportation services or it expires. 
Revenue is stated net of compensation for flight delays and cancellations, taking into consideration the level of expected claims. 

The Group considers whether it is an agent or a principal in relation to transportation services by considering whether it has a 
performance obligation to provide services to the customer or whether the obligation is to arrange for the services to be 
provided by a third party. The Group acts as an agent where (i) it collects various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to 
passengers and remits these to the relevant taxing authorities; and (ii) where it provides interline services to airline partners outside 
of the Group. 

Other revenue including maintenance; handling; hotel and holiday and commissions is recognised as the related performance 
obligations are satisfied (over time), being where the control of the goods or services are transferred to the customer. 

Customer loyalty programmes 

The Group operates four loyalty programmes: the British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Vueling Club and the Aer Lingus Aer 
Club. The customer loyalty programmes award travellers Avios to redeem for various rewards, primarily redemption travel, 
including flights, hotels and car hire. Avios are also sold to commercial partners to use in loyalty activity. 

The Group has identified several performance obligations associated with the sale of Avios. Revenue associated with brand and 
marketing services and revenue associated with Avios has been determined based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each 
of the performance obligations. Revenue associated with brand and marketing services is recognised as the points are issued. 
Revenue allocated to the Avios is deferred on the balance sheet as a current liability, and recognised when the points are redeemed. 
When the points are redeemed for products provided by suppliers outside the Group, revenue is recognised in the Income 
statement net of related costs, as the Group is considered to be an agent in these redemption transactions. 

The Group estimates the stand-alone selling price of the brand and marketing performance obligations by reference to the amount 
that a third party would be prepared to pay in an arm’s length transaction for access to comparable brands for the period over 
which they have access. The stand-alone selling price of Avios is based on the value of the awards for which the points could be 
redeemed. The Group also recognises revenue associated with the proportion of Avios which are not expected to be redeemed, 
based on the results of statistical modelling. 

156

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

Share-based payments 

The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based payment plans, under which the Group awards equity instruments of 

the Group for services rendered by employees. The fair value of the share-based payment plans is measured at the date of grant 

using a valuation model provided by external specialists. The resulting cost, as adjusted for the expected and actual level of vesting 

of the plan, is charged to the Income statement over the period in which the options vest. At each balance sheet date before 

vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s 

best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions, and accordingly the number of equity instruments that will 

ultimately vest. The movement in the cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the Income 

statement with a corresponding entry in equity. 

Provisions 

obligation can be reliably estimated. 

Provisions are made when an obligation exists for a present liability in respect of a past event and where the amount of the 

Employee leaving indemnities and other employee provisions are recorded for flight crew who, meeting certain conditions, have the 

option of being placed on reserve or of taking early retirement. The Group is obligated to remunerate these employees until they 

reach the statutory retirement age. The calculation is performed by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. 

Other employee related provisions are recognised for direct expenditures of business reorganisation such as severance payments 

(restructuring provisions) where plans are sufficiently detailed and well advanced, and where appropriate communication to those 

affected has been undertaken at the balance sheet date. 

Restoration and handback provisions arising on the commencement of a lease are recognised as a provision with a corresponding 

amount recognised as part of the ROU asset. Any change in estimation relating to such costs are reflected in the ROU asset. 

Maintenance and handback provisions that occur through usage or through the passage of time are recognised with a 

corresponding amount recorded over time in the Income statement. 

If the effect is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to 

the provision. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to unwinding the discount is recognised as a finance cost. 

Revenue recognition 

The Group’s revenue primarily derives from transportation services for both passengers and cargo. Revenue is recognised when the 

transportation service has been provided. Passenger tickets are generally paid for in advance of transportation and are recognised, 

net of discounts, as deferred revenue on ticket sales in current liabilities until the customer has flown. Prior to the impact of COVID-

19 on the ability of passengers to utilise the Group’s transportation services, unused tickets were recognised as revenue after the 

contracted date of departure using estimates regarding the timing of recognition based on the terms and conditions of the ticket 

and statistical analysis of historical trends. If as a result of the impact of COVID-19 a flight is cancelled, the passenger is entitled to 

either a refund, changing to an alternative flight or the receipt of a voucher. Where a voucher is issued, given the relative short 

period of historical data, no revenue is recognised until either the voucher is redeemed through transportation services or it expires. 

Revenue is stated net of compensation for flight delays and cancellations, taking into consideration the level of expected claims. 

The Group considers whether it is an agent or a principal in relation to transportation services by considering whether it has a 

performance obligation to provide services to the customer or whether the obligation is to arrange for the services to be 

provided by a third party. The Group acts as an agent where (i) it collects various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to 

passengers and remits these to the relevant taxing authorities; and (ii) where it provides interline services to airline partners outside 

of the Group. 

Other revenue including maintenance; handling; hotel and holiday and commissions is recognised as the related performance 

obligations are satisfied (over time), being where the control of the goods or services are transferred to the customer. 

Customer loyalty programmes 

The Group operates four loyalty programmes: the British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Vueling Club and the Aer Lingus Aer 

Club. The customer loyalty programmes award travellers Avios to redeem for various rewards, primarily redemption travel, 

including flights, hotels and car hire. Avios are also sold to commercial partners to use in loyalty activity. 

The Group has identified several performance obligations associated with the sale of Avios. Revenue associated with brand and 

marketing services and revenue associated with Avios has been determined based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each 

of the performance obligations. Revenue associated with brand and marketing services is recognised as the points are issued. 

Revenue allocated to the Avios is deferred on the balance sheet as a current liability, and recognised when the points are redeemed. 

When the points are redeemed for products provided by suppliers outside the Group, revenue is recognised in the Income 

statement net of related costs, as the Group is considered to be an agent in these redemption transactions. 

The Group estimates the stand-alone selling price of the brand and marketing performance obligations by reference to the amount 

that a third party would be prepared to pay in an arm’s length transaction for access to comparable brands for the period over 

which they have access. The stand-alone selling price of Avios is based on the value of the awards for which the points could be 

redeemed. The Group also recognises revenue associated with the proportion of Avios which are not expected to be redeemed, 

based on the results of statistical modelling. 

Exceptional items 

Exceptional items are those that in management’s view need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size or nature and 
where such presentation is relevant to an understanding of the entity’s financial performance. The exceptional items recorded in 
the Income statement include items such as significant settlement agreements with the Group’s pension schemes; significant 
restructuring; the impact of business combination transactions that do not contribute to the ongoing results of the Group; 
significant discontinuance of hedge accounting; legal settlements; and the impact of the sale, disposal or impairment of an asset 
or investment in a business. 

Business combination transactions include cash items such as the costs incurred to effect the transaction and non-cash items such 
as accounting gains or losses recognised through the Income statement, such as bargain purchase gains and step acquisition losses. 

Government grants 

Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received. Loans provided and/or 
guaranteed by governments that represent market rates of interest are recorded at the amount of the proceeds received and 
recognised within Borrowings. Those loans provided and/or guaranteed by governments that represent below market rates of 
interest are measured at inception at their fair value and recognised within Borrowings, with the differential to the proceeds 
received recorded within Deferred income and released to the relevant financial statement caption in the Income statement on a 
systematic basis. Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognised in the Income statement in the relevant 
financial statement caption on a systematic basis in the periods in which the expenses are recognised. 

Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These judgements, estimates 
and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances. Actual results in the future may differ from judgements and estimates upon which financial information has 
been prepared. These underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised prospectively. 

Estimates 

The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities within the next financial year are as follows: 

a  Employee benefit obligations, employee leaving indemnities, other employee related restructuring 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €282 million in respect of employee benefit assets (2019: €314 million) and €719 million 
in respect of employee benefit obligations (2019: €400 million). Further information on employee benefit obligations is disclosed in 
note 30. 

The cost of employee benefit obligations, employee leaving indemnities and other employee related provisions is determined using 
actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations involve making assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return on assets, future 
salary increases, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these schemes, such assumptions are 
subject to significant uncertainty. The assumptions relating to these schemes are disclosed in note 30. The Group determines the 
assumptions to be adopted in discussion with qualified actuaries. Any difference between these assumptions and the actual 
outcome will impact future net assets and total comprehensive income. The sensitivity to changes in pension assumptions is 
disclosed in note 30. 

Under the Group’s APS and NAPS defined benefit schemes, increases to pensions are based on the annual Government 
Pension Increase (Review) Orders, which since 2011 have been based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). Additionally, in APS 
there is provision for the Trustee to pay increases up to the level of the Retail Prices Index (RPI), subject to certain affordability tests. 
Historically market expectations for RPI could be derived by comparing the prices of UK Government fixed-interest and index-linked 
gilts, with CPI assessed by considering the Bank of England’s inflation target and comparison of the construction of the two 
inflation indices.  

In February 2019, following the UK House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee report on measuring inflation, the National 
Statistician concluded that the existing methodology was unsatisfactory and proposed a number of options to the UK Statistics 
Authority (UKSA). In March 2019, the UKSA recommended to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer that the publication of the RPI 
cease at a point to be determined in the future and in the intervening period, the RPI be addressed by bringing in the methods of 
the CPIH (a proposed variant to CPI). In September 2019, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced his intention to consult 
with the Bank of England and the UKSA on whether to implement these proposed changes to RPI in the period of 2025 to 2030. 
Following consultation during 2020, on November 25, 2020 the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer and the UKSA confirmed that from 
February 2030 onwards CPIH will replace RPI with no compensation to holders of index-linked gilts. 

Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in September 2019 and through to December 31, 2020, market-implied 
break-even RPI inflation forward rates for periods after 2030 have reduced in the investment market. Therefore, in assessing RPI 
and CPI from investment market data, allowance has been made for partial alignment between RPI and CPI from 2030 onwards. 

152 

153 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 
On October 26, 2018 the High Court of Justice of England and Wales issued a judgment in a claim between Lloyds Banking Group 
Pension Trustees Limited as claimant and Lloyds Banking Group plc and others as defendants (collectively referred to as the ‘Lloyds 
Bank case’) regarding the rights of female members of certain pension schemes to equality of treatment in relation to pension 
benefits. The judgment in the Lloyd’s Bank case confirmed that all pension schemes were required to equalise, with immediate 
application, for the effects of unequal Guaranteed Minimum Pension (‘GMP’) benefits accrued over the period since May 17, 1990 
(‘GMP equalisation’). On November 20, 2020 the High Court of Justice of England and Wales issued a further judgment requiring all 
pension schemes, if requested by their individual members, to revisit individual transfer payments made between May 17, 1990 and 
April 5, 1997 to assess the shortfall, if any, between the original transfer payments and the impact of GMP equalisation. Where a 
shortfall exists, the pension scheme is required to make an additional payment to the individual member, including interest accrued 
at 1.0 per cent above the base rate per annum. The APS and NAPS estimated Defined benefit obligations as at December 31, 2020 
and December 31, 2019 includes allowance for the estimated effect of GMP equalisation based on the assessments made by the 
respective APS and NAPS Scheme Actuaries. 

Restructuring provisions are estimates of future obligations. The Group exercises judgement in determining the expected direct 
expenditures of reorganisation based on plans which are sufficiently detailed and advanced. 

b  Revenue recognition 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €5,130 million (2019: €5,486 million) in respect of deferred revenue on ticket sales of 
which €2,725 million (2019: €1,917 million) related to customer loyalty programmes. 

Passenger revenue is recognised when the transportation is provided. At the time of transportation, revenue is also recognised in 
respect of tickets that are not expected to be used (‘unused tickets’). Revenue associated with unused tickets is estimated based on 
the terms and conditions of the tickets and historical trends.  

Revenue associated with the issuance of points under customer loyalty programmes is based on the relative stand-alone selling 
prices of the related performance obligations (brand, marketing and points), determined using estimation techniques. The 
transaction price of brand and marketing services is determined using specific brand valuation methodologies. The transaction price 
of the points is based on the value of the awards for which the points can be redeemed and is reduced to take account of the 
proportion of the award credits that are not expected to be redeemed by customers. The Group estimates the number of points not 
expected to be redeemed (using statistical modelling and historical trends) and the mix and fair value of the award credits. A five 
percentage point change in the assumption of points outstanding and not expected to be redeemed would result in an adjustment 
to deferred revenue of €100 million, with an offsetting adjustment to revenue and operating profit recognised in the year. 

In August 2020, the Group received an upfront payment of €830 million (£754 million) related to the fulfilment of future 
performance obligations under the renewal of the multi-year commercial partnership with American Express. The Group estimates 
the number of points expected to issued over the life of the contract and allocates the upfront payment to the relevant 
performance obligations. At each reporting date, the Group updates its estimate of the number of points expected to be issued 
over the total contract term and recognises a cumulative catch-up adjustment where necessary. The Group considers that these 
upfront payments include a significant financing component considering the length of time between the payment and the expected 
allocation to performance obligations. Accordingly, the transaction price for the contract is discounted using the prevailing market 
interest rate. 

The following three accounting estimates involve a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or are areas where assumptions are 
significant to the financial statements however these accounting estimates are not major sources of estimation uncertainty that 
have a significant risk of resulting in material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next year. 

c 

Income taxes 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €1,075 million in respect of deferred tax assets (2019: €546 million). Further 
information on current and deferred tax liabilities is disclosed in note 9. 

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Estimates are required in determining the worldwide provision for 
income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain because it may be 
unclear how tax law applies to a particular transaction or circumstance. Where the Group determines that it is more likely than not 
that the tax authorities would accept the position taken in the tax return, amounts are recognised in the financial statements on 
that basis. Where the amount of tax payable or recoverable is uncertain, the Group recognises a liability based on either: the 
Group’s judgement of the most likely outcome; or, when there is a wide range of possible outcomes, uses a probability weighted 
average approach. 

The Group recognises deferred income tax assets only to the extent that it is probable that the taxable profit will be available 
against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised. Management considers 
past and current operating performance and the future projections of performance laid out in the approved business plan in order 
to assess the probability of recoverability. The Business plan relies on the use of assumptions, estimates and judgements in respect 
of future performance and economics. 

158

154 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

2  Significant accounting policies continued 

On October 26, 2018 the High Court of Justice of England and Wales issued a judgment in a claim between Lloyds Banking Group 

Pension Trustees Limited as claimant and Lloyds Banking Group plc and others as defendants (collectively referred to as the ‘Lloyds 

Bank case’) regarding the rights of female members of certain pension schemes to equality of treatment in relation to pension 

benefits. The judgment in the Lloyd’s Bank case confirmed that all pension schemes were required to equalise, with immediate 

application, for the effects of unequal Guaranteed Minimum Pension (‘GMP’) benefits accrued over the period since May 17, 1990 

(‘GMP equalisation’). On November 20, 2020 the High Court of Justice of England and Wales issued a further judgment requiring all 

pension schemes, if requested by their individual members, to revisit individual transfer payments made between May 17, 1990 and 

April 5, 1997 to assess the shortfall, if any, between the original transfer payments and the impact of GMP equalisation. Where a 

shortfall exists, the pension scheme is required to make an additional payment to the individual member, including interest accrued 

at 1.0 per cent above the base rate per annum. The APS and NAPS estimated Defined benefit obligations as at December 31, 2020 

and December 31, 2019 includes allowance for the estimated effect of GMP equalisation based on the assessments made by the 

respective APS and NAPS Scheme Actuaries. 

Restructuring provisions are estimates of future obligations. The Group exercises judgement in determining the expected direct 

expenditures of reorganisation based on plans which are sufficiently detailed and advanced. 

b  Revenue recognition 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €5,130 million (2019: €5,486 million) in respect of deferred revenue on ticket sales of 

which €2,725 million (2019: €1,917 million) related to customer loyalty programmes. 

Passenger revenue is recognised when the transportation is provided. At the time of transportation, revenue is also recognised in 

respect of tickets that are not expected to be used (‘unused tickets’). Revenue associated with unused tickets is estimated based on 

the terms and conditions of the tickets and historical trends.  

Revenue associated with the issuance of points under customer loyalty programmes is based on the relative stand-alone selling 

prices of the related performance obligations (brand, marketing and points), determined using estimation techniques. The 

transaction price of brand and marketing services is determined using specific brand valuation methodologies. The transaction price 

of the points is based on the value of the awards for which the points can be redeemed and is reduced to take account of the 

proportion of the award credits that are not expected to be redeemed by customers. The Group estimates the number of points not 

expected to be redeemed (using statistical modelling and historical trends) and the mix and fair value of the award credits. A five 

percentage point change in the assumption of points outstanding and not expected to be redeemed would result in an adjustment 

to deferred revenue of €100 million, with an offsetting adjustment to revenue and operating profit recognised in the year. 

In August 2020, the Group received an upfront payment of €830 million (£754 million) related to the fulfilment of future 

performance obligations under the renewal of the multi-year commercial partnership with American Express. The Group estimates 

the number of points expected to issued over the life of the contract and allocates the upfront payment to the relevant 

performance obligations. At each reporting date, the Group updates its estimate of the number of points expected to be issued 

over the total contract term and recognises a cumulative catch-up adjustment where necessary. The Group considers that these 

upfront payments include a significant financing component considering the length of time between the payment and the expected 

allocation to performance obligations. Accordingly, the transaction price for the contract is discounted using the prevailing market 

The following three accounting estimates involve a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or are areas where assumptions are 

significant to the financial statements however these accounting estimates are not major sources of estimation uncertainty that 

have a significant risk of resulting in material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next year. 

interest rate. 

c 

Income taxes 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €1,075 million in respect of deferred tax assets (2019: €546 million). Further 

information on current and deferred tax liabilities is disclosed in note 9. 

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Estimates are required in determining the worldwide provision for 

income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain because it may be 

unclear how tax law applies to a particular transaction or circumstance. Where the Group determines that it is more likely than not 

that the tax authorities would accept the position taken in the tax return, amounts are recognised in the financial statements on 

that basis. Where the amount of tax payable or recoverable is uncertain, the Group recognises a liability based on either: the 

Group’s judgement of the most likely outcome; or, when there is a wide range of possible outcomes, uses a probability weighted 

average approach. 

The Group recognises deferred income tax assets only to the extent that it is probable that the taxable profit will be available 

against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised. Management considers 

past and current operating performance and the future projections of performance laid out in the approved business plan in order 

to assess the probability of recoverability. The Business plan relies on the use of assumptions, estimates and judgements in respect 

of future performance and economics. 

d 

Impairment of non-financial assets 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €2,390 million (2019: €2,460 million) in respect of intangible assets with an indefinite 
life, including goodwill. Further information on these assets is included in note 15. 

The Group assesses whether there are any indicators of impairment for all non-financial assets at each reporting date. Goodwill and 
intangible assets with indefinite economic lives are tested for impairment annually and at other times when such indicators exist. 
The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations, which use a weighted 
average multi-scenario discounted cash flow model. The Group has applied judgement in the weighting of each scenario in the 
discounted cash flow model and these calculations require the use of estimates in the determination of key assumptions and 
sensitivities as disclosed in note 15. 

Other non-financial assets are tested for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. 

e  Residual values and useful lives of assets 

At December 31, 2020 the Group recognised €17,531 million (2019: €19,168 million) in respect of property, plant and equipment, 
including the ROU assets recognised in the year. Further information on these assets is included in note 12 and note 13. 

The Group estimates useful lives and residual values of property, plant and equipment, including fleet assets based on network plans 
and recoverable values. Useful lives and residual values are reassessed annually, taking into consideration the latest fleet plans and 
other business plan information.  

Judgements 

a   Engineering and other aircraft costs 

At December 31, 2020, the Group recognised €1,588 million in respect of maintenance, restoration and handback provisions (2019: 
€1,675 million). Information on movements on the provision is disclosed in note 24. 

The Group has a number of contracts with service providers to replace or repair engine parts and for other maintenance checks. 
These agreements are complex and generally cover a number of years. The Group exercises judgement in determining the 
assumptions used to match the consumption of replacement spares and other costs associated with fleet maintenance with the 
appropriate income statement charge. Aircraft maintenance obligations are based on aircraft utilisation, expected maintenance 
intervals, future maintenance costs and the aircraft’s condition. 

b  Determining the lease term of contracts with renewal and termination options  

The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option 
to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is 
reasonably certain not to be exercised. The Group applies judgement in evaluating whether it is reasonably certain whether or not 
to exercise the option to renew or terminate the lease. Such judgement includes consideration of fleet plans which underpin 
approved business plans and historical experience regarding the extension of leases. After the commencement date, the Group 
reassesses the lease term if there is a significant event or change in circumstances and affects the Group’s ability to exercise or not 
to exercise the option to renew or to terminate. Further information is given in note 13. 

New standards, amendments and interpretations 

The following amendments and interpretations apply for the first time in 2020, but do not have a material impact on the 
consolidated financial statements of the Group: 

•  COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions – amendments to IFRS 16 Leases; 
•  Amendments to references to the conceptual framework in IFRS standards; 
•  Definition of a business (amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’);  
•  Definition of material (amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of financial statements’ and IAS 8 ‘Accounting policies, Changes in 

accounting estimates and errors’); and 

•  Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’, IAS 39 ‘Financial instruments: Recognition and 
measurement’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’, which conclude on phase one of the IASB’s work to respond to the 
effects of Interbank Offered Rates (IBOR) reform on financial reporting. The amendments provide temporary reliefs which enable 
hedge accounting to continue during the period of uncertainty before the replacement of an existing interest rate benchmark 
with an alternative nearly risk-free interest rate. 

The IASB and IFRIC have issued the following standards, amendments and interpretations with an effective date after the year end 
of these financial statements which management believe could impact the Group in future periods. Unless otherwise stated, the 
Group plans to adopt the following standards, interpretations and amendments on the date they become mandatory: 

•  Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 – Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 effective for periods 

beginning on or after January 1, 2021; 

•  Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before intended use – Amendments to IAS 16 effective for periods beginning on or after 

January 1, 2022; 

•  Reference to the Conceptual Framework – Amendments to IFRS 3 effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022; 
•  Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract Amendments to IAS 37 effective for periods beginning on or after 

January 1, 2022; 

•  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018–2020 effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022; and 
•  Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current Amendments to IAS 1 effective for periods beginning on or after 

January 1, 2023. 

154 

155 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

3  Impact of COVID-19 on financial reporting 

Significant transactions and critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements in the determination of the impact of 
COVID-19  

As a result of COVID-19 the Group has experienced a significant decline in the level of flight activity and does not expect to return 
to the level of 2019 activity until at least 2023. Accordingly, the Group has applied critical estimation and judgement in the 
evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 regarding the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities within the Consolidated 
financial statements.  

Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements – cash flow forecast estimation 

The Group has applied estimation and judgement in the evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on the estimation uncertainty of 
determining cash flow forecasts as part of the approved Business plans. The details regarding the inputs and assumptions used in 
the determination of these cash flow forecasts are given in the going concern basis of preparation. 

The following critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements utilise these cash flow forecasts consistently, which are in 
some instances significantly different from judgements applied in previous years: 

a  Discontinuance of hedge accounting 

In determining whether hedge accounting is required to be discontinued or to remain in a hedge relationship, judgement is required 
as to whether a forecast transaction that was previously highly probable continues to be expected to occur or is no longer 
expected to occur. The Group applied the capacity output from the cash flow forecasts as part of the approved Business plans in 
order to determine the forecast level of revenue generation and fuel consumption over the periods in which hedge accounting has 
been applied. 

In 2020 the Group recognised a charge arising from such discontinuance of €1,756 million represented by an expense of €62 million 
relating to revenue foreign currency derivatives, an expense of €1,781 million relating to fuel derivatives and a credit of €87 million 
related to the associated fuel foreign currency derivatives. These amounts relate to the discontinuance of hedge accounting of the 
associated foreign currency and fuel derivatives on forecast revenue and fuel consumption. These losses have arisen from the 
substantial deterioration in demand for air travel caused by COVID-19, which has caused a significant level of hedged passenger 
revenue transactions and fuel purchases in US dollars to no longer be expected to occur based on the Group’s operating forecasts 
prevailing at the Balance sheet date. The Group’s risk management strategy has been to build up these hedges gradually over a 
three-year period when the level of forecast passenger revenue and fuel consumption were higher than current expectations. 
Accordingly, the hedge accounting for these transactions has been discontinued and the losses recognised in the Income 
statement. The exceptional charge relating to revenue derivatives and fuel derivatives has been recorded in the Income statement 
within Passenger revenue and Fuel, oil and emission charges, respectively. 

b  Long-term fleet plans and associated impairment 

The Group derives long-term fleet plans from the cash flow forecasts arising from the approved business plans. In deriving the 
long-term fleet plans, the Group applies judgement with respect to consideration of the period of temporary and permanent 
grounding of fleet assets, the deferral of the delivery of certain aircraft and the assumptions around specific provisions relating to 
leased fleet assets.  

In 2020 the Group recognised an impairment charge of €856 million, represented by an impairment of fleet assets of €837 million 
and an impairment of other assets of €19 million. The fleet impairment relates to 82 aircraft, their associated engines and rotable 
inventories that have been stood down permanently and 2 further aircraft which have been impaired down to their recoverable 
value at December 31, 2020, which includes 32 Boeing 747 aircraft, 23 Airbus A320 aircraft, 15 Airbus A340 aircraft, 4 Airbus A330-
200 aircraft, 2 Airbus A318 aircraft, 1 Airbus A321 aircraft, 1 Airbus A319 aircraft, 2 Boeing 777-200 aircraft and 4 Embraer E170 
aircraft. Of the fleet impairment, €676 million is recorded within Property, plant and equipment relating to owned aircraft and €161 
million is recorded within Right of use assets relating to leased aircraft. 

Further, the Group has recognised additional inventory write downs of €71 million and additional specific provisions relating to 
leased fleet assets of €37 million. The inventory write down expense represents those expendable inventories that, given the asset 
impairments, are no longer expected to be utilised. The charge relating to the recognition of contractual lease provisions represents 
the estimation of the additional cost to fulfil the hand back conditions associated with the leased aircraft that have been 
permanently stood down and impaired. 

Further information is given in the Alternative performance measures section, note 12, note 13 and note 24. 

c 

Impairment testing of the Group’s cash generating units 

Due to the estimation uncertainty of the timing and duration of the recovery from COVID-19, the Group has adopted a weighted 
average multi-scenario discounted cash flow model derived from the cash flow forecasts from the approved business plans. The 
Group exercises judgement in determining the weighting between these scenarios in the value-in-use model. 

Having undertaken this impairment testing, the Group has not recognised any impairment charge. While no impairment charge is 
arising, the headroom in the impairment test of the British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus cash generating units are particularly 
sensitive to changes in key assumptions. Further information is given in note 15. 

160

156 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

3  Impact of COVID-19 on financial reporting 

Significant transactions and critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements in the determination of the impact of 

COVID-19  

financial statements.  

As a result of COVID-19 the Group has experienced a significant decline in the level of flight activity and does not expect to return 

to the level of 2019 activity until at least 2023. Accordingly, the Group has applied critical estimation and judgement in the 

evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 regarding the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities within the Consolidated 

Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements – cash flow forecast estimation 

The Group has applied estimation and judgement in the evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on the estimation uncertainty of 

determining cash flow forecasts as part of the approved Business plans. The details regarding the inputs and assumptions used in 

the determination of these cash flow forecasts are given in the going concern basis of preparation. 

The following critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements utilise these cash flow forecasts consistently, which are in 

some instances significantly different from judgements applied in previous years: 

a  Discontinuance of hedge accounting 

In determining whether hedge accounting is required to be discontinued or to remain in a hedge relationship, judgement is required 

as to whether a forecast transaction that was previously highly probable continues to be expected to occur or is no longer 

expected to occur. The Group applied the capacity output from the cash flow forecasts as part of the approved Business plans in 

order to determine the forecast level of revenue generation and fuel consumption over the periods in which hedge accounting has 

been applied. 

In 2020 the Group recognised a charge arising from such discontinuance of €1,756 million represented by an expense of €62 million 

relating to revenue foreign currency derivatives, an expense of €1,781 million relating to fuel derivatives and a credit of €87 million 

related to the associated fuel foreign currency derivatives. These amounts relate to the discontinuance of hedge accounting of the 

associated foreign currency and fuel derivatives on forecast revenue and fuel consumption. These losses have arisen from the 

substantial deterioration in demand for air travel caused by COVID-19, which has caused a significant level of hedged passenger 

revenue transactions and fuel purchases in US dollars to no longer be expected to occur based on the Group’s operating forecasts 

prevailing at the Balance sheet date. The Group’s risk management strategy has been to build up these hedges gradually over a 

three-year period when the level of forecast passenger revenue and fuel consumption were higher than current expectations. 

Accordingly, the hedge accounting for these transactions has been discontinued and the losses recognised in the Income 

statement. The exceptional charge relating to revenue derivatives and fuel derivatives has been recorded in the Income statement 

within Passenger revenue and Fuel, oil and emission charges, respectively. 

b  Long-term fleet plans and associated impairment 

The Group derives long-term fleet plans from the cash flow forecasts arising from the approved business plans. In deriving the 

long-term fleet plans, the Group applies judgement with respect to consideration of the period of temporary and permanent 

grounding of fleet assets, the deferral of the delivery of certain aircraft and the assumptions around specific provisions relating to 

leased fleet assets.  

In 2020 the Group recognised an impairment charge of €856 million, represented by an impairment of fleet assets of €837 million 

and an impairment of other assets of €19 million. The fleet impairment relates to 82 aircraft, their associated engines and rotable 

inventories that have been stood down permanently and 2 further aircraft which have been impaired down to their recoverable 

value at December 31, 2020, which includes 32 Boeing 747 aircraft, 23 Airbus A320 aircraft, 15 Airbus A340 aircraft, 4 Airbus A330-

200 aircraft, 2 Airbus A318 aircraft, 1 Airbus A321 aircraft, 1 Airbus A319 aircraft, 2 Boeing 777-200 aircraft and 4 Embraer E170 

aircraft. Of the fleet impairment, €676 million is recorded within Property, plant and equipment relating to owned aircraft and €161 

million is recorded within Right of use assets relating to leased aircraft. 

Further, the Group has recognised additional inventory write downs of €71 million and additional specific provisions relating to 

leased fleet assets of €37 million. The inventory write down expense represents those expendable inventories that, given the asset 

impairments, are no longer expected to be utilised. The charge relating to the recognition of contractual lease provisions represents 

the estimation of the additional cost to fulfil the hand back conditions associated with the leased aircraft that have been 

permanently stood down and impaired. 

Further information is given in the Alternative performance measures section, note 12, note 13 and note 24. 

c 

Impairment testing of the Group’s cash generating units 

Due to the estimation uncertainty of the timing and duration of the recovery from COVID-19, the Group has adopted a weighted 

average multi-scenario discounted cash flow model derived from the cash flow forecasts from the approved business plans. The 

Group exercises judgement in determining the weighting between these scenarios in the value-in-use model. 

Having undertaken this impairment testing, the Group has not recognised any impairment charge. While no impairment charge is 

arising, the headroom in the impairment test of the British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus cash generating units are particularly 

sensitive to changes in key assumptions. Further information is given in note 15. 

d  Recoverability of deferred tax assets 

In determining the recoverable amounts of the Group’s deferred tax assets, the Group applied the future cash flow projections from 
the approved business plans. Given the estimation uncertainty of the timing and duration of the recovery from COVID-19, the Group 
exercises judgement in the determination of cash flows during this recovery and subsequent periods. 

As at December 31, 2020, the Group had unrecognised deferred tax assets of €1,337 million relating to tax losses the Group does 
not reasonably expect to utilise. Further information is given in note 9. 

Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements – other transactions 
In addition to the estimation uncertainty relating to cash flow forecasts, the Group has applied the following critical accounting 
estimates, assumptions and judgements that impact the consolidated financial statements: 

e  Revenue recognition 

Historically, where a voucher has been issued to a customer in the event of a flight cancellation, the Group estimated, based on 
historical evidence, the level of such vouchers that would not be used prior to expiry and recognised revenue accordingly. Due to 
the significant level of flight cancellations arising from COVID-19 there remains insufficient historical data by which to reliably 
estimate the amount of these vouchers that will not be used prior to expiry. Accordingly, the Group has not recognised revenue 
arising from those vouchers issued due to COVID-19 related cancellations until either the voucher is redeemed or it expires. 

Significant transactions as a result of COVID-19 
The Group has recorded the following additional significant transactions as a result of management actions in response 
to COVID-19: 

f 

Restructuring costs  

As a result of the structural changes to the airline sector, the Group has undertaken significant restructuring activities during 2020 
to align the size of the workforce with the expected level of capacity. This has led to the recognition of severance pay of €313 million 
arising in British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL and relating to a forecast reduction of employee numbers of approximately 
10,500 as at December 31, 2020. This amount excludes those payments associated with restructuring programmes that were 
approved prior to COVID-19. These restructuring costs have been recorded as a charge to Employee costs. Further information is 
given in note 24 and the Alternative performance measures section. 

g  Rights issue  

To enhance the liquidity of the Group as a direct result of the impact of COVID-19, on October 2, 2020, the Group raised €2,741 
million through a rights issue of 2,979,443 thousand new ordinary shares at a price of 92 € cents per share on the basis of 3 shares 
for every 2 existing shares. The transaction resulted in an increase of Share capital of €298 million and an increase in Share premium 
of €2,443 million. Further information is given in note 27. 

h  Loans and borrowings  

To enhance liquidity due to the impact of COVID-19, the Group has entered into a number of financing arrangements during 2020, 
which have been fully drawn unless otherwise stated, including: 

•  On March 30, 2020, British Airways extended its US dollar secured Revolving Credit Facility for one year from June 23, 2020 to 

June 23, 2021. The amount available under the extended facility was €1.18 billion ($1.38 billion) at the time of exercising the 
extension and as at December 31, 2020 €0.64 billion ($0.79 billion) was available to be drawn; 

•  On April 12, 2020, British Airways availed itself of the Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility, issuing commercial paper to the 

Government of the United Kingdom of €328 million (£298 million) and repayable in April 2021;  

•  On May 1, 2020, Iberia and Vueling entered into floating rate syndicated financing agreements backed by Spain’s ICO for €750 

million and €260 million, respectively. The facilities are amortising from April 30, 2023 with maturity in 2025; 

•  On December 23, 2020 Aer Lingus entered into a floating rate financing agreement with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund 

for €75 million. The facility has a three-year term; 

•  On February 22, 2021, British Airways entered into a 5 year term loan Export Development Guarantee Facility of €2.2 billion (£2.0 

billion) underwritten by a syndicate of banks, with 80 per cent of the principal guaranteed by UKEF. 

Further information is given in note 23. 

i 

Renewal of the American Express commercial partnership  

Under the renewal of the multi-year commercial partnership with American Express, the Group took into account the liquidity 
requirements in the light of COVID-19 in negotiating an upfront payment of €830 million (£754 million) related to the fulfilment of 
future performance obligations, which included the pre-purchase of Avios. This upfront payment has been recorded within Deferred 
revenue from ticket sales until such time as the fulfilment of the associated performance obligations. Further information is given in 
note 21.  

j  Government assistance  

Given the significant reduction in operations that have occurred during 2020, the Group has availed itself of the various employee 
support mechanisms in the jurisdictions in which it operates. This has led to an amount of €344 million being received directly from 
governments (classified as government grants) and savings of €214 million (classified as government assistance) where employees 
have been paid directly by their respective governments. Those amounts received in the form of government assistance have been 
recorded net within Employee costs. Further information is given in note 32. 

