IAG reports positive results in revenue and passengers despite a slight decline in profits.

International Airlines Group (IAG) has presented its financial results for the first half of 2024, marking a period that, while showing a slight decrease in terms of net profit, reflects significant growth in revenue and passengers transported. With a net profit of 905 million euros, IAG has seen a decline of 1.7% compared to the 921 million obtained in the same period last year. This slight setback appears to be framed within a broader context of recovery and post-pandemic consolidation. Despite the reduction in net profit, the group's revenue has grown by 8.4%, reaching 14.724 billion euros. This increase is primarily due to solid demand in the main markets where IAG operates, which includes well-known airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and Level. Operating profit has also shown a positive trend, reaching 1.309 billion euros, representing an increase of 3.9%. IAG has managed to transport 58.23 million passengers in the first half of the year, which implies a 7.2% increase compared to the previous year. The company has experienced notable growth in regions such as Asia-Pacific, where the increase was 25.2%, as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a growth of 15.6%. This suggests that the recovery of air traffic is ongoing, driven by the demand for international travel. Regarding domestic operations, both in the UK and Spain, the group's airlines have moved 14.4 million travelers, 4.4% more than in the same period last year. The largest airlines in the group have contributed to this growth: British Airways transported 22.1 million passengers, an increase of 7.8%; while Iberia and Vueling also reported significant increases in their passenger numbers. A standout aspect of the results is the strong operational performance of each airline. British Airways reported an operating result of 555 million euros, a notable increase compared to the previous year. Similarly, Iberia closed the semester with an operating result of 362 million euros, in contrast to the losses of 10 million recorded a year earlier. These figures demonstrate the recovery and strengthening of operations for both airlines. IAG Loyalty, the division responsible for managing loyalty programs, has also performed positively, reporting 193 million euros in results before exceptions. Vueling and Aer Lingus also contributed with profits, reinforcing the image of a growing group adapted to market demands. On the financial front, IAG's net debt has been significantly reduced, closing the semester at 6.417 billion euros, compared to 9.245 billion at the end of 2023. This reduction in debt, along with a cash level of 13.168 billion euros, indicates a stronger financial position for the group, generating confidence in its ability to face future challenges and opportunities. Looking ahead, IAG expects to maintain this growth trend and has announced an average capacity increase of 7%. For Iberia, an even greater increase of 14% is anticipated. This focus on increasing capacity responds to the expectation that demand will remain robust in the coming months, which is an encouraging sign for the aviation industry. IAG's CEO, Luis Gallego, has highlighted that these "solid" results and the initiation of shareholder remuneration are proof of the group's successful strategy. This underscores a focus not only on recovery but also on creating long-term value for shareholders, which is essential in the current context of the aviation sector. In conclusion, although IAG has experienced a marginal decrease in its net profit, the overall results for the first half of 2024 are encouraging. With growth in revenue, passengers transported, and a solid financial position, the company is well-positioned to face future challenges and seize opportunities in a recovering market.