OREANDA-NEWS. On 5 November, IAG announced that it converted two Airbus 330-300 and two A330-200 longhaul aircraft options into firm orders for Aer Lingus and Iberia, respectively. Aer Lingus will receive its aircraft in 2016 while Iberia's aircraft will be delivered between 2017 and 2018. They will enable the airlines to expand their existing longhaul fleets. IAG also converted 15 Airbus 320neo options, announced in August 2013, into firm orders. The aircraft will be delivered between 2018 and 2021 and can be used by any airline in the Group for fleet replacement.

On 12 November, IAG successfully raised €1,000 million in two tranches of senior unsecured convertible bonds due in 2020 and 2022. The bonds were issued to fund IAG's acquisition of Aer Lingus and for general corporate purposes. They will accrue a fixed rate of interest of 0.25 per cent and 0.625 per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears for the 2020 and 2022 bonds, respectively. The conversion price of €13.8 per share represents a premium of approximately 62.5 per cent over the volume weighted average price of the shares on the London Stock Exchange in the period from launch to pricing.

On 17 November, Aer Lingus announced it will re-launch its loyalty programme in partnership with Avios in spring 2016. 'AerClub' members will collect Avios via flights and other partners as well as offering an enhanced choice of travel and leisure rewards.