156 

157 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

3  Impact of COVID-19 on financial reporting continued 

k  Defined benefit pension scheme contributions  

On December 18, 2020 British Airways reached agreement with the Trustee of NAPS to defer deficit contributions on an interim 
basis for the period between October 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. The deferral of such contributions amounted to €165 million. On 
February 19, 2021 British Airways reached further agreement with the Trustee of NAPS to defer deficit contributions through to 
September 30, 2021. The deferral of such contributions will amount to €330 million. Further information is given in note 30 on the 
deferral of contributions in 2020 and note 34 on the deferral of contributions in 2021. 

l 

Sale and repurchase agreements for emission allowances  

The Group typically is either issued with or acquires emissions allowances in advance of the associated flight activity. Due to the 
unprecedented decline in capacity during 2020, the Group has entered into a number of sale and repurchase agreements for 
emission allowances, where the Group has sold the excess allowances with a commitment to repurchase them in 2021. As at 
December 31, 2020, the value of such emission sale and repurchase agreements was €97 million. These sale and repurchase 
transactions give rise to a liability for the repurchase, which is classified as an other financing liability. Further information is given in 
note 23a. 

m  Renegotiation of Air Europa acquisition 

On November 4, 2019, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Air Europa for €1 billion, subject to 
receipt of the approval by the European Commission. During the course of 2020 and as a result of the impact COVID-19 has had on 
both the Group and Air Europa, the Group had been negotiating with the current shareholder of Air Europa regarding amending the 
agreement to better reflect the current economic environment. On January 19, 2021, the Group announced the successful 
completion of these negotiations, which has resulted in the reduction of the purchase price to €500 million and deferred this 
payment until the sixth anniversary of the date of completion of the acquisition conditional on the satisfactory negotiation between 
Iberia and SEPI regarding the non-financial terms associated with the financial support provided by SEPI to Iberia. The transaction is 
still subject to approval by the European Commission. Further information is given in note 34. 

4  Segment information 

a  Business segments 

The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, 
and has been identified as the IAG Management Committee (IAG MC). 

The Group has a number of entities which are managed as individual operating companies including airline and platform functions. 
Each airline operates its network operations as a single business unit and the IAG MC assesses performance based on measures 
including operating profit, and makes resource allocation decisions for the airlines based on network profitability, primarily by 
reference to the passenger markets in which the companies operate. The objective in making resource allocation decisions is to 
optimise consolidated financial results. 

The Group has determined its operating segments based on the way that it treats its businesses and the manner in which resource 
allocation decisions are made. British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus have been identified for financial reporting purposes 
as reportable operating segments. IAG Loyalty and LEVEL are also operating segments but do not exceed the quantitative 
thresholds to be reportable and management has concluded that there are currently no other reasons why they should be 
separately disclosed. 

The platform functions of the business primarily support the airline operations. These activities are not considered to be reportable 
operating segments as they either earn revenues incidental to the activities of the Group and resource allocation decisions are made 
based on the passenger business or are not reviewed regularly by the IAG MC and are included within Other Group companies. 

162

158 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

3  Impact of COVID-19 on financial reporting continued 

k  Defined benefit pension scheme contributions  

On December 18, 2020 British Airways reached agreement with the Trustee of NAPS to defer deficit contributions on an interim 

basis for the period between October 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. The deferral of such contributions amounted to €165 million. On 

February 19, 2021 British Airways reached further agreement with the Trustee of NAPS to defer deficit contributions through to 

September 30, 2021. The deferral of such contributions will amount to €330 million. Further information is given in note 30 on the 

deferral of contributions in 2020 and note 34 on the deferral of contributions in 2021. 

l 

Sale and repurchase agreements for emission allowances  

The Group typically is either issued with or acquires emissions allowances in advance of the associated flight activity. Due to the 

unprecedented decline in capacity during 2020, the Group has entered into a number of sale and repurchase agreements for 

emission allowances, where the Group has sold the excess allowances with a commitment to repurchase them in 2021. As at 

December 31, 2020, the value of such emission sale and repurchase agreements was €97 million. These sale and repurchase 

transactions give rise to a liability for the repurchase, which is classified as an other financing liability. Further information is given in 

note 23a. 

m  Renegotiation of Air Europa acquisition 

On November 4, 2019, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Air Europa for €1 billion, subject to 

receipt of the approval by the European Commission. During the course of 2020 and as a result of the impact COVID-19 has had on 

both the Group and Air Europa, the Group had been negotiating with the current shareholder of Air Europa regarding amending the 

agreement to better reflect the current economic environment. On January 19, 2021, the Group announced the successful 

completion of these negotiations, which has resulted in the reduction of the purchase price to €500 million and deferred this 

payment until the sixth anniversary of the date of completion of the acquisition conditional on the satisfactory negotiation between 

Iberia and SEPI regarding the non-financial terms associated with the financial support provided by SEPI to Iberia. The transaction is 

still subject to approval by the European Commission. Further information is given in note 34. 

4  Segment information 

a  Business segments 

The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, 

and has been identified as the IAG Management Committee (IAG MC). 

The Group has a number of entities which are managed as individual operating companies including airline and platform functions. 

Each airline operates its network operations as a single business unit and the IAG MC assesses performance based on measures 

including operating profit, and makes resource allocation decisions for the airlines based on network profitability, primarily by 

reference to the passenger markets in which the companies operate. The objective in making resource allocation decisions is to 

optimise consolidated financial results. 

The Group has determined its operating segments based on the way that it treats its businesses and the manner in which resource 

allocation decisions are made. British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus have been identified for financial reporting purposes 

as reportable operating segments. IAG Loyalty and LEVEL are also operating segments but do not exceed the quantitative 

thresholds to be reportable and management has concluded that there are currently no other reasons why they should be 

separately disclosed. 

The platform functions of the business primarily support the airline operations. These activities are not considered to be reportable 

operating segments as they either earn revenues incidental to the activities of the Group and resource allocation decisions are made 

based on the passenger business or are not reviewed regularly by the IAG MC and are included within Other Group companies. 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

€ million 
Revenue 
Passenger revenue 

Cargo revenue 

Other revenue 

External revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 

Segment revenue 

Depreciation and amortisation charge  

Impairment charge 

British 
Airways

3,242 

994 

232 

4,468 

90 

4,558 

(1,214)

(445)

2020 

Iberia

Vueling

Aer 
Lingus 

Other Group
companies1

1,148 

224 

605 

1,977 

282 

2,259 

(370)

(242)

577 

– 

5 

582 

(8)

574 

(277)

(68)

376 

88  

– 

464 

3  

467 

(133) 

(24) 

169 

– 

146 

315 

343 

658 

(84)

(98)

Total

5,512 

1,306 

988 

7,806 

710 

8,516 

(2,078)

(877)

Operating loss 

(4,378)

(1,411)

(875)

(563) 

(199)

(7,426)

Exceptional items2 

(1,778)

(652)

(252)

(202) 

(177)

(3,061)

Operating loss before exceptional items 

(2,600)

(759)

(623)

(361) 

(22)

(4,365)

Net non-operating costs 

Loss before tax 
Total assets 

Total liabilities 

17,707 

(15,979)

7,009 

(7,014)

2,850 

(3,299)

1,814  

(1,495) 

884 

(1,161)

Includes eliminations on total assets of €14,998 million and total liabilities of €5,100 million. 

1 
2  For details on exceptional items refer to the Alternative performance measures section. 

For the year to December 31, 2019 

€ million 
Revenue 

Passenger revenue 

Cargo revenue 

Other revenue 

External revenue 

Inter-segment revenue 

Segment revenue 

British 
Airways

Iberia

Vueling

Aer  
Lingus 

Other Group 
companies1

2019 

13,307 

4,020 

2,437 

2,060  

805 

752 

14,864 

242 

15,106 

255 

912 

5,187 

458 

5,645 

– 

18 

2,455 

– 

2,455 

54  

2  

2,116  

9  

2,125  

644 

3 

237 

884 

575 

1,459 

(384)

(7,810)

30,264 

(28,948)

Total

22,468 

1,117 

1,921 

25,506 

1,284 

26,790 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

(1,258)

(390)

(250)

(130) 

(83)

(2,111)

Operating profit 

1,510 

497 

240 

276  

90 

2,613 

Exceptional items2  

(672)

(672)

Operating profit before exceptional items 

2,182 

497 

240 

276  

90 

3,285 

Net non-operating costs 

Profit before tax 
Total assets3 
Total liabilities3 

22,102 

(15,235)

8,733 

(6,940)

3,756 

(3,354)

2,131  

(1,320) 

(1,271)

(1,773)

(338)

2,275 

35,451 

(28,622)

Includes eliminations on total assets of €14,982 million and total liabilities of €4,603 million. 

1 
2  For details on exceptional items refer to the Alternative performance measures section. 
3  Total assets and total liabilities at December 31, 2019 have been reclassified for the effects given in note 2. 

158 

159 

163

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

4  Segment information continued 

b  Geographical analysis 

Revenue by area of original sale 

€ million 
UK 

Spain 

USA 

Rest of world 

Assets by area 

December 31, 2020 

€ million 
UK 

Spain 

USA 

Rest of world 

December 31, 2019 

€ million 
UK 

Spain 

USA 

Rest of world 

5  Expenses by nature 

Operating result is arrived at after charging 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-current assets: 

€ million 
Depreciation charge on right of use assets 

Depreciation charge on owned assets 

Impairment charge on owned property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets 

Impairment charge on right of use assets 

Depreciation charge on other leasehold interests 

Cost of inventories:  

€ million 
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense, mainly fuel 
Impairment charge on inventories1 

1  For details regarding the impairment charge on inventories refer to note 3. 

164

160 

Year to December 31

2020 
2,390 

1,845 

933 

2,638 

7,806 

2019
8,362 

4,399 

4,379 

8,366 

25,506 

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
11,313  

4,850  

122  

1,246  

17,531  

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
12,214  

5,324  

188  

1,442  

19,168  

Intangible
assets
1,251 

1,353 

15 

589 

3,208 

Intangible
assets
1,401 

1,402 

19 

620 

3,442 

2020 
1,153 

720 

681 

196 

161 

44 

2,955 

2020 
1,405 

71 

1,476 

2019
1,153 

776 

– 

142 

– 

40 

2,111 

2019
3,242 

– 

3,242 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

4  Segment information continued 

b  Geographical analysis 

Revenue by area of original sale 

€ million 

UK 

Spain 

USA 

Rest of world 

Assets by area 

December 31, 2020 

€ million 

UK 

Spain 

USA 

Rest of world 

December 31, 2019 

€ million 

UK 

Spain 

USA 

Rest of world 

5  Expenses by nature 

Operating result is arrived at after charging 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-current assets: 

€ million 

Depreciation charge on right of use assets 

Depreciation charge on owned assets 

Impairment charge on owned property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets 

Impairment charge on right of use assets 

Depreciation charge on other leasehold interests 

Cost of inventories:  

€ million 

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense, mainly fuel 

Impairment charge on inventories1 

1  For details regarding the impairment charge on inventories refer to note 3. 

Year to December 31

2020 

2,390 

1,845 

933 

2,638 

7,806 

2019

8,362 

4,399 

4,379 

8,366 

25,506 

Property, 

plant and 

equipment 

11,313  

4,850  

122  

1,246  

17,531  

Property, 

plant and 

equipment 

12,214  

5,324  

188  

1,442  

19,168  

Intangible

assets

1,251 

1,353 

15 

589 

3,208 

Intangible

assets

1,401 

1,402 

19 

620 

3,442 

2020 

1,153 

720 

681 

196 

161 

44 

2,955 

2020 

1,405 

71 

1,476 

2019

1,153 

776 

142 

– 

– 

40 

2,111 

2019

3,242 

– 

3,242 

6  Auditor’s remuneration 

The fees for audit and non-audit services provided by the auditor of the Group’s consolidated financial statements and of certain 
individual financial statements of the consolidated companies, Ernst & Young S.L., and by companies belonging to Ernst & Young’s 
network, were as follows: 

€’000 
Fees payable for the audit of the Group and individual accounts 

Fees payable for other services: 

Audit of the Group’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

Other services pursuant to legislation 

Other services relating to taxation 

Other assurance services 

Services relating to working capital review 

Services relating to corporate finance transactions 

All other services 

7  Employee costs and numbers 
€ million  
Wages and salaries  

Social security costs  

Costs related to pension scheme benefits  

Share-based payment (credit)/charge 
Other employee costs1 
Total employee costs  

1  Other employee costs include allowances and accommodation for crew. 

The number of employees during the year and at December 31 was as follows: 

2020
4,180 

696 

532 

30 

350 

1,036 

370 

55 

7,249 

2020
2,236 

385 

247 

(8)

700 

2019
3,916 

632 

496 

3 

727 

1,218 

175 

3 

7,170 

2019
3,334 

561 

932 

34 

773 

3,560 

5,634 

In the air:  

Cabin crew 

Pilots 

On the ground: 

Airports 

Corporate 

Maintenance 

Senior executives 

2020

2019

Average 
number of 
employees1

December 31, 2020

Number of 
employees

Percentage 
of women

Average 
number of 
employees 

December 31, 2019

Number of 
employees

Percentage 
of women

7,689 

4,787 

8,841 

7,954 

5,153 

196 

17,946 

7,794 

14,339 

11,246 

6,410 

193 

71% 

6% 

39% 

48% 

7% 

30% 

25,774 

8,217 

25,342 

8,310 

19,689 

11,798 

7,620 

201 

18,970 

11,855 

7,593 

198 

34,620 

57,928 

73,299 

72,268 

71% 

6% 

39% 

48% 

8% 

30% 

1  The average number of employees excludes those employees on furlough, wage support and equivalent schemes, including the Temporary 

Redundancy Plan arrangements in Spain. For further details see note 32. The total average number of employees including those in these schemes 
is 65,481. 

The number of employees is based on actual headcount. The 2019 figures have been updated to represent actual headcount (rather 
than manpower equivalent as disclosed in the prior year), and classified according to the updated categories (rather in the 
categories of senior executives, ground employees and technical crew as disclosed in the prior year), to align with the categories 
used in the Non-Financial Information Statement. 

The average manpower equivalent for 2020 was 60,612 (2019: 66,034), which includes employees on furlough, wage support and 
equivalent schemes, including Temporary Redundancy Plan arrangements in Spain. 

160 

161 

165

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

8  Finance costs, income and other non-operating (charges)/credits 

a  Finance costs 
€ million 
Interest expense on: 

Bank borrowings 

Asset financed liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Provisions unwinding of discount 

Other borrowings 

Capitalised interest on progress payments 

Other finance costs 

b  Finance income 
€ million 
Interest on interest-bearing deposits 

Other finance income 

c  Net financing credit relating to pensions 
€ million 
Net financing credit relating to pensions 

d  Other non-operating charges 
€ million 
Gains/(losses) on sale of property, plant and equipment and investments 

Credit related to equity investments (note 17) 

Share of profits in investments accounted for using the equity method (note 16) 

Realised (losses)/gains on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting 

Unrealised (losses)/gains on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting 

9  Tax 

a  Tax charges 

Tax (charge)/credit in the Income statement, Other comprehensive income and Statement of changes in equity: 

2020

Income 
statement 

Other
comprehensive 
income

Statement
of changes 
in equity

Total

Income 
statement

2019 
Other 
comprehensive 
income 

Statement
of changes 
in equity

€ million 
Current tax  
Movement in respect of prior 
years 

Movement in respect of 
current year 

Total current tax 

Deferred tax 
Movement in respect of prior 
years 

Movement in respect of 
current year 

Rate change/rate differences 

Total deferred tax 

Total tax 

6  

273  

279  

(8) 

690  

(74) 

608  

887  

– 

(17)

(17)

– 

129 

44 

173 

156 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2)

– 

(2)

6 

256 

262 

(8)

817 

(30)

779 

26 

(494)

(468)

(14)

(79)

1 

(92)

(8) 

146  

138  

– 

(403) 

3  

(400) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1)

– 

(1)

(2)

1,041 

(560)

(262) 

(1)

(823)

The current tax credit in Other comprehensive income relates to cash flow hedges of €17 million (2019: €16 million) and employee 
retirement benefit plans of €nil (2019: €154 million). 

Tax in the Statement of changes in equity relates to share-based payment schemes of €2 million (2019: €1 million).  

Within tax in Other comprehensive income is a tax credit of €92 million (2019: tax credit of €184 million) that may be reclassified to 
the Income statement and a tax credit of €64 million (2019: tax credit of €165 million) that will not. 

166

162 

2020 

2019

(45) 

(41) 

(442) 

(14) 

(103) 

8  

(33) 

(670) 

2020 
21  

20  

41  

2020 
4  

2020 
38  

1  

1  

(13) 

(31) 

(4) 

(12)

(9)

(489)

(37)

(77)

17 

(4)

(611)

2019
47 

3 

50 

2019
26 

2019
(22)

3 

6 

8 

1 

(4)

Total

18 

(348)

(330)

(14)

(483)

4 

(493)

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020 

2019

(45) 

(41) 

(442) 

(14) 

(103) 

8  

(33) 

(670) 

2020 

21  

20  

41  

2020 

4  

2020 

38  

1  

1  

(13) 

(31) 

(4) 

(12)

(9)

(489)

(37)

(77)

17 

(4)

(611)

2019

47 

3 

50 

2019

26 

2019

(22)

3 

6 

8 

1 

(4)

8  Finance costs, income and other non-operating (charges)/credits 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

a  Finance costs 

€ million 

Interest expense on: 

Bank borrowings 

Asset financed liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Provisions unwinding of discount 

Other borrowings 

Capitalised interest on progress payments 

Other finance costs 

b  Finance income 

€ million 

Interest on interest-bearing deposits 

Other finance income 

c  Net financing credit relating to pensions 

Net financing credit relating to pensions 

d  Other non-operating charges 

€ million 

€ million 

Gains/(losses) on sale of property, plant and equipment and investments 

Credit related to equity investments (note 17) 

Share of profits in investments accounted for using the equity method (note 16) 

Realised (losses)/gains on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting 

Unrealised (losses)/gains on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting 

9  Tax 

a  Tax charges 

€ million 

Current tax  

years 

Movement in respect of prior 

Movement in respect of 

current year 

Total current tax 

Deferred tax 

Movement in respect of prior 

years 

Movement in respect of 

current year 

Rate change/rate differences 

Total deferred tax 

Tax (charge)/credit in the Income statement, Other comprehensive income and Statement of changes in equity: 

Income 

comprehensive 

of changes 

Income 

comprehensive 

statement 

income

in equity

Total

statement

income 

Total

2019 

Other 

Statement

of changes 

in equity

2020

Other

Statement

6  

273  

279  

(8) 

690  

(74) 

608  

887  

– 

(17)

(17)

– 

129 

44 

173 

156 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2)

– 

(2)

6 

256 

262 

(8)

817 

(30)

779 

26 

(494)

(468)

(14)

(79)

1 

(92)

(8) 

146  

138  

– 

(403) 

3  

(400) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1)

– 

(1)

18 

(348)

(330)

(14)

(483)

4 

(493)

Total tax 

(2)

1,041 

(560)

(262) 

(1)

(823)

The current tax credit in Other comprehensive income relates to cash flow hedges of €17 million (2019: €16 million) and employee 

retirement benefit plans of €nil (2019: €154 million). 

Tax in the Statement of changes in equity relates to share-based payment schemes of €2 million (2019: €1 million).  

Within tax in Other comprehensive income is a tax credit of €92 million (2019: tax credit of €184 million) that may be reclassified to 

the Income statement and a tax credit of €64 million (2019: tax credit of €165 million) that will not. 

b  Current tax (liability)/asset 
€ million 
Balance at January 1 

Income statement 

Other comprehensive income 

Cash 

Offset against other taxes 

Exchange movements and other 

Balance at December 31 

Current tax asset 

Current tax liability 

Balance at December 31 

2020
(6)

279 

(17)

(45)

(152)

(6)

53 

101 

(48)

53 

2019
218 

(468)

138 

119 

– 

(13)

(6)

186 

(192)

(6)

A tax repayment of €152 million arising from losses carried back to an earlier period was offset, by HMRC, against liabilities arising in 
relation to other taxes. 

c  Deferred tax asset/(liability) 

€ million 
Balance at January 1, 20201 
Income statement 

Other comprehensive income 

Statement of changes in 
equity 

Exchange movements and 
other 

Balance at December 31, 
2020 

Balance at January 1, 20191 
Income statement 

Other comprehensive income 

Statement of changes in 
equity 

Exchange movements and 
other 

Balance at December 31, 
20191 

€ million 
Deferred tax asset 

Deferred tax liability 

Balance at December 31 

Fixed 
assets  Leases
(195)
(732) 

116  

(76)

– 

– 

– 

– 

27  

23 

(589)  (248)

(712) 

(148)

4  

– 

– 

(26)

– 

– 

(24) 

(21)

Borrowings 
on right of 
use assets
24 

(2)

– 

– 

(1)

21 

31 

(7)

– 

– 

– 

Employee 
leaving 
indemnities 
and others
312 

(120)

3 

– 

(1)

Employee 
benefit 
plans
323 

3 

(4)

– 

(24)

Fair 
value 
gain/ 
losses
70 

– 

118 

– 

7 

Share-
based 
payment 
schemes 
19  

Tax loss 
carried 
forward 
and other 
tax credits
401 

Other 
temporary 
differences
34 

(6) 

– 

(2) 

643 

56 

– 

50 

– 

– 

(1) 

(10)

(20)

Total
256 

608 

173 

(2)

– 

194 

298 

195 

10  

1,090 

64 

1,035 

348 

(52)

13 

– 

3 

545 

(7)

234 

– 

(240)

(173)

– 

25 

– 

9 

16  

5  

– 

(1) 

(1) 

411 

(10)

– 

– 

– 

31 

1 

– 

– 

2 

756 

(92)

(400)

(1)

(7)

(732) 

(195)

24 

312 

323 

70 

19  

401 

34 

256 

2020
1,075 

(40)

1,035 

20191
546 

(290)

256 

1  Deferred taxes arising on Employee benefit plans at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019 have been reclassified for the effects given in note 2. 

The deferred tax assets mainly arise in Spain and the UK and are expected to reverse beyond one year. Recognition of the deferred 
tax assets is supported by the expected reversal of deferred tax liabilities in corresponding periods, and projections of operating 
performance laid out in the Management approved business plans. 

162 

163 

167

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

9  Tax continued 

d  Reconciliation of the total tax charge in the income statement 

The tax credit/(charge) is calculated at the domestic rates applicable to (losses)/profits in the country in which the (losses)/profits 
arise. The tax credit (2019: charge) on the loss for the year to December 31, 2020 (2019: profit) is lower (2019: higher) than the 
notional tax credit (2019: charge). The differences are explained below: 

€ million 
Accounting (loss)/profit before tax 

Weighted average tax credit/(charge) of the Group1 
Unrecognised losses and deductible temporary differences arising in the year 

Disposal and write down of investments 

Effect of tax rate changes 

Employee benefit plans accounted for net of withholding tax – recurring 

Employee benefit plans accounted for net of withholding tax – non-recurring 

Prior year assets derecognised 

Investment incentives 

Effect of lower tax rate in the Canary Islands 

Movement in respect of prior years 

Non-deductible expenses – recurring items 

Other items 

Tax credit/(charge) in the income statement 

2020 
(7,810) 

1,615  

(342) 

(83) 

(74) 

2  

– 

(176) 

2  

(40) 

(2) 

(22) 

7 

887 

2019
2,275 

(440)

(11)

– 

1 

7 

(128)

– 

11 

(3)

12 

(14)

5 

(560)

1  The expected tax credit/(charge) is calculated by aggregating the expected tax charges arising in each company in the Group and changes each 
year as tax rates and profit mix change. The corporate tax rates for the Group's main countries of operation are Spain 25% (2019: 25%), the UK 19% 
(2019: 19%) and Ireland 12.5% (2019: 12.5%). 

e  Payroll related taxes and UK Air Passenger Duty 

The Group was also subject to other taxes paid during the year which are as follows: 

€ million 
Payroll related taxes 

UK Air Passenger Duty 

f 

Factors that may affect future tax charges 

Unrecognised deductible temporary differences and losses 
€ million 
Income tax losses 

Spanish corporate income tax losses  

Openskies SASU trading losses 

UK trading losses 

Other losses and temporary differences 

UK capital losses 

Spanish deductible temporary differences  

Irish capital losses 

2020 
400  

307  

707  

2020 

848 

450 

39 

1,337 

350 

1,287 

25 

1,662 

2019
555 

967 

1,522 

2019

11 

249 

25 

285 

335 

36 

25 

396 

None of the unrecognised temporary differences have an expiry date. 

Unrecognised temporary differences – investment in subsidiaries and associates 

No deferred tax liability has been recognised in respect of €547 million (2019: €2,959 million) of temporary differences relating to 
subsidiaries and associates. The Group either controls the reversal of these temporary differences and it is probable that they will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future or no tax consequences would arise from their reversal to a material extent. 

Tax rate changes 

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 17 per cent (effective April 1, 2020) was substantively enacted on September 6, 2016. 
This reduction from 19 per cent to 17 per cent was reversed in Finance Act 2020, which has led to the remeasurement of deferred 
tax balances and will increase the Group's future current tax charge accordingly. 

g  Tax related contingent liabilities 

The Group has certain contingent liabilities, across all taxes, which at December 31, 2020 amounted to €166 million (December 31, 
2019: €165 million). No material losses are likely to arise from such contingent liabilities. The tax related contingent liabilities include 
the following: 

168

164 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The tax credit/(charge) is calculated at the domestic rates applicable to (losses)/profits in the country in which the (losses)/profits 

arise. The tax credit (2019: charge) on the loss for the year to December 31, 2020 (2019: profit) is lower (2019: higher) than the 

notional tax credit (2019: charge). The differences are explained below: 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

9  Tax continued 

d  Reconciliation of the total tax charge in the income statement 

€ million 

Accounting (loss)/profit before tax 

Weighted average tax credit/(charge) of the Group1 

Unrecognised losses and deductible temporary differences arising in the year 

Disposal and write down of investments 

Effect of tax rate changes 

Employee benefit plans accounted for net of withholding tax – recurring 

Employee benefit plans accounted for net of withholding tax – non-recurring 

Prior year assets derecognised 

Investment incentives 

Effect of lower tax rate in the Canary Islands 

Movement in respect of prior years 

Non-deductible expenses – recurring items 

Other items 

Tax credit/(charge) in the income statement 

€ million 

Payroll related taxes 

UK Air Passenger Duty 

f 

Factors that may affect future tax charges 

Unrecognised deductible temporary differences and losses 

€ million 

Income tax losses 

Spanish corporate income tax losses  

Openskies SASU trading losses 

UK trading losses 

Other losses and temporary differences 

UK capital losses 

Irish capital losses 

Spanish deductible temporary differences  

2020 

(7,810) 

1,615  

(342) 

(83) 

(74) 

2  

– 

2  

(176) 

(40) 

(2) 

(22) 

7 

887 

2020 

400  

307  

707  

2020 

848 

450 

39 

1,337 

350 

1,287 

25 

1,662 

2019

2,275 

(440)

(11)

– 

1 

7 

– 

11 

(128)

(3)

12 

(14)

5 

(560)

2019

555 

967 

1,522 

2019

11 

249 

25 

285 

335 

36 

25 

396 

1  The expected tax credit/(charge) is calculated by aggregating the expected tax charges arising in each company in the Group and changes each 

year as tax rates and profit mix change. The corporate tax rates for the Group's main countries of operation are Spain 25% (2019: 25%), the UK 19% 

(2019: 19%) and Ireland 12.5% (2019: 12.5%). 

e  Payroll related taxes and UK Air Passenger Duty 

The Group was also subject to other taxes paid during the year which are as follows: 

None of the unrecognised temporary differences have an expiry date. 

Unrecognised temporary differences – investment in subsidiaries and associates 

No deferred tax liability has been recognised in respect of €547 million (2019: €2,959 million) of temporary differences relating to 

subsidiaries and associates. The Group either controls the reversal of these temporary differences and it is probable that they will 

not reverse in the foreseeable future or no tax consequences would arise from their reversal to a material extent. 

Tax rate changes 

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 17 per cent (effective April 1, 2020) was substantively enacted on September 6, 2016. 

This reduction from 19 per cent to 17 per cent was reversed in Finance Act 2020, which has led to the remeasurement of deferred 

tax balances and will increase the Group's future current tax charge accordingly. 

g  Tax related contingent liabilities 

The Group has certain contingent liabilities, across all taxes, which at December 31, 2020 amounted to €166 million (December 31, 

2019: €165 million). No material losses are likely to arise from such contingent liabilities. The tax related contingent liabilities include 

the following: 

Merger gain 

Following tax audits covering the period 2011 to 2014, the Spanish Tax Authorities issued a corporate income tax assessment to the 
Company regarding the merger in 2011 between British Airways and Iberia. The maximum exposure in this case is €92 million (2019: 
€90 million), being the amount in the tax assessment with an estimate of the interest accrued on that assessment through to 
December 31, 2020. 

The Company appealed the assessment to the Tribunal Económico-Administrativo Central or ‘TEAC’ (Central Administrative Tax 
Tribunal). On October 23, 2019 the TEAC ruled in favour of the Spanish Tax Authorities. The Company subsequently appealed this 
ruling to the Audiencia Nacional (National High Court) on December 20, 2019, and on July 24, 2020 filed submissions in support of 
its case. The Company does not expect a hearing at the National High Court until 2022 at the earliest. 

The Company disputes the technical merits of the assessment and ruling of the TEAC, both in terms of whether a gain arose and in 
terms of the quantum of any gain. The Company believes that it has strong arguments to support its appeals. The Company does 
not consider it appropriate to make a provision for these amounts and accordingly has recognised this matter as a contingent 
liability. 

10  Earnings per share 
€ million 
(Losses)/earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent for basic (losses)/earnings 

Interest expense on convertible bonds 

Diluted (losses)/earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent and diluted (losses)/earnings per 
share 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue2 
Assumed conversion on convertible bonds 

Dilutive employee share schemes outstanding 

Weighted average number for diluted earnings per share 

€ cents 
Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

2020
(6,923)

– 

(6,923)

2019
1,715 

26 

1,741 

2020
Number 
‘000
3,528,052 

– 

– 

2019
Number 
‘0001
3,055,638 

59,398 

22,305 

3,528,052 

3,137,341 

2020
(196.2)

(196.2)

20191
56.1 

55.5 

1  Earnings per share information has been restated for the comparative period presented, by adjusting the weighted average number of shares to 

include the impact of the rights issue (note 27). The discount element inherent in the rights issue has been accounted for as a bonus issue of 1,071,565 
thousand shares in 2019. 

2  In 2020, includes 734,657 thousand shares as the weighted average impact for 2,979,443 thousand new ordinary shares issued through the rights 

issue (note 27).  

The effect of the assumed conversion of the IAG €500 million convertible bond 2022 and outstanding employee share schemes is 
antidilutive for the year to December 31, 2020, and therefore has not been included in the diluted earnings per share calculation. 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share before exceptional items is included in the Alternative performance 
measures section. 

11  Dividends 
€ million 
Cash dividend declared  
Interim dividend for 2019 of 14.5 € cents per share 

Final dividend for 2019 of 17.0 € cents per share 

Special dividend for 2018 of 35.0 € cents per share 

2020

2019

– 

– 

– 

288 

337 

695 

Proposed dividends on ordinary shares are subject to approval at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and, subject to approval, are 
recognised as a liability on that date. 

As a result of the impact of COVID-19, on April 2, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Group resolved to withdraw the proposal to 
the subsequent Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to pay a final dividend for 2019 of 17.0 € cents per share. 

The dividend paid in the year to December 31, 2020 of €53 million relates to the withholding tax on the 2019 interim dividend, which 
was proposed in October 2019. 

164 

165 

169

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

12  Property, plant and equipment 
€ million 
Cost 
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Additions 

Modification of leases 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

Additions 

Modification of leases 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Depreciation and impairment 
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Depreciation charge for the year 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

Depreciation charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year1 
Disposals 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Fleet

Property 

Equipment 

Total

25,296 

3,946 

128 

(1,319)

44 

1,287 

29,382 

2,854 

21 

(3,878)

(4)

(1,439)

26,936 

2,923  

67  

94  

(85) 

– 

163  

3,162  

84  

16  

(95) 

8  

(193) 

1,505  

147  

– 

(71) 

(44) 

68  

1,605  

32  

(1) 

(50) 

(4) 

(81) 

2,982  

1,501  

10,776 

1,078  

1,710 

(447)

8 

660 

12,707 

1,659 

820 

(2,886)

(729)

11,571 

169  

(63) 

– 

65  

1,249  

165  

– 

(52) 

(80) 

948  

90  

(57) 

(8) 

52  

1,025  

93  

22  

(44) 

(61) 

1,282  

1,035  

29,724 

4,160 

222 

(1,475)

– 

1,518 

34,149 

2,970 

36 

(4,023)

– 

(1,713)

31,419 

12,802 

1,969 

(567)

– 

777 

14,981 

1,917 

842 

(2,982)

(870)

13,888 

1  For details regarding the impairment charge on fleet assets refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section. The impairments 

principally arose from the permanent grounding of specific fleet assets and accordingly their full net book value was impaired. However, certain fleet 
assets have been impaired down to their fair value, which was determined based on independent appraisals of their market value. 

Net book values 

December 31, 2020 
December 31, 2019 

Analysis at December 31, 2020 
Owned 

Right of use assets (note 13) 

Progress payments 

Assets not in current use 

Property, plant and equipment 

Analysis at December 31, 2019 

Owned 

Right of use assets (note 13) 

Progress payments 

Assets not in current use 

Property, plant and equipment 

The net book value of property comprises: 

€ million 
Freehold 

Right of use assets (note 13) 

Long leasehold improvements > 50 years 

Short leasehold improvements < 50 years 

Property 

15,365 
16,675 

1,700  
1,913  

466  
580  

17,531 
19,168 

5,457 

9,124 

710 

74 

920  

695  

85  

– 

382  

56  

28  

– 

6,759 

9,875 

823 

74 

15,365 

1,700  

466  

17,531 

5,321 

9,746 

1,525 

83 

16,675 

1,028  

774  

110 

1  

1,913  

460  

68  

52 

– 

580  

2020 
485 

695 

297 

223 

1,700 

6,809 

10,588 

1,687 

84 

19,168 

2019
560 

774 

321 

258 

1,913 

At December 31, 2020, long-term borrowings of the Group are secured on owned fleet assets with a net book value of €2,794 
million (2019: €1,576 million). 

170

166 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

12  Property, plant and equipment 

€ million 

Cost 

Balance at January 1, 2019 

Additions 

Modification of leases 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

Additions 

Modification of leases 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Depreciation and impairment 

Balance at January 1, 2019 

Depreciation charge for the year 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

Depreciation charge for the year 

Impairment charge for the year1 

Disposals 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Net book values 

December 31, 2020 

December 31, 2019 

Analysis at December 31, 2020 

Owned 

Right of use assets (note 13) 

Progress payments 

Assets not in current use 

Property, plant and equipment 

Analysis at December 31, 2019 

Owned 

Right of use assets (note 13) 

Progress payments 

Assets not in current use 

Property, plant and equipment 

The net book value of property comprises: 

€ million 

Freehold 

Property 

Right of use assets (note 13) 

Long leasehold improvements > 50 years 

Short leasehold improvements < 50 years 

million (2019: €1,576 million). 

2,982  

1,501  

10,776 

1,078  

25,296 

3,946 

128 

(1,319)

44 

1,287 

29,382 

2,854 

(3,878)

21 

(4)

(1,439)

26,936 

1,710 

(447)

8 

660 

12,707 

1,659 

820 

(2,886)

(729)

11,571 

5,457 

9,124 

710 

74 

5,321 

9,746 

1,525 

83 

16,675 

2,923  

67  

94  

(85) 

– 

163  

3,162  

84  

16  

(95) 

8  

(193) 

169  

(63) 

– 

65  

1,249  

165  

– 

(52) 

(80) 

920  

695  

85  

– 

1,028  

774  

110 

1  

1,913  

1,505  

147  

1,605  

– 

(71) 

(44) 

68  

32  

(1) 

(50) 

(4) 

(81) 

948  

90  

(57) 

(8) 

52  

1,025  

93  

22  

(44) 

(61) 

382  

56  

28  

– 

460  

68  

52 

– 

580  

2020 

485 

695 

297 

223 

1,700 

29,724 

4,160 

222 

(1,475)

– 

1,518 

34,149 

2,970 

36 

(4,023)

– 

(1,713)

31,419 

12,802 

1,969 

(567)

– 

777 

14,981 

1,917 

842 

(2,982)

(870)

13,888 

6,759 

9,875 

823 

74 

6,809 

10,588 

1,687 

84 

19,168 

2019

560 

774 

321 

258 

1,913 

15,365 

16,675 

1,700  

1,913  

466  

580  

17,531 

19,168 

15,365 

1,700  

466  

17,531 

1  For details regarding the impairment charge on fleet assets refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section. The impairments 

principally arose from the permanent grounding of specific fleet assets and accordingly their full net book value was impaired. However, certain fleet 

assets have been impaired down to their fair value, which was determined based on independent appraisals of their market value. 

