LONDON - British Airways (BA) is optimistic that it could seal its merger with Spanish airline Iberia by the end of the year, according to chief executive Willie Walsh.
Walsh also said that a deal with Iberia would not preclude BA from making a bid for loss-making UK rival bmi, which controlling shareholder Lufthansa is keen to sell.
Merger talks between and Iberia have lasted for 14 months, but Walsh claimed that a new management team at the Spanish airline had made the merger more likely.
Analysts expect Walsh to become chief executive of the merged entity, with Iberia's chairman and chief executive Antonio Vazquez becoming chairman.
Join a growing community of media, marketing and advertising professionals today
Read exclusive registrant only articles
Read more articles each month
Sign up for free specialised news bulletins
Register NowGet unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Advertising Intelligence Market Reports.
Find out moreGet unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.
Upgrade accessGet the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.
Create an alert now
.jpg)
.jpg)