International Airlines Group secures further US$1.7bn in credit

 

International Airlines Group has signed a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks as the Covid-19 pandemic enters a second year in Europe. The total amount available under the facility is US$1.755 billion; and will be available for a period of three years plus two one-year extension periods at the discretion of the lenders.

The facility is available to Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia; each of whom has a separate borrower limit within the overall facility.

Amounts drawn would be secured against eligible unencumbered aircraft assets; and take-off and landing rights at both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports.

Simultaneous with entering into this new facility, British Airways has cancelled its US dollar facility that was due to expire on June 23rd; and which had $786 million undrawn and available at December 31st last year.

As a net result, total facilities at the group have increased by nearly €400 million; and their weighted average availability period has extended by at least 1.5 years compared to previously.

IAG continues to have strong liquidity with an estimated total as of March of €10.3 billion; comprised of €7.8 billion cash, cash equivalents and interest-bearing deposits, €1.7 billion undrawn general facilities; including today’s announced facility undrawn, and €0.8 billion committed aircraft financing facilities.