1,282  

1,035  

Fleet

Property 

Equipment 

Total

13  Leases 

a  Amounts recognised in the Consolidated balance sheet 

Property, plant and equipment includes the following amounts relating to right of use assets: 

€ million 
Cost  
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Additions 

Modifications of leases 

Disposals 
Reclassifications1 
Exchange movements 

December 31, 2019 
Additions 

Modifications of leases 

Disposals 
Reclassifications1 
Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Depreciation and impairment 
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Depreciation charge for the year 

Disposals 
Reclassifications1 
Exchange movements 

December 31, 2019 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year2 
Disposals 
Reclassifications1 
Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Net book value 

December 31, 2020 
December 31, 2019 

Fleet

Property 

Equipment

Total

12,491 

1,039 

128 

(23)

(290)

509 

13,854 

1,194 

21 

(77)

(389)

(595)

14,008 

3,056 

1,032 

(21)

(123)

164 

4,108 

1,035 

161 

(53)

(166)

(201)

4,884 

9,124 
9,746 

734  

13  

94  

– 

(4) 

45  

882  

58  

16  

(6) 

– 

(57) 

893  

– 

104  

– 

– 

4  

108  

103  

– 

(5) 

– 

(8) 

198  

695  
774  

119 

16 

– 

– 

(16)

4 

123 

1 

(1)

(22)

3 

(5)

99 

36 

17 

– 

– 

2 

55 

15 

– 

(22)

(3)

(2)

43 

13,344 

1,068 

222 

(23)

(310)

558 

14,859 

1,253 

36 

(105)

(386)

(657)

15,000 

3,092 

1,153 

(21)

(123)

170 

4,271 

1,153 

161 

(80)

(169)

(211)

5,125 

56 
68 

9,875 
10,588 

1  Amounts with a net book value of €217 million (2019: €187 million) were reclassified from ROU assets to Owned Property, plant and equipment at the 

cessation of the respective leases.  

2  For details regarding the impairment charge on fleet assets refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section. 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings includes the following amount relating to lease liabilities: 

€ million 
January 1 

Additions 

Modifications of leases 

Repayments 

Interest expense 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

Current 

Non-current 

2020
11,046 

1,179 

20 

(1,919)

442 

(744)

2019
11,123 

1,017 

182 

(1,941)

489 

176 

10,024 

11,046 

1,560 

8,464 

1,694 

9,352 

At December 31, 2020, long-term borrowings of the Group are secured on owned fleet assets with a net book value of €2,794 

166 

167 

171

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

13  Leases continued 

b  Amounts recognised in the Consolidated income statement 
€ million 
Amounts not included in the measurement of lease liabilities 

Variable lease payments  

Expenses relating to short-term leases 

Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets, excluding short-term leases of low value assets 

Amounts expensed as a result of the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities 

Interest expense on lease liabilities 

Gain arising from sale and leaseback transactions 

Depreciation charge for the year 

Impairment charge for the year 

2020 

2019

1 

42 

– 

442 

(10) 

1,153  

161 

28 

74 

1 

489 

(1)

1,153 

– 

During 2020 the IASB issued ‘COVID-19 related rent concessions – amendment to IFRS 16 Leases’ to provide a practical expedient 
to lessees from applying IFRS 16 guidance on lease modification accounting for rent concessions for those lease modifications 
arising as a direct result of COVID-19. The Group has applied this practical expedient to all such modifications in the preparation of 
the consolidated financial statements. The net impact on the Income statement for 2020 has been a credit of €2 million reflecting 
the changes to lease payments that arose from such concessions. 

c  Amounts recognised in the Consolidated cash flow statement 

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of €1,997 million in 2020 (2019: €2,057 million). 

The Group had total cash inflows associated with sale and leaseback transactions of €898 million (2019: €824 million). 

The Group is exposed to future cash outflows (on an undiscounted basis) as at December 31, 2020, for which no amount has been 
recognised in relation to leases not yet commenced to which the Group is committed of €183 million (2019: €787 million). 

d  Maturity profile of the lease liabilities.  

The maturity profile of the lease liabilities is disclosed in note 25e. 

e  Extension options 

The Group has certain leases which contain extension options exercisable by the Group prior to the non-cancellable contract period. 
Where practicable, the Group seeks to include extension options in new leases to provide operational flexibility. The Group assesses 
at lease commencement whether it is reasonably certain to exercise the extension options. 

The Group is exposed to future cash outflows (on an undiscounted basis) as at December 31, 2020, for which no amount has been 
recognised, for potential extension options of €998 million (2019: €871 million) due to it not being reasonably certain that these 
leases will be extended. 

14  Capital expenditure commitments 

Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for but not provided for in the accounts amounts to €10,545 million (December 31, 
2019: €12,830 million). The majority of capital expenditure commitments are denominated in US dollars, and as such are subject to 
changes in exchange rates. 

The outstanding commitments include €10,485 million for the acquisition of 26 Airbus A320s (from 2021 to 2025), 38 Airbus A321s 
(from 2021 to 2024), 1 Airbus A330-300 (in 2021), 26 Airbus A350s (from 2021 to 2024), 18 Boeing 777-9s (from 2024 to 2027), 10 
Boeing 787-10s (from 2021 to 2024) and 2 Embraer E190s (in 2021). The Group has certain rights to cancel commitments in the 
event of significant delays to aircraft deliveries caused by the aircraft manufacturers. No such rights had been exercised as at 
December 31, 2020. 

172

168 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

13  Leases continued 

b  Amounts recognised in the Consolidated income statement 

€ million 

Amounts not included in the measurement of lease liabilities 

Variable lease payments  

Expenses relating to short-term leases 

Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets, excluding short-term leases of low value assets 

Amounts expensed as a result of the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities 

Interest expense on lease liabilities 

Gain arising from sale and leaseback transactions 

Depreciation charge for the year 

Impairment charge for the year 

2020 

2019

1 

42 

– 

442 

(10) 

1,153  

161 

28 

74 

1 

489 

(1)

1,153 

– 

During 2020 the IASB issued ‘COVID-19 related rent concessions – amendment to IFRS 16 Leases’ to provide a practical expedient 

to lessees from applying IFRS 16 guidance on lease modification accounting for rent concessions for those lease modifications 

arising as a direct result of COVID-19. The Group has applied this practical expedient to all such modifications in the preparation of 

the consolidated financial statements. The net impact on the Income statement for 2020 has been a credit of €2 million reflecting 

the changes to lease payments that arose from such concessions. 

c  Amounts recognised in the Consolidated cash flow statement 

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of €1,997 million in 2020 (2019: €2,057 million). 

The Group had total cash inflows associated with sale and leaseback transactions of €898 million (2019: €824 million). 

The Group is exposed to future cash outflows (on an undiscounted basis) as at December 31, 2020, for which no amount has been 

recognised in relation to leases not yet commenced to which the Group is committed of €183 million (2019: €787 million). 

d  Maturity profile of the lease liabilities.  

The maturity profile of the lease liabilities is disclosed in note 25e. 

e  Extension options 

The Group has certain leases which contain extension options exercisable by the Group prior to the non-cancellable contract period. 

Where practicable, the Group seeks to include extension options in new leases to provide operational flexibility. The Group assesses 

at lease commencement whether it is reasonably certain to exercise the extension options. 

The Group is exposed to future cash outflows (on an undiscounted basis) as at December 31, 2020, for which no amount has been 

recognised, for potential extension options of €998 million (2019: €871 million) due to it not being reasonably certain that these 

leases will be extended. 

14  Capital expenditure commitments 

Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for but not provided for in the accounts amounts to €10,545 million (December 31, 

2019: €12,830 million). The majority of capital expenditure commitments are denominated in US dollars, and as such are subject to 

changes in exchange rates. 

The outstanding commitments include €10,485 million for the acquisition of 26 Airbus A320s (from 2021 to 2025), 38 Airbus A321s 

(from 2021 to 2024), 1 Airbus A330-300 (in 2021), 26 Airbus A350s (from 2021 to 2024), 18 Boeing 777-9s (from 2024 to 2027), 10 

Boeing 787-10s (from 2021 to 2024) and 2 Embraer E190s (in 2021). The Group has certain rights to cancel commitments in the 

event of significant delays to aircraft deliveries caused by the aircraft manufacturers. No such rights had been exercised as at 

December 31, 2020. 

Goodwill

Brand

Customer 
loyalty 
programmes

Landing 
rights1

Software 

Other

Total

15  Intangible assets and impairment review 

a 

Intangible assets 

€ million 
Cost 
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Additions 

Disposals 

Exchange movements 

595 

451 

253 

1,559 

– 

– 

3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

5 

– 

52 

1,116  

232  

(28) 

56  

Balance at December 31, 2019 

598 

451 

253 

1,616 

1,376  

Additions 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Amortisation and impairment 
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Amortisation charge for the year 

Disposals 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

Amortisation charge for the year 

Impairment charge for the year 

Disposals 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Net book values 

December 31, 2020 
December 31, 2019 

– 

– 

– 

(5)

593 

249 

– 

– 

– 

249 

– 

– 

– 

– 

249 

344 
349 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

451 

253 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(61)

1,555 

106 

6 

– 

3 

115 

6 

15 

– 

(4)

132 

451 
451 

253 
253 

1,423 
1,501 

141  

(18) 

43  

(68) 

1,474  

577  

131  

(28) 

30  

710  

151  

20  

(7) 

(38) 

836  

638  
666  

1  The net book value includes non-UK and non-EU based landing rights of €88 million (2019: €94 million) that have a definite life. The remaining life of 

these landing rights is 15 years. 

b 

Impairment review 

The carrying amounts of intangible assets with indefinite life and goodwill allocated to cash generating units (CGUs) of the 
Group are: 

Goodwill

Landing 
rights

Customer 
loyalty 
programmes

Brand 

€ million 
2020 

Iberia 
January 1 and December 31, 2020 

British Airways 
January 1, 2020 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2020 

Vueling 
January 1 and December 31, 2020 

Aer Lingus 
January 1 and December 31, 2020 

IAG Loyalty 
January 1 and December 31, 2020 

Other CGUs 
January 1, 2020 

Impairment charge for the year 

December 31, 2020 

– 

423 

306  

49 

(5)

44 

28 

272 

– 

– 

– 

– 

816 

(53)

763 

94 

62 

– 

12 

(12)

– 

– 

– 

– 

35  

110  

– 

– 

– 

– 

211 

120 

(55)

6 

282 

51 

(121)

(46)

(5)

161 

55 

5 

– 

– 

60 

4 

– 

– 

(2)

62 

4,185 

357 

(83)

117 

4,576 

192 

(139)

(3)

(139)

4,487 

987 

142 

(28)

33 

1,134 

161 

35 

(7)

(44)

1,279 

99 
222 

3,208 
3,442 

Total

729 

865 

(58)

807 

157 

444 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

253 

253 

– 

– 

– 

12 

(12)

– 

168 

169 

173

December 31, 2020 

344 

1,342 

451  

253 

2,390 

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

15  Intangible assets and impairment review continued 

€ million 
2019 

Iberia 

Goodwill

Landing 
rights

Customer 
loyalty 
programmes 

Brand 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

– 

423 

306  

British Airways 

January 1, 2019 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2019 

Vueling 

January 1, 2019 

Additions 

December 31, 2019 

Aer Lingus 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

IAG Loyalty 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

Other CGUs 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

46 

3 

49 

28 

– 

28 

272 

– 

– 

767 

49 

816 

89 

5 

94 

62 

– 

12 

– 

– 

– 

35  

– 

35  

110  

– 

– 

Total

729 

813 

52 

865 

152 

5 

157 

444 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

253  

253 

– 

12 

December 31, 2019 

349 

1,407 

451  

253  

2,460 

Basis for calculating recoverable amount 

The recoverable amounts of Group’s CGUs have been measured based on their value-in-use, which utilises a weighted average 
multi-scenario discounted cash flow model. The details of these scenarios are given in the going concern section of note 2, with a 
weighting of 70 per cent to the base case and 30 per cent to the downside case. Cash flow projections are based on the business 
plans approved by the relevant operating companies covering a three-year period. Cash flows extrapolated beyond the three-year 
period are projected to increase based on long-term growth rates. Cash flow projections are discounted using each CGU’s pre-tax 
discount rate. 

Annually the relevant operating companies prepare and approve three-year business plans, and the Board approved the Group 
three-year business plan in the fourth quarter of the year. The business plan cash flows used in the value-in-use calculations reflect 
the Group’s estimated climate related impacts that are foreseeable and reflect all restructuring of the business where relevant that 
has been approved by the Board and which can be executed by Management under existing agreements. 

Key assumptions 

The value-in-use calculations for each CGU reflected the increased risks arising from COVID-19, including updated projected 
cash flows for the decreased activity from 2021 through to the end of 2023 and an increase in the pre-tax discount rates to 
incorporate increased equity market volatility. For each of the Group’s CGUs the key assumptions used in the value-in-use 
calculations are as follows: 

Per cent 
Operating margin 
ASK as a proportion of 20191 
Long-term growth rate 

Pre-tax discount rate 

British 
Airways
(20)-16 

45-95 

2.1 

11.2 

2020

Vueling 
(22)-12 

46-107 

1.8 

11.5 

Iberia
(12)-11 

49-98 

2.0 

11.6 

Aer Lingus 
(14)-13 

40-100 

1.9 

10.4 

IAG Loyalty
25-27 

n/a 

2.0 

10.3 

1 

In prior periods the Group applied the average ASK growth per annum as a key assumption. Given the impact of COVID-19, the Group has presented 
ASKs as a proportion of the level of ASKs achieved in 2019, prior to the application of the terminal value calculation. 

Per cent 
Operating margin 

Average ASK growth per annum 

Long-term growth rate 

Pre-tax discount rate 

British 
Airways
15 

2-4 

2.2 

8.0 

2019

Iberia
10-15 

3 

1.8 

9.1 

Vueling 
10-14 

Aer Lingus 
13-15 

IAG Loyalty
20-23 

1-5 

1.5 

9.4 

2-11 

1.8 

8.0 

n/a 

1.8 

8.5 

174

170 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

15  Intangible assets and impairment review continued 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

– 

423 

306  

46 

3 

49 

28 

– 

28 

272 

– 

– 

767 

49 

816 

89 

5 

94 

62 

– 

12 

– 

– 

– 

35  

– 

35  

110  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

729 

813 

52 

865 

152 

5 

157 

444 

253  

253 

– 

12 

€ million 

2019 

Iberia 

British Airways 

January 1, 2019 

Exchange movements 

December 31, 2019 

Vueling 

January 1, 2019 

Additions 

December 31, 2019 

Aer Lingus 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

IAG Loyalty 

Other CGUs 

January 1 and December 31, 2019 

discount rate. 

Key assumptions 

calculations are as follows: 

Per cent 

Operating margin 

ASK as a proportion of 20191 

Long-term growth rate 

Pre-tax discount rate 

Per cent 

Operating margin 

Average ASK growth per annum 

Long-term growth rate 

Pre-tax discount rate 

December 31, 2019 

349 

1,407 

451  

253  

2,460 

Basis for calculating recoverable amount 

The recoverable amounts of Group’s CGUs have been measured based on their value-in-use, which utilises a weighted average 

multi-scenario discounted cash flow model. The details of these scenarios are given in the going concern section of note 2, with a 

weighting of 70 per cent to the base case and 30 per cent to the downside case. Cash flow projections are based on the business 

plans approved by the relevant operating companies covering a three-year period. Cash flows extrapolated beyond the three-year 

period are projected to increase based on long-term growth rates. Cash flow projections are discounted using each CGU’s pre-tax 

Annually the relevant operating companies prepare and approve three-year business plans, and the Board approved the Group 

three-year business plan in the fourth quarter of the year. The business plan cash flows used in the value-in-use calculations reflect 

the Group’s estimated climate related impacts that are foreseeable and reflect all restructuring of the business where relevant that 

has been approved by the Board and which can be executed by Management under existing agreements. 

The value-in-use calculations for each CGU reflected the increased risks arising from COVID-19, including updated projected 

cash flows for the decreased activity from 2021 through to the end of 2023 and an increase in the pre-tax discount rates to 

incorporate increased equity market volatility. For each of the Group’s CGUs the key assumptions used in the value-in-use 

1 

In prior periods the Group applied the average ASK growth per annum as a key assumption. Given the impact of COVID-19, the Group has presented 

ASKs as a proportion of the level of ASKs achieved in 2019, prior to the application of the terminal value calculation. 

British 

Airways

(20)-16 

45-95 

2.1 

11.2 

British 

Airways

15 

2-4 

2.2 

8.0 

Iberia

(12)-11 

49-98 

2.0 

11.6 

2020

Vueling 

(22)-12 

46-107 

1.8 

11.5 

2019

Aer Lingus 

IAG Loyalty

(14)-13 

40-100 

1.9 

10.4 

25-27 

n/a 

2.0 

10.3 

Iberia

10-15 

3 

1.8 

9.1 

Vueling 

Aer Lingus 

IAG Loyalty

10-14 

13-15 

20-23 

1-5 

1.5 

9.4 

2-11 

1.8 

8.0 

n/a 

1.8 

8.5 

Goodwill

Landing 

rights

Customer 

loyalty 

Brand 

programmes 

Total

Jet fuel price ($ per MT) 
2020 
2019 

Within 12 
months
373 
639 

1-2 years 
420 
612 

2-3 years
449 
598 

3 years and 
thereafter
449 
598 

Forecast ASKs reflect the range of ASKs as a percentage of the 2019 actual ASKs over the forecast period, based on planned 
network growth and taking into account Management’s expectation of the market. 

The long-term growth rate is calculated for each CGU based on the forecast weighted average exposure in each primary market 
using gross domestic product (GDP) (source: Oxford Economics). The airlines’ network plans are reviewed annually as part of the 
Business plan and reflect Management’s plans in response to specific market risk or opportunity. 

Pre-tax discount rates represent the current market assessment of the risks specific to each CGU, taking into consideration the time 
value of money and underlying risks of its primary market. The discount rate calculation is based on the circumstances of the airline 
industry, the Group and the CGU. It is derived from the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The WACC takes into 
consideration both debt and equity available to airlines. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on investment by 
airline investors and the cost of debt is derived from both market data and the Group’s existing debt structure. CGU specific risk is 
incorporated by applying individual beta factors which are evaluated annually based on available market data. The pre-tax discount 
rate reflects the timing of future tax flows. 

Jet fuel price assumptions are derived from forward price curves in the fourth quarter of each year and sourced externally. The cash 
flow forecasts reflect these price increases after taking into consideration of level of fuel derivatives and their associated prices that 
the Group has in place. 

Summary of results 

At December 31, 2020 Management reviewed the recoverable amount of each of the CGUs and concluded the recoverable 
amounts exceeded the carrying values.  

Reasonable possible changes in key assumptions, both individually and in combination, have been considered for each CGU, where 
applicable, which include reducing the operating margin by 2 per cent in each year, ASKs by 5 per cent in each year, long-term 
growth rates in the terminal value calculation to zero, increasing pre-tax discount rates by 2.5 percentage points, changing the 
weighting of the base case and the downside case to be 100 per cent weighted towards the downside case, and increasing the fuel 
price by 40 per cent. These sensitivities, in part, incorporate the potential impact that climate related risks would have on the Group. 

For the British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus CGUs, while the recoverable amounts are estimated to exceed the carrying amounts 
by €8,702 million, €1,701 million and €1,348 million, respectively, the recoverable amounts would be below the carrying amounts 
when applying reasonable possible changes in assumptions in each of the following scenarios: 

•  British Airways: (i) if ASKs had been five per cent lower combined with a fuel price increase of 19 per cent; and (ii) if the fuel price 

had been 36 per cent higher; 

•  Iberia: (i) if ASKs had been five per cent lower combined with a reduction of the long-term growth rate to 0.2 per cent; and (ii) if 
operating margin had been two per cent lower combined with a reduction of the long-term growth rate to 1.7 per cent; (iii) if 
ASKs had been five per cent lower combined with a fuel price increase of 8 per cent; and (iv) if the fuel price had been 20 per 
cent higher; and 

•  Aer Lingus: (i) if ASKs had been five per cent lower combined with a fuel price increase of 26 per cent. 

For the remainder of the reasonable possible changes in key assumptions applied to the British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus CGUs 
and for all the reasonable possible changes in key assumptions applied to the remaining CGUs, no impairment arises. 

For impairment charges recognised in relation to landing rights and fleet assets stood down permanently at December 31, 2020, 
refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section. 

16  Investments 

a 

Investments in subsidiaries 

The Group’s subsidiaries at December 31, 2020 are listed in the Group investments section. 

All subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidation. The proportion of the voting rights in the subsidiary undertakings held 
directly do not differ from the proportion of ordinary shares held. There have been no significant changes in ownership interests of 
subsidiaries during the year. 

The total non-controlling interest at December 31, 2020 is €6 million (2019: €6 million). 

British Airways Employee Benefit Trustee (Jersey) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, governs the British 
Airways Plc Employee Share Ownership Trust (the Trust). The Trust is not a legal subsidiary of IAG; however, it is consolidated 
within the Group results. 

170 

171 

175

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

16  Investments continued 

b 

Investments in associates and joint ventures 

The share of assets, liabilities, revenue and profit of the Group’s associates and joint ventures, which are included in the Group’s 
financial statements, are as follows: 

€ million 
Total assets 

Total liabilities 

Revenue 

Profit for the year 

The detail of the movement in Investment in associates and joint ventures is shown as follows: 

€ million 
At beginning of year 

Share of retained profits 

Dividends received 

Exchange movements 

2020 
73 

(50) 

22 

1 

2020 
31 

1 

(3) 

– 

29 

2019
122 

(92)

112 

6 

2019
31 

6 

(5)

(1)

31 

At December 31, 2020 there are no restrictions on the ability of associates or joint ventures to transfer funds to the parent and there 
are no related contingent liabilities. 

At both December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the investment in Sociedad Conjunta para la Emisión y Gestión de Medios de 
Pago EFC, S.A. exceeded 50 per cent ownership by the Group (50.5 per cent). The entity is treated as a joint venture as decisions 
regarding its strategy and operations require the unanimous consent of the parties who share control, including IAG. 

17  Other equity investments 

Other equity investments include the following: 

€ million 
Listed securities 
Comair Limited 

Unlisted securities 

The credit relating to other equity investments was €1 million (2019: €3 million). 

18  Trade and other receivables 
€ million 
Amounts falling due within one year 
Trade receivables 

Provision for expected credit loss 

Net trade receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Other non-trade receivables 

Amounts falling due after one year 
Prepayments and accrued income 

Other non-trade receivables 

Movements in the provision for expected credit loss were as follows:  

€ million 
At beginning of year 

Provided during the year 

Released during the year 

Receivables written off during the year 

Exchange movements 

Trade receivables are generally non-interest-bearing and on 30 days terms (2019: 30 days). 

176

172 

2020 

2019

– 

29 

29 

10 

72 

82 

2020 

2019

682 

(125) 

557 

596 

196 

1,349 

226 

2 

228 

2020 
113 

18 

(2) 

(1) 

(3) 

125 

2,368 

(113)

2,255 

1,040 

274 

3,569 

258 

15 

273 

2019
98 

22 

(1)

(8)

2 

113 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
The share of assets, liabilities, revenue and profit of the Group’s associates and joint ventures, which are included in the Group’s 

The detail of the movement in Investment in associates and joint ventures is shown as follows: 

At December 31, 2020 there are no restrictions on the ability of associates or joint ventures to transfer funds to the parent and there 

are no related contingent liabilities. 

At both December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the investment in Sociedad Conjunta para la Emisión y Gestión de Medios de 

Pago EFC, S.A. exceeded 50 per cent ownership by the Group (50.5 per cent). The entity is treated as a joint venture as decisions 

regarding its strategy and operations require the unanimous consent of the parties who share control, including IAG. 

The credit relating to other equity investments was €1 million (2019: €3 million). 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

16  Investments continued 

b 

Investments in associates and joint ventures 

financial statements, are as follows: 

€ million 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

Revenue 

Profit for the year 

€ million 

At beginning of year 

Share of retained profits 

Dividends received 

Exchange movements 

17  Other equity investments 

Other equity investments include the following: 

€ million 

Listed securities 

Comair Limited 

Unlisted securities 

18  Trade and other receivables 

€ million 

Amounts falling due within one year 

Trade receivables 

Provision for expected credit loss 

Net trade receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Other non-trade receivables 

Amounts falling due after one year 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Other non-trade receivables 

€ million 

At beginning of year 

Provided during the year 

Released during the year 

Receivables written off during the year 

Exchange movements 

2020 

73 

(50) 

22 

1 

31 

1 

(3) 

– 

29 

2019

122 

(92)

112 

6 

31 

6 

(5)

(1)

31 

2020 

2019

2020 

2019

– 

29 

29 

10 

72 

82 

2020 

2019

682 

(125) 

557 

596 

196 

1,349 

226 

2 

228 

2020 

113 

18 

(2) 

(1) 

(3) 

125 

2,368 

(113)

2,255 

1,040 

274 

3,569 

258 

15 

273 

2019

98 

22 

(1)

(8)

2 

113 

Movements in the provision for expected credit loss were as follows:  

Trade receivables are generally non-interest-bearing and on 30 days terms (2019: 30 days). 

The credit risk exposure on the Group's trade receivables is set out below: 

December 31, 2020 

€ million 
Trade receivables 

Expected credit loss rate 

Provision for expected credit loss 

December 31, 2019 

€ million 
Trade receivables 

Expected credit loss rate 

Provision for expected credit loss 

Current
345 

0.9% 

3 

Current
1,411 

0.03% 

1 

<30 days
114 

30-180 days 
88 

180-365 days
11 

> 365 days
124 

0.2% 

- 

1.1% 

1 

72.7% 

8 

91.1% 

113 

<30 days
198 

30-180 days 
338 

180-365 days
78 

> 365 days
343 

0.2% 

- 

0.9% 

3 

9.0% 

7 

29.7% 

102 

19  Cash, cash equivalents and other current interest-bearing deposits 
€ million 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Short-term deposits maturing within three months 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current interest-bearing deposits maturing after three months 

Cash, cash equivalents and other interest-bearing deposits 

2020
1,882 

3,892 

5,774 

143 

5,917 

2019
2,320 

1,742 

4,062 

2,621 

6,683 

Cash at bank is primarily held in AAA money market funds and bank deposits. Short-term deposits are for periods up to three 
months and earn interest based on the floating deposit rates.  

At December 31, 2020 the Group had no outstanding bank overdrafts (2019: nil). 

Current interest-bearing deposits are made for periods in excess of three months with maturity typically within 12 months and earn 
interest based on the market rates available at the time the deposit was made. 

At December 31, 2020 Aer Lingus held €38 million of restricted cash (2019: €41 million) within interest-bearing deposits maturing 
after more than three months to be used for employee-related obligations. 

a  Net debt 

Movements in net debt were as follows: 

€ million 
Bank, other loans, asset financed liabilities and 
other financing liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Liabilities from financing activities 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current interest-bearing deposits 

€ million 
Bank, other loans and asset financed liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Liabilities from financing activities 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current interest-bearing deposits 

Balance at 
January 1, 
2020

Cash flows

Exchange 
movements

New leases 
and 
modifications 

Balance at 
December 31, 
2020

Non-cash

3,208 

11,046 

14,254 

(4,062)

(2,621)

7,571 

Balance at 
January 1, 
2019
1,581 

11,123 

12,704 

(3,837)

(2,437)

6,430 

2,589 

(1,536)

1,053 

(1,940)

2,366 

1,479 

Cash flows
1,556 

(1,507)

49 

(85)

(103)

(139)

(227)

(726)

(953)

228 

112 

(613)

– 

1,179 

1,179 

– 

– 

1,179 

85 

61 

146 

– 

– 

146 

5,655 

10,024 

15,679 

(5,774)

(143)

9,762 

Exchange 
movements
(12)

New leases 
and 
modifications 
– 

Balance at 
December 31, 
2019
3,208 

Non-cash
83 

176 

164 

(140)

(81)

(57)

1,199 

1,199 

– 

– 

1,199 

55 

138 

– 

– 

138 

11,046 

14,254 

(4,062)

(2,621)

7,571 

172 

173 

177

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

20 Trade and other payables 
€ million 
Trade creditors1 
Other creditors 

Other taxation and social security 

Accruals and deferred income 

2020 
1,609 

679 

149 

373 

2,810 

2019
2,311

1,099

271

663

4,344

1  Trade creditors includes €55 million (2019: €nil) due to suppliers that have signed up to supply chain financing programmes offered by a number of 

partner financial institutions. Under these programmes either or both: (i) the suppliers can elect on an invoice-by-invoice basis to receive a discounted 
early payment from the partner financial institutions rather than being paid in line with the agreed payment terms; and/or (ii) the Group elects on an 
invoice-by-invoice basis for the partner financial institution to pay the supplier in line with the agreed payment terms and the Group enters into 
payment terms with the partner financial institution of up to 120 days with interest incurred at rates between 2.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent.  

The Group assesses the arrangement against indicators to assess if liabilities which suppliers have transferred to the partner financial institutions 
under the supplier financing programmes continue to meet the definition of trade creditors or should be classified as borrowings. The cash flows 
arising from such arrangements are reported within cash flows from operating activities or within cash flows from financing activities, in the 
Consolidated cash flow statement, depending on whether the associated liabilities meet the definition of trade creditors or as borrowings. 

At December 31, 2020 the liabilities met the criteria of Trade creditors and are excluded from the Net debt table in note 19a. 

Average payment days to suppliers – Spanish Group companies 
Days 
Average payment days for payment to suppliers 

Ratio of transactions paid 

Ratio of transactions outstanding for payment 

€ million 
Total payments made 

Total payments outstanding 

21  Deferred revenue on ticket sales 

€ million 
Balance at January 1, 2020 

Changes in estimates 
Revenue recognised in the income statement1, 2 
Loyalty points issued to customers 
Cash received from customers3, 4 
Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2020 

Analysis: 

Current 

Non-current 

€ million 
Balance at January 1, 2019 

Changes in estimates 
Revenue recognised in the income statement1, 2 
Loyalty points issued to customers 
Cash received from customers4 
Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

2020 
43 

36 

135 

2020 
3,694 

293 

Customer 
loyalty 
programmes 
1,917 

Sales in 
advance of 
carriage 
3,569 

– 

291 

2019
33 

32 

43 

2019
7,165 

114 

Total
5,486 

291 

(260) 

(6,032) 

(6,292)

361 

850 

(143) 

8 

4,714 

(145) 

2,725 

2,405 

2,252 

473 

2,725 

2,405 

– 

2,405 

Sales in 
advance of 
carriage 
3,066 

(20) 

369 

5,564 

(288)

5,130 

4,657 

473 

5,130 

Total
4,835 

(14)

(22,691) 

(23,496)

47 

891 

23,029 

23,029 

138 

3,569 

241 

5,486 

Customer 
loyalty 
programmes 
1,769 

6 

(805) 

844 

– 

103 

1,917 

1  Where the Group acts as an agent in the provision of redemption products and services to customers through loyalty programmes, or in the 

provision of interline flights to passengers, revenue is recognised in the Income statement net of the related costs. 

2  Included within revenue recognised in the Income statement is an amount of €2,006 million previously held as deferred revenue at January 1, 2020 

(at January 1, 2019: €3,361 million). 

3  Included within cash received from customers is an amount of €830 million received from American Express upon signing of the multi-year 

commercial partnership renewal with IAG Loyalty and unwinds over the duration of the contract term as the associated performance obligations 
are fulfilled. 

4  Cash received from customers is net of refunds. 

178

174 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  Trade creditors includes €55 million (2019: €nil) due to suppliers that have signed up to supply chain financing programmes offered by a number of 

partner financial institutions. Under these programmes either or both: (i) the suppliers can elect on an invoice-by-invoice basis to receive a discounted 

early payment from the partner financial institutions rather than being paid in line with the agreed payment terms; and/or (ii) the Group elects on an 

invoice-by-invoice basis for the partner financial institution to pay the supplier in line with the agreed payment terms and the Group enters into 

payment terms with the partner financial institution of up to 120 days with interest incurred at rates between 2.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent.  

The Group assesses the arrangement against indicators to assess if liabilities which suppliers have transferred to the partner financial institutions 

under the supplier financing programmes continue to meet the definition of trade creditors or should be classified as borrowings. The cash flows 

arising from such arrangements are reported within cash flows from operating activities or within cash flows from financing activities, in the 

Consolidated cash flow statement, depending on whether the associated liabilities meet the definition of trade creditors or as borrowings. 

At December 31, 2020 the liabilities met the criteria of Trade creditors and are excluded from the Net debt table in note 19a. 

Revenue recognised in the income statement1, 2 

(260) 

(6,032) 

(6,292)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

20 Trade and other payables 

€ million 

Trade creditors1 

Other creditors 

Other taxation and social security 

Accruals and deferred income 

Average payment days to suppliers – Spanish Group companies 

Days 

Average payment days for payment to suppliers 

Ratio of transactions paid 

Ratio of transactions outstanding for payment 

€ million 

Total payments made 

Total payments outstanding 

21  Deferred revenue on ticket sales 

€ million 

Balance at January 1, 2020 

Changes in estimates 

Loyalty points issued to customers 

Cash received from customers3, 4 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2020 

Analysis: 

Current 

Non-current 

€ million 

Balance at January 1, 2019 

Changes in estimates 

Revenue recognised in the income statement1, 2 

Loyalty points issued to customers 

Cash received from customers4 

Exchange movements 

Balance at December 31, 2019 

2020 

43 

36 

135 

2020 

3,694 

293 

Customer 

loyalty 

programmes 

Sales in 

advance of 

carriage 

1,917 

– 

361 

850 

(143) 

3,569 

291 

8 

4,714 

(145) 

2,725 

2,405 

2,252 

473 

2,725 

2,405 

– 

2,405 

Customer 

loyalty 

programmes 

Sales in 

advance of 

carriage 

2019

33 

32 

43 

2019

7,165 

114 

Total

5,486 

291 

369 

5,564 

(288)

5,130 

4,657 

473 

5,130 

Total

4,835 

(14)

1,769 

6 

(805) 

844 

– 

103 

1,917 

3,066 

(20) 

(22,691) 

(23,496)

47 

891 

23,029 

23,029 

138 

3,569 

241 

5,486 

1  Where the Group acts as an agent in the provision of redemption products and services to customers through loyalty programmes, or in the 

provision of interline flights to passengers, revenue is recognised in the Income statement net of the related costs. 

2  Included within revenue recognised in the Income statement is an amount of €2,006 million previously held as deferred revenue at January 1, 2020 

(at January 1, 2019: €3,361 million). 

3  Included within cash received from customers is an amount of €830 million received from American Express upon signing of the multi-year 

commercial partnership renewal with IAG Loyalty and unwinds over the duration of the contract term as the associated performance obligations 

are fulfilled. 

4  Cash received from customers is net of refunds. 

2020 

1,609 

679 

149 

373 

2,810 

2019

2,311

1,099

271

663

4,344

Deferred revenue relating to customer loyalty programmes consists primarily of revenue allocated to performance obligations 
associated with Avios. Avios are issued by the Group's airlines through their loyalty programmes, or are sold to third parties such as 
credit card providers, who issue them as part of their loyalty programme. Avios do not have an expiry date and can be redeemed at 
any time in the future. Revenue may therefore be recognised at any time in the future.  

Deferred revenue in respect of sales in advance of carriage consists of revenue allocated to airline tickets to be used for future 
travel. Typically these tickets expire within 12 months after the planned travel date, if they are not used within that time period, 
however, with the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has extended the expiry period up to 24 
months after the planned travel date, depending on the operating company. 

