International Airlines Regulatory News (IAG)

Full year results announcement

International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) today (February 24, 2017) presented Group consolidated results for the year to December 31, 2016.

IAG period highlights on results:

• Fourth quarter operating profit €620 million before exceptional items (2015: €530 million)

• Net foreign exchange operating profit impact for the quarter adverse €88 million

• Passenger unit revenue for the quarter down 12.7 per cent, down 4.3 per cent at constant currency

• Non-fuel unit costs before exceptional items for the quarter down 8.8 per cent, down 0.8 per cent at constant currency

• Fuel unit costs before exceptional items for the quarter down 26.6 per cent, down 21.0 per cent at constant currency

• Operating profit before exceptional items for the year to December 31, 2016 of €2,535 million (2015: €2,335 million), up 8.6 per cent

• Net foreign exchange operating profit impact for the year adverse €460 million

• Revenue for the year down 1.3 per cent to €22,567 million and passenger unit revenue for the year down 5.4 per cent at constant currency

• Fuel unit costs for the year before exceptional items down 26.8 per cent, down 25.8 per cent at constant currency

• Non-fuel unit costs for the year before exceptional items down 4.1 per cent and up 0.5 per cent at constant currency

• Cash of €6,428 million at December 31, 2016 was up €572 million on 2015 year end

• Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR improved 0.1 to 1.8 times

• Profit after tax €1,952 million up 28.8 per cent, and diluted earnings per share up 25.7 per cent

Performance summary:

1. 2016 includes a proposed final dividend of 12.5 € cents per share, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting.

2. Definition included in Alternative performance measures section.

Willie Walsh, IAG Chief Executive Officer, said:

"In the quarter, we made an operating profit before exceptional items of €620 million, up from a €530 million operating profit last year, with an improvement of our underlying passenger revenue trend.

"For the full year, it was a good performance in a challenging environment with an operating profit of €2,535 million before exceptional items, up 8.6 per cent versus last year.

"Our performance was affected by an adverse currency impact of €460 million. In particular, this was due to the weak pound following the UK's EU referendum. However, despite that, we've made good progress and continue to build on all we've achieved in our first five years.

"In 2016, we carried more than 100 million passengers - double the number British Airways and Iberia carried in 2010, a year before IAG was created.

"We're committed to providing a sustainable dividend for our shareholders and are pleased to confirm that the Board is proposing a final dividend of 12.5 euro cents per share. This brings the full year dividend to 23.5 euro cents per share, subject to shareholder approval at our AGM in June.

"Also today we're announcing that we intend to carry out a share buyback of €500 million during the course of 2017 which may be implemented through one or more share buyback programmes. We have great confidence in IAG's future prospects and are increasing cash returns to our shareholders."

Trading outlook

At current fuel prices and exchange rates, IAG expects its operating profit for 2017 to show an improvement year-on-year.

This announcement contains inside information and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.

Enrique Dupuy, Chief Financial Officer, (responsible for arranging the release of this announcement).

Forward-looking statements:

Certain statements included in this report are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "expects", "may", "will", "could", "should", "intends", "plans", "predicts", "envisages" or "anticipates" and include, without limitation, any projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions of International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiary undertakings from time to time (the 'Group'), as well as plans and objectives for future operations, expected future revenues, financing plans, expected expenditures and divestments relating to the Group and discussions of the Group's Business plan. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information known to the Group on the date of this report. The Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the forward-looking statements in this report to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of an airline operating in the global economy. Further information on the primary risks of the business and the risk management process of the Group is given in the Annual Report and Accounts 2015; these documents are available on www.iagshares.com.

IAG Investor Relations

Waterside (HAA2),

PO Box 365,

Harmondsworth,

Middlesex,

UB7 0GB

Tel: +44 (0)208 564 2900

Investor.relations@iairgroup.com

Consolidated income statement

1 The prior year consolidated Income statement includes reclassifications to conform to the current year presentation. Refer to note 2 for further details.

2 Financial ratios are before exceptional items.

Consolidated income statement

1 The prior year consolidated Income statement includes reclassifications to conform to the current year presentation.

2 Financial ratios are before exceptional items.

Financial review

IATA market growths

The air travel industry had another strong year reporting an increase in demand. There was an upward trend in the latter part of the year following the headwinds in the first six months with terrorist attacks and political instability. Average fares fell benefitting from the lower fuel environment.

Overall capacity increased 6.2 per cent and the fastest growing regions were the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia, with passenger load factors down on the Middle East. North America saw the highest load factor, although it was down 0.4 points. Overall passenger load factor improved 0.1 points to 80.5 per cent.

IATA market growths

IAG capacity

In 2016, IAG increased capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs) by 4.3 per cent including Aer Lingus from January 1st in the base. With the exception of Africa, Middle East and South Asia, IAG capacity was increased across all regions, reflecting continued expansion at Vueling and Aer Lingus; restoration of routes as part of Iberia'sPlan de Futuro; and new destinations and larger aircraft at British Airways.

