British Airways and IBERIA tie the knot

British Airways PLC’s shareholders Monday voted overwhelmingly in favor of its £5.7 billion ($8.9 billion) merger with Spain’s Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana S.A. (IBERIA), the final step before the airlines become (Spanish registered) International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, or IAG, in the new year. The combined carrier will have more than 400 aircraft and serve over 250 destinations. Both airlines will retain their respective brands.

Meanwhile, British Airways’ UNITE cabin crew union, which has in the last twelve months taken 22 days of job actions against the carrier, prepares for a January strike vote.