22 Other long-term liabilities 
€ million 
Non-current trade creditors 

Accruals and deferred income 

23 Long-term borrowings 

a  Current 
€ million 
Bank and other loans 
Bank and other loans less than 12 months1 
Asset financed liabilities 
Other financing liabilities2 
Lease liabilities 

Interest-bearing borrowings 

2020
49 

91 

140 

2020
90 

329 

139 

97 

1,560 

2,215 

2019
6 

65 

71 

2019
75 

– 

74 

– 

1,694 

1,843 

1  Bank and other loans less than 12 months represents borrowings with a term on inception of less than 12 months in duration. 
2  Other financing liabilities include sale and repurchase agreements entered into during the course of 2020 with regard to emission allowances and 

represents the amount the Group is expected to repurchase during the course of 2021. 

b  Non-current 
€ million 
Bank and other loans 

Asset financed liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Interest-bearing borrowings 

2020
2,950 

2,050 

8,464 

13,464 

2019
1,879 

1,180 

9,352 

12,411 

Banks and other loans are repayable up to the year 2027. Long-term borrowings of the Group amounting to €2,412 million (2019: 
€1,520 million) are secured on owned fleet assets with a net book value of €2,794 million (2019: €1,576 million) (note 12). Asset 
financing liabilities are all secured on the associated aircraft or property, plant and equipment. 

On April 12, 2020, British Airways availed itself of the Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility, issuing commercial paper to the 
Government of the United Kingdom of €328 million (£298 million) and repayable in April 2021 for a principal value of £300 million. 

On May 1, 2020, Iberia and Vueling entered into floating rate syndicated financing agreements backed by Spain’s ICO for €750 
million and €260 million, respectively. The facilities are amortising from April 30, 2023 with maturity in 2025.  

On May 19, 2020, British Airways entered into a syndicated mortgage loan of €639 million ($750 million) secured on specific aircraft. 
The loan was repaid in full on December 17, 2020. 

On June 10, 2020, Iberia entered into a mortgage loan of €194 million ($228 million) secured on specific aircraft. The loan was repaid 
in full on December 22, 2020. 

On December 23, 2020, Aer Lingus entered into a floating rate financing agreement with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund 
(ISIF) for €75 million. The facility is repayable in 2023. 

In July 2019, two senior unsecured bonds were issued by the Group for an aggregate principal amount of €1 billion; €500 million 
fixed rate 0.50 per cent due in 2023, and €500 million fixed rate 1.50 per cent due in 2027. 

During 2019 the Group early redeemed all of the €500 million 0.25 per cent convertible bonds due in 2020. 

174 

175 

179

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

23 Long-term borrowings continued 
In November 2020, the Group entered into an asset-financing structure, under which nine aircraft were sold and leased back by 
December 31, 2020, with a further five aircraft expected to be sold and leased back during 2021. These transactions mature between 
2028 and 2032. This arrangement was transacted through an unconsolidated structured entity, which in turn issued the British 
Airways Pass Through Certificates, Series 2020-1, commonly referred to as Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs). 
Accordingly as at December 31, 2020, the Group recognised €472 million of Asset financed liabilities with a further €351 million 
expected to arise during the aforementioned sale and lease backs during 2021. 

In the third quarter of 2019, the Group entered into an asset-financing structure, under which eight aircraft were sold and leased 
back, during the course of 2019 and 2020, with the transactions maturing between 2029 and 2034. This arrangement was 
transacted through an unconsolidated structured entity, which in turn issued the British Airways Pass Through Certificates, Series 
2019-1. In doing so the Group recognised €725 million of Asset financed liabilities. 

As at December 31, 2020, Asset financed liabilities include cumulative amounts of €1,312 million (2019: €416 million) associated with 
transactions with unconsolidated structured entities having issued EETCs. 

c  Total borrowings 
€ million 
Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Bank and other loans less than 12 months 

Current portion of long-term borrowings 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

d  Bank and other loans 
€ million 
Floating rate ICO guaranteed loans1 
€500 million fixed rate 0.50 per cent bond 20232 
€500 million fixed rate 1.50 per cent bond 20272 
€500 million fixed rate 0.625 per cent convertible bond 20223 
CCFF pound sterling commercial paper4 
Floating rate euro mortgage loans secured on aircraft5 
Fixed rate unsecured bonds6 
Fixed rate unsecured US dollar mortgage loan7 
ISIF facility8 
Fixed rate Chinese yuan mortgage loans secured on aircraft9 
Fixed rate unsecured euro loans with the Spanish State (Department of Industry)10 

Less current instalments due on bank and other loans 

2020 
13,464 

329 

1,886 

15,679 

2020 
1,009  

498  

497  

480  

329  

198  

137  

97  

75  

25  

24  

3,369  

(419) 

2,950  

2019
12,411 

– 

1,843 

14,254 

2019
– 

497 

496 

470 

– 

226 

136 

71 

– 

40 

18 

1,954 

(75)

1,879 

1  On April 30, 2020, Iberia and Vueling entered into floating rate syndicated financing agreements of €750 million and €260 million respectively. The 
loans are repayable between 2023 and 2025. The ICO in Spain guarantees 70 per cent of the value of loans. The loans contain a number of non-
financial covenants to protect the position of the banks involved, including restrictions on the upstreaming of cash to the rest of the IAG companies. 
2  In July 2019, the Group issued two tranches of senior unsecured bonds for an aggregate principal amount of €1 billion, €500 million due July 4, 2023 
and €500 million due July 4, 2027. The bonds bear a fixed rate of interest of 0.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent per annum annually payable in arrears, 
respectively. The bonds were issued at 99.417 per cent and 98.803 per cent of their principal amount, respectively, and, unless previously redeemed 
or purchased and cancelled, will be redeemed at 100 per cent of their principal amount on their respective maturity dates. 

3  Senior unsecured bond convertible into ordinary shares of IAG was issued by the Group in November 2015; €500 million fixed rate 0.625 per cent 
raising net proceeds of €494 million and due in 2022. The Group holds an option to redeem the convertible bond at its principal amount, together 
with accrued interest, no earlier than two years prior to the final maturity date. The bond contains dividend protection and a total of 40,306,653 
options related to the bond were outstanding at December 31, 2020. 

4  On April 12, 2020, British Airways availed itself of the Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility (CCFF) implemented by the Government of the United 
Kingdom. Under the CCFF, British Airways issued commercial paper to the government of the United Kingdom of €328 million (£298 million). This 
loan is repayable in April 2021.  

5  Floating rate euro mortgage loans are secured on specific aircraft assets of the Group and bear interest of between 0.04 and 1.01 per cent. The loans 

are repayable between 2024 and 2027. 

6  Total of €200 million fixed rate unsecured bonds between 3.5 to 3.75 per cent coupon repayable between 2022 and 2027. 
7  Fixed rate unsecured US dollar mortgage loan bearing interest between 1.38 to 2.86 per cent. The loan is repayable between 2023 and 2026. 
8  On December 23, 2020, Aer Lingus entered into a floating rate financing agreement with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) for €75 million. 

The facility is repayable in 2023. 

9  Fixed rate Chinese yuan mortgage loans are secured on specific aircraft assets of the Group and bear interest of 5.20 per cent. The loans are 

repayable in 2022. 

10 Fixed rate unsecured euro loans with the Spanish State (Department of Industry) bear interest of between nil and 5.68 per cent and are repayable 

between 2021 and 2028. 

180

176 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

23 Long-term borrowings continued 

In November 2020, the Group entered into an asset-financing structure, under which nine aircraft were sold and leased back by 

December 31, 2020, with a further five aircraft expected to be sold and leased back during 2021. These transactions mature between 

2028 and 2032. This arrangement was transacted through an unconsolidated structured entity, which in turn issued the British 

Airways Pass Through Certificates, Series 2020-1, commonly referred to as Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs). 

Accordingly as at December 31, 2020, the Group recognised €472 million of Asset financed liabilities with a further €351 million 

expected to arise during the aforementioned sale and lease backs during 2021. 

In the third quarter of 2019, the Group entered into an asset-financing structure, under which eight aircraft were sold and leased 

back, during the course of 2019 and 2020, with the transactions maturing between 2029 and 2034. This arrangement was 

transacted through an unconsolidated structured entity, which in turn issued the British Airways Pass Through Certificates, Series 

2019-1. In doing so the Group recognised €725 million of Asset financed liabilities. 

As at December 31, 2020, Asset financed liabilities include cumulative amounts of €1,312 million (2019: €416 million) associated with 

transactions with unconsolidated structured entities having issued EETCs. 

c  Total borrowings 

€ million 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Bank and other loans less than 12 months 

Current portion of long-term borrowings 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

d  Bank and other loans 

€ million 

Floating rate ICO guaranteed loans1 

€500 million fixed rate 0.50 per cent bond 20232 

€500 million fixed rate 1.50 per cent bond 20272 

€500 million fixed rate 0.625 per cent convertible bond 20223 

CCFF pound sterling commercial paper4 

Floating rate euro mortgage loans secured on aircraft5 

Fixed rate unsecured bonds6 

Fixed rate unsecured US dollar mortgage loan7 

ISIF facility8 

Fixed rate Chinese yuan mortgage loans secured on aircraft9 

Fixed rate unsecured euro loans with the Spanish State (Department of Industry)10 

Less current instalments due on bank and other loans 

2020 

13,464 

329 

1,886 

15,679 

2020 

1,009  

498  

497  

480  

329  

198  

137  

97  

75  

25  

24  

3,369  

(419) 

2,950  

2019

12,411 

– 

1,843 

14,254 

2019

– 

497 

496 

470 

– 

226 

136 

71 

– 

40 

18 

1,954 

(75)

1,879 

1  On April 30, 2020, Iberia and Vueling entered into floating rate syndicated financing agreements of €750 million and €260 million respectively. The 

loans are repayable between 2023 and 2025. The ICO in Spain guarantees 70 per cent of the value of loans. The loans contain a number of non-

financial covenants to protect the position of the banks involved, including restrictions on the upstreaming of cash to the rest of the IAG companies. 

2  In July 2019, the Group issued two tranches of senior unsecured bonds for an aggregate principal amount of €1 billion, €500 million due July 4, 2023 

and €500 million due July 4, 2027. The bonds bear a fixed rate of interest of 0.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent per annum annually payable in arrears, 

respectively. The bonds were issued at 99.417 per cent and 98.803 per cent of their principal amount, respectively, and, unless previously redeemed 

or purchased and cancelled, will be redeemed at 100 per cent of their principal amount on their respective maturity dates. 

3  Senior unsecured bond convertible into ordinary shares of IAG was issued by the Group in November 2015; €500 million fixed rate 0.625 per cent 

raising net proceeds of €494 million and due in 2022. The Group holds an option to redeem the convertible bond at its principal amount, together 

with accrued interest, no earlier than two years prior to the final maturity date. The bond contains dividend protection and a total of 40,306,653 

options related to the bond were outstanding at December 31, 2020. 

4  On April 12, 2020, British Airways availed itself of the Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility (CCFF) implemented by the Government of the United 

Kingdom. Under the CCFF, British Airways issued commercial paper to the government of the United Kingdom of €328 million (£298 million). This 

loan is repayable in April 2021.  

are repayable between 2024 and 2027. 

5  Floating rate euro mortgage loans are secured on specific aircraft assets of the Group and bear interest of between 0.04 and 1.01 per cent. The loans 

6  Total of €200 million fixed rate unsecured bonds between 3.5 to 3.75 per cent coupon repayable between 2022 and 2027. 

7  Fixed rate unsecured US dollar mortgage loan bearing interest between 1.38 to 2.86 per cent. The loan is repayable between 2023 and 2026. 

8  On December 23, 2020, Aer Lingus entered into a floating rate financing agreement with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) for €75 million. 

9  Fixed rate Chinese yuan mortgage loans are secured on specific aircraft assets of the Group and bear interest of 5.20 per cent. The loans are 

10 Fixed rate unsecured euro loans with the Spanish State (Department of Industry) bear interest of between nil and 5.68 per cent and are repayable 

The facility is repayable in 2023. 

repayable in 2022. 

between 2021 and 2028. 

e  Total loans, lease liabilities, other financing liabilities and asset financed liabilities 
Million 
Loans 
Bank: 

US dollar 

Pound sterling 

Euro 

Chinese yuan 

Fixed rate bonds: 

Euro 

Asset financed liabilities 

US dollar 

Euro 

Japanese yen 

Other financing liabilities 

Euro 

Lease liabilities 

US dollar 

Euro 

Japanese yen 

Pound sterling 

Total interest-bearing borrowings 

24 Provisions 

€ million 
Net book value January 1, 2020 

Reclassifications 

Provisions recorded during the year 

Utilised during the year 

Release of unused amounts 

Unwinding of discount 

Exchange differences 

Net book value December 31, 2020 

Analysis: 

Current 

Non-current 

2020

2019

$121 

£299 

€1,303 

$79 

£- 

€380 

CNY 201 

CNY 314 

€1,756 

€491 

€1,613 

€1,613 

€1,463 

€1,463 

$2,080 

€448 

¥4,883 

€2,189 

$996 

€319 

¥4,867 

€1,254 

€97 

€97 

€- 

€- 

$8,436 

€1,858 

$8,408 

€2,142 

¥74,734 

¥77,984 

£608 

€10,024 

£597 

€11,046 

€15,679 

€14,254 

Restoration 
and handback 
provisions
1,675 

Restructuring 
provisions
528 

– 

377 

(213)

(136)

10 

(125)

1,588 

270 

1,318 

1,588 

– 

320 

(383)

(27)

– 

(6)

432 

200 

232 

432 

Employee 
leaving 
indemnities 
and other 
employee 
related 
provisions
664 

– 

76 

(27)

– 

3 

(2)

714 

62 

652 

714 

Legal claims 
provisions 
82  

Other 
provisions
98 

(22) 

42  

(9) 

(7) 

1  

(3) 

84  

47  

37  

84  

– 

31 

(29)

(4)

– 

(2)

94 

47 

47 

94 

Total
3,047 

(22)

846 

(661)

(174)

14 

(138)

2,912 

626 

2,286 

2,912 

176 

177 

181

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

24 Provisions continued 

Restoration and handback provisions 

The provision for restoration and handback costs is maintained to meet the contractual maintenance and return conditions on 
aircraft held under lease. The provision also includes an amount relating to leased land and buildings where restoration costs are 
contractually required at the end of the lease. Such costs are capitalised within ROU assets. The provision is long-term in nature, 
typically covering the leased asset term, which for aircraft is up to 12 years. 

During 2020, as part of certain lease modifications, these pre-existing restoration and handback conditions have been removed and 
the associated provision released to the Income statement. 

Within the amounts included in the additions to this provision is €37 million relating to the recognition of contractual lease 
provisions, representing the estimation of the additional cost to fulfil the handback conditions associated with the aforementioned 
leased aircraft that have been permanently stood down and impaired. 

Restructuring provisions 

Included within the restructuring provision is an amount of €72 million that relates to the voluntary and compulsory redundancies 
arising in British Airways, Aer Lingus and LEVEL from the restructuring plans related to COVID-19. While the majority of employees 
affected by these restructuring plans had left the Group as at December 31, 2020, there remains a small portion of employees 
expected to leave the Group over 2021. Refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section for further information. 

In addition, the restructuring provision includes provisions for voluntary redundancies including the collective redundancy 
programme for Iberia's Transformation Plan implemented prior to 2020, which provides for payments to affected employees until 
they reach the statutory retirement age. The amount provided for has been determined by an actuarial valuation made by 
independent actuaries, and was based on the same assumptions as those made to determine the provisions for obligations to flight 
crew below, with the exception of the discount rate, which in this case was 0.00 per cent. The payments related to this provision will 
continue over the next eight years.  

At December 31, 2020, €428 million of this provision related to collective redundancy programmes (2019: €513 million). 

Employee leaving indemnities and other employee related provisions 

This provision includes employees leaving indemnities relating to staff under various contractual arrangements. 

The Group recognises a provision relating to flight crew who, having met certain conditions, have the option of being placed on 
reserve and retaining their employment relationship until reaching the statutory retirement age, or taking early retirement. The 
Group is required to remunerate these employees until they reach the statutory retirement age, and an initial provision was 
recognised based on an actuarial valuation. The provision was reviewed at December 31, 2020 with the use of independent 
actuaries using the projected unit credit method, based on a discount rate consistent with the iBoxx index of 0.37 per cent and 0.00 
per cent (2019: iBoxx index of 0.59 per cent and 0.00 per cent) depending on whether the employees are currently active or not, 
the PERM/F-2000P mortality tables, and assuming a 1.50 per cent annual increase (2019: 1.50 per cent annual increase) in the 
Consumer Price Index (CPI). This is mainly a long-term provision. The amount relating to this provision was €654 million at 
December 31, 2020 (2019: €600 million). 

Legal claims provisions 

Legal claims provisions include: 

•  Amounts for multi-party claims from groups of employees on a number of matters related to its operations, including claims for 

additional holiday pay and for age discrimination; and 

•  Amounts related to investigations by a number of competition authorities in connection with alleged anti-competitive activity 

concerning the Group’s passenger and cargo businesses.  

The final amount required to pay the remaining claims and fines is subject to uncertainty (note 31). 

Reclassifications from legal claims provisions include an amount of €22 million relating to the theft of customer data at British 
Airways in 2018, which following the issue of the penalty notice by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office on October 16, 2020 
has been reclassified to Other creditors. 

Other provisions 

Other provisions include a provision for the Emissions Trading Scheme for CO2 emitted on flights within the EU in excess of the EU 
Emission Allowances granted. 

182

178 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

24 Provisions continued 

Restoration and handback provisions 

The provision for restoration and handback costs is maintained to meet the contractual maintenance and return conditions on 

aircraft held under lease. The provision also includes an amount relating to leased land and buildings where restoration costs are 

contractually required at the end of the lease. Such costs are capitalised within ROU assets. The provision is long-term in nature, 

typically covering the leased asset term, which for aircraft is up to 12 years. 

During 2020, as part of certain lease modifications, these pre-existing restoration and handback conditions have been removed and 

the associated provision released to the Income statement. 

Within the amounts included in the additions to this provision is €37 million relating to the recognition of contractual lease 

provisions, representing the estimation of the additional cost to fulfil the handback conditions associated with the aforementioned 

leased aircraft that have been permanently stood down and impaired. 

Restructuring provisions 

Included within the restructuring provision is an amount of €72 million that relates to the voluntary and compulsory redundancies 

arising in British Airways, Aer Lingus and LEVEL from the restructuring plans related to COVID-19. While the majority of employees 

affected by these restructuring plans had left the Group as at December 31, 2020, there remains a small portion of employees 

expected to leave the Group over 2021. Refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section for further information. 

In addition, the restructuring provision includes provisions for voluntary redundancies including the collective redundancy 

programme for Iberia's Transformation Plan implemented prior to 2020, which provides for payments to affected employees until 

they reach the statutory retirement age. The amount provided for has been determined by an actuarial valuation made by 

independent actuaries, and was based on the same assumptions as those made to determine the provisions for obligations to flight 

crew below, with the exception of the discount rate, which in this case was 0.00 per cent. The payments related to this provision will 

continue over the next eight years.  

At December 31, 2020, €428 million of this provision related to collective redundancy programmes (2019: €513 million). 

Employee leaving indemnities and other employee related provisions 

This provision includes employees leaving indemnities relating to staff under various contractual arrangements. 

The Group recognises a provision relating to flight crew who, having met certain conditions, have the option of being placed on 

reserve and retaining their employment relationship until reaching the statutory retirement age, or taking early retirement. The 

Group is required to remunerate these employees until they reach the statutory retirement age, and an initial provision was 

recognised based on an actuarial valuation. The provision was reviewed at December 31, 2020 with the use of independent 

actuaries using the projected unit credit method, based on a discount rate consistent with the iBoxx index of 0.37 per cent and 0.00 

per cent (2019: iBoxx index of 0.59 per cent and 0.00 per cent) depending on whether the employees are currently active or not, 

the PERM/F-2000P mortality tables, and assuming a 1.50 per cent annual increase (2019: 1.50 per cent annual increase) in the 

Consumer Price Index (CPI). This is mainly a long-term provision. The amount relating to this provision was €654 million at 

December 31, 2020 (2019: €600 million). 

Legal claims provisions 

Legal claims provisions include: 

•  Amounts for multi-party claims from groups of employees on a number of matters related to its operations, including claims for 

additional holiday pay and for age discrimination; and 

•  Amounts related to investigations by a number of competition authorities in connection with alleged anti-competitive activity 

concerning the Group’s passenger and cargo businesses.  

The final amount required to pay the remaining claims and fines is subject to uncertainty (note 31). 

Reclassifications from legal claims provisions include an amount of €22 million relating to the theft of customer data at British 

Airways in 2018, which following the issue of the penalty notice by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office on October 16, 2020 

has been reclassified to Other creditors. 

Other provisions 

Emission Allowances granted. 

Other provisions include a provision for the Emissions Trading Scheme for CO2 emitted on flights within the EU in excess of the EU 

25 Financial risk management objectives and policies 

The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including fuel price risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), 
counterparty risk and liquidity risk. Further information on the Group’s financial exposure to these risks is disclosed on note 26. The 
Board approves the key strategic principles and the risk appetite, defining the amount of risk that the Group is prepared to retain. 
The Group's financial risk management focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise the risk of 
incremental costs arising from adverse financial markets movements. 

The Group Treasury department is responsible for the oversight of the financial risk management. Fuel price fluctuations, euro-US 
dollar and sterling-US dollar exchange rate volatility represents the largest financial risks facing the Group. Other foreign exchange 
currencies and interest rate risks are also the subject of the Financial Risk Management. The IAG Audit and Compliance Committee 
approves the Group hedging profile and delegates to the operating company Risk Committee to agree on the degree of flexibility in 
applying the approved hedging levels. Each operating company Risk Committee meets at least once a month to review and 
approve a mandate to place hedging cover in the market including the instruments to be used. 

The Group Treasury department provides a bi-annual report on the hedging position to the IAG Management Committee and the 
Audit and Compliance Committee. The Board reviews the strategy and risk appetite once a year. 

a  Fuel price risk 

The Group is exposed to fuel price risk. The Group’s fuel price risk management strategy aims to provide protection against sudden 
and significant increases in fuel prices while aiming that the Group is not competitively disadvantaged in the event of a substantial 
fall in the price. The Group Treasury Policies determine the list of approved over the counter (OTC) derivative instruments that can 
be contracted with approved counterparties. 

The Group strategy is to hedge a proportion of fuel consumption up to three years within the approved hedging profile. 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of financial instruments to a reasonable possible change in fuel prices, with all other 
variables held constant, on result before tax and equity: 

Increase/(decrease)  
in fuel price 
 per cent 
30  

2020 
Effect on result 
before tax 
€ million 
189  

(30) 

(219) 

Effect on
equity 
€ million
525 

(664)

Increase/(decrease) 
in fuel price 
per cent
30 

(30)

2019 
Effect on result
before tax 
€ million
- 

- 

Effect on
equity 
€ million
1,774 

(1,824)

During the year to December 31, 2020, following a substantial fall in the global price of crude oil and associated products, the fair 
value of such net liability derivative instruments was €778 million at December 31, 2020, representing a loss of €650 million since 
January 1, 2020, which was recognised in Other comprehensive income. In addition, with the substantial decline in demand for air 
travel and the grounding of the majority of the fleet during the second quarter of 2020, a significant proportion of the associated 
hedge relationships were no longer expected to occur and subsequently fuel hedge accounting was discontinued. As a result of this 
discontinuance, €1,781 million of the losses were reclassified to the Income statement and recognised within Fuel, oil costs and 
emission costs.  

The loss arising from the discontinuance of fuel hedge accounting has been recorded as an exceptional item. Refer to note 3 and 
the Alternative performance measures section for further details. 

b  Foreign currency risk 

The Group presents its consolidated financial statements in euros, has subsidiaries with functional currencies in euro and pound 
sterling, and conducts business in a number of different countries. Consequently the Group is exposed to currency risk on revenue, 
purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity. The currencies in 
which these transactions are denominated are primarily euro, US dollar and pound sterling. The Group generates a surplus in most 
currencies in which it does business. The US dollar is an exception as fuel purchases, maintenance expenses and debt repayments 
denominated in US dollars typically create a deficit. 

The Group has a number of strategies to hedge foreign currency risk. The operational US dollar short position is subject to the same 
governance structure as the fuel hedging strategy set out above. The Group strategy is to hedge a proportion of up to three years 
within the approved hedging profile. 

Each operating company hedges its net balance sheet assets and liabilities in US dollars through a rolling hedging programme using 
a number of derivative instruments to minimise the profit and loss volatility arising from revaluation of these items into its functional 
currency. British Airways utilises its euro, Japanese yen and Chinese yuan debt repayments as a hedge of future euro, Japanese yen 
and Chinese yuan revenues. 

178 

179 

183

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

25 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued 
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s principal foreign exchange derivative exposure to a reasonable 
possible change in the US dollar, pound sterling and Japanese yen exchange rates, with all other variables held constant, on result 
before tax and equity: 

Strengthening/ 
(weakening) in 
US dollar rate 
 per cent 
10  

Effect on 
result 
before tax 
€ million 
885  

(10) 

(931) 

Strengthening/
(weakening) in 
pound 
sterling rate 
per cent
10 

Effect on 
result 
before tax 
€ million
162 

(10)

(161)

Effect on 
equity  
€ million 

297    

(359)   

Strengthening/ 
(weakening) in 
Japanese yen 
rate 
per cent 
10  

Effect on 
result 
before tax 
€ million 
(10) 

Effect on 
equity  

€ million
(42)

(10) 

10  

42 

Effect on 
equity  

€ million

(167)  

157 

10  

(10) 

22  

– 

388    

(365)   

10 

(10)

(23)

20 

(178)

171 

10  

(10) 

(1) 

2  

(58)

58 

2020 

2019 

At December 31, 2020, the fair value of foreign currency net liability derivatives instruments was €321 million, representing a loss of 
€430 million, since January 1, 2020, which was recognised in Other comprehensive income. Similar to the fuel price risk above, a 
significant proportion of the hedge relationships associated with fuel foreign currency derivatives and revenue foreign currency 
derivatives were no longer expected to occur and subsequently were discontinued. As a result of this discontinuance, €116 million of 
the gains associated with the fuel foreign currency derivatives and €56 million of the losses associated with the revenue foreign 
currency derivatives were reclassified to the Income statement and recognised within Fuel, oil costs and emission costs and within 
Passenger revenue, respectively. 

The gain arising from the discontinuance of foreign currency hedge accounting has been recorded as an exceptional item. Refer to 
note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section for further details. 

c 

Interest rate risk 

The Group is exposed to changes in interest rates on financial debt, leases, sale and lease backs and on cash deposits. 

Interest rate risk on floating rate debt is managed through a list of approved OTC derivative instruments that can be contracted 
with approved counterparties. After taking into account the impact of these derivatives, 64 per cent of the Group's borrowings 
were at fixed rates and 36 per cent were at floating rates. 

All cash deposits are generally on tenors less than one year. The interest rate is predominantly fixed for the tenor of the deposit. 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s interest rate exposure to a reasonable possible change in the US 
dollar, euro and sterling interest rates, on result before tax and equity: 

Strengthening/ 
(weakening) in  
US interest 
rate 
Basis points 
50 

Effect on 
result 
before tax 
€ million 
– 

(50) 

50 

(50) 

– 

– 

– 

Effect on 
equity  
€ million 
- 

- 

19 

(19)   

Strengthening/
(weakening) in 
euro interest 
rate 
Basis points
50 

Effect on 
result 
before tax 
€ million
9 

Effect on 
equity  

€ million
(8)

Strengthening/ 
(weakening) in 
sterling interest  
rate 
Basis points 
50 

Effect on 
result 
before tax 
€ million 
– 

Effect on 
equity  

€ million
– 

(50)

50 

(50)

(9)

(2)

2 

7 

16 

(13)

(50) 

50 

(50) 

– 

2 

(2) 

– 

– 

– 

2020 

2019 

For details regarding the Group’s management of interest rate benchmark reform, refer to note 25h. 

d  Counterparty risk 

The Group is exposed to the non-performance by its counterparties in respect of financial assets receivable. The Group has policies 
and procedures to monitor the risk by assigning limits to each counterparty by underlying exposure and by operating company. 
The underlying exposures are monitored on a daily basis and the overall exposure limit by counterparty is periodically reviewed by 
using available market information. 

The financial assets recognised in the financial statements, net of impairment losses (if any), represent the Group's maximum 
exposure to credit risk, without taking account any guarantees in place or other credit enhancements. 

At December 31, 2020 the Group’s credit risk position, allocated by region, in respect of treasury managed cash and derivatives was 
as follows: 

Region 
United Kingdom 

Spain 

Ireland 

Rest of Eurozone 

Rest of world 

184

180 

Mark-to-market of treasury 
controlled financial  
instruments allocated by 
geography
2020 
53% 

2019
41% 

3% 

7% 

16% 

21% 

3% 

3% 

30% 

23% 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

25 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued 

e 

Liquidity risk 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s principal foreign exchange derivative exposure to a reasonable 

possible change in the US dollar, pound sterling and Japanese yen exchange rates, with all other variables held constant, on result 

before tax and equity: 

Strengthening/ 

(weakening) in 

US dollar rate 

 per cent 

Effect on 

result 

before tax 

€ million 

Strengthening/

(weakening) in 

Effect on 

Effect on 

equity  

€ million 

pound 

result 

Effect on 

sterling rate 

before tax 

per cent

€ million

equity  

€ million

Strengthening/ 

(weakening) in 

Japanese yen 

rate 

per cent 

Effect on 

result 

before tax 

€ million 

2020 

2019 

10  

(10) 

10  

(10) 

885  

(931) 

297    

(359)   

22  

– 

388    

(365)   

10 

(10)

10 

(10)

162 

(161)

(23)

20 

(167)  

157 

(178)

171 

10  

(10) 

10  

(10) 

Effect on 

equity  

€ million

(42)

42 

(58)

58 

(10) 

10  

(1) 

2  

At December 31, 2020, the fair value of foreign currency net liability derivatives instruments was €321 million, representing a loss of 

€430 million, since January 1, 2020, which was recognised in Other comprehensive income. Similar to the fuel price risk above, a 

significant proportion of the hedge relationships associated with fuel foreign currency derivatives and revenue foreign currency 

derivatives were no longer expected to occur and subsequently were discontinued. As a result of this discontinuance, €116 million of 

the gains associated with the fuel foreign currency derivatives and €56 million of the losses associated with the revenue foreign 

currency derivatives were reclassified to the Income statement and recognised within Fuel, oil costs and emission costs and within 

Passenger revenue, respectively. 

The gain arising from the discontinuance of foreign currency hedge accounting has been recorded as an exceptional item. Refer to 

note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section for further details. 

c 

Interest rate risk 

The Group is exposed to changes in interest rates on financial debt, leases, sale and lease backs and on cash deposits. 

Interest rate risk on floating rate debt is managed through a list of approved OTC derivative instruments that can be contracted 

with approved counterparties. After taking into account the impact of these derivatives, 64 per cent of the Group's borrowings 

were at fixed rates and 36 per cent were at floating rates. 

All cash deposits are generally on tenors less than one year. The interest rate is predominantly fixed for the tenor of the deposit. 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s interest rate exposure to a reasonable possible change in the US 

dollar, euro and sterling interest rates, on result before tax and equity: 

Strengthening/ 

(weakening) in  

US interest 

rate 

Basis points 

Effect on 

result 

before tax 

€ million 

Strengthening/

(weakening) in 

euro interest 

Effect on 

result 

Effect on 

rate 

before tax 

Basis points

€ million

equity  

€ million

Strengthening/ 

(weakening) in 

sterling interest  

rate 

Basis points 

Effect on 

result 

before tax 

€ million 

Effect on 

equity  

€ million

2020 

2019 

Effect on 

equity  

€ million 

- 

- 

19 

(19)   

– 

– 

– 

– 

50 

(50) 

50 

(50) 

50 

(50)

50 

(50)

9 

(9)

(2)

2 

(8)

7 

16 

(13)

50 

(50) 

50 

(50) 

– 

– 

2 

(2) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

For details regarding the Group’s management of interest rate benchmark reform, refer to note 25h. 

d  Counterparty risk 

The Group is exposed to the non-performance by its counterparties in respect of financial assets receivable. The Group has policies 

and procedures to monitor the risk by assigning limits to each counterparty by underlying exposure and by operating company. 

The underlying exposures are monitored on a daily basis and the overall exposure limit by counterparty is periodically reviewed by 

using available market information. 

The financial assets recognised in the financial statements, net of impairment losses (if any), represent the Group's maximum 

exposure to credit risk, without taking account any guarantees in place or other credit enhancements. 

At December 31, 2020 the Group’s credit risk position, allocated by region, in respect of treasury managed cash and derivatives was 

as follows: 

United Kingdom 

Region 

Spain 

Ireland 

Rest of Eurozone 

Rest of world 

Mark-to-market of treasury 

controlled financial  

instruments allocated by 

geography

2020 

53% 

3% 

7% 

16% 

21% 

2019

41% 

3% 

3% 

30% 

23% 

The Group invests cash in interest-bearing accounts, time deposits and money market funds, choosing instruments with appropriate 
maturities or liquidity to retain sufficient headroom to readily generate cash inflows required to manage liquidity risk. The Group has 
also committed revolving credit facilities. 

At December 31, 2020 the Group had undrawn overdraft facilities of €52 million (2019: €13 million). The Group held undrawn 
uncommitted money market lines of €nil (2019: €nil).  

The Group held undrawn general and committed aircraft financing facilities: 

Million 
General facilities1 
Euro facilities expiring between January and June 2021 

Euro facilities expiring between January and July 2022 

US dollar facility expiring June 2021 

US dollar facility expiring May 2022 

Committed aircraft facilities 
US dollar facility expiring March 20212 
US dollar facilities expiring July 20233 

Million 
General facilities1 
Euro facilities expiring between January and June 2020 

US dollar facility expiring June 2020 

Committed aircraft facilities 
US dollar facilities expiring December 20213, 4 

2020

Currency

€ equivalent

€126 

€95 

$786 

$50 

$428 

$1,013 

126 

95 

643 

41 

905 

351 

829 

1,180 

2019

Currency

€ equivalent

€129 

$1,330 

129 

1,196 

1,325 

$1,217 

1,096 

1  The general facilities can be drawn at any time at the discretion of the Group subject to the provision of up to three days’ notice of the intended 

utilisation, depending on the facility. 

2  The aircraft facility maturing in 2021 is available for specific committed aircraft deliveries and further information is given in note 23b. 
3  The aircraft facilities maturing in 2023 (2019: maturing in 2021) are available for specific committed aircraft deliveries and requires the Group to give 

three months’ notice to the counterparty of its intention to utilise the facilities. 

4  The figures relating to the US dollar facilities expiring in December 2021 have been updated to better reflect the amounts available to the Group at 

December 31, 2019. 

The following table analyses the Group’s (outflows) and inflows in respect of financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments 
into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at December 31 to the contractual maturity date. The amounts 
disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows and include interest. 

€ million 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Asset financing liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Fixed rate borrowings 

Floating rate borrowings 

Other financing liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments (assets): 

Forward contracts 

Fuel derivatives 

Derivative financial instruments (liabilities): 

Interest rate swaps 

Forward contracts 

Fuel derivatives 

December 31, 2020 

Within 6 
months

6-12
months

1-2 
years

2-5  
years 

More than 5 
years

Total 
2020

(101)

(901)

(360)

(78)

(97)

(2,810)

73 

6 

(13)

(370)

(423)

(97)

(919)

(37)

(32)

– 

– 

41 

2 

(13)

(91)

(314)

(193)

(1,500)

(631)

(58)

– 

– 

33 

1 

(25)

(115)

(108)

(571) 

(4,122) 

(666) 

(1,179) 

(1,673)

(5,962)

(587)

(41)

– 

– 

8  

– 

(14) 

(56) 

(4) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2)

– 

– 

(2,635)

(13,404)

(2,281)

(1,388)

(97)

(2,810)

155 

9 

(67)

(632)

(849)

(5,074)

(1,460)

(2,596)

(6,604) 

(8,265)

(23,999)

180 

181 

185

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

25 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued 

€ million 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Asset finance obligations 

Lease liabilities 

Fixed rate borrowings 

Floating rate borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments (assets): 

Aircraft lease hedges  

Interest rate derivatives 

Foreign exchange contracts  

Fuel derivatives 

Derivative financial instruments (liabilities): 

Aircraft lease hedges  

Interest rate derivatives 

Foreign exchange contracts  

Fuel derivatives 

December 31, 2019 

f  Offsetting financial assets and liabilities 

Within 6 
months

6-12
months

1-2 
years

2-5  
years 

More than 5 
years 

Total 
2019

(56)

(1,073)

(20)

(13)

(3,881)

– 

1 

115 

66 

– 

(9)

(47)

(61)

(49)

(957)

(31)

(17)

– 

– 

1 

116 

25 

– 

(19)

(43)

(73)

(95)

(1,753)

(46)

(30)

1 

– 

1 

157 

12 

– 

(18)

(62)

(90)

(289) 

(988) 

(1,477)

(4,505) 

(6,289) 

(14,577)

(1,158) 

(110) 

– 

– 

2  

96  

2  

– 

(22) 

(86) 

(11) 

(599) 

(67) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1) 

– 

– 

(1,854)

(237)

(3,880)

– 

5 

484 

105 

– 

(69)

(238)

(235)

(4,978)

(1,047)

(1,923)

(6,081) 

(7,944) 

(21,973)

The Group enters into derivative transactions under ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association) documentation. In 
general, under such agreements the amounts owed by each counterparty on a single day in respect of all transactions outstanding 
are aggregated into a single net amount that is payable by one party to the other. 

