IAG has been removed from several of MSCI’s global equity indices after falling foul of the US index compiler’s rules on foreign ownership of shares. Its move came because of a decision by IAG to meet EU rules on ownership by capping the level of shares non-EU investors could hold in IAG at 47.5%. EU regulations stipulate that airlines must have a majority of shareholders based in the bloc in order for the airline to retain its flying rights. The change meant IAG fell short of MSCI index criteria known as “foreign room”, which sets out minimum thresholds for the amount of shares still available to foreign investors. Thanks to the cap, the number of non-EU shareholders in IAG had hit the maximum permitted amount and thus there were insufficient shares available to other non-EU investors. <br/>
oneworld
The leader of the largest flight attendant union is blasting the creation of a diversity and inclusion award funded by an airline that she says has a poor record on women’s rights and a “misogynist” CE. IATA announced Tuesday that it has launched the award with a sponsorship from Qatar Airways. Qatar will provide US$25,000 awards in each of 3 categories: Two are for women contestants and the third goes to an airline. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, took to Twitter Tuesday. She tweeted: “Seriously? At Qatar, Nelson tweeted: “No union rights. {Flight attendants} must apply to get married. Dismissed if pregnant. & CE says women could never be CE. Hypocrisy.” Nelson called the new awards “window dressing. <br/>
Japan Airlines is targeting to connect 500 destinations by the end of April 2020 by leveraging on its partnerships with other carriers, the airline disclosed in an update to its medium-term management plan. The 500 destinations target was listed among three key network expansion initiatives, which included preparing for “functional improvements at Haneda and Narita” airports, and continuing refinement of its various passenger brands to best serve their respective markets. The latter point includes planning for the launch of a new mid- and long-haul low-cost carrier, which was first raised in May 2018. That as-yet unnamed airline will complement Jetstar Japan, which will continue to focus on short- and mid-haul routes. <br/>