International Airlines Group news – London-based International Airlines Group (IAG) Will Invest Up to €200 Million Over the Next Five Years

The potential investment is set to be one of the largest investments of its kind globally and the biggest by a European airline group. It reflects IAG’s commitment to using innovation to transform its businesses and create better customer experiences, increased operational efficiency and more
sustainable aviation.

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The investment approach will be one of financial discipline with data driven, strategic investments that create long term value for IAG’s businesses. IAG will pursue investments in companies across all global markets, focusing on businesses developing technologies that address the most pressing challenges faced by the aviation industry today.

Jorge Saco, IAG’s Chief Information, Procurement, Services and Innovation Officer, emphasised the company's commitment to leading the airline industry in innovation. He stated: “Adopting new technologies will improve our business and the value we generate, which is why we are seeking to work with and learn from top innovators through venturing. By launching venturing, alongside our accelerator programme, we plan to work with the best start-ups and scale-ups tackling today’s challenges."

IAG has been investing in technology-focused start-ups and scale-ups since 2017, with notable successes including Assaia, a company that specialises in optimising airport and airline operations using AI, i6, UK-based innovators using digital fuel management solutions to reduce operating costs and CO2 emissions and LanzaJet, who are developing cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel for commercial use in the UK.

IAGi Ventures will run in partnership with IAG’s accelerator programme which has been running since 2016. The Hangar51 accelerator programme will now be known as IAGi Accelerator, with applications for this year’s scheme launching later this month.

During the programme, companies design and run a proof of value to assess the potential of their solutions and work with experts across the Group to test their technology under operational conditions.

About International Airlines Group

International Airlines Group (IAG) is one of the world’s largest airline groups with 600+ aircraft carrying more than 122 million customers to 260 destinations across 91 countries each year. Its leading airlines in Spain, the UK and Ireland include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL and
Vueling.