The following financial assets and liabilities are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar 
agreements. 

December 31, 2020 

€ million 
Financial assets 
Derivative financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial liabilities 

Gross value of 
financial 
instruments

Gross 
amounts set 
off in the 
balance sheet1

Net amounts 
of financial 
instruments 
in the 
balance sheet

Related 
amounts not 
offset in the 
balance sheet1 

Net amount

165 

(1)

164 

(13) 

151 

1,537 

(67)

1,470 

(37) 

1,433 

1  The Group has pledged cash and cash equivalents as collateral against certain of its derivative financial liabilities. As December 31, 2020, the Group 

recognised €66 million of collateral (2019: €nil) offset in the balance sheet and €24 million (2019: €nil) not offset in the balance sheet. 

December 31, 2019 

€ million 
Financial assets 

Derivative financial assets 

Financial liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities 

g  Capital risk management 

Gross value of 
financial 
instruments

Gross 
amounts set 
off in the 
balance sheet

Net amounts 
of financial 
instruments in 
the balance 
sheet

Related 
amounts not 
offset in the 
balance sheet 

Net amount

550 

42 

592 

(9) 

583 

580 

(42)

538 

(9) 

529 

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, to maintain an 
optimal capital structure, to reduce the cost of capital and to provide returns to shareholders. 

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the net debt to EBITDA ratio. For the year to December 31, 2020, the net debt to 
EBITDA was minus 4.3 times (2019: 1.4 times). The definition and calculation for this performance measure is included in the 
Alternative performance measures section. 

Further detail on liquidity and capital resources and capital risk management is disclosed in the going concern section in note 2.  

186

182 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued 

f  Offsetting financial assets and liabilities 

The Group enters into derivative transactions under ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association) documentation. In 

general, under such agreements the amounts owed by each counterparty on a single day in respect of all transactions outstanding 

are aggregated into a single net amount that is payable by one party to the other. 

The following financial assets and liabilities are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

€ million 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Derivative financial instruments (assets): 

Asset finance obligations 

Lease liabilities 

Fixed rate borrowings 

Floating rate borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Aircraft lease hedges  

Interest rate derivatives 

Foreign exchange contracts  

Fuel derivatives 

Aircraft lease hedges  

Interest rate derivatives 

Foreign exchange contracts  

Fuel derivatives 

December 31, 2019 

Derivative financial instruments (liabilities): 

agreements. 

December 31, 2020 

€ million 

Financial assets 

Derivative financial assets 

Financial liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities 

December 31, 2019 

€ million 

Financial assets 

Derivative financial assets 

Financial liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities 

g  Capital risk management 

Within 6 

months

6-12

months

1-2 

years

2-5  

More than 5 

years 

years 

Total 

2019

(56)

(1,073)

(20)

(13)

(3,881)

– 

1 

115 

66 

– 

(9)

(47)

(61)

(49)

(957)

(31)

(17)

– 

– 

1 

116 

25 

– 

(19)

(43)

(73)

(95)

(1,753)

(46)

(30)

1 

– 

1 

157 

12 

– 

(18)

(62)

(90)

(289) 

(988) 

(1,477)

(4,505) 

(6,289) 

(14,577)

(1,158) 

(110) 

– 

(599) 

(67) 

(1,854)

(237)

(3,880)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1) 

– 

– 

– 

5 

484 

105 

– 

(69)

(238)

(235)

– 

2  

96  

2  

– 

(22) 

(86) 

(11) 

(4,978)

(1,047)

(1,923)

(6,081) 

(7,944) 

(21,973)

Gross value of 

amounts set 

financial 

off in the 

Gross 

Net amounts 

of financial 

instruments 

in the 

Related 

amounts not 

offset in the 

balance sheet1 

instruments

balance sheet1

balance sheet

Net amount

165 

(1)

164 

(13) 

151 

1,537 

(67)

1,470 

(37) 

1,433 

Gross 

Net amounts 

of financial 

Gross value of 

amounts set 

instruments in 

financial 

off in the 

the balance 

instruments

balance sheet

sheet

Related 

amounts not 

offset in the 

balance sheet 

Net amount

550 

42 

592 

(9) 

583 

580 

(42)

538 

(9) 

529 

1  The Group has pledged cash and cash equivalents as collateral against certain of its derivative financial liabilities. As December 31, 2020, the Group 

recognised €66 million of collateral (2019: €nil) offset in the balance sheet and €24 million (2019: €nil) not offset in the balance sheet. 

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, to maintain an 

optimal capital structure, to reduce the cost of capital and to provide returns to shareholders. 

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the net debt to EBITDA ratio. For the year to December 31, 2020, the net debt to 

EBITDA was minus 4.3 times (2019: 1.4 times). The definition and calculation for this performance measure is included in the 

Alternative performance measures section. 

Further detail on liquidity and capital resources and capital risk management is disclosed in the going concern section in note 2.  

182 

h  Managing interest rate benchmark reform and associated risks 

Overview 

A reform of major interest rate benchmarks is being undertaken globally, including the replacement of certain interbank offered 
rates (IBORs) with alternative nearly risk-free rates (referred to as ‘IBOR reform’). The Group has exposures to IBORs on its financial 
instruments that will be replaced or reformed as part of these market-wide initiatives. The Group anticipates that IBOR reform will 
impact its risk management and hedge accounting. 

Group Treasury monitors and manages the Group’s transition to alternative rates. Group Treasury tracks which contracts reference 
IBOR, whether such contracts will need to be amended, and how to manage communication about IBOR reform with counterparties. 

Derivatives 

The Group holds interest rate swaps for risk management purposes which are designated in cash flow hedge relationships. The 
interest rate swaps have floating legs that are indexed to both US dollar and sterling LIBOR. 

Hedge accounting 

The Group has evaluated the extent to which its cash flow hedging relationships are subject to uncertainty driven by IBOR reform 
as at December 31, 2020. As part of this evaluation, the Group has applied the hedging relief provided by the IFRS 9 amendments 
for IBOR reform phase one. Certain of the Group’s hedged items and hedging instruments continue to be indexed to the 
aforementioned LIBORs. These benchmark rates are quoted each day and the IBOR cash flows are exchanged with counterparties 
as usual. However, certain of these LIBOR cash flow hedging relationships extend beyond the anticipated cessation date. There is 
uncertainty about when and how replacement may occur with respect to the relevant hedged items and hedging instruments. Such 
uncertainty may impact the hedging relationship. 

Hedging relationships impacted by IBOR reform may experience ineffectiveness attributable to market participant’s expectations of 
when the change in rates will occur, which may differ between the hedged item and the hedging instrument. 

The Group’s exposure to both US dollar and sterling LIBOR designated in hedging relationships had a nominal amount of €775 
million as at December 31, 2020. 

26 Financial instruments  

a  Financial assets and liabilities by category 

The detail of the Group’s financial instruments at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 by nature and classification for 
measurement purposes is as follows: 

December 31, 2020 

€ million  
Non-current assets  
Other equity investments 
Derivative financial instruments  
Other non-current assets  

Current assets  
Trade receivables  
Other current assets  
Derivative financial instruments  
Other current interest-bearing deposits  
Cash and cash equivalents  

€ million  
Non-current liabilities  
Lease liabilities 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other long-term liabilities 

Current liabilities  
Lease liabilities 

Current portion of long-term borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Financial assets

Fair value 
through Other 
comprehensive 
income

Fair value 
through 
Income 
statement 

Amortised 
cost

Total
carrying 
amount by 
balance sheet 
item

Non- 
financial 
assets

– 

– 

119 

557 

350 

– 

143 

5,774 

29 

– 

10 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

42  

– 

– 

– 

122  

– 

– 

– 

– 

99 

– 

442 

– 

– 

– 

29 

42 

228 

557 

792 

122 

143 

5,774 

Financial liabilities

Fair value 
through Other 
comprehensive 
income

Fair value 
through 
income 
statement 

 Amortised 
cost

Total
carrying 
amount by 
balance sheet 
item

Non- 
financial 
liabilities

8,464 

5,000 

– 

80 

1,560 

655 

2,572 

– 

183 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

310 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,160 

– 

– 

– 

533 

– 

– 

238 

– 

8,464 

5,000 

310 

613 

1,560 

655 

2,810 

1,160 

187

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

26 Financial instruments continued 
December 31, 2019 

€ million  
Non-current assets  
Other equity investments 
Derivative financial instruments  
Other non-current assets  

Current assets  
Trade receivables  
Other current assets  
Derivative financial instruments  
Other current interest-bearing deposits  
Cash and cash equivalents  

€ million  
Non-current liabilities  
Lease liabilities 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other long-term liabilities 

Current liabilities  
Lease liabilities 

Current portion of long-term borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Financial assets
Fair value 
through Other 
comprehensive 
income

Amortised 
cost

Fair value 
through 
income 
statement 

Non- 
financial 
assets 

Total carrying 
amount by 
balance sheet 
item

– 

– 

133 

2,255 

414 

– 

2,621 

4,062 

82 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

268 

– 

– 

– 

324 

– 

– 

– 

– 

140 

– 

900 

– 

– 

– 

82 

268 

273 

2,255 

1,314 

324 

2,621 

4,062 

Financial liabilities

Fair value 
through Other 
comprehensive 
income

Fair value 
through 
Income 
statement 

Amortised 
cost

Total
carrying 
amount by 
balance sheet 
item

Non- 
financial 
liabilities 

9,352 

3,059 

– 

12 

1,694 

149 

3,881 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

286  

– 

– 

– 

– 

252  

– 

– 

– 

59  

– 

– 

463  

– 

9,352 

3,059 

286 

71 

1,694 

149 

4,344 

252 

b   Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities 

The fair values of the Group’s financial instruments are disclosed in hierarchy levels depending on the nature of the inputs used in 
determining the fair values and using the following methods and assumptions: 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. A market is regarded as active if quoted 
prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory agency, and 
those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. Level 1 methodologies (market 
values at the balance sheet date) were used to determine the fair value of listed asset investments classified as equity investments 
and listed interest-bearing borrowings. 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly. The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by valuation techniques. These 
valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific 
estimates. Derivative instruments are measured based on the market value of instruments with similar terms and conditions at the 
balance sheet date using forward pricing models. The fair value of the Group’s interest-bearing borrowings including leases is 
determined by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows at the relevant market interest rates at the balance sheet date. 

Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. The principal method of such valuation is 
performed using a valuation model that considers the present value of the dividend cash flows expected to be generated by the 
associated assets. 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, other current interest-bearing deposits, trade receivables, other current assets and trade 
and other payables approximate their carrying value largely due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. 

188

184 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

26 Financial instruments continued 

December 31, 2019 

€ million  

Non-current assets  

Other equity investments 

Derivative financial instruments  

Other non-current assets  

Current assets  

Trade receivables  

Other current assets  

Derivative financial instruments  

Other current interest-bearing deposits  

Cash and cash equivalents  

€ million  

Non-current liabilities  

Lease liabilities 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other long-term liabilities 

Current liabilities  

Lease liabilities 

Current portion of long-term borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Financial assets

Fair value 

through Other 

Amortised 

comprehensive 

cost

income

Fair value 

through 

income 

statement 

Total carrying 

Non- 

amount by 

financial 

balance sheet 

assets 

item

Financial liabilities

Fair value 

through Other 

Amortised 

comprehensive 

cost

income

Fair value 

through 

Income 

statement 

Total

carrying 

amount by 

balance sheet 

item

Non- 

financial 

liabilities 

82 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

268 

324 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

286  

252  

– 

– 

140 

900 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

59  

463  

82 

268 

273 

2,255 

1,314 

324 

2,621 

4,062 

9,352 

3,059 

286 

71 

1,694 

149 

4,344 

252 

– 

– 

133 

2,255 

414 

– 

2,621 

4,062 

9,352 

3,059 

– 

12 

1,694 

149 

3,881 

– 

b   Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities 

The fair values of the Group’s financial instruments are disclosed in hierarchy levels depending on the nature of the inputs used in 

determining the fair values and using the following methods and assumptions: 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. A market is regarded as active if quoted 

prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory agency, and 

those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. Level 1 methodologies (market 

values at the balance sheet date) were used to determine the fair value of listed asset investments classified as equity investments 

and listed interest-bearing borrowings. 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 

indirectly. The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by valuation techniques. These 

valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific 

estimates. Derivative instruments are measured based on the market value of instruments with similar terms and conditions at the 

balance sheet date using forward pricing models. The fair value of the Group’s interest-bearing borrowings including leases is 

determined by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows at the relevant market interest rates at the balance sheet date. 

Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. The principal method of such valuation is 

performed using a valuation model that considers the present value of the dividend cash flows expected to be generated by the 

associated assets. 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, other current interest-bearing deposits, trade receivables, other current assets and trade 

and other payables approximate their carrying value largely due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows: 

€ million 
Financial assets 
Other equity investments 

Derivative financial assets: 

Interest rate swaps1 
Foreign exchange contracts1 
Fuel derivatives1 

Financial liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Asset financed liabilities 

Fixed rate borrowings 

Floating rate borrowings 

Other financing liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities: 
Interest rate derivatives2 
Foreign exchange contracts2 
Fuel derivatives2 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 

Total

Fair value 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,510 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

154 

9 

2,417 

560 

1,206 

97 

63 

620 

787 

29  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

29 

1 

154 

9 

2,417 

2,070 

1,206 

97 

63 

620 

787 

1  Current portion of derivative financial assets is €122 million 
2  Current portion of derivative financial liabilities is €1,177 million 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 are set out below: 

€ million 
Financial assets 

Other equity investments 

Derivative financial assets: 

Interest rate swaps1 
Foreign exchange contracts1 
Fuel derivatives1 

Financial liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Asset financed liabilities 

Fixed rate borrowings 

Floating rate borrowings 

Derivative financial liabilities: 
Interest rate derivatives2 
Foreign exchange contracts2 
Fuel derivatives2 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 

Total

Fair value 

10 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,640 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

488 

103 

1,623 

136 

226 

67 

240 

231 

72  

82 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

488 

103 

1,623 

1,776 

226 

67 

240 

231 

Carrying
value
Total

29 

1 

154 

9 

2,189 

2,163 

1,206 

97 

63 

620 

787 

Carrying 
value
Total

82 

1 

488 

103 

1,254 

1,728 

226 

67 

240 

231 

1  Current portion of derivative financial assets is €324 million. 
2  Current portion of derivative financial liabilities is €252 million. 

There have been no transfers between levels of fair value hierarchy during the year. 

The financial instruments listed in the previous table are measured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements, with the 
exception of interest-bearing borrowings, which are measured at amortised cost. 

184 

185 

189

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

26 Financial instruments continued 
 Level 3 financial assets reconciliation  

c 

The following table summarises key movements in Level 3 financial assets:  

€ million 
Opening balance for the year 

Additions 

Losses recognised in other comprehensive income 

Exchange movements 

Closing balance for the year 

d  Hedges 

Cash flow hedges 

2020 
72 

3 

(44) 

(2) 

29 

2019
63 

6 

– 

3 

72 

At December 31, 2020 the Group’s principal risk management activities that were hedging future forecast transactions were: 

•  Future loan repayments in foreign currency (predominantly US dollar loan repayments), hedging foreign exchange fluctuations 
on revenue cash inflows. Remeasurement gains and losses on the loans are recognised in equity and transferred to the income 
statement within revenue when the loan is repaid (generally in instalments over the life of the loan). 

•  Foreign exchange contracts, hedging foreign currency exchange risk on revenue cash inflows and certain operational payments. 
Remeasurement gains and losses on the derivatives are recognised in equity and transferred to the income statement or balance 
sheet to match against the related cash inflow or outflow. Reclassification gains and losses on derivatives, arising from the 
discontinuance of hedge accounting, are recognised in the income statement within fuel, oil costs and emissions charges when 
the future transaction is no longer expected to occur. 

•  Forward crude, gas oil and jet kerosene derivative contracts, hedging price risk on fuel expenditure. Remeasurement gains and 
losses on the derivatives are recognised in equity and transferred to the income statement within fuel, oil costs and emissions 
charges to match against the related fuel cash outflow. Reclassification gains and losses on derivatives, arising from the 
discontinuance of hedge accounting, are recognised in the income statement within fuel, oil costs and emissions charges when 
the future transaction is no longer expected to occur. 

•  Interest rate contracts, hedging interest rate risk on floating rate debt and certain operational payments. 

The amounts included in equity including the periods over which the related cash flows are expected to occur are summarised 
below: 

(Gains)/losses in respect of cash flow hedges included within equity
€ million 
Loan repayments to hedge future revenue 
Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and expenditure1 
Crude, gas oil and jet kerosene derivative contracts1 
Derivatives used to hedge interest rates1 
Instruments for which hedge accounting no longer applies1 

Related deferred tax credit 

Total amount included within equity 

2020 
220  

168  

295  

66  

276  

1,025  

(168) 

857  

2019
141 

(80)

113 

72 

355 

601 

(94)

507 

1  The carrying value of derivative instruments recognised in assets and liabilities is analysed in parts a and b above. 

The notional amounts of significant financial instruments used as cash flow hedging instruments are set out below: 

Notional principal amounts 
(€ million) 
Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 
expenditure from US dollars to pound sterling1 
Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 
expenditure from US dollars to euros1 

1  Represents the value of the hedged item. 

Notional principal amounts 
(€ million) 
Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 
expenditure from US dollars to pound sterling1 
Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 
expenditure from US dollars to euros1 

1  Represents the value of the hedged item. 

Hedge range Within 1 year

1-2 years 

2-5 years 

Total 
December 31, 
2020

1.15 – 1.50 

2,402 

0.74 – 1.37 

1,009 

1,321 

960 

442 

4,165 

155 

2,124 

Hedge range Within 1 year

1-2 years 

2-5 years 

Total 
December 31, 
2019

1.17-1.51 

3,493 

1,810 

1,359 

6,662 

0.74 – 1.39 

1,397 

1,091 

483 

2,971 

190

186 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

26 Financial instruments continued 

c 

 Level 3 financial assets reconciliation  

The following table summarises key movements in Level 3 financial assets:  

Losses recognised in other comprehensive income 

Opening balance for the year 

€ million 

Additions 

Exchange movements 

Closing balance for the year 

d  Hedges 

Cash flow hedges 

2020 

72 

3 

(44) 

(2) 

29 

2019

63 

6 

– 

3 

72 

2020 

220  

168  

295  

66  

276  

1,025  

(168) 

857  

2019

141 

(80)

113 

72 

355 

601 

(94)

507 

December 31, 

Total 

2020

December 31, 

Total 

2019

At December 31, 2020 the Group’s principal risk management activities that were hedging future forecast transactions were: 

•  Future loan repayments in foreign currency (predominantly US dollar loan repayments), hedging foreign exchange fluctuations 

on revenue cash inflows. Remeasurement gains and losses on the loans are recognised in equity and transferred to the income 

statement within revenue when the loan is repaid (generally in instalments over the life of the loan). 

•  Foreign exchange contracts, hedging foreign currency exchange risk on revenue cash inflows and certain operational payments. 

Remeasurement gains and losses on the derivatives are recognised in equity and transferred to the income statement or balance 

sheet to match against the related cash inflow or outflow. Reclassification gains and losses on derivatives, arising from the 

discontinuance of hedge accounting, are recognised in the income statement within fuel, oil costs and emissions charges when 

the future transaction is no longer expected to occur. 

•  Forward crude, gas oil and jet kerosene derivative contracts, hedging price risk on fuel expenditure. Remeasurement gains and 

losses on the derivatives are recognised in equity and transferred to the income statement within fuel, oil costs and emissions 

charges to match against the related fuel cash outflow. Reclassification gains and losses on derivatives, arising from the 

discontinuance of hedge accounting, are recognised in the income statement within fuel, oil costs and emissions charges when 

the future transaction is no longer expected to occur. 

•  Interest rate contracts, hedging interest rate risk on floating rate debt and certain operational payments. 

The amounts included in equity including the periods over which the related cash flows are expected to occur are summarised 

below: 

€ million 

(Gains)/losses in respect of cash flow hedges included within equity

Loan repayments to hedge future revenue 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and expenditure1 

Crude, gas oil and jet kerosene derivative contracts1 

Derivatives used to hedge interest rates1 

Instruments for which hedge accounting no longer applies1 

Related deferred tax credit 

Total amount included within equity 

1  The carrying value of derivative instruments recognised in assets and liabilities is analysed in parts a and b above. 

The notional amounts of significant financial instruments used as cash flow hedging instruments are set out below: 

expenditure from US dollars to pound sterling1 

1.15 – 1.50 

2,402 

442 

4,165 

0.74 – 1.37 

1,009 

155 

2,124 

1,321 

960 

Hedge range Within 1 year

1-2 years 

2-5 years 

Notional principal amounts 

(€ million) 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 

expenditure from US dollars to euros1 

1  Represents the value of the hedged item. 

Notional principal amounts 

(€ million) 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 

expenditure from US dollars to pound sterling1 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 

1  Represents the value of the hedged item. 

expenditure from US dollars to euros1 

0.74 – 1.39 

1,397 

1,091 

483 

2,971 

Hedge range Within 1 year

1-2 years 

2-5 years 

1.17-1.51 

3,493 

1,810 

1,359 

6,662 

For the year to December 31, 2020 
(€ million) 
Loan repayments to hedge future revenue 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future 
revenue and expenditure 

Crude, gas oil and jet kerosene derivative 
contracts 

Derivatives used to hedge interest rates 

Instruments for which hedge accounting no 
longer applies 

Amounts 
recognised in 
Other 
comprehensive 
income1
123 

Amounts 
associated with 
ineffectiveness 
recognised in 
the Income 
statement2
– 

88 

2,369 

59 

– 

2,639 

– 

2 

– 

– 

2 

Discontinuance 
of hedge 
accounting 
reclassified to 
the Income 
statement

(22) 

54 

(1,757) 

– 

– 

(1,725) 

Total 
recognised 
(gains)/ 
losses 
101 

Other 
amounts 
reclassified 
to the 
Income 
statement
(19)

Amounts 
reclassified 
to the 
Balance 
sheet
– 

142 

614 

59 

– 

916 

55 

(461)

(30)

(63)

(518)

32 

– 

(32)

– 

– 

1  Amounts recognised in Other comprehensive income represent gains and losses on the hedging instrument. 
2  Ineffectiveness recognised in the Income statement is presented as Realised and Unrealised gains and losses on derivatives not qualifying for hedge 

accounting within non-operating items. 

For the year to December 31, 2019 
(€ million) 
Loan repayments to hedge future revenue 

Foreign exchange contracts to hedge future revenue and 
expenditure 

Crude, gas oil and jet kerosene derivative contracts 

Derivatives used to hedge interest rates 

Instruments for which hedge accounting no longer applies 

Amounts 
recognised in 
Other 
comprehensive 
income1
(106)

Amounts 
associated with 
ineffectiveness 
recognised in 
the Income 
statement2
– 

Total 
recognised 
(gains)/ 
losses 
(106) 

Amounts 
reclassified to 
the Income 
statement
(20)

Amounts 
reclassified to 
the Balance 
sheet
– 

20 

(622)

56 

(38)

(690)

– 

8 

– 

– 

8 

20 

(614) 

56 

(38) 

(682) 

99 

(178)

(11)

(54)

(164)

7 

– 

– 

– 

7 

1  Amounts recognised in Other comprehensive income represent gains and losses on the hedging instrument. 
2  Ineffectiveness recognised in the Income statement is presented as Realised and Unrealised gains and losses on derivatives not qualifying for hedge 

accounting within non-operating items. 

The losses associated with the discontinuance of hedge accounting recognised in the Income statement and the subsequent fair 
value movements of those derivative instruments recorded in the Income statement through to the earlier of the balance sheet date 
and the maturity date of the derivative are set out below: 

€ million 
Losses associated with the discontinuance of hedge accounting recognised in the Income statement 

Fair value movements subsequently recorded in the Income statement 

Total effect of discontinuance of hedge accounting in the Income statement1 

1  Refer to note 3 and the Alternative performance measures section. 

The Group has no significant fair value hedges at December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

2020
1,725 

31 

1,756 

2019
– 

– 

– 

186 

187 

191

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

27 Share capital, share premium and treasury shares 

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
January 1, 2019: Ordinary shares of €0.50 each 

Special 2018 dividend of €0.35 per share 

January 1, 2020: Ordinary shares of €0.50 each 

Share capital reduction 

Rights issue 

December 31, 2020: Ordinary shares of €0.10 each 

a  Share capital reduction 

Number of 
shares 
'000s 
1,992,033  

Ordinary 
share capital 
€ million 
996  

1,992,033  

2,979,443  

4,971,476  

996  

(797) 

298  

497  

Share 
premium 
€ million
6,022 

(695)

5,327 

2,443 

7,770 

On September 8, 2020, the Company undertook a share capital reduction of €797 million, that reduced the nominal value of each 
ordinary share from €0.50 per share to €0.10 per share. A corresponding amount has been recognised within Capital reserves 
(note 29). 

b  Rights issue 

On October 2, 2020, the Company raised €2,741 million (and incurred related transaction costs of €70 million as detailed in Note 29) 
through a rights issue of 2,979,443,376 new ordinary shares at a price of 92 € cents per share on the basis of 3 shares for every 2 
existing shares. 

In accordance with accounting standards, the discount element inherent in the rights issue has been accounted for as a bonus issue 
of 1,071,565 thousand shares. Earnings per share information (note 10) has been restated for the comparative period presented, by 
adjusting the weighted average number of shares to include the impact of the bonus shares. 

c  Treasury shares 

A total of 2.6 million shares were issued to employees during the year as a result of vesting of employee share schemes. At 
December 31, 2020 the Group held 5.1 million shares (2019: 7.7 million) which represented 0.10 per cent of the issued share capital of 
the Company. 

28 Share-based payments 

The Group operates share-based payment schemes as part of the total remuneration package provided to employees. These 
schemes comprise both share option schemes where employees acquire shares at an option price and share award plans whereby 
shares are issued to employees at no cost, subject to the achievement by the Group of specified performance targets. 

a 

IAG Performance Share Plan 

The IAG Performance Share Plan (PSP) is granted to senior executives and managers of the Group who are most directly involved 
in shaping and delivering business success over the medium to long term. Since 2015, awards have been made as nil-cost options, 
with a two-year holding period following the three-year performance period, before options can be exercised. All awards since 2015 
have three independent performance measures with equal weighting: Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to the STOXX Europe 
600 Travel and Leisure Index (for 2020 awards) or MSCI European Transportation Index (for prior to 2020 awards), earnings per 
share, and Return on Invested Capital.  

In 2020, the outstanding PSP awards granted to participants other than Executive Directors from 2018 onwards were modified, and 
the resulting incremental fair value granted of £1.61 per award is recognised over the remaining vesting period. 

b 

IAG Incentive Award Deferral Plan 

The IAG Incentive Award Deferral Plan (IADP) is granted to qualifying employees based on performance and service tests. It will be 
awarded when an incentive award is triggered subject to the employee remaining in employment with the Group for three years 
after the grant date. The relevant population will receive 50 per cent of their incentive award up front in cash, and the remaining 50 
per cent in shares after three years through the IADP. 

c  Share-based payment schemes summary 

Performance Share Plans 

Incentive Award Deferral Plans 

Outstanding 
at January 1, 
2020 
‘000s 
19,178  

4,473  

23,651  

Granted 
number
‘000s
7,388 

1,694 

9,082 

Rights issue 
adjustment
‘000s
11,323 

2,795 

14,118 

Lapsed 
number
‘000s
3,275 

12 

3,287 

Vested 
number 
‘000s 
1,814  

583  

2,397  

Outstanding 
at December 
31, 2020 
‘000s 
32,800  

8,367  

41,167  

Vested and 
exercisable 
December 31, 
2020
‘000s
1,299 

14 

1,313 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of options exercised during the year to December 31, 2020 was £3.89 
(2019: not applicable). 

192

188 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

27 Share capital, share premium and treasury shares 

Allotted, called up and fully paid 

January 1, 2019: Ordinary shares of €0.50 each 

Special 2018 dividend of €0.35 per share 

January 1, 2020: Ordinary shares of €0.50 each 

Share capital reduction 

Rights issue 

December 31, 2020: Ordinary shares of €0.10 each 

a  Share capital reduction 

Number of 

shares 

'000s 

1,992,033  

Ordinary 

share capital 

€ million 

996  

1,992,033  

2,979,443  

4,971,476  

996  

(797) 

298  

497  

Share 

premium 

€ million

6,022 

(695)

5,327 

2,443 

7,770 

On September 8, 2020, the Company undertook a share capital reduction of €797 million, that reduced the nominal value of each 

ordinary share from €0.50 per share to €0.10 per share. A corresponding amount has been recognised within Capital reserves 

(note 29). 

b  Rights issue 

existing shares. 

c  Treasury shares 

the Company. 

On October 2, 2020, the Company raised €2,741 million (and incurred related transaction costs of €70 million as detailed in Note 29) 

through a rights issue of 2,979,443,376 new ordinary shares at a price of 92 € cents per share on the basis of 3 shares for every 2 

In accordance with accounting standards, the discount element inherent in the rights issue has been accounted for as a bonus issue 

of 1,071,565 thousand shares. Earnings per share information (note 10) has been restated for the comparative period presented, by 

adjusting the weighted average number of shares to include the impact of the bonus shares. 

A total of 2.6 million shares were issued to employees during the year as a result of vesting of employee share schemes. At 

December 31, 2020 the Group held 5.1 million shares (2019: 7.7 million) which represented 0.10 per cent of the issued share capital of 

28 Share-based payments 

The Group operates share-based payment schemes as part of the total remuneration package provided to employees. These 

schemes comprise both share option schemes where employees acquire shares at an option price and share award plans whereby 

shares are issued to employees at no cost, subject to the achievement by the Group of specified performance targets. 

a 

IAG Performance Share Plan 

The IAG Performance Share Plan (PSP) is granted to senior executives and managers of the Group who are most directly involved 

in shaping and delivering business success over the medium to long term. Since 2015, awards have been made as nil-cost options, 

with a two-year holding period following the three-year performance period, before options can be exercised. All awards since 2015 

have three independent performance measures with equal weighting: Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to the STOXX Europe 

600 Travel and Leisure Index (for 2020 awards) or MSCI European Transportation Index (for prior to 2020 awards), earnings per 

share, and Return on Invested Capital.  

In 2020, the outstanding PSP awards granted to participants other than Executive Directors from 2018 onwards were modified, and 

the resulting incremental fair value granted of £1.61 per award is recognised over the remaining vesting period. 

b 

IAG Incentive Award Deferral Plan 

The IAG Incentive Award Deferral Plan (IADP) is granted to qualifying employees based on performance and service tests. It will be 

awarded when an incentive award is triggered subject to the employee remaining in employment with the Group for three years 

after the grant date. The relevant population will receive 50 per cent of their incentive award up front in cash, and the remaining 50 

per cent in shares after three years through the IADP. 

c  Share-based payment schemes summary 

Outstanding 

at January 1, 

2020 

‘000s 

19,178  

4,473  

23,651  

Outstanding 

at December 

Vested and 

exercisable 

December 31, 

Granted 

number

‘000s

7,388 

1,694 

9,082 

Rights issue 

adjustment

‘000s

11,323 

2,795 

14,118 

Lapsed 

number

‘000s

3,275 

12 

3,287 

Vested 

number 

‘000s 

1,814  

583  

2,397  

31, 2020 

‘000s 

32,800  

8,367  

41,167  

2020

‘000s

1,299 

14 

1,313 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of options exercised during the year to December 31, 2020 was £3.89 

Performance Share Plans 

Incentive Award Deferral Plans 

(2019: not applicable). 

The fair value of equity-settled share-based payment plans determined using the Monte-Carlo valuation model, taking into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the plans were granted, used the following assumptions: 

Expected share price volatility (per cent) 

Expected comparator group volatility (per cent) 

Expected comparator group correlation (per cent) 

Expected life of options (years) 

Weighted average share price at date of grant (£) 

Weighted average fair value (£) 

December 31,
2020
35 

December 31,
2019
35 

20 

70 

4.6 

4.59 

1.84 

20 

55 

4.8 

5.67 

1.93 

Volatility was calculated with reference to the Group’s weekly pound sterling share price volatility. The expected volatility reflects 
the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome. The fair 
value of the PSP also takes into account a market condition of TSR as compared to strategic competitors. No other features of 
share-based payment plans granted were incorporated into the measurement of fair value. 

The Group recognised a share-based payment charge credit of €8 million for the year to December 31, 2020 (2019: €34 million).  

29 Other reserves and non-controlling interests 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

€ million  
January 1, 2020 

Other comprehensive loss for the 
year: 

Cash flow hedges reclassified 
and reported in net loss: 

Passenger revenue 

Fuel and oil costs 

Currency differences 

Finance costs 

Discontinuance of hedge 
accounting 

Net change in fair value of cash 
flow hedges 

Net change in fair value of other 
equity investments 

Net change in fair value of cost of 
hedging 

Cost of hedging reclassified and 
reported in the net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Hedges reclassified and reported 
in property, plant and equipment 

Share capital reduction 

December 31, 2020 

Unrealised 
gains and 
losses1
(464)

Cost of 
hedging 
reserve2
60 

Currency 
translation3
160 

Other reserves
Equity 
portion of 
convertible 
bond4
62 

Merger 
reserve5 
(2,467) 

Capital 
reserves6 
70 

Total other 
reserves
(2,579)

Non-
controlling 
interest
6 

50 

356 

18 

12 

1,435 

(2,216)

(53)

– 

– 

– 

(5)

– 

(867)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10 

(19)

– 

(13)

– 

38 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(192)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(32)

62 

(2,467) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

50 

356 

18 

12 

1,435 

(2,216)

(53)

10 

(19)

(192)

– 

797 

867 

(18)

797 

(2,399)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

188 

189 

193

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

29 Other reserves and non-controlling interests continued 

€ million  
January 1, 2019 

Other comprehensive income for the year: 

Cash flow hedges reclassified and reported 
in net profit: 

Passenger revenue 

Fuel and oil costs 

Currency differences 

Finance costs 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Net change in fair value of other equity 
investments 

Net change in fair value of cost of hedging 

Cost of hedging reclassified and reported in 
the net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Hedges reclassified and reported in 
property, plant and equipment 

Redemption of convertible bond 

Unrealised 
gains and 
losses1
(1,130)

Cost of 
hedging 
reserve2
6 

Other reserves
Equity 
portion of 
convertible 
bond4
101 

Currency 
translation3
(136)

Merger 
reserve5
(2,467)

Redeemed 
capital 
reserve6 
70 

Total 
other 
reserves 
(3,556)

Non-
controlling 
interest
6 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

540 

(8)

– 

– 

– 

(7)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

68 

(10)

– 

(4)

– 

60 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

296 

– 

– 

160 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(39)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

590 

(8)

18 

(10)

296 

(11)

(39)

62 

(2,467)

70 

(2,579)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

December 31, 2019 

(464)

1  The unrealised gains and losses reserve records fair value changes on equity investments and the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument 
in a cash flow hedge that is determined to be an effective hedge. The amounts at December 31, 2020 that relate to the fair value changes on equity 
instruments and to the cash flow hedge reserve were €9 million credit and €891 million charge respectively. 