IAG passenger load factor was 81.6 per cent which was higher than the IATA average and broadly flat versus last year.

Market segments

Our Domestic and European passenger load factors improved in both regions, but remain lower than the European average reported by IATA. The Group launched 74 new intra-European routes, including London-Inverness, Madrid-Marseille, Paris-Venice and Dublin-Florence.

IAG capacity

North America continued to represent the largest part of the IAG network at almost 30 per cent, with a strong passenger load factor, although down slightly, at 83 per cent. Capacity was increased through Aer Lingus' expansion with three new routes to Los Angeles, Newark, New Jersey and Hartford, Connecticut. British Airways also launched routes to San Jose, California and to New York JFK from London Gatwick.

Latin America and Caribbean capacity was broadly flat. British Airways launched two new destinations Lima, Peru and San Jose, Costa Rica, while Iberia reintroduced its service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Passenger load factor in this region was flat and was two points ahead of the industry average.

IAG decreased its capacity to Africa, Middle East and South Asia due to weaker demand resulting from geopolitical issues. Flying was reduced this year to Angola, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Uganda. Other decreases resulted from the full year impact of reductions made last year to Entebbe, Senegal and Gambia. Additional capacity was deployed to South Africa with Iberia reintroducing Johannesburg and British Airways launching a Cape Town route from London Gatwick. Passenger load factor improved 0.9 points.

In Asia Pacific, the capacity increase was driven by the full year impact of the network and aircraft changes made by British Airways last year on Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Haneda. In 2016, Iberia launched its new service to Tokyo and Shanghai. Passenger load factors increased to 82.5 per cent, one of the highest regions on the IAG network.

Acquisitions

The 2016 Group performance includes Aer Lingus for the full year. Aer Lingus was acquired on August 18, 2015, therefore the Group's 2015 comparator performance only includes Aer Lingus since the acquisition date. Metrics reported as on a like-for-like basis include Aer Lingus for the full year in the base.

Exchange impact before exceptional items

Exchange rate movements are calculated by retranslating current year results as though they had been generated at prior year exchange rates. The reported results are impacted by translation currency from converting results from currencies other than euro to the Group's reporting currency of euro, primarily British Airways and Avios. From a transaction perspective, the Group performance is impacted by the fluctuation of exchange rates, primarily exposure to the pound sterling, euro and US dollar. The Group exchange rates used and the estimated impact of translation and transaction exchange rates on operating profit before exceptional items are set out as follows. At constant currency, the Group's operating profit before exceptional items would have been €2,995 million, €460 million higher than the reported result.

The Group hedges its transaction exposures but not any potential impact from translation.

Revenue

Passenger revenue

On a reported basis, passenger revenue for the Group was down 2.0 per cent, with 5.6 points of adverse currency, while capacity was increased 9.4 per cent. At constant currency ('ccy'), passenger unit revenue (passenger revenue per ASK) decreased 5.4 per cent from lower yields (passenger revenue/ revenue passenger kilometre) with a small, 0.2 point, increase in load factor. Including Aer Lingus results from January 1, 2015, on a like-for-like basis, passenger unit revenue decreased 5.6 per cent.

In the first half of 2016 yields decreased with demand impacted by the increased frequency of terrorist attacks (Paris, Brussels, and Nice) and from fare pressure driven by a low fuel commodity price environment. Lower fuel prices impacted oil related routes and stimulated industry capacity growth, creating areas of demand weakness, particularly across Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Revenue performance across the Group was strongest in the Domestic and European markets.

The economic weakness in Latin America, together with industry capacity growth in North America has had an impact on Iberia and British Airways' year over year passenger unit revenue performance. Aer Lingus continued its expansion into North America through Dublin leveraging the strength of its shorthaul network.

The summer period saw British Airways revenue performance impacted by the UK's referendum vote to leave the EU, creating economic uncertainty leading up to and following the vote. Summer also saw a high level of air traffic control industrial action in Europe which contributed to significant temporary operational disruption at Vueling. The Vueling operational performance recovered and stabilised in the fourth quarter.

In summary, the revenue environment has been challenging in 2016, and although passenger unit revenues remain down versus last year, the end of the period saw an improvement in trend. Despite the lower fares, the Group's operating margin improved with the benefit of a reduction in fuel cost.

Together, the Group carried over 100 million passengers, an increase of 12 million from 2015, with passenger load factor improvement across three of the four carriers.

Cargo revenue

The competitive trading environment for the airfreight industry continued into 2016. Global supply from freighter and new generation passenger fleets have continued to outstrip demand for general freight. Cargo volume measured in tonne kilometres (CTK) increased by 3.0 per cent with a reduction in yield of 9.3 per cent at ccy. IAG Cargo continue to focus on premium product growth and has been able to grow its revenue share of the market this year despite the industry challenges. IAG Cargo also integrated Aer Lingus to add breadth to its network and allow access to new products such as its industry leading constant climate product.

