OREANDA-NEWS. In September 2014, Group traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres increased by 8.5 per cent versus September 2013; Group capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres rose by 8.4 per cent.

Group premium traffic for the month of September increased by 7.6 per cent compared to the previous year.

On 22 September, IAG announced its decision to convert eight A330-200 options into firm orders for Iberia. These aircraft will be delivered between 2015 and 2018. This follows the announcement made in August on the Group's plans to acquire these aircraft either by converting existing options from the 2011 Airbus order or from the operating lease market. In addition, IAG has taken out options for a further ten A330s to provide fleet flexibility for the Group.

On 18 September, British Airways announced that it is to resume direct flights from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur in summer 2015. The airline has also added another three new routes to its Gatwick schedule. Funchal in Madeira, Seville and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria in Spain, will be operated from March 2015.

In September, Vueling and Qatar Airways reached an interline agreement. This partnership will contribute to increase Vueling's traffic by feeding Qatar Airways long haul flights from Barcelona and Rome-Fiumicino.