2  The cost of hedging reserve records, amongst others, fair value changes on the time value of options. 
3  The currency translation reserve records exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of non-euro functional currency 

subsidiaries and investments accounted for under the equity method into the Group’s reporting currency of euros. The movement through this 
reserve is affected by the fluctuations in the pound sterling to euro foreign exchange translation rate. 

4  The equity portion of convertible bond reserve represents the equity portion of convertible bonds issued. At December 31, 2019, this related to the 

€500 million fixed rate 0.625 per cent convertible bond (note 23). During 2019 the Group exercised its option to early redeem the €500 million fixed 
rate 0.25 per cent convertible bond with no conversion to ordinary shares. 

5  The merger reserve originated from the merger transaction between British Airways and Iberia. The balance represents the difference between the 

fair value of the Group on the transaction date, and the fair value of Iberia and the book value of British Airways (including its reserves). 

6  Capital reserves include a Redeemed capital reserve of €70 million (2019: €70 million) associated with the decrease in share capital relating to 

cancelled shares and a Share capital reduction reserve of €797 million (2019: nil) associated with a reduction in the nominal value of the Company’s 
share capital (note 27). 

30 Employee benefit obligations 

The Group operates a variety of post-employment benefit arrangements, covering both defined contribution and defined 
benefit schemes. The Group also has a scheme for flight crew who meet certain conditions and therefore have the option of being 
placed on reserve and retaining their employment relationship until reaching the statutory retirement age, or taking early retirement 
(note 24). 

Defined contribution schemes 

The Group operates a number of defined contribution schemes for its employees. 

Costs recognised in respect of defined contribution pension plans in Spain, UK and Ireland for the year to December 31, 2020 were 
€235 million (2019: €262 million). 

Defined benefit schemes 

APS and NAPS 

The principal funded defined benefit pension schemes within the Group are the Airways Pension Scheme (APS) and the New Airways 
Pension Scheme (NAPS), both of which are in the UK and are closed to new members. NAPS has been closed to new members since 
2004 and closed to future accrual since 2018, resulting in a reduction of the defined benefit obligation. Following closure members’ 
deferred pensions will now be increased annually by inflation up to five per cent per annum (measured using the Government’s annual 
Pension Increase (Review) Orders, which since 2011 have been based on CPI). As part of the closure of NAPS to future accrual in 2018, 
British Airways agreed to make certain additional transition payments to NAPS members if the deficit had reduced more than expected 
at either the 2018 or 2021 valuations. No payment was triggered by the 2018 valuation and no allowance for such payments has been 
made in the valuation of the defined benefit obligation on the expected outcome of the 2021 valuation. The NAPS actuarial valuation at 
March 31, 2018 resulted in a deficit of €2,736 million. 

APS has been closed to new members since 1984, but remains open to future accrual. The benefits provided under APS are based 
on final average pensionable pay and, for the majority of members, are subject to inflationary increases in payment. The APS 
actuarial valuation at March 31, 2018 resulted in a surplus of €683 million. 

194

190 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

29 Other reserves and non-controlling interests continued 

Other comprehensive income for the year: 

Cash flow hedges reclassified and reported 

€ million  

January 1, 2019 

in net profit: 

Passenger revenue 

Fuel and oil costs 

Currency differences 

Finance costs 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Net change in fair value of other equity 

investments 

Net change in fair value of cost of hedging 

Cost of hedging reclassified and reported in 

the net profit 

Currency translation differences 

Hedges reclassified and reported in 

property, plant and equipment 

Redemption of convertible bond 

Other reserves

Equity 

portion of 

Unrealised 

gains and 

losses1

(1,130)

Cost of 

hedging 

reserve2

Currency 

convertible 

translation3

bond4

Merger 

reserve5

Redeemed 

capital 

reserve6 

Total 

other 

reserves 

Non-

controlling 

interest

6 

(136)

101 

(2,467)

70 

(3,556)

6 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

540 

(8)

– 

– 

– 

(7)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

68 

(10)

– 

(4)

– 

60 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

296 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(39)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

55 

106 

(26)

6 

590 

(8)

18 

(10)

296 

(11)

(39)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

December 31, 2019 

(464)

160 

62 

(2,467)

70 

(2,579)

1  The unrealised gains and losses reserve records fair value changes on equity investments and the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument 

in a cash flow hedge that is determined to be an effective hedge. The amounts at December 31, 2020 that relate to the fair value changes on equity 

instruments and to the cash flow hedge reserve were €9 million credit and €891 million charge respectively. 

2  The cost of hedging reserve records, amongst others, fair value changes on the time value of options. 

3  The currency translation reserve records exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of non-euro functional currency 

subsidiaries and investments accounted for under the equity method into the Group’s reporting currency of euros. The movement through this 

reserve is affected by the fluctuations in the pound sterling to euro foreign exchange translation rate. 

4  The equity portion of convertible bond reserve represents the equity portion of convertible bonds issued. At December 31, 2019, this related to the 

€500 million fixed rate 0.625 per cent convertible bond (note 23). During 2019 the Group exercised its option to early redeem the €500 million fixed 

rate 0.25 per cent convertible bond with no conversion to ordinary shares. 

5  The merger reserve originated from the merger transaction between British Airways and Iberia. The balance represents the difference between the 

fair value of the Group on the transaction date, and the fair value of Iberia and the book value of British Airways (including its reserves). 

6  Capital reserves include a Redeemed capital reserve of €70 million (2019: €70 million) associated with the decrease in share capital relating to 

cancelled shares and a Share capital reduction reserve of €797 million (2019: nil) associated with a reduction in the nominal value of the Company’s 

share capital (note 27). 

30 Employee benefit obligations 

The Group operates a variety of post-employment benefit arrangements, covering both defined contribution and defined 

benefit schemes. The Group also has a scheme for flight crew who meet certain conditions and therefore have the option of being 

placed on reserve and retaining their employment relationship until reaching the statutory retirement age, or taking early retirement 

The Group operates a number of defined contribution schemes for its employees. 

Costs recognised in respect of defined contribution pension plans in Spain, UK and Ireland for the year to December 31, 2020 were 

(note 24). 

Defined contribution schemes 

€235 million (2019: €262 million). 

Defined benefit schemes 

APS and NAPS 

The principal funded defined benefit pension schemes within the Group are the Airways Pension Scheme (APS) and the New Airways 

Pension Scheme (NAPS), both of which are in the UK and are closed to new members. NAPS has been closed to new members since 

2004 and closed to future accrual since 2018, resulting in a reduction of the defined benefit obligation. Following closure members’ 

deferred pensions will now be increased annually by inflation up to five per cent per annum (measured using the Government’s annual 

Pension Increase (Review) Orders, which since 2011 have been based on CPI). As part of the closure of NAPS to future accrual in 2018, 

British Airways agreed to make certain additional transition payments to NAPS members if the deficit had reduced more than expected 

at either the 2018 or 2021 valuations. No payment was triggered by the 2018 valuation and no allowance for such payments has been 

made in the valuation of the defined benefit obligation on the expected outcome of the 2021 valuation. The NAPS actuarial valuation at 

March 31, 2018 resulted in a deficit of €2,736 million. 

APS has been closed to new members since 1984, but remains open to future accrual. The benefits provided under APS are based 

on final average pensionable pay and, for the majority of members, are subject to inflationary increases in payment. The APS 

actuarial valuation at March 31, 2018 resulted in a surplus of €683 million. 

APS and NAPS are governed by separate Trustee Boards. Although APS and NAPS have separate Trustee Boards, much of the 
business of the two schemes is common. Some main Board and committee meetings are held in tandem although each Trustee 
Board reaches its decisions independently. There are three sub committees which are separately responsible for the governance, 
operation and investments of each scheme. British Airways Pension Trustees Limited holds the assets of both schemes on behalf of 
their respective Trustees. 

Deficit payment plans are agreed with the Trustee of each scheme every three years based on the actuarial valuation rather than 
the IAS 19 accounting valuation. In October 2019, the latest deficit recovery plan was agreed as at March 31, 2018 with respect to 
NAPS (see note 30i below). The actuarial valuations performed as at March 31, 2018 for APS and NAPS are different to the valuation 
performed as at December 31, 2019 under IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ mainly due to timing differences of the measurement dates 
and to the specific scheme assumptions in the actuarial valuation compared with IAS 19 guidance used in the accounting valuation 
assumptions. For example, IAS 19 requires the discount rate to be based on corporate bond yields regardless of how the assets are 
actually invested, which may not result in the calculations in this report being a best estimate of the cost to the Group of providing 
benefits under either Scheme. The investment strategy of each Scheme is likely to change over its life, so the relationship between 
the discount rate and the expected rate of return on each Scheme’s assets may also change. 

Other plans 

British Airways provides certain additional post-retirement healthcare benefits to eligible employees in the US through the US Post-
Retirement Medical Benefit plan (US PRMB) which is considered to be a defined benefit scheme. In addition, Aer Lingus operates 
certain defined benefit plans, both funded and unfunded. 

The defined benefit plans expose the Company to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, interest rate risk, inflation risk and market 
(investment) risk, including currency risk. 

Cash payments 

Cash payments in respect to pension obligations comprise normal employer contributions by the Group; deficit contributions based 
on the agreed deficit payment plan with APS and NAPS; and cash sweep payments relating to additional payments made 
conditional on the level of cash in British Airways. Total payments for the year to December 31, 2020 net of service costs were €313 
million (2019: €865 million) being the employer contributions of €318 million (2019: €870 million) less the current service cost of €5 
million (2019: €5 million) (note 30b). 

On December 18, 2020 British Airways reached agreement with the Trustee of NAPS to defer deficit contributions on an interim 
basis for the period between October 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. On February 19, 2021 British Airways reached further agreement 
with the Trustee of NAPS to defer deficit contributions previously agreed in October 2019 on the March 31, 2018 valuation, through 
to September 30, 2021. Under this deferral agreement, the deferred payments will be incorporated into the future deficit payment 
plan and associated deficit contributions arising from the triennial valuation of the NAPS scheme as at March 31, 2021. If the future 
deficit payment plan has not been agreed by September 30, 2021, the default position is that British Airways will return to making 
payments of €41 million (£38 million) per month from October 2021. 

a  Employee benefit schemes recognised on the Balance Sheet 

€ million  
Scheme assets at fair value  

Present value of scheme liabilities  

Net pension asset/(liability) 
Effect of the asset ceiling2 
Other employee benefit obligations  

December 31, 2020 

Represented by:  

Employee benefit assets 

Employee benefit obligations 

€ million  
Scheme assets at fair value  

Present value of scheme liabilities  

Net pension asset/(liability)  
Effect of the asset ceiling2 
Other employee benefit obligations  

December 31, 2019 

Represented by:  

Employee benefit assets 

Employee benefit obligations 

APS
8,537 

(8,143)

394 

(124)

– 

270 

APS
8,830 

(8,401)

429 

(127)

– 

302 

2020 

NAPS 
22,240 

(22,151) 

89 

(479) 

– 

(390) 

20193 

NAPS 
22,423 

(21,650) 

773 

(847) 

– 

(74) 

Other1
408 

(714)

(306)

– 

(11)

(317)

Other1 
428 

(731)

(303)

– 

(11)

(314)

Total
31,185 

(31,008)

177 

(603)

(11)

(437)

282 

(719)

(437)

Total
31,681 

(30,782)

899 

(974)

(11)

(86)

314 

(400)

(86)

190 

191 

195

1  The present value of scheme liabilities for the US PRMB was €12 million at December 31, 2020 (2019: €15 million). 
2  APS and NAPS have an accounting surplus under IAS 19, which would be available to the Group as a refund upon wind up of the scheme. This refund 

is restricted due to withholding taxes that would be payable by the Trustee.  

3  Refer to note 2 for information relation to the reclassification from the Employee benefit obligations to deferred taxes at December 31, 2019. 

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

30 Employee benefit obligations continued 

b  Amounts recognised in the Income statement 

Pension costs charged to operating result are: 

€ million 
Defined benefit plans: 

Current service cost 
Past service cost1, 2 

Defined contribution plans 

Pension costs recorded as employee costs 

1  Refer to the Alternative performance measures section for amounts recorded within exceptional items in 2019. 
2  Includes a past service credit of €nil (2019: €7 million) relating to schemes other than APS and NAPS. 

Pension costs charged as finance costs are: 

€ million 
Interest income on scheme assets 

Interest expense on scheme liabilities 

Interest expense on asset ceiling 

Net financing income relating to pensions 

c  Remeasurements recognised in the Statement of other comprehensive income 
€ million 
Return on plan assets excluding interest income 

Remeasurement of plan liabilities from changes in financial assumptions 

Remeasurement of experience (gains)/losses 

Remeasurement of the APS and NAPS asset ceilings 

Exchange movements 

Pension remeasurements charged to Other comprehensive income 

2020 

5  

7 

12  

235  

247  

2020 
(599) 

581  

14  

(4) 

2020 
(2,288) 

3,633 

(355) 

(320) 

8 

678 

2019

5 

665 

670 

262 

932 

2019
(775)

710 

39 

(26)

20191
(1,916)

3,423 

193 

(1,027)

(13)

660 

1  Refer to note 2 for information relation to the reclassification from the Employee benefit obligations to deferred taxes at December 31, 2019. 

d  Fair value of scheme assets 

A reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of the fair value of scheme assets is set out below: 

€ million 
January 1 

Interest income 

Return on plan assets excluding interest income 
Employer contributions1 
Employee contributions 

Benefits paid 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

2020 
31,681  

599  

2,288  

313  

14  

(1,573) 

(2,137) 

31,185  

2019
27,600 

775 

1,916 

870 

6 

(1,269)

1,783 

31,681 

1 

Includes employer contributions to APS of €2 million (2019: €5 million) and to NAPS of €303 million (2019: €816 million) of which deficit funding 
payments represented €nil for APS (2019: €nil) and €296 million for NAPS (2019: €797 million). 

For both APS and NAPS, the Trustee has ultimate responsibility for decision making on investments matters, including the asset-
liability matching strategy. The latter is a form of investing designed to match the movement in pension plan assets with the 
movement in the projected benefit obligation over time. The Trustees’ investment committee adopts an annual business plan which 
sets out investment objectives and work required to support achievement of these objectives. The committee also deals with the 
monitoring of performance and activities, including work on developing the strategic benchmark to improve the risk return profile of 
the scheme where possible, as well as having a trigger based dynamic governance process to be able to take advantage of 
opportunities as they arise. The investment committee reviews the existing investment restrictions, performance benchmarks and 
targets, as well as continuing to develop the de-risking and liability hedging portfolio. 

Both schemes use derivative instruments for investment purposes and to manage exposures to financial risks, such as interest rate, 
foreign exchange and liquidity risks arising in the normal course of business. Exposure to interest rate risk is managed through the 
use of Inflation-Linked Swap contracts. Foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into to mitigate the risk of currency 
fluctuations. 

196

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

30 Employee benefit obligations continued 

b  Amounts recognised in the Income statement 

Pension costs charged to operating result are: 

€ million 

Defined benefit plans: 

Current service cost 

Past service cost1, 2 

Defined contribution plans 

Pension costs recorded as employee costs 

Pension costs charged as finance costs are: 

€ million 

Interest income on scheme assets 

Interest expense on scheme liabilities 

Interest expense on asset ceiling 

Net financing income relating to pensions 

1  Refer to the Alternative performance measures section for amounts recorded within exceptional items in 2019. 

2  Includes a past service credit of €nil (2019: €7 million) relating to schemes other than APS and NAPS. 

c  Remeasurements recognised in the Statement of other comprehensive income 

€ million 

Return on plan assets excluding interest income 

Remeasurement of plan liabilities from changes in financial assumptions 

Remeasurement of experience (gains)/losses 

Remeasurement of the APS and NAPS asset ceilings 

Exchange movements 

Pension remeasurements charged to Other comprehensive income 

1  Refer to note 2 for information relation to the reclassification from the Employee benefit obligations to deferred taxes at December 31, 2019. 

d  Fair value of scheme assets 

A reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of the fair value of scheme assets is set out below: 

2020 

5  

7 

12  

235  

247  

2020 

(599) 

581  

14  

(4) 

2020 

(2,288) 

3,633 

(355) 

(320) 

8 

678 

2020 

31,681  

599  

2,288  

313  

14  

(1,573) 

(2,137) 

31,185  

2019

5 

665 

670 

262 

932 

2019

(775)

710 

39 

(26)

20191

(1,916)

3,423 

193 

(1,027)

(13)

660 

2019

27,600 

775 

1,916 

870 

6 

(1,269)

1,783 

31,681 

Return on plan assets excluding interest income 

€ million 

January 1 

Interest income 

Employer contributions1 

Employee contributions 

Benefits paid 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

1 

Includes employer contributions to APS of €2 million (2019: €5 million) and to NAPS of €303 million (2019: €816 million) of which deficit funding 

payments represented €nil for APS (2019: €nil) and €296 million for NAPS (2019: €797 million). 

For both APS and NAPS, the Trustee has ultimate responsibility for decision making on investments matters, including the asset-

liability matching strategy. The latter is a form of investing designed to match the movement in pension plan assets with the 

movement in the projected benefit obligation over time. The Trustees’ investment committee adopts an annual business plan which 

sets out investment objectives and work required to support achievement of these objectives. The committee also deals with the 

monitoring of performance and activities, including work on developing the strategic benchmark to improve the risk return profile of 

the scheme where possible, as well as having a trigger based dynamic governance process to be able to take advantage of 

opportunities as they arise. The investment committee reviews the existing investment restrictions, performance benchmarks and 

targets, as well as continuing to develop the de-risking and liability hedging portfolio. 

Both schemes use derivative instruments for investment purposes and to manage exposures to financial risks, such as interest rate, 

foreign exchange and liquidity risks arising in the normal course of business. Exposure to interest rate risk is managed through the 

use of Inflation-Linked Swap contracts. Foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into to mitigate the risk of currency 

fluctuations. 

Scheme assets held by all defined benefit schemes operated by the Group at December 31 comprise: 

€ million 
Return seeking investments – equities 
UK 

Rest of world 

Return seeking investments – other 
Private equity 

Property 

Alternative investments 

Liability matching investments 
UK fixed bonds 

Rest of world fixed bonds 

UK index-linked bonds 

Rest of world index-linked bonds 

Other 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Derivatives 

Insurance contract 

Longevity swap 

Other 

2020

2019

1,465 

4,705 

6,170 

1,062 

1,798 

880 

3,740 

6,868 

93 

6,513 

11 

13,485 

947 

(228)

1,660 

4,424 

987 

31,185 

2,310 

4,774 

7,084 

1,035 

2,135 

1,081 

4,251 

6,356 

93 

6,266 

120 

12,835 

689 

(344)

1,740 

4,547 

879 

31,681 

All equities and bonds have quoted prices in active markets. 

For APS and NAPS, the composition of the scheme assets is: 

€ million 
Return seeking investments 

Liability matching investments 

Insurance contract and related longevity swap 

Other 

Fair value of scheme assets 

December 31, 2020 

December 31, 2019

APS
138 

2,286 

2,424 

6,058 

55 

8,537 

NAPS 
9,576    
11,092    
20,668    

– 
1,572    
22,240    

APS
347 

1,897 

2,244 

6,260 

326 

8,830 

NAPS
10,844 

10,828 

21,672 

– 

751 

22,423 

The strategic benchmark for asset allocations differentiate between ‘return seeking assets’ and ‘liability matching assets’ depending 
on the maturity of each scheme. At December 31, 2020, the benchmark for NAPS was 42.3 per cent (2019: 46 per cent) in return 
seeking assets and 57.8 per cent (2019: 54 per cent) in liability matching investments. Bandwidths are set around these strategic 
benchmarks that allow for tactical asset allocation decisions, providing parameters for the Investment Committee and their 
investment managers to work within. APS no longer has a ‘strategic benchmark’ as instead, APS now runs off its liquidation portfolio 
to a liability matching portfolio of bonds and cash. The actual asset allocation for APS at December 31, 2020 was 1.4 per cent (2019: 
4 per cent) in return seeking assets and 98.6 per cent (2019: 96 per cent) in liability matching investments. 

APS has an insurance contract with Rothesay Life which covers 24 per cent (2019: 24 per cent) of the pensioner liabilities for an 
agreed list of members. The insurance contract is based on future increases to pensions in line with inflation and will match future 
obligations on that basis for that part of the scheme. The insurance contract can only be used to pay or fund employee benefits 
under the scheme. APS also has secured a longevity swap contract with Rothesay Life, which covers an additional 20 per cent 
(2019: 20 per cent) of the pensioner liabilities for the same members covered by the insurance contract above. The value of the 
contract is based on the difference between the value of the payments expected to be received under this contract and the 
pensions payable by the scheme under the contract. The fees are linked to LIBOR, and an assumed future LIBOR rate has been 
derived based on swap prices at December 31, 2020. 

During 2018 the Trustee of APS secured a buy-in contract with Legal & General. The buy-in contract covers all members in receipt 
of pension from APS at March 31, 2018, excluding dependent children receiving a pension at that date and members in receipt of 
equivalent pension (EPB) only benefits, who are alive on October 1, 2018. Benefits coming into payment for retirements after March 
31, 2018 are not covered. The contract covers benefits payable from October 1, 2018 onwards. The policy covers approximately 60 
per cent of all benefits APS expects to pay out in future. Along with existing insurance products (the asset swap and longevity 
swaps with Rothesay Life), APS is now 90 per cent protected against all longevity risk and fully protected in relation to all pensions 
that were already being paid as at March 31, 2018. It is also more than 90 per cent protected against interest rates and inflation (on a 
Retail Price Index (RPI) basis). 

192 

193 

197

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

30 Employee benefit obligations continued 

e  Present value of scheme liabilities 

A reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of the present value of the defined benefit obligations is set out below: 

€ million 
January 1 

Current service cost 

Past service cost/(credit) 

Interest expense 

Remeasurements – financial assumptions 

Remeasurements of experience (gains)/losses 

Benefits paid 

Employee contributions 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

2020 
30,782 

5 

7 

581 

3,633 

(355) 

(1,573) 

14 

(2,086) 

31,008 

2019
25,383 

5 

665 

710 

3,423 

193 

(1,269)

6 

1,666 

30,782 

The defined benefit obligation comprises €24 million (2019: €30 million) arising from unfunded plans and €30,984 million (2019: 
€30,752 million) from plans that are wholly or partly funded. 

f 

Effect of the asset ceiling 

A reconciliation of the effect of the asset ceiling used in calculating the IAS 19 irrecoverable surplus in APS is set out below: 

€ million 
January 1 

Interest expense 

Remeasurements 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

2020 
974  

14  

(320) 

(65) 

603  

20191
1,868 

39 

(1,027)

94 

974 

1  Refer to note 2 for information relation to the reclassification from the Employee benefit obligations to deferred taxes at December 31, 2019. As at 
January 1, 2019 the reclassification had the effect of increasing the asset ceiling by €503 million to €1,868 million. As at December 31, 2019, the 
reclassification had the effect of increasing the remeasurements by €246 million to €1,027 million. 

g  Actuarial assumptions 

The principal assumptions used for the purposes of the actuarial valuations were as follows: 

Per cent per annum  
Discount rate1 
Rate of increase in pensionable pay2 
Rate of increase of pensions in payment3 
RPI rate of inflation 

CPI rate of inflation 

2020

2019 

APS
1.20 

2.95 

2.95 

2.95 

2.25 

NAPS
1.40 

– 

2.25 

2.80 

2.25 

Other 
schemes
0.5 – 2.4 

2.5 

1.1 – 3.5 

2.5 – 2.7 

1.1 – 3.0 

APS 
1.85 

2.90 

2.90 

2.90 

- 

NAPS 
2.05 

– 

2.15 

- 

2.15 

Other 
schemes
0.8 – 3.2 

2.5 

1.2 – 3.5 

2.5 – 2.8 

1.2 – 3.0 

1  Discount rate is determined by reference to the yield on high quality corporate bonds of currency and term consistent with the scheme liabilities. 
2  Rate of increase in pensionable pay is assumed to be in line with increases in RPI.  
3  It has been assumed that the rate of increase of pensions in payment will be in line with CPI for NAPS and APS as at December 31, 2020. 

Rate of increase in healthcare costs is based on medical trend rates of 6.25 per cent grading down to 5.00 per cent over five years 
(2019: 6.50 per cent to 5.00 per cent over five years). 

In the UK, mortality rates for APS and NAPS are calculated using the standard SAPS mortality tables produced by the CMI. The 
standard mortality tables were selected based on the actual recent mortality experience of members and were adjusted to allow for 
future mortality changes. The current longevities underlying the values of the scheme liabilities were as follows: 

Mortality assumptions 
Life expectancy at age 60 for a: 

– male currently aged 60 

– male currently aged 40 

– female currently aged 60 

– female currently aged 40 

2020 

2019

28.2  

29.9  

29.3  

31.8  

28.2 

29.9 

29.0 

31.6 

At December 31, 2020, the weighted-average duration of the defined benefit obligation was 12 years for APS (2019: 12 years) and 20 
years for NAPS (2019: 19 years). 

In the US, mortality rates were based on the MP-2020 mortality tables. 

198

194 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
  
 
 
 
A reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of the present value of the defined benefit obligations is set out below: 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

30 Employee benefit obligations continued 

e  Present value of scheme liabilities 

€ million 

January 1 

Current service cost 

Past service cost/(credit) 

Interest expense 

Benefits paid 

Employee contributions 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

Remeasurements – financial assumptions 

Remeasurements of experience (gains)/losses 

€ million 

January 1 

Interest expense 

Remeasurements 

Exchange movements 

December 31 

2020 

30,782 

5 

7 

581 

3,633 

(355) 

(1,573) 

14 

(2,086) 

31,008 

2019

25,383 

5 

665 

710 

3,423 

193 

(1,269)

6 

1,666 

30,782 

2020 

974  

14  

(320) 

(65) 

603  

20191

1,868 

39 

(1,027)

94 

974 

2020 

2019

28.2  

29.9  

29.3  

31.8  

28.2 

29.9 

29.0 

31.6 

The defined benefit obligation comprises €24 million (2019: €30 million) arising from unfunded plans and €30,984 million (2019: 

€30,752 million) from plans that are wholly or partly funded. 

f 

Effect of the asset ceiling 

A reconciliation of the effect of the asset ceiling used in calculating the IAS 19 irrecoverable surplus in APS is set out below: 

1  Refer to note 2 for information relation to the reclassification from the Employee benefit obligations to deferred taxes at December 31, 2019. As at 

January 1, 2019 the reclassification had the effect of increasing the asset ceiling by €503 million to €1,868 million. As at December 31, 2019, the 

reclassification had the effect of increasing the remeasurements by €246 million to €1,027 million. 

g  Actuarial assumptions 

The principal assumptions used for the purposes of the actuarial valuations were as follows: 

Per cent per annum  

Discount rate1 

Rate of increase in pensionable pay2 

Rate of increase of pensions in payment3 

RPI rate of inflation 

CPI rate of inflation 

2020

2019 

APS

1.20 

2.95 

2.95 

2.95 

2.25 

NAPS

1.40 

– 

2.25 

2.80 

2.25 

Other 

schemes

0.5 – 2.4 

2.5 

1.1 – 3.5 

2.5 – 2.7 

1.1 – 3.0 

APS 

1.85 

2.90 

2.90 

2.90 

- 

NAPS 

2.05 

2.15 

– 

- 

2.15 

Other 

schemes

0.8 – 3.2 

2.5 

1.2 – 3.5 

2.5 – 2.8 

1.2 – 3.0 

1  Discount rate is determined by reference to the yield on high quality corporate bonds of currency and term consistent with the scheme liabilities. 

2  Rate of increase in pensionable pay is assumed to be in line with increases in RPI.  

3  It has been assumed that the rate of increase of pensions in payment will be in line with CPI for NAPS and APS as at December 31, 2020. 

Rate of increase in healthcare costs is based on medical trend rates of 6.25 per cent grading down to 5.00 per cent over five years 

(2019: 6.50 per cent to 5.00 per cent over five years). 

In the UK, mortality rates for APS and NAPS are calculated using the standard SAPS mortality tables produced by the CMI. The 

standard mortality tables were selected based on the actual recent mortality experience of members and were adjusted to allow for 

future mortality changes. The current longevities underlying the values of the scheme liabilities were as follows: 

Mortality assumptions 

Life expectancy at age 60 for a: 

– male currently aged 60 

– male currently aged 40 

– female currently aged 60 

– female currently aged 40 

years for NAPS (2019: 19 years). 

At December 31, 2020, the weighted-average duration of the defined benefit obligation was 12 years for APS (2019: 12 years) and 20 

In the US, mortality rates were based on the MP-2020 mortality tables. 

h  Sensitivity analysis 

Reasonable possible changes at the reporting date to significant actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would 
have affected the present value of scheme liabilities by the amounts shown: 

€ million 
Discount rate (decrease of 5 basis points) 

Future salary growth (increase of 10 basis points) 

Future pension growth (increase of 10 basis points) 

Future mortality rate (one year increase in life expectancy) 

(Decrease)/increase in scheme liabilities

APS 
(22) 

- 

(33) 

(33) 

NAPS
(429)

- 

(374)

(826)

Other 
schemes
16 

7 

3 

5 

Although the analysis does not take into account the full distribution of cash flows expected under the plan, it does provide an 
approximation of the sensitivity of the assumptions shown. 

i 

Funding 

Pension contributions for APS and NAPS were determined by actuarial valuations made at March 31, 2018, using assumptions and 
methodologies agreed between the Group and Trustee of each scheme. At the date of the actuarial valuation, the actuarial deficit of 
NAPS amounted to €2,736 million. In order to address the deficit in the scheme, the Group has also committed to the following 
undiscounted deficit payments: 

€ million 
Within 12 months 

2-5 years 

Total expected deficit payments for NAPS 

NAPS
124 

1,156 

1,280 

The Group has determined that the minimum funding requirements set out above for NAPS will not be restricted. The present 
value of the contributions payable is expected to be available as a refund or a reduction in future contributions after they are paid 
into the plan. This determination has been made independently for each plan, subject to withholding taxes that would be payable by 
the Trustee. 

Deficit payments in respect of local arrangements outside of the UK have been determined in accordance with local practice. 

In total, the Group expects to pay €126 million in employer contributions and deficit payments to the two significant post-retirement 
benefit plans in 2021. This is made up of €125 million of deficit payments for NAPS after giving consideration to the aforementioned 
contribution deferral agreement and ongoing employer contributions of €1 million for APS. 

Under the contribution deferral agreement between British Airways and the Trustee of NAPS, in the period up to December 31, 
2023, no dividend payment is permitted from British Airways to IAG. From 2024 onwards, any dividends paid by British Airways will 
be matched by contributions to NAPS of 50 per cent of the value of dividends paid. Any such payments to NAPS will reduce the 
outstanding repayment balance and are capped at that level. The requirement to make such payments to NAPS ceases after 
deferred contributions have been repaid. 

31  Contingent liabilities and guarantees 

Details of contingent liabilities are set out below. The Group does not consider it probable that there will be an outflow of economic 
resources with regard to these proceedings and accordingly no provision for these proceedings has been recognised. 

Contingent liabilities associated with income and deferred taxes are presented note 9. For information pertaining to previously 
reported contingent liabilities associated with the Airways Pension Scheme, refer to note 30. For information pertaining to previous 
contingent liabilities associated with the theft of customer data at British Airways that have been recognised as legal claims 
provisions refer to note 24. 

There are a number of other legal and regulatory proceedings against the Group in a number of jurisdictions which at December 31, 
2020 amounted to €56 million (December 31, 2019: €53 million). 

The Group also has guarantees and indemnities entered into as part of the normal course of business, which at December 31, 2020 
are not expected to result in material losses for the Group. 

32 Government grants and assistance 

The Group has availed itself of government grants and assistance as follows: 

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – recognised net within Employee costs  

The CJRS was implemented by the Government of the United Kingdom from March 1, 2020 to August 30, 2020, where those 
employees designated as being ‘furloughed workers’ were eligible to have 80 per cent of their wage costs paid up to a maximum of 
£2,500 per month.  

From September 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the level eligibility reduced to 70 per cent of wage costs and up to a maximum of 
£2,197.50 per month. From October 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020, the level of eligibility reduced to 60 per cent of wage costs and up 
to a maximum of £1,875 per month. Following the introduction of further lockdown restrictions in the United Kingdom in November 
2020, the CJRS was extended from November 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020 and then further to March 31, 2021 with the level of 
eligibility increased to 80 per cent of wage costs and a maximum of £2,500 per month. 

Such costs are paid by the Government to the Group in arrears. The Group is obliged to continue to pay the associated social 
security costs and employer pension contributions. 

194 

195 

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 
For the year to December 31, 2020 

32 Government grants and assistance continued 

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) – recognised net within 
Employee costs 

The TWSS was implemented by the government of Ireland from March 1, 2020 to August 30, 2020, where those employees 
designated as being furloughed workers are eligible to have 85 per cent of their wage costs paid up to a maximum of €410 per 
week. This scheme was replaced with the EWSS from September 1, 2020 and is expected to run through to March 31, 2021. For 
those qualifying employees (earning less than €1,462 per week), the government will reimburse wage costs up to a maximum of 
€350 per week. Such costs are paid by the government to the Group in arrears.  

The total amount of the relief received under the CJRS, the TWSS and the EWSS by the Group during 2020 amounted to €344 
million (2019: €nil). 

Temporary Redundancy Plan (ERTE) – no recognition in the financial statements of the Group 

The ERTE was implemented by the government of Spain from March 1, 2020 and is expected to run through to May 31, 2021. Under 
this plan, employment is temporarily suspended and those designated employees are paid directly by the government and there is 
no remittance made to the Group. The Group is obliged to continue to pay the associated social security costs. 

Had those designated employees not been temporarily suspended during 2020, the Group would have incurred further employee 
costs of €214 million (2019: €nil). 

The Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility (CCFF) – recognised within Short-term borrowings 

On April 12, 2020, British Airways availed itself of the CCFF implemented by the Government of the United Kingdom. Under the 
CCFF, British Airways received €328 million (£298 million), with interest incurred at the prevailing market rate. Refer to note 23 for 
further details. 

Syndicated financing agreements – recognised within Long-term borrowings 

On April 30, 2020, Iberia and Vueling entered into syndicated financing agreements of €750 million and €260 million, respectively, 
with interest incurred at the prevailing market rate. The Instituto de Crédito Oficial (‘ICO’) in Spain has guaranteed 70 per cent of 
both financial agreements. Refer to note 23 for further details. 

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) – recognised within Long-term borrowings 

On December, 23, 2020, Aer Lingus entered into a financing arrangement for €75 million under the ISIF. Refer to note 23 for 
further details. 

The UK Export Finance (UKEF) – not recognised as at December 31, 2020 

On December 31, 2020, British Airways entered into a 5 year term loan Export Development Guarantee Facility of €2.2 billion (£2.0 
billion) underwritten by a syndicate of banks, with 80 per cent of the principal guaranteed by UKEF. 

33 Related party transactions 

The following transactions took place with related parties for the financial years to December 31: 

€ million 
Sales of goods and services 
Sales to associates and joint ventures1 
Sales to significant shareholders2 

Purchases of goods and services 
Purchases from associates3 
Purchases from significant shareholders2 

Receivables from related parties 
Amounts owed by associates4 
Amounts owed by significant shareholders5 

Payables to related parties 
Amounts owed to associates6 
Amounts owed to significant shareholders5 

2020 

2019

12  

23  

42  

80  

1  

1  

2  

1  

6 

32 

76 

149 

2 

8 

3 

18 

1  Sales to associates: Consisted primarily of sales for airline related services to Dunwoody Airline Services (Holding) Limited (Dunwoody) of €9 million 
(2019: €4 million), €1 million (2019: €nil) to Viajes Ame S.A. and €1 million (2019: €1 million) to Serpista, S.A. and Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. 

2  Sales to and purchases from significant shareholders related to interline services with Qatar Airways. 
3  Purchases from associates: Consisted primarily of €23 million of airport auxiliary services purchased from Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. (2019: 

€50 million), €9 million of handling services provided by Dunwoody (2019: €10 million) and €7 million of maintenance services received from Serpista, 
S.A. (2019: €16 million). 

4  Amounts owed by associates: Consisted primarily of €1 million of services provided to Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A., Serpista, S.A., Dunwoody 

and Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A. (2019: €1 million of services provided to Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. 
and €1 million of services provided to Dunwoody, Iberia Cards and Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A.). 

