Name: Luis Gallego
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company, city: Iberia; Madrid, Spain
Number of employees: 16,000
Recent project: Iberia’s transformation began in 2012 when the airline was losing about $1 million per day. I joined in 2013 to help turn the company around. Today, with more than 30 initiatives in progress, we are focused on improving performance across the board and becoming the best in everything we do.
First job: I studied engineering and have been working in the aviation industry for 25 years.
Little-known fact about you: I don’t have many secrets — I’m a passionate supporter of Real Madrid Football Club.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years? The industry will continue to adopt new technologies and business models. Numerous startups are emerging with ideas that can improve efficiency, customer experience and operations. Airlines will take advantage of these opportunities to modernize processes and reduce costs while offering better services to travelers.
Best career advice you’ve received: Surround yourself with good people, trust them and take care of them. Strive to be the best at what you do.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Build relationships and align with others. Collaboration and open communication lead to better results — talk to people, learn from them and share your ideas.
Luis Gallego as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: During our transformation we had to suspend some routes. When we later reinstated one of those routes, I vividly remember the joy of arriving and seeing people excited and waiting for the flight’s return. That reaction reminded me of the value airlines bring to communities.
One travel tip you cannot live without: If your time on the ground is limited, make the most of the flight. Read, watch a film, enjoy a meal — use that time to rest and recharge.
Best advice for business travelers: Choose reliable, well-regarded carriers so you travel more comfortably and arrive relaxed and ready to work.
About Iberia
What can premium travelers expect from Iberia’s new Business Plus and Premium Economy cabins? Our Business Plus product is recognized among the best in the industry, featuring a lie-flat seat that provides nearly a seven-foot bed and generous width for comfort on long flights. Premium Economy offers a larger seat and screen, increased legroom, enhanced meal service and additional benefits on the ground. Both cabins are designed to give travelers a more comfortable and restful journey.
Tell our readers more about Iberia’s Airbus A350. Introducing the A350 marked a significant step forward. The aircraft brings modern technology and improved fuel efficiency, which benefits the environment and reduces operating costs. It is quieter, offers better cabin air quality and often shortens flight times, helping passengers arrive more relaxed. The Business Plus seats on the A350 are wider, enhancing comfort even further. To date we have received two A350s and have 40 more on order.
What can travelers anticipate from Iberia in 2019? We planned continued growth of roughly 6 percent annually through 2023 despite challenging conditions such as high fuel prices. Our investments focus on fleet renewal, cabin products and inflight connectivity. We also opened a new lounge in Madrid (MAD) and remain committed to becoming a best-in-class operation by improving punctuality, customer service and the overall travel experience.