5  Amounts owed by and to significant shareholders related to Qatar Airways. 
6  Amounts owed to associates: Consisted primarily of €2 million due to Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A., Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento 

de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A., Viajes Ame S.A, Serpista, S.A. and Dunwoody (2019: €1 million due to Dunwoody and €2 million due to Multiservicios 
Aeroportuarios, S.A., Serpista, S.A. and Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A.). 

200

196 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

For the year to December 31, 2020 

32 Government grants and assistance continued 

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) – recognised net within 

Employee costs 

The TWSS was implemented by the government of Ireland from March 1, 2020 to August 30, 2020, where those employees 

designated as being furloughed workers are eligible to have 85 per cent of their wage costs paid up to a maximum of €410 per 

week. This scheme was replaced with the EWSS from September 1, 2020 and is expected to run through to March 31, 2021. For 

those qualifying employees (earning less than €1,462 per week), the government will reimburse wage costs up to a maximum of 

€350 per week. Such costs are paid by the government to the Group in arrears.  

The total amount of the relief received under the CJRS, the TWSS and the EWSS by the Group during 2020 amounted to €344 

million (2019: €nil). 

Temporary Redundancy Plan (ERTE) – no recognition in the financial statements of the Group 

The ERTE was implemented by the government of Spain from March 1, 2020 and is expected to run through to May 31, 2021. Under 

this plan, employment is temporarily suspended and those designated employees are paid directly by the government and there is 

no remittance made to the Group. The Group is obliged to continue to pay the associated social security costs. 

Had those designated employees not been temporarily suspended during 2020, the Group would have incurred further employee 

costs of €214 million (2019: €nil). 

The Coronavirus Corporate Finance Facility (CCFF) – recognised within Short-term borrowings 

On April 12, 2020, British Airways availed itself of the CCFF implemented by the Government of the United Kingdom. Under the 

CCFF, British Airways received €328 million (£298 million), with interest incurred at the prevailing market rate. Refer to note 23 for 

further details. 

Syndicated financing agreements – recognised within Long-term borrowings 

On April 30, 2020, Iberia and Vueling entered into syndicated financing agreements of €750 million and €260 million, respectively, 

with interest incurred at the prevailing market rate. The Instituto de Crédito Oficial (‘ICO’) in Spain has guaranteed 70 per cent of 

both financial agreements. Refer to note 23 for further details. 

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) – recognised within Long-term borrowings 

On December, 23, 2020, Aer Lingus entered into a financing arrangement for €75 million under the ISIF. Refer to note 23 for 

further details. 

The UK Export Finance (UKEF) – not recognised as at December 31, 2020 

On December 31, 2020, British Airways entered into a 5 year term loan Export Development Guarantee Facility of €2.2 billion (£2.0 

billion) underwritten by a syndicate of banks, with 80 per cent of the principal guaranteed by UKEF. 

The following transactions took place with related parties for the financial years to December 31: 

33 Related party transactions 

€ million 

Sales of goods and services 

Sales to associates and joint ventures1 

Sales to significant shareholders2 

Purchases of goods and services 

Purchases from associates3 

Purchases from significant shareholders2 

Receivables from related parties 

Amounts owed by associates4 

Amounts owed by significant shareholders5 

Payables to related parties 

Amounts owed to associates6 

Amounts owed to significant shareholders5 

2020 

2019

12  

23  

42  

80  

1  

1  

2  

1  

6 

32 

76 

149 

2 

8 

3 

18 

1  Sales to associates: Consisted primarily of sales for airline related services to Dunwoody Airline Services (Holding) Limited (Dunwoody) of €9 million 

(2019: €4 million), €1 million (2019: €nil) to Viajes Ame S.A. and €1 million (2019: €1 million) to Serpista, S.A. and Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. 

2  Sales to and purchases from significant shareholders related to interline services with Qatar Airways. 

3  Purchases from associates: Consisted primarily of €23 million of airport auxiliary services purchased from Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. (2019: 

€50 million), €9 million of handling services provided by Dunwoody (2019: €10 million) and €7 million of maintenance services received from Serpista, 

S.A. (2019: €16 million). 

4  Amounts owed by associates: Consisted primarily of €1 million of services provided to Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A., Serpista, S.A., Dunwoody 

and Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A. (2019: €1 million of services provided to Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. 

and €1 million of services provided to Dunwoody, Iberia Cards and Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A.). 

5  Amounts owed by and to significant shareholders related to Qatar Airways. 

6  Amounts owed to associates: Consisted primarily of €2 million due to Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A., Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento 

de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A., Viajes Ame S.A, Serpista, S.A. and Dunwoody (2019: €1 million due to Dunwoody and €2 million due to Multiservicios 

Aeroportuarios, S.A., Serpista, S.A. and Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A.). 

During the year to December 31, 2020 British Airways met certain costs of administering its retirement benefit plans, including the 
provision of support services to the Trustees. Costs borne on behalf of the retirement benefit plans amounted to €7 million (2019: 
€9 million) in relation to the costs of the Pension Protection Fund levy. 

The Group has transactions with related parties that are conducted in the normal course of the airline business, which include the 
provision of airline and related services. All such transactions are carried out on an arm’s length basis. 

For the year to December 31, 2020, the Group has not made any provision for expected credit loss arising relating to amounts owed 
by related parties (2019: nil). 

Significant shareholders 

In this instance, significant shareholders are those parties who have the power to participate in the financial and operating policy 
decisions of the Group, as a result of their shareholdings in the Group, but who do not have control over these policies. 

At December 31, 2020 the Group had cash deposit balances with shareholders holding a participation of between 3 to 5 per cent, of 
€nil (2019: €nil). 

Board of Directors and Management Committee remuneration 

Compensation received by the Group’s Board of Directors and Management Committee, in 2020 and 2019 is as follows: 

€ million 
Base salary, fees and benefits 

Board of Directors 
Short-term benefits 

Share based payments 

Management Committee 
Short-term benefits 

Share based payments 

Year to December 31

2020

2019

3 

– 

5 

– 

5 

3 

8 

5 

For the year to December 31, 2020 the Board of Directors includes remuneration for three Executive Directors (December 31, 2019: 
three Executive Directors). The Management Committee includes remuneration for 14 members (December 31, 2019: 12 members). 

The Company provides life insurance for all executive directors and the Management Committee. For the year to December 31, 
2020 the Company's obligation was €38,000 (2019: €63,000). 

At December 31, 2020 the transfer value of accrued pensions covered under defined benefit pension obligation schemes, relating to 
the current members of the Management Committee totalled €1 million (2019: €1 million). 

No loan or credit transactions were outstanding with Directors or offices of the Group at December 31, 2020 (2019: nil). 

34 Post balance sheet events 

On January 19, 2021, the Group amended the original agreement announced on November 4, 2019, under which the Group had 
agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Air Europa. The amendment agreement reduces the total expected 
consideration for the acquisition to €500 million, which would be payable on the sixth anniversary of the completion of the 
acquisition. The acquisition is subject to the completion of negotiations with Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales in Spain 
and approval from the European Commission. Until the completion of these negotiations and receipt of the relevant approvals, the 
acquisition does not meet the recognition criteria under IFRS 3 Business combinations, and no accounting has been made for the 
transaction in these consolidated financial statements. 

On February 19, 2021 British Airways reached further agreement with the Trustee of NAPS to extend the deferral of deficit 
contributions through to September 30, 2021. The deferral of such contributions will amount to €330 million (£300 million). Under 
the contribution deferral agreement between British Airways and the Trustee of NAPS, in the period up to December 31, 2023, no 
dividend payment is permitted from British Airways to IAG. From 2024 onwards, any dividends paid by British Airways will be 
matched by contributions to NAPS of 50 per cent of the value of dividends paid. Any such payments to NAPS will reduce the 
outstanding repayment balance and are capped at that level. The requirement to make such payments to NAPS ceases after 
deferred contributions have been repaid. 

On February 22, 2021, British Airways entered into a 5 year term loan Export Development Guarantee Facility of €2.2 billion (£2.0 
billion) underwritten by a syndicate of banks, with 80 per cent of the principal guaranteed by UKEF. 

196 

197 

201

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

The performance of the Group is assessed using a number of alternative performance measures (APMs), some of which have been 
identified as key performance indicators of the Group. These measures are not defined under International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS), should be considered in addition to IFRS measurements and may differ to definitions given by regulatory bodies 
applicable to the Group. They are used to measure the outcome of the Group’s strategy based on ‘Unrivalled customer proposition’, 
‘Value accretive and sustainable growth’ and ‘Efficiency and innovation’. Further information on why these APMs are used is 
provided in the Strategic priorities and key performance indicators section.  

The definition of each APM, together with a reconciliation to the nearest measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is 
presented below. 

a  Changes to APMs in 2020 

The Group has not adjusted its APMs policy for the impact of COVID-19. However, under the existing exceptional items definition, 
certain costs arising from the impact of COVID-19 have been classified as exceptional items.  

During 2020, the Group has made two changes to its disclosures and treatment of APMs compared with those disclosed in the 
Annual Report and Accounts for the year to December 31, 2019: 

charges, respectively. 

–  (Loss)/profit after tax before exceptional items – For the year to December 31, 2019, the Group presented exceptional items on 

the face of the Income statement using a three column approach to reflect the results of the Group on a pre and post exceptional 
basis to enable users to better understand the performance of the Group. During 2020, following the consideration of regulatory 
guidance, the Group has re-presented the Income statement to reflect a single column approach. Accordingly, for 2020, 
exceptional items and the associated narrative have been incorporated into this APM section of the consolidated financial 
statements. This disclosure has further been disaggregated by reportable operating segment to enable a greater understanding 
of the performance of each of the reportable operating segments of the Group; and  

–  Pro forma financial information - The Group adopted IFRS 16 'Leases' on January 1, 2019 and applied the modified retrospective 

transition approach. In doing so, the comparative figures for 2018 were not restated. Accordingly, to provide a consistent basis for 
comparison with 2019, the Group introduced Pro forma financial information for 2018. As comparative figures for 2018 are no 
longer required, this pro forma information is no longer required. 

b  (Loss)/profit after tax before exceptional items 

Exceptional items are those that in management’s view need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence in 
understanding the entity’s financial performance. The exceptional items include: significant discontinuance of hedge accounting; 
significant restructuring; significant settlement agreements with the Group’s pension schemes; significant changes in the long term 
fleet plans that result in the impairment of fleet assets and the recognition of associated provisions; and, legal settlements. 

The table below reconciles the statutory income statement to the income statement before exceptional items of the Group: 

€ million 

Passenger revenue1 
Cargo revenue 

Other revenue 

Total revenue 

Employee costs2, 6 
Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges1 
Handling, catering and other operating costs 

Landing fees and en-route charges 
Engineering and other aircraft costs3 
Property, IT and other costs4 
Selling costs 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment5 
Currency differences 

Total expenditure on operations 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Net financing credit relating to pensions 

Net currency retranslation credits 

Other non-operating charges 

Total net non-operating costs 

(Loss)/profit before tax 
Tax 

Statutory 
2020

Exceptional 
items

Before 
exceptional 
items 2020

Statutory 
2019  

Exceptional 
items  

Before 
exceptional 
items 2019

Year to December 31

5,512 

1,306 

988 

7,806 

3,560 

3,735 

1,340 

918 

1,456 

782 

405 

2,955 

81 

(62)

(62)

313 

1,694 

108 

28 

856 

5,574 

1,306 

988 

7,868 

3,247 

2,041 

1,340 

918 

1,348 

754 

405 

2,099 

81 

22,468  

1,117  

1,921  

25,506  

5,634  

6,021  

2,972  

2,221  

2,092  

811  

1,038  

2,111  

(7) 

672  

15,232 

(7,426)

2,999 

(3,061)

12,233 

(4,365)

22,893  

2,613  

672  

(672) 

(670)

41 

4 

245 

(4)

(384)

(7,810)

887 

(670)

41 

4 

245 

(4)

(384)

(3,061)

(4,749)

463 

424 

(611) 

50  

26  

201  

(4) 

(338) 

2,275  

(560) 

1,715  

(672) 

(672) 

22,468 

1,117 

1,921 

25,506 

4,962 

6,021 

2,972 

2,221 

2,092 

811 

1,038 

2,111 

(7)

22,221 

3,285 

(611)

50 

26 

201 

(4)

(338)

2,947 

(560)

2,387 

(Loss)/profit after tax for the year 

(6,923)

(2,598)

(4,325)

198 
202

The rationale for each exceptional item is given below. In 2020 all items were associated with the impact of COVID-19, except the 

settlement provision in relation to the theft of customer data at British Airways in 2018 (part 4). 

1  Discontinuation of hedge accounting 

The exceptional charge of €1,756 million represented by an expense of €62 million relating to revenue foreign currency derivatives, 

an expense of €1,781 million relating to fuel derivatives and a credit of €87 million related to the associated fuel foreign currency 

derivatives. These amounts relate to the discontinuance of hedge accounting of the associated foreign currency and fuel derivatives 

on forecast revenue and fuel consumption. These losses have arisen from the substantial deterioration in demand for air travel 

caused by COVID-19, which has caused a significant level of hedged passenger revenue transactions and fuel purchases in US 

dollars to no longer be expected to occur based on the Group’s operating forecasts prevailing at the Balance sheet date. The 

Group’s risk management strategy has been to build up these hedges gradually over a three-year period when the level of forecast 

passenger revenue and fuel consumption were higher than current expectations. Accordingly, the hedge accounting for these 

transactions has been discontinued and the losses recognised in the Income statement. The exceptional charge relating to revenue 

derivatives and fuel derivatives have been recorded in the Income statement within Passenger revenue and Fuel, oil and emission 

The related tax credit was €273 million, with €11 million being attributable to the charge to Passenger revenue and €262 million 

being attributable to Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges. 

2  Restructuring costs 

The exceptional charge of €319 million (comprising €313 million of employee severance pay and €6 million of associated legal costs) 

represent the Group-wide restructuring programme, which right-sizes the Group for the near term. While the restructuring 

programme affects all of the Group’s operating companies, the exceptional charges in the year to December 31, 2020 relate to 

British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and LEVEL only, due to the status of negotiations with employees and their representatives. The 

exceptional charge has been recorded within Employee costs and Property, IT and other costs. 

The exceptional charge of €108 million includes an inventory write-down expense of €71 million and a charge relating to contractual 

lease provisions of €37 million. The inventory write-down expense represents those expendable inventories that, given the asset 

impairments, are no longer expected to be utilised. The charge relating to the recognition of contractual lease provisions represents 

the estimation of the additional cost to fulfil the hand back conditions associated with the leased aircraft that have been 

permanently stood down and impaired, which are discussed further below. The exceptional charge has been recorded within 

The related tax credit was €53 million.  

3  Engineering and other aircraft costs 

Engineering and other aircraft costs. 

The related tax credit was €14 million. 

4  Settlement provision 

The exceptional charge of €22 million represents the fine issued by the Information Commissioner's Office in the United Kingdom, 

relating to the theft of customer data at British Airways in 2018. The exceptional charge has been recorded within Property, IT and 

other costs in the Income statement, with a corresponding amount recorded in Provisions. 

There is no tax impact on the recognition of this charge. 

5 

Impairment of fleet and associated assets 

The total exceptional impairment expense of €856 million is represented by an impairment of fleet assets of €837 million and an 

impairment of other assets of €19 million. The fleet impairment relates to 82 aircraft, their associated engines and rotable inventories 

that have been stood down permanently and 2 further aircraft which have been impaired down to their recoverable value at 

December 31, 2020, which includes 32 Boeing 747 aircraft, 23 Airbus A320 aircraft, 15 Airbus A340 aircraft, 4 Airbus A330-200 

aircraft, 2 Airbus A318 aircraft, 1 Airbus A321 aircraft, 1 Airbus A319 aircraft, 2 Boeing 777-200 aircraft and 4 Embraer E170 aircraft. Of 

the fleet impairment, €676 million is recorded within Property, plant and equipment relating to owned aircraft and €161 million is 

recorded within Right of use assets relating to leased aircraft.  

Included within the impairment of other assets is an amount of €15 million relating to the landing rights, classified within Intangible 

assets, that were held by the operations of LEVEL in Paris. Following the decision to cease the operations of LEVEL in Paris, these 

landing rights have been recorded at the lower of their carrying value and their recoverable value. 

The exceptional impairment expenses have been recorded within Depreciation, amortisation and impairment in the Income 

statement. 

The related tax credit was €123 million. 

The impairment expense has arisen from the substantial deterioration in current and forecast demand for air travel caused by the 

COVID-19 outbreak, which has led the Group to re-assess the medium- and long-term capacity and utilisation of the fleet. 

Subsequent to these impairments, all assets are held at their recoverable amounts. 

6  Employee benefit obligations 

The exceptional expense of €672 million recognised in the year to December 31, 2019 related to the past service cost of the Airways 

Pension Scheme (‘APS’) settlement agreement described in note 30. This amount arose from the increase in the IAS 19 defined 

benefit liability of APS following the settlement agreement between the Trustee Directors of APS and British Airways which was 

approved by the High Court in November 2019. The settlement agreement established higher pensions in payment growth 

assumptions in future years, resulting in a non-cash increase to the IAS 19 defined benefit liability. The exceptional charge was 

recorded within Employee costs. 

The table below provides a reconciliation of the post-exceptional to pre-exceptional condensed alternative income statement by 

operating segment for the years to 31 December 2020 and 2019: 

199 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

The performance of the Group is assessed using a number of alternative performance measures (APMs), some of which have been 

identified as key performance indicators of the Group. These measures are not defined under International Financial Reporting 

Standards (IFRS), should be considered in addition to IFRS measurements and may differ to definitions given by regulatory bodies 

applicable to the Group. They are used to measure the outcome of the Group’s strategy based on ‘Unrivalled customer proposition’, 

‘Value accretive and sustainable growth’ and ‘Efficiency and innovation’. Further information on why these APMs are used is 

provided in the Strategic priorities and key performance indicators section.  

The definition of each APM, together with a reconciliation to the nearest measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is 

presented below. 

a  Changes to APMs in 2020 

The Group has not adjusted its APMs policy for the impact of COVID-19. However, under the existing exceptional items definition, 

certain costs arising from the impact of COVID-19 have been classified as exceptional items.  

During 2020, the Group has made two changes to its disclosures and treatment of APMs compared with those disclosed in the 

Annual Report and Accounts for the year to December 31, 2019: 

–  (Loss)/profit after tax before exceptional items – For the year to December 31, 2019, the Group presented exceptional items on 

the face of the Income statement using a three column approach to reflect the results of the Group on a pre and post exceptional 

basis to enable users to better understand the performance of the Group. During 2020, following the consideration of regulatory 

guidance, the Group has re-presented the Income statement to reflect a single column approach. Accordingly, for 2020, 

exceptional items and the associated narrative have been incorporated into this APM section of the consolidated financial 

statements. This disclosure has further been disaggregated by reportable operating segment to enable a greater understanding 

of the performance of each of the reportable operating segments of the Group; and  

–  Pro forma financial information - The Group adopted IFRS 16 'Leases' on January 1, 2019 and applied the modified retrospective 

transition approach. In doing so, the comparative figures for 2018 were not restated. Accordingly, to provide a consistent basis for 

comparison with 2019, the Group introduced Pro forma financial information for 2018. As comparative figures for 2018 are no 

longer required, this pro forma information is no longer required. 

b  (Loss)/profit after tax before exceptional items 

Exceptional items are those that in management’s view need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence in 

understanding the entity’s financial performance. The exceptional items include: significant discontinuance of hedge accounting; 

significant restructuring; significant settlement agreements with the Group’s pension schemes; significant changes in the long term 

fleet plans that result in the impairment of fleet assets and the recognition of associated provisions; and, legal settlements. 

The table below reconciles the statutory income statement to the income statement before exceptional items of the Group: 

Statutory 

Exceptional 

2020

items

Before 

exceptional 

items 2020

Statutory 

Exceptional 

2019  

items  

Before 

exceptional 

items 2019

Year to December 31

€ million 

Passenger revenue1 

Cargo revenue 

Other revenue 

Total revenue 

Employee costs2, 6 

Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges1 

Handling, catering and other operating costs 

Landing fees and en-route charges 

Engineering and other aircraft costs3 

Property, IT and other costs4 

Selling costs 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment5 

Currency differences 

Total expenditure on operations 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Net financing credit relating to pensions 

Net currency retranslation credits 

Other non-operating charges 

Total net non-operating costs 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Tax 

198 

672  

5,512 

1,306 

988 

7,806 

3,560 

3,735 

1,340 

918 

1,456 

782 

405 

2,955 

81 

(670)

41 

4 

245 

(4)

(384)

(7,810)

887 

(62)

(62)

313 

1,694 

108 

28 

856 

5,574 

1,306 

988 

7,868 

3,247 

2,041 

1,340 

918 

1,348 

754 

405 

2,099 

81 

(670)

41 

4 

245 

(4)

(384)

22,468  

1,117  

1,921  

25,506  

5,634  

6,021  

2,972  

2,221  

2,092  

811  

1,038  

2,111  

(7) 

(611) 

50  

26  

201  

(4) 

(338) 

2,275  

(560) 

1,715  

15,232 

(7,426)

2,999 

(3,061)

12,233 

(4,365)

22,893  

2,613  

672  

(672) 

22,468 

1,117 

1,921 

25,506 

4,962 

6,021 

2,972 

2,221 

2,092 

811 

1,038 

2,111 

(7)

22,221 

3,285 

(611)

50 

26 

201 

(4)

(338)

2,947 

(560)

2,387 

(Loss)/profit after tax for the year 

(6,923)

(2,598)

(4,325)

(3,061)

(4,749)

463 

424 

(672) 

(672) 

The rationale for each exceptional item is given below. In 2020 all items were associated with the impact of COVID-19, except the 
settlement provision in relation to the theft of customer data at British Airways in 2018 (part 4). 

1  Discontinuation of hedge accounting 

The exceptional charge of €1,756 million represented by an expense of €62 million relating to revenue foreign currency derivatives, 
an expense of €1,781 million relating to fuel derivatives and a credit of €87 million related to the associated fuel foreign currency 
derivatives. These amounts relate to the discontinuance of hedge accounting of the associated foreign currency and fuel derivatives 
on forecast revenue and fuel consumption. These losses have arisen from the substantial deterioration in demand for air travel 
caused by COVID-19, which has caused a significant level of hedged passenger revenue transactions and fuel purchases in US 
dollars to no longer be expected to occur based on the Group’s operating forecasts prevailing at the Balance sheet date. The 
Group’s risk management strategy has been to build up these hedges gradually over a three-year period when the level of forecast 
passenger revenue and fuel consumption were higher than current expectations. Accordingly, the hedge accounting for these 
transactions has been discontinued and the losses recognised in the Income statement. The exceptional charge relating to revenue 
derivatives and fuel derivatives have been recorded in the Income statement within Passenger revenue and Fuel, oil and emission 
charges, respectively. 

The related tax credit was €273 million, with €11 million being attributable to the charge to Passenger revenue and €262 million 
being attributable to Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges. 

2  Restructuring costs 

The exceptional charge of €319 million (comprising €313 million of employee severance pay and €6 million of associated legal costs) 
represent the Group-wide restructuring programme, which right-sizes the Group for the near term. While the restructuring 
programme affects all of the Group’s operating companies, the exceptional charges in the year to December 31, 2020 relate to 
British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and LEVEL only, due to the status of negotiations with employees and their representatives. The 
exceptional charge has been recorded within Employee costs and Property, IT and other costs. 

The related tax credit was €53 million.  

3  Engineering and other aircraft costs 

The exceptional charge of €108 million includes an inventory write-down expense of €71 million and a charge relating to contractual 
lease provisions of €37 million. The inventory write-down expense represents those expendable inventories that, given the asset 
impairments, are no longer expected to be utilised. The charge relating to the recognition of contractual lease provisions represents 
the estimation of the additional cost to fulfil the hand back conditions associated with the leased aircraft that have been 
permanently stood down and impaired, which are discussed further below. The exceptional charge has been recorded within 
Engineering and other aircraft costs. 

The related tax credit was €14 million. 

4  Settlement provision 

The exceptional charge of €22 million represents the fine issued by the Information Commissioner's Office in the United Kingdom, 
relating to the theft of customer data at British Airways in 2018. The exceptional charge has been recorded within Property, IT and 
other costs in the Income statement, with a corresponding amount recorded in Provisions. 

There is no tax impact on the recognition of this charge. 

5 

Impairment of fleet and associated assets 

The total exceptional impairment expense of €856 million is represented by an impairment of fleet assets of €837 million and an 
impairment of other assets of €19 million. The fleet impairment relates to 82 aircraft, their associated engines and rotable inventories 
that have been stood down permanently and 2 further aircraft which have been impaired down to their recoverable value at 
December 31, 2020, which includes 32 Boeing 747 aircraft, 23 Airbus A320 aircraft, 15 Airbus A340 aircraft, 4 Airbus A330-200 
aircraft, 2 Airbus A318 aircraft, 1 Airbus A321 aircraft, 1 Airbus A319 aircraft, 2 Boeing 777-200 aircraft and 4 Embraer E170 aircraft. Of 
the fleet impairment, €676 million is recorded within Property, plant and equipment relating to owned aircraft and €161 million is 
recorded within Right of use assets relating to leased aircraft.  

Included within the impairment of other assets is an amount of €15 million relating to the landing rights, classified within Intangible 
assets, that were held by the operations of LEVEL in Paris. Following the decision to cease the operations of LEVEL in Paris, these 
landing rights have been recorded at the lower of their carrying value and their recoverable value. 

The exceptional impairment expenses have been recorded within Depreciation, amortisation and impairment in the Income 
statement. 

The related tax credit was €123 million. 

The impairment expense has arisen from the substantial deterioration in current and forecast demand for air travel caused by the 
COVID-19 outbreak, which has led the Group to re-assess the medium- and long-term capacity and utilisation of the fleet. 
Subsequent to these impairments, all assets are held at their recoverable amounts. 

6  Employee benefit obligations 

The exceptional expense of €672 million recognised in the year to December 31, 2019 related to the past service cost of the Airways 
Pension Scheme (‘APS’) settlement agreement described in note 30. This amount arose from the increase in the IAS 19 defined 
benefit liability of APS following the settlement agreement between the Trustee Directors of APS and British Airways which was 
approved by the High Court in November 2019. The settlement agreement established higher pensions in payment growth 
assumptions in future years, resulting in a non-cash increase to the IAS 19 defined benefit liability. The exceptional charge was 
recorded within Employee costs. 

The table below provides a reconciliation of the post-exceptional to pre-exceptional condensed alternative income statement by 
operating segment for the years to 31 December 2020 and 2019: 

199 

203

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED 

British Airways (£) 

British Airways (€)

Year to December 31, 2020
Iberia

Vueling

Aer Lingus

British Airways (£) 

British Airways (€)

Iberia

Vueling 

Aer Lingus

Year to December 31, 2019

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2,840  

(54) 

2,894  

3,309 

(59)  3,368  

1,160  

-  

1,160  

569  

890  

217  

-  

-  

890  

998  

-  

998  

240  

-  

240  

-  

217  

251  

–  

251  

859  

–  

859  

5  

–  

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569  

379  

(3)

382  

11,899  

11,899  

13,525  

- 

13,525  

4,053  

- 

4,053  

2,437  

2,437  

2,060  

- 

2,060  

-  

5  

88  

–  

-  

–  

88  

–  

711  

711  

808  

808  

291  

291  

–  

–  

54  

680  

680  

773  

773  

1,301  

1,301  

18  

18  

11  

s

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- 

- 

s

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- 

3,947  

(54) 

4,001  

4,558  

(59)  4,617  

2,259  

–  

2,259  

574  

–  

574  

467  

(3)

470  

13,290  

- 

13,290  

15,106  

- 

15,106  

5,645  

5,645  

2,455  

2,455  

2,125  

2,125  

1,916  

221  

1,695  

2,168 

243 

1,925  

798  

14  

784  

196  

–  

196  

217  

24  

193  

3,112  

583  

2,529  

3,549  

672  

2,877  

1,164  

- 

1,164  

301  

- 

301  

405  

- 

405  

1,996  

837  

1,159  

2,317  

984  

1,333  

716  

344 

372  

314  

154  

160  

286 

144  

142  

3,237  

- 

3,237  

3,679  

- 

3,679  

1,202  

- 

1,202  

548  

- 

548  

460  

- 

460  

1,475  

399  

1,076  

1,659 

445  

1,214  

612  

242 

370  

345  

68  

277  

157  

24  

133  

1,106  

- 

1,106  

1,258  

- 

1,258  

390  

- 

390  

250  

- 

250  

130  

- 

130  

2,440  

42  

2,398  

2,792 

47   2,745  

1,544  

52

1,492  

594  

30  

564  

370  

7  

363  

4,497  

- 

4,497  

5,110  

- 

5,110  

2,392  

- 

2,392  

1,116  

- 

1,116  

854  

- 

854  

7,827  

1,499  

6,328  

8,936  

1,719  

7,217  

3,670  

652  

3,018 

1,449   252  

1,197  

1,030 

199  

831  

11,952  

583  

11,369  

13,596  

672  

12,924  

5,148  

5,148  

2,215  

2,215  

1,849  

1,849  

(3,880)  (1,553) 

(2,327) 

(4,378) 

(1,778)  (2,600)

(1,411)

(652)

(759)

(875)

(252)

(623) 

(563) 

(202)

(361)

1,338  

(583) 

1,921  

1,510 

(672)

2,182  

497  

497  

240  

240  

276  

276  

(98.3)% 

  (58.2)% 

– 

–

(62.5)%

(33.6)% (152.3)%

(108.5)% 

(120.4)% 

(76.8)%

10.1 % 

14.5 % 

–

– 

8.8 % 

8.8 % 

9.8 % 

9.8 % 

13.0 % 

13.0 % 

€ million 

Passenger 

revenue 

Cargo 

revenue 

Other 

revenue 

Total 

revenue 

Employee 

costs 

Fuel, oil 

costs and 

emissions 

charges 

Depreciation, 

amortisation 

and 

impairment 

Other 

operating 

costs 

Total 

expenditure 

on 

operations 

Operating 

profit 

Operating 

margin (%) 

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11  

201 

€ million 

Passenger 
revenue 

Cargo 
revenue 

Other 
revenue 

Total 
revenue 

Employee 
costs 

Fuel, oil 
costs and 
emissions 
charges 

Depreciation, 
amortisation 
and 
impairment 

Other 
operating 
costs 

Total 
expenditure 
on 
operations 

Operating 
loss 

Operating 
margin (%) 

200 
204

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED 

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2,840  

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2,894  

3,309 

(59)  3,368  

1,160  

-  

1,160  

569  

569  

379  

(3)

382  

890  

890  

998  

-  

998  

240  

-  

240  

-  

217  

217  

251  

–  

251  

859  

–  

859  

5  

–  

-  

5  

88  

–  

-  

–  

88  

–  

3,947  

(54) 

4,001  

4,558  

(59)  4,617  

2,259  

–  

2,259  

574  

–  

574  

467  

(3)

470  

1,916  

221  

1,695  

2,168 

243 

1,925  

798  

14  

784  

196  

–  

196  

217  

24  

193  

s

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a

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-  

-  

1,996  

837  

1,159  

2,317  

984  

1,333  

716  

344 

372  

314  

154  

160  

286 

144  

142  

1,475  

399  

1,076  

1,659 

445  

1,214  

612  

242 

370  

345  

68  

277  

157  

24  

133  

2,440  

42  

2,398  

2,792 

47   2,745  

1,544  

52

1,492  

594  

30  

564  

370  

7  

363  

7,827  

1,499  

6,328  

8,936  

1,719  

7,217  

3,670  

652  

3,018 

1,449   252  

1,197  

1,030 

199  

831  

(3,880)  (1,553) 

(2,327) 

(4,378) 

(1,778)  (2,600)

(1,411)

(652)

(759)

(875)

(252)

(623) 

(563) 

(202)

(361)

(98.3)% 

  (58.2)% 

– 

–

(62.5)%

(33.6)% (152.3)%

(108.5)% 

(120.4)% 

(76.8)%

€ million 

Passenger 

revenue 

Cargo 

revenue 

Other 

revenue 

Total 

revenue 

Employee 

costs 

Fuel, oil 

costs and 

emissions 

charges 

Depreciation, 

amortisation 

and 

impairment 

Other 

operating 

costs 

Total 

on 

expenditure 

operations 

Operating 

loss 

Operating 

margin (%) 

British Airways (£) 

British Airways (€)

Iberia

Vueling

Aer Lingus

Year to December 31, 2020

British Airways (£) 

British Airways (€)

Year to December 31, 2019
Iberia

Vueling 

Aer Lingus

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11,899  

711  

680  

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11,899  

13,525  

- 

13,525  

4,053  

- 

4,053  

2,437  

711  

808  

680  

773  

- 

- 

808  

291  

773  

1,301  

- 

- 

- 

291  

–  

1,301  

18  

5,645  

2,455  

13,290  

- 

13,290  

15,106  

- 

15,106  

5,645  

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- 

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2,437  

2,060  

- 

2,060  

–  

54  

18  

11  

2,455  

2,125  

- 

- 

- 

54  

11  

2,125  

3,112  

583  

2,529  

3,549  

672  

2,877  

1,164  

- 

1,164  

301  

- 

301  

405  

- 

405  

3,237  

- 

3,237  

3,679  

- 

3,679  

1,202  

- 

1,202  

548  

- 

548  

460  

- 

460  

1,106  

- 

1,106  

1,258  

- 

1,258  

390  

- 

390  

250  

- 

250  

130  

- 

130  

4,497  

- 

4,497  

5,110  

- 

5,110  

2,392  

- 

2,392  

1,116  

- 

1,116  

854  

- 

854  

11,952  

583  

11,369  

13,596  

672  

12,924  

5,148  

1,338  

(583) 

1,921  

1,510 

(672)

2,182  

497  

- 

- 

5,148  

2,215  

497  

240  

- 

- 

2,215  

1,849  

240  

276  

- 

- 

1,849  

276  

10.1 % 

14.5 % 

–

– 

8.8 % 

8.8 % 

9.8 % 

9.8 % 

13.0 % 

13.0 % 

€ million 

Passenger 
revenue 

Cargo 
revenue 

Other 
revenue 

Total 
revenue 

Employee 
costs 

Fuel, oil 
costs and 
emissions 
charges 

Depreciation, 
amortisation 
and 
impairment 

Other 
operating 
costs 

Total 
expenditure 
on 
operations 

Operating 
profit 

Operating 
margin (%) 

200 

201 

205

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED 

c  Basic earnings per share before exceptional items and adjusted earnings per share (KPI) 

e  Levered free cash flow (KPI) 

Earnings are based on results before exceptional items after tax and adjusted for earnings attributable to equity holders and interest 
on convertible bonds, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for the dilutive impact of the assumed 
conversion of the bonds and employee share schemes outstanding. The effect of the assumed conversion of the IAG €500 million 
convertible bond 2022 and outstanding employee share schemes is antidilutive for the year to December 31, 2020, and therefore 
has not been included in the diluted earnings per share calculation. 

Levered free cash flow represents the cash generated by the underlying businesses before shareholder returns and is defined as 

the net increase in cash and cash equivalents taken from the Cash flow statement, adjusting for movements in Current interest-

bearing deposits, less the cash inflows from the rights issue and adding back the cash outflows associated with dividends paid 

and the acquisition of treasury shares. The Group believes that this measure is useful to the users of the financial statements in 

understanding the underlying cash generating ability of the Group that is available to return to shareholders, to improve leverage 

€ million 
(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Exceptional items 

(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the parent before exceptional 
items 
Interest expense on convertible bonds 

Adjusted (loss)/earnings 

Weighted average number of shares used for basic earnings per share2 
Weighted average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share before exceptional items (€ cents) 

Adjusted (loss)/earnings per share (€ cents) 

Note 
b 

b 

10 

10 

2020 
(6,923) 

(2,598) 

(4,325) 

– 

(4,325) 

3,528 

3,528 

(122.6) 

(122.6) 

20191
1,715 

(672)

2,387 

26 

2,413 

3,056 

3,137 

78.1 

76.9 

1  Earnings per share information has been restated for the comparative period presented, by adjusting the weighted average number of shares to 

include the impact of the rights issue (note 27). The discount element inherent in the rights issue has been accounted for as a bonus issue of 1,071,565 
thousand shares in 2019. 

2  In 2020, includes 734,657 thousand shares as the weighted average impact for 2,979,443 thousand new ordinary shares issued through the rights 

issue (note 27). 

d  Airline non-fuel costs per ASK 

The Group monitors airline unit costs (per ASK, a standard airline measure of capacity) as a means of tracking operating efficiency 
of the core airline business. As fuel costs can vary with commodity prices, the Group monitors fuel and non-fuel costs individually. 
Within non-fuel costs are the costs associated with generating Other revenue, which typically do not represent the costs of 
transporting passengers or cargo and instead represent the costs of handling and maintenance for other airlines, non-flight 
products in BA Holidays and costs associated with other miscellaneous non-flight revenue streams. Airline non-fuel costs per ASK is 
defined as total operating expenditure before exceptional items, less fuel, oil costs and emission charges and less non-flight specific 
costs divided by total available seat kilometres (ASKs), and is shown on a constant currency basis. 

€ million 
Total expenditure on operations 

Less: exceptional items within expenditure on operations 

Less: fuel, oil costs and emission charges before exceptional 
items 

Note
b 

b 

b 

Non-fuel costs 

Less: Non-flight specific costs 

Airline non-fuel costs 

ASKs 

Airline non-fuel unit costs per ASK (€ cents) 

1  Refer to note h for the definition of the ccy adjustment 

2020
Reported
15,232 

2,999 

ccy 
adjustment1 
(122) 

2020 
ccy 
15,110 

2,999 

2019
22,893 

672 

2,041 

10,192 

851 

9,341 

113,195 

8.25 

(29) 

2,012 

6,021 

(93) 

10,099 

1 

(94) 

852 

9,247 

16,200 

1,654 

14,546 

113,195 

337,754 

8.17 

4.31 

and/or to undertake inorganic growth opportunities. 

€ million 

Net Increase in cash and cash equivalents  

Less: (Decrease)/increase in current interest-bearing deposits 

Less: Net proceeds from rights issue 

Add: Dividends paid 

Levered free cash flow 

f  Net debt to EBITDA (KPI) 

To supplement total borrowings as presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group reviews net debt to EBITDA to assess its level of 

net debt in comparison to the underlying earnings generated by the Group in order to evaluate the underlying business 

performance of the Group. This measure is used to monitor the Group’s leverage and to assess financial headroom. 

Net debt is defined as long-term borrowings (both current and non-current), less cash, cash equivalents and current interest-

bearing deposits. 

EBITDA is defined as operating profit before exceptional items, interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and impairment. The 

Group believes that this additional measure, which is used internally to assess the Group’s financial capacity, is useful to the users of 

the financial statements in helping them to see how the Group’s financial capacity has changed over the year. It is a measure of the 

profitability of the Group and of the core operating cash flows generated by the business model. 

2020

1,940 

(2,366)

(2,674)

53 

(3,047)

2019

85 

103 

– 

1,308 

1,496 

Note 

23 

19 

19 

b 

b 

b 

2020

15,679 

(5,774)

(143)

9,762 

(7,426)

3,061 

2,099 

(2,266)

2019

14,254 

(4,062)

(2,621)

7,571 

2,613 

672 

2,111 

5,396 

(4.3)

1.4 

€ million 

Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents 

Less: Current interest-bearing deposits 

Net debt 

Add: Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Add: Exceptional items 

EBITDA  

Net debt to EBITDA  

202 
206

203 

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c  Basic earnings per share before exceptional items and adjusted earnings per share (KPI) 

e  Levered free cash flow (KPI) 

Levered free cash flow represents the cash generated by the underlying businesses before shareholder returns and is defined as 
the net increase in cash and cash equivalents taken from the Cash flow statement, adjusting for movements in Current interest-
bearing deposits, less the cash inflows from the rights issue and adding back the cash outflows associated with dividends paid 
and the acquisition of treasury shares. The Group believes that this measure is useful to the users of the financial statements in 
understanding the underlying cash generating ability of the Group that is available to return to shareholders, to improve leverage 
and/or to undertake inorganic growth opportunities. 

€ million 
Net Increase in cash and cash equivalents  
Less: (Decrease)/increase in current interest-bearing deposits 

Less: Net proceeds from rights issue 

Add: Dividends paid 

Levered free cash flow 

f  Net debt to EBITDA (KPI) 

2020
1,940 

(2,366)

(2,674)

53 

(3,047)

2019
85 

103 

– 

1,308 

1,496 

To supplement total borrowings as presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group reviews net debt to EBITDA to assess its level of 
net debt in comparison to the underlying earnings generated by the Group in order to evaluate the underlying business 
performance of the Group. This measure is used to monitor the Group’s leverage and to assess financial headroom. 

Net debt is defined as long-term borrowings (both current and non-current), less cash, cash equivalents and current interest-
bearing deposits. 

EBITDA is defined as operating profit before exceptional items, interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and impairment. The 
Group believes that this additional measure, which is used internally to assess the Group’s financial capacity, is useful to the users of 
the financial statements in helping them to see how the Group’s financial capacity has changed over the year. It is a measure of the 
profitability of the Group and of the core operating cash flows generated by the business model. 

€ million 
Interest-bearing long-term borrowings 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents 

Less: Current interest-bearing deposits 

Net debt 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Add: Exceptional items 

Add: Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

EBITDA  

(29) 

2,012 

6,021 

Net debt to EBITDA  

Note 
23 

19 

19 

b 

b 

b 

2020
15,679 

(5,774)

(143)

9,762 

(7,426)

3,061 

2,099 

(2,266)

2019
14,254 

(4,062)

(2,621)

7,571 

2,613 

672 

2,111 

5,396 

(4.3)

1.4 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED 

Earnings are based on results before exceptional items after tax and adjusted for earnings attributable to equity holders and interest 

on convertible bonds, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for the dilutive impact of the assumed 

conversion of the bonds and employee share schemes outstanding. The effect of the assumed conversion of the IAG €500 million 

convertible bond 2022 and outstanding employee share schemes is antidilutive for the year to December 31, 2020, and therefore 

has not been included in the diluted earnings per share calculation. 

(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the parent before exceptional 

(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Exceptional items 

€ million 

items 

Interest expense on convertible bonds 

Adjusted (loss)/earnings 

Weighted average number of shares used for basic earnings per share2 

Weighted average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share before exceptional items (€ cents) 

Adjusted (loss)/earnings per share (€ cents) 

Note 

b 

b 

10 

10 

2020 

(6,923) 

(2,598) 

(4,325) 

– 

(4,325) 

3,528 

3,528 

(122.6) 

(122.6) 

20191

1,715 

(672)

2,387 

26 

2,413 

3,056 

3,137 

78.1 

76.9 

1  Earnings per share information has been restated for the comparative period presented, by adjusting the weighted average number of shares to 

include the impact of the rights issue (note 27). The discount element inherent in the rights issue has been accounted for as a bonus issue of 1,071,565 

2  In 2020, includes 734,657 thousand shares as the weighted average impact for 2,979,443 thousand new ordinary shares issued through the rights 

thousand shares in 2019. 

issue (note 27). 

d  Airline non-fuel costs per ASK 

The Group monitors airline unit costs (per ASK, a standard airline measure of capacity) as a means of tracking operating efficiency 

of the core airline business. As fuel costs can vary with commodity prices, the Group monitors fuel and non-fuel costs individually. 

Within non-fuel costs are the costs associated with generating Other revenue, which typically do not represent the costs of 

transporting passengers or cargo and instead represent the costs of handling and maintenance for other airlines, non-flight 

products in BA Holidays and costs associated with other miscellaneous non-flight revenue streams. Airline non-fuel costs per ASK is 

defined as total operating expenditure before exceptional items, less fuel, oil costs and emission charges and less non-flight specific 

costs divided by total available seat kilometres (ASKs), and is shown on a constant currency basis. 

€ million 

Total expenditure on operations 

Less: exceptional items within expenditure on operations 

Less: fuel, oil costs and emission charges before exceptional 

b 

b 

b 

Note

Reported

adjustment1 

2020

15,232 

2,999 

2,041 

10,192 

851 

9,341 

113,195 

8.25 

ccy 

(122) 

2020 

ccy 

15,110 

2,999 

(93) 

10,099 

1 

(94) 

852 

9,247 

2019

22,893 

672 

16,200 

1,654 

14,546 

113,195 

337,754 

8.17 

4.31 

items 

Non-fuel costs 

Less: Non-flight specific costs 

Airline non-fuel costs 

ASKs 

Airline non-fuel unit costs per ASK (€ cents) 

1  Refer to note h for the definition of the ccy adjustment 

202 

203 

207

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED 

g  Return on invested capital (KPI) 

The Group monitors return on invested capital (RoIC) as it gives an indication of the Group’s capital efficiency relative to the capital 
invested as well as the ability to fund growth and to pay dividends. RoIC is defined as EBITDA, less fleet depreciation adjusted for 
inflation, depreciation of other property, plant and equipment, and amortisation of software intangibles, divided by average invested 
capital and is expressed as a percentage. 

Invested capital is defined as the average of property, plant and equipment and software intangible assets over a 12-month period 
between the opening and closing net book values. The fleet aspect of property, plant and equipment is inflated over the average 
age of the fleet to approximate the replacement cost of the associated assets. 

€ million 
EBITDA 

Less: Fleet depreciation multiplied by inflation adjustment 

Less: Other property, plant and equipment depreciation 

Less: Software intangible amortisation 

Invested capital 
Average fleet value2 
Less: average progress payments3 

Fleet book value less progress payments 
Inflation adjustment1 

Average net book value of other property, plant and equipment4 
Average net book value of software intangible assets5 

Total invested capital 

Return on Invested Capital 

Note 
f 

12 

12 

12 

14 

2020 
(2,266) 

(1,921) 

(258) 

(151) 

(4,596) 

16,020 

(1,117) 

14,903 

1.18 

17,520 

2,329 

652 

20,501 

(22.4)% 

2019
5,396 

(2,040)

(259)

(131)

2,966 

15,598 

(1,297)

14,301 

1.19 

17,065 

2,448 

603 

20,116 

14.7 % 

1  Presented to two decimal places and calculated using a 1.5 per cent inflation (December 31, 2019: 1.5 per cent inflation) rate over the weighted 

average age of the fleet December 31, 2020: 9.8 years (December 31, 2019: 11.9 years). 

2  The average net book value of aircraft is calculated from an amount of €16,675 million at December 31, 2019 and €15,365 million at December 31, 

2020.  

3  The average net book value of progress payments is calculated from an amount of €1,525 million at December 31, 2019 and €710 million at December 

31, 2020. 

4  The average net book value of other property, plant and equipment is calculated from an amount of €2,493 million at December 31, 2019 and €2,166 

million at December 31, 2020. 

5  The average net book value of software intangible assets is calculated from an amount of €666 million at December 31, 2019 and €638 million at 

December 31, 2020. 

h  Results on a constant currency (ccy) basis 

Movements in foreign exchange rates impact the Group’s financial results. The Group reviews the results, including revenue and 
operating costs at constant rates of exchange (abbreviated to ‘ccy’). The Group calculates these financial measures at constant 
rates of exchange based on a retranslation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year’s results of the Group. Although the 
Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe that such results excluding 
the impact of currency fluctuations year-on-year provide additional useful information to investors regarding the Group’s operating 
performance on a constant currency basis. Accordingly, the financial measures at constant currency within the discussion of the 
Group Financial review should be read in conjunction with the information provided in the Group financial statements. 

The following table represents the main average and closing exchange rates for the reporting periods. Where 2020 figures are 
stated at a constant currency basis, they have applied the 2019 rates stated below: 

Foreign exchange rates 

Euro to pound sterling 

US dollar to the euro 

US dollar to pound sterling 

Average

Closing

2020
1.13 

1.13 

1.27 

2019 
1.13 

1.12 

1.27 

2020 
1.10 

1.22 

1.35 

2019
1.18 

1.11 

1.31 

204 
208

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GROUP INVESTMENTS

Subsidiaries
British Airways

Name and address

Avios Group (AGL) Limited* 
Astral Towers, Betts Way, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9XY
BA and AA Holdings Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA Call Centre India Private Limited (callBA) 
F-42, East of Kailash, New-Delhi, 110065
BA Cityflyer Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA European Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA Excepted Group Life Scheme Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA Healthcare Trust Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA Holdco Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA Number One Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BA Number Two Limited 
IFC 5, St Helier, JE1 1ST
Bealine Plc 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
BritAir Holdings Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways (BA) Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways 777 Leasing Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Associated Companies Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Avionic Engineering Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Capital Limited 
Queensway House, Hilgrove Street, St Helier, JE1 1ES
British Airways Holdings B.V. 
Strawinskylaan 3105, Atrium, Amsterdam, 1077ZX
British Airways Holidays Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Interior Engineering Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Leasing Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Maintenance Cardiff Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Pension Trustees (No 2) Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Midland Airways Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Midland Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
Diamond Insurance Company Limited 
1st Floor, Rose House, 51-59 Circular Road, Douglas, IM1 1RE
Flyline Tele Sales & Services GmbH 
Hermann Koehl-Strasse 3, 28199, Bremen 
Gatwick Ground Services Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
Overseas Air Travel Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
Speedbird Insurance Company Limited* 
Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12
British Mediterranean Airways Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage 
of equity 
owned

Airline marketing

England

100%

Holding company

England

100%

Call centre

India

100%

Airline operations

England

100%

Holding company

England

100%

Life insurance

England

100%

Healthcare

England

100%

Holding company

England

100%

Dormant

England

100%

Dormant

Jersey

100%

Dormant

England

100%

Holding company

England

100%

Dormant

England

100%

Aircraft leasing

England

100%

Holding company

England

100%

Aircraft 
maintenance

England

100%

Aircraft financing

Jersey

100%

Holding company Netherlands

100%

Tour operator

England

100%

Aircraft 
maintenance

England

100%

Aircraft leasing

England

100%

Aircraft 
maintenance

England

100%

Trustee company

England

100%

Former airline

England

100%

Dormant

England

100%

Dormant

Isle of Man

100%

Call centre

Germany

100%

Ground services

England

100%

Transport

England

100%

Insurance

Bermuda

100%

Former airline

England

99%

209

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationGROUP INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

Iberia

Name and address

Compañía Explotación Aviones Cargueros Cargosur, S.A. 
Calle Martínez Villergas 49, Madrid, 28027
Compañía Operadora de Corto y Medio Radio Iberia Express, S.A.* 
Calle Alcañiz 23, Madrid, 28006
Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España, S.A. Operadora* 
Calle Martínez Villergas 49, Madrid, 28027
Iberia México, S.A.* 
Ejército Nacional 439, Mexico City, 11510
Iberia Operadora UK Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
Iberia Tecnología, S.A.* 
Calle Martínez Villergas 49, Madrid, 28027
Auxiliar Logística Aeroportuaria, S.A.* 
Centro de Carga Aérea, Parcela 2 P5, Nave 6, Madrid, 28042

Compañía Auxiliar al Cargo Exprés, S.A.* 
Centro de Carga Aérea, Parcela 2 P5, Nave 6, Madrid, 28042
Iberia Desarrollo Barcelona, S.L.* 
Avenida de les Garrigues 38-44, Edificio B,  
El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08220

Aer Lingus

Name and address

Aer Lingus (Ireland) Limited 
Dublin Airport, Dublin
Aer Lingus 2009 DCS Trustee Limited 
Dublin Airport, Dublin
Aer Lingus Beachey Limited 
Penthouse Suite, Analyst House, Peel Road, IM1 4LZ
Aer Lingus Group DAC* 
Dublin Airport, Dublin
Aer Lingus Limited* 
Dublin Airport, Dublin
Aer Lingus (UK) Limited 
Aer Lingus Base, Belfast City Airport, Sydenham Bypass, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT3 
9JH
ALG Trustee Limited 
33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, IM1 1LB
Dirnan Insurance Company Limited 
Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, Bermuda, HM 12
Santain Developments Limited 
Dublin Airport, Dublin

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage 
of equity 
owned

Cargo transport

Spain

100%

Airline operations

Airline operations 
and maintenance

Storage and 
custody services

Spain

100%

Spain

100%1

Mexico

100%

Dormant

England

100%

Aircraft 
maintenance

Airport logistics 
and cargo terminal 
management

Cargo transport

Airport 
infrastructure 
development

Principal activity

Provision of human 
resources support 
to fellow group 
companies 

Dormant

Spain

100%

Spain

Spain

75%

75%

Spain

75%

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage 
of equity 
owned

Republic of 
Ireland

Republic of 
Ireland

100%

100%

Dormant

Isle of Man

100%

Holding company

Airline operations

Dormant

Republic of 
Ireland

Republic of 
Ireland

Northern 
Ireland

100%2

100%

100%

Trustee

Isle of Man

100%

Insurance

Bermuda

100%

Dormant

Republic of 
Ireland

100%

210

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020IAG Loyalty

Name and address

Avios South Africa Proprietary Limited 
Block C, 1 Marignane Drive, Bonaero Park, Gauteng, 1619
IAG Loyalty Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB

IAG Cargo

Name and address

Routestack Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
Zenda Group Limited 
Carrus Cargo Centre, PO Box 99, Sealand Road, London Heathrow 
Airport, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 2JS

Vueling

Name and address

Yellow Handling, S.L.U 
Plaça Pla de l’Estany 5, Parque de Negocios Mas Blau II,  
El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08820
Vueling Airlines, S.A.* 
Plaça Pla de l’Estany 5, Parque de Negocios Mas Blau II,  
El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08820

LEVEL

Name and address

FLYLEVEL UK Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
Openskies SASU 
3 Rue le Corbusier, Rungis, 94150

International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A.

Name and address

AERL Holding Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
British Airways Plc* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
FLY LEVEL, S.L. 
Camino de la Muñoza s/n, El Caserío,  
Iberia Zona Industrial 2, Madrid, 28042
IAG Cargo Limited* 
Carrus Cargo Centre, PO Box 99, Sealand Road, London Heathrow 
Airport, Hounslow, TW6 2JS
IAG Connect Limited 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
IAG GBS Limited* 
Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB
IAG GBS Poland sp z.o.o.* 
Ul. Opolska 114, Krakow, 31-323
IB Opco Holding, S.L.  
Calle Martínez Villergas 49, Madrid, 28027
Veloz Holdco, S.L. 
Plaça Pla de l’Estany 5, Parque de Negocios Mas Blau II,  
El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08820

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Dormant South Africa

Dormant

England

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage 
of equity
 owned

100%

100%

Percentage 
of equity 
owned

Shipping solutions

England

100%

Shipping solutions

England

100%

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage
 of equity
 owned

Ground handling services

Spain

100%

Airline operations

Spain

99.5%

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Airline operations

England

Airline operations

France

Principal activity

Country of 
incorporation

Holding company

England

Airline operations

England

Percentage
 of equity
 owned

100%

100%

Percentage 
of equity 
owned

100%

100%3

Airline operations

Spain

100%

Air freight operations

England

Inflight eCommerce 
platform

Republic of 
Ireland

IT, finance, procurement 
services

IT, finance, procurement 
services

England

Poland

Holding company

Spain

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%1

Holding company

Spain

100%

 * Principal subsidiaries
1  The Group holds 49.9% of both the total nominal share capital and the total number of voting rights in IB Opco Holding, S.L. (and thus, indirectly, in 
Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España, S.A. Operadora), such stake having almost 100% of the economic rights in these companies. The remaining shares, 
representing 50.1% of the total nominal share capital and the total number of voting rights belong to a Spanish company incorporated for the purposes 
of implementing the Iberia nationality structure.

2  The Group holds 49.75% of the total number of voting rights and the majority of the economic rights in Aer Lingus Group DAC. The remaining voting 

rights, representing 50.25 per cent, correspond to a trust established for implementing the Aer Lingus nationality structure.

3  The Group holds 49.9% of the total number of voting rights and 99.65% of the total nominal share capital in British Airways Plc, such stake having 

almost 100% of the economic rights. The remaining nominal share capital and voting rights, representing 0.35% and 50.1% respectively, are held by a 
trust established for the purposes of implementing the British Airways nationality structure.

211

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationGROUP INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

Associates

Name and address

Empresa Hispano Cubana de Mantenimiento de Aeronaves, Ibeca, S.A. 
Avenida de Vantroi y Final,  
Jose Martí Airport, Havana
Empresa Logística de Carga Aérea, S.A. 
Carretera de Wajay km 15,  
Jose Martí Airport, Havana
Multiservicios Aeroportuarios, S.A. 
Avenida de Manoteras 46, 2ª planta, Madrid, 28050
Dunwoody Airline Services Limited 
Building 70, Argosy Road, East Midlands Airport,  
Castle Donnington, Derby, DE74 2SA
Serpista, S.A. 
Calle Cardenal Marcelo Spínola 10, Madrid, 28016
Air Miles España, S.A. 
Avenida de Bruselas 20, Alcobendas, Madrid, 28108
Inloyalty by Travel Club, S.L.U. 
Avenida de Bruselas 20, Alcobendas, Madrid, 28108
Viajes Ame, S.A. 
Avenida de Bruselas 20, Alcobendas, Madrid, 28108
DeepAir Solutions Limited 
Ground Floor North, 86 Brook Street, London, W1K 5AY

Joint ventures

Name and address

Sociedad Conjunta para la Emisión y Gestión de Medios de Pago EFC, S.A. 
Calle de O’Donnell 12, Madrid, 28009

Other equity investments
The Group’s principal other equity investments are as follows:

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage  
of equity
 owned

Cuba

Cuba

Spain

England

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

50%

50%

49%

40%

39%

26.7%

26.7%

26.7%

England

24.75%

Country of 
incorporation

Percentage  
of equity 
owned

Spain

50.5%

Name and address
Servicios de Instrucción de Vuelo, S.L. 
Camino de la Muñoza s/n, El Caserío,  
Iberia Zona Industrial 2, Madrid, 28042
The Airline Group Limited 
5th Floor, Brettenham House South, Lancaster Place,  
London, WC2N 7EN
Importwise Limited 
International House, 12 Constance Street, London, E16 2DQ
Comair Limited 
1 Marignane Drive, Bonaero Park, Johannesburg, 1619
Travel Quinto Centenario, S.A. 
Calle Alemanes 3, Sevilla, 41004
i6 Group Limited 
Farnborough Airport, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6XA
Monese Limited 
1 King Street, London, EC2V 8AU

Country of 
Incorporation

Percentage 
of equity 
owned

Shareholder’s 
funds 
(million)

Profit/(loss) 
before tax 
(million)

Currency

Spain

19.9%

EUR

(71)

(10)

England

16.68%

GBP

England

14.8%

GBP

287

n/a

25

n/a

South 
Africa

11.49%

ZAR

760

(2,091)

Spain

10%

EUR

England

7.42%

GBP

n/a

6

n/a

(1)

England

6.45%

GBP

(16)

(29)

212

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

LIABILITY STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS FOR THE PURPOSES ENVISAGED UNDER ARTICLE 8.1.b OF SPANISH ROYAL DECREE 
1362/2007 OF 19 OCTOBER (REAL DECRETO 1362/2007).
At a meeting held on February 25, 2021, the directors of International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. state that, to the best of their 
knowledge, the individual and consolidated financial statements for the year to December 31, 2020, prepared in accordance with the 
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, and that the individual and consolidated management 
reports include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with the description of the principal risks and uncertainties that 
they face.

February 25, 2021

Javier Ferrán Larraz
Chairman

Luis Gallego Martín
Chief Executive Officer

Giles Agutter

Peggy Bruzelius

Eva Castillo Sanz

Margaret Ewing

Heather Ann McSharry

Robin Phillips

Emilio Saracho Rodríguez de Torres

Lucy Nicola Shaw

Alberto Terol Esteban

213

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020215

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information216

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020217

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information218

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020219

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020221

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationAdditional 
Information

223 Glossary

225 Fleet table

226 Operating and financial statistics

IBC Shareholder information

222

Annual Report and Accounts 2020INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPGLOSSARY

Adjusted earnings per share

Airline non-fuel costs

Earnings are based on results before exceptional items, after tax adjusted for earnings 
attributable to equity holders and interest on convertible bonds, divided by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for the dilutive impact of the assumed conversion 
of the bonds and employee share schemes outstanding

Total operating expenditure before exceptional items, less fuel, oil costs and emission charges 
and less non-flight specific costs. Within non-fuel costs are the costs associated with generating 
Other revenue, which typically do not represent the costs of transporting passengers or cargo 
and instead represent the costs of handling and maintenance for other airlines, non-flight 
products in BA Holidays and costs associated with other miscellaneous non-flight revenue 
streams. Shown on a constant currency basis

Airline non-fuel costs per ASK

Airline non-fuel costs divided by ASK

Available seat kilometres (ASK)

The number of seats available for sale multiplied by the distance flown

Available tonne kilometres (ATK) 

Block hours

The number of tonnes of capacity available for the carriage of load (passenger and cargo) 
multiplied by the distance flown

Hours of service for aircraft, measured from the time that the aircraft leaves the gate at the 
departure airport to the time that it arrives at the gate at the destination airport

Cargo revenue per CTK 

Cargo revenue divided by CTK

Cargo tonne kilometres (CTK) 

The number of tonnes of cargo carried that generate revenue (freight and mail) multiplied by the 
distance flown

Dividend cover 

EBITDA

Gross capex

Interest cover 

Invested capital 

Levered free cash flow

Manpower equivalent 

Merger effective date 

Net debt 

The number of times the result for the year covers the dividends paid and proposed

Operating result before exceptional items, interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and 
impairment

Gross capital expenditure is the total investment in fleet, customer product, IT and infrastructure 
before any proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment as shown in the Cash flow 
statement (‘Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets’)

The number of times the (loss)/profit before taxation and exceptional items adding back net 
interest expense and interest income cover the net interest expense and interest income

The average of property, plant and equipment and software intangible assets over a 12-month 
period between the opening and closing net book values. The fleet aspect of property, plant and 
equipment is inflated over the average age of the fleet to approximate the replacement cost of 
the associated assets

The net increase in cash and cash equivalents taken from the Cash flow statement, adjusting for 
movements in Current interest-bearing deposits, less the cash inflows from the rights issue and 
adding back the cash outflows associated with dividends paid and the acquisition of treasury 
shares

Number of employees adjusted for part-time workers, overtime and contractors

January 21, 2011, the date British Airways and Iberia signed a merger agreement to create 
International Airlines Group

Current and long-term interest-bearing borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and current 
interest-bearing deposits 

223

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationGLOSSARY CONTINUED

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Operating margin

Overall load factor 

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a metric based on survey responses to the ‘likelihood to 
recommend’ question and is calculated by subtracting the percentage of customers who are 
‘Detractors’ (score 0-6, unlikely to recommend) from the percentage of customers who are 
‘Promoters’ (score 9-10, likely to recommend)

Operating result before exceptional items as a percentage of total revenue

RTK expressed as a percentage of ATK

Passenger load factor 

RPK expressed as a percentage of ASK

Passenger unit revenue per ASK 
(PASK) 

Passenger revenue before exceptional items divided by ASK

Passenger revenue per RPK (yield) Passenger revenue before exceptional items divided by RPK

Productivity

Punctuality 

Regularity 

ASK divided by average manpower equivalent

The industry’s standard, measured as the percentage of flights departing within 15 minutes of 
schedule

The percentage of flights completed to flights scheduled, excluding flights cancelled for 
commercial reasons

Return on Invested Capital (RoIC)  EBITDA, less fleet depreciation adjusted for inflation, depreciation of other property, plant and 

Revenue passenger kilometres 
(RPK) 

equipment, and amortisation of software intangibles, divided by average invested capital and is 
expressed as a percentage

The number of passengers that generate revenue carried multiplied by the distance flown

Revenue tonne kilometres (RTK) 

The revenue load in tonnes multiplied by the distance flown

Sector 

Sold cargo tonnes

Total capital

A one-way revenue flight

The number of cargo tonnes sold, including freight, courier, mail and interline

Total equity plus net debt

Total revenue per ASK (RASK) 

Total revenue before exceptional items divided by ASK

Total operating expenditure 
excluding fuel per ASK

Total operating expenditure  
per ASK (CASK)

Total operating expenditure before exceptional items excluding fuel divided by ASK

Total operating expenditure before exceptional items divided by ASK

Total traffic revenue per ATK 

Revenue from total traffic before exceptional items (passenger and cargo) divided by ATK

224

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020AIRCRAFT FLEET

Airbus A318

Airbus A319

Airbus A320 

Airbus A321

Airbus A330-200

Airbus A330-300

Airbus A340-600

Airbus A350

Airbus A380

Boeing 747-400 

Boeing 777-200

Boeing 777-300 

Boeing 777-9

Boeing 787-8

Boeing 787-9

Boeing 787-10

Embraer E170

Embraer E190 

Group total

Owned Right of use1

Total
December 31,
2020

–

13 

60 

19 

2 

4 

–

10 

2 

–

36 

2 

–

–

1 

2 

1 

9 

161 

–

36 

172 

53 

17 

14 

–

7 

10 

–

7 

14 

–

12 

17 

–

–

13 

372 

–

49

232 

72 

19 

18 

–

17 

12 

–

43 

16 

–

12 

18 

2 

1 

22 

533 

Total
December 31, 

Changes since
December 31,

2019  

1 

57 

254 

66 

24 

16 

15 

9 

12 

32 

46 

12 

–

12 

18 

–

6 

18 

598 

2019  

(1)

(8)

(22)

6 

(5)

2 

(15)

8 

–

(32)

(3)

4 

–

–

–

2 

(5)

4 

(65)

Future
deliveries

Options

–

–

26 

38 

–

1

–

26 

–

–

–

–

18 

–

–

10 

–

2

121

During 2020 the Group recorded impairments for 84 aircraft, of which 63 were still held by the Group at December 31, 2020. The 
Group also held 9 other aircraft not in service, pending disposal.

–

–

76 

14 

–

–

–

52 

–

–

–

–

24 

–

–

–

–

–

166 

225

www.iairgroup.comStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOPERATING AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS

Total Group operations

Traffic and capacity
Available seat km (ASK) 

Revenue passenger km (RPK)

Cargo tonne km (CTK)

Passengers carried

Sold cargo tonnes

Sectors

Block hours

Operations
Average manpower equivalent

Aircraft in service at year end

Aircraft utilisation - Longhaul (average hours per 
aircraft per day)

Aircraft utilisation - Shorthaul (average hours per 
aircraft per day)

Punctuality – within 15 minutes

Regularity

Financial
Passenger unit revenue per ASK (PASK)1
Passenger revenue per RPK1
Cargo revenue per CTK1
Total revenue per ASK (RASK)1

Average fuel price
Fuel cost per ASK1

Operating (loss)/profit before depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA)1

Total operating expenditure excluding fuel per ASK 
(CASK ex. fuel)1
Operating margin1
Lease adjusted operating margin1
Total operating expenditure per ASK (CASK)1

Dividend cover

Interest cover

Net debt

Equity

Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR

Net debt to EBITDA

Exchange rates
Translation - weighted average

Transaction 

Transaction 

Transaction 

million

million

million

‘000

‘000

hours

hours

hours

%

%

€cents

€cents

€cents

€cents

($/metric tonne)

€cents

2020

2019

20182

20173

2016

113,195

72,262

3,399

31,275

444

337,754

324,808

306,185

298,431

285,745

270,657

252,819

243,474

5,580

118,253

682

5,713

5,762

5,454

112,920

104,829

100,675

702

701

680

754,700
708,615
267,748
820,983 2,272,904 2,207,374 2,100,089 2,067,980

775,486

717,325

60,612

533

6.4

2.7

88.8

91.8

4.92

7.71

38.42

6.95

376

1.80

66,034

64,734

63,422

63,387

598

13.5

8.6

77.8

98.7

6.65

7.86

20.02

7.55

628

1.78

573

13.5

9.0

75.5

98.7

6.59

7.91

20.53

7.47

687

1.63

546

13.5

8.9

81.8

99.1

6.63

8.02

19.65

7.47

519

1.51

548

13.5

8.8

77.2

99.3

6.68

8.18

18.74

7.56

425

1.63

€million

(2,266)

5,396

5,481

4,134

3,822

€cents

%

%

€cents

times

times

€million

€million

times

times

£:€

£:€

€:$

£:$

9.00

(55.5)

n/a

10.81

n/a

(6.6)

9,762

1,316

n/a

(4.3)

1.13

1.13

1.13

1.27

4.80

12.9

n/a

6.58

3.8

6.3

7,571

6,829

n/a

1.4

1.13

1.13

1.12

1.27

4.77

14.4

14.4

6.40

3.9

6.7

6,430

6,720

1.6

1.2

1.13

1.13

1.18

1.33

5.00

12.9

14.2

6.51

4.0

16.4

655

6,933

1.5

n/a

1.14

1.14

1.14

1.29

5.08

10.9

12.0

6.71

4.0

10.8

2,087

7,741

1.8

n/a

1.21

1.21

1.11

1.34

1  Figures on a pre-exceptional items basis.
2  2018 figures restated for accounting standards IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and to reclassify the costs the Group incurs in relation to compensation for flight delays 

and cancellations as a deduction from revenue as opposed to an operating expense.

3  2017 figures restated for accounting standards IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments. 
n/a: not available.

226

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUPAnnual Report and Accounts 2020SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Registered office
International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A 
El Caserío, Iberia Zona Industrial nº 2 (La Muñoza) 
Camino de La Muñoza, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain.

Madrid Commercial Registrar 
tomo 27312, folio 11, hoja M-492129 
C.I.F. A85845535

UK Branch registered address
International Airlines Group 
Waterside (HAA2), 
PO Box 365, Speedbird way 
Harmondsworth, UB7 0GB

Registered in England & Wales: BR014868

UK Registrar
Computershare Investor Services PLC

For enquiries relating to shares held through the Corporate 
Sponsored Nominee (UK share register):

Tel: +44 370 702 0110

Email: web.queries@computershare.co.uk

Online: www.investorcentre.co.uk/iag

IAG Investor relations team
Institutional investors: investor.relations@iairgroup.com

Private shareholders: shareholder.services@iairgroup.com

American Depositary Receipt program
IAG has a Sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) 
facility that trades on the OTC market in the US (see www.
otcmarkets.com). Deutsche Bank is the ADR depositary bank.

For shareholder enquiries, contact:

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas c/o American Stock 
Transfer & Trust Co, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11219, USA

Email: db@astfinancial.com

Toll free: 800 301 3517 (within the US)

International: +1 718 921 8137

Online: www.adr.db.com

Financial calendar
Financial year end: December 31, 2020 
Q1 results: May 7, 2021 
Half year results: July 30, 2021 
Q3 results: November 5, 2021

Other key dates can be found on our website: www.iairgroup.com

ShareGift
UK shareholders with a small number of shares may like to 
consider donating their shares to charity under ShareGift, 
administered by Orr Mackintosh Foundation. Details are available 
from the UK Registrar.

Certain statements included in this report are forward-looking. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate 
only to historical or current facts. By their nature, they involve risk and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on 
circumstances that will occur in the future. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements.

Forward-looking statements often use words such as “expects”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “intends”, “plans”, “predicts”, “envisages” 
or “anticipates” or other words of similar meaning. They include, without limitation, any and all projections relating to the results of 
operations and financial conditions of International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. and its subsidiary undertakings from time to time 
(the ‘Group’), as well as plans and objectives for future operations, expected future revenues, financing plans, expected expenditure 
and divestments relating to the Group and discussions of the Group’s business plan. All forward-looking statements in this report are 
based upon information known to the Group on the date of this report and speak as of the date of this report. Other than in 
accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations, the Group does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statement to 
reflect any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this report as a result of any number of 
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and 
uncertainties about its impact and duration, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Group, 
and it is not reasonably possible to itemise each item. Accordingly, readers of this report are cautioned against relying on forward-
looking statements. Further information on the primary risks of the business and the Group’s risk management process is set out in the 
Risk management and principal risk factors section in this report. All forward-looking statements made on or after the date of this 
report and attributable to IAG are expressly qualified in their entirety by the primary risks set out in that section. Many of these risks 
are, and will be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any further disruption to the global airline industry and economic 
environment as a result.

INTERNATIONAL 
AIRLINES
GROUP

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