Other revenue

Other revenue includes the BA Holidays programme, Avios product redemption and third party point sales, maintenance and handling activity. Other revenue rose 13.0 per cent, from an increase in activity at BA Holidays and from higher third party maintenance business at Iberia. The MRO business performed more heavy maintenance overhauls in 2016 versus 2015. Avios revenues increased reflecting additional points sold to finance partners and from higher product redemptions.

Total revenue for the Group reduced 1.3 per cent (or 5.8 per cent on a like for like basis), impacted by weaker sterling and from decreases in passenger and cargo revenues due to lower yields. This was partially offset by improvements in Other revenue related to the Group's non-airline businesses.

Expenditure before exceptional items

Employee costs

On a reported basis, employee costs for the Group were down 3.5 per cent, 6.9 points at ccy. On a unit basis and at ccy, employee unit costs improved 5.5 per cent.

Employee unit costs improved at British Airways and Iberia due to lower variable pay from not achieving performance targets and from efficiency initiatives, offsetting wage increases. Aer Lingus reported a strong employee unit cost performance versus last year driven by productivity improvements. Its ASKs increased 9.6 per cent with broadly the same number of MPEs (measured in average manpower equivalent 'MPE') as last year. Some of the efficiencies were achieved at Dublin station and through the use of seasonal crew. For the Group, productivity also increased 5.1 per cent, with improvements at each airline, with the exception of Vueling. Versus last year, Vueling's MPEs increased significantly, while productivity and employee unit costs were affected by the operational disruption. The performance also reflects the impact of the new EU flight time limitation regulations, shifting certain activities from contracted to internal and strengthening of the existing workforce.

Overall productivity improved while the Group employed 4.1 per cent more employees than last year (or 0.1 per cent on a like for like basis) with an average of 63,387 people.

Fuel, oil and emissions costs

Total fuel costs for the year decreased by 19.9 per cent. At ccy, and on a unit basis fuel costs are down 25.8 per cent from lower fuel prices, net of hedging and from improved unit consumption. The foreign exchange transaction impact on fuel costs net of hedging was adverse c. 6 percentage points for the Group, reflecting the stronger US dollar against the pound sterling and euro. Unit consumption improved c. 2.5 percentage points with new generation aircraft and more efficient operational procedures.

Supplier costs

Total supplier costs for the year increased by 10.7 per cent. At ccy and on a unit basis, supplier costs rose 4.8 per cent. In 2016 the Group's non-ASK businesses, such as MRO, BA Holidays and Avios grew, increasing supplier costs, in particular Handling, catering and other operating costs and Engineering and other aircraft costs with a corresponding increase in Other revenue.

Excluding the additional costs related to the non-airline activity, supplier unit cost increased 2.8 per cent reflecting a mixed performance across the airlines and by cost categories. British Airways' airline supplier unit costs at ccy are up, reflecting one-time engineering benefits in 2015 not repeated this year and loss of sub-leased rentals. Iberia airline supplier unit cost at ccy decreased from a reduction in selling costs from lower commissions paid and from airport discounts. Vueling supplier unit costs are adverse reflecting higher compensation costs related to operational disruption and from one-time engineering benefits in the base. Aer Lingus had a strong supplier unit cost performance with efficient growth and a number of cost saving initiatives.

By supplier cost category:

Handling, catering and other operating costs rose 12.6 per cent at ccy. This increase is due to additional BA Holiday activity (c.3 points), 14 per cent more passengers carried, and from higher EU compensation claims, including the cost related to the operational disruption at Vueling. These factors were partially offset by improvements such as cleaning services and ground handling costs.

Landing fees and en-route charges were higher by 17.7 per cent excluding currency impacts. The increase reflects a twelve point impact from Aer Lingus, which is in excess of its ASK contribution, due to a shorter stage length. The remaining variance is from additional flying hours, with sectors flown up 7.3 per cent.

Engineering and other aircraft costs were up 19.2 per cent excluding currency impacts reflecting additional MRO activity (c.7 points). Maintenance costs increased from volume with more aircraft and higher flying hours, up 10.7 per cent. They also increased from the timing of the recognition of provisions linked to the Group's shift to pay as you go maintenance contracts.

Property, IT and other costs are up 21.7 per cent excluding currency, of which 5 points relates to the full year impact of Aer Lingus. The remaining increase primarily reflects lost sub-leased revenue following a new agreement for terminal 7 at JFK airport.

Selling costs increased 2.4 per cent excluding currency. Additional costs were incurred related to higher passenger numbers and from initiatives in new markets, offset by lower commissions paid.

Overall supplier unit cost performance reflected an upward trend from higher compensation claims and the continued shift towards maintenance contracts linked to flying hours, partially offset by the Group's structural initiatives aimed to improve efficiency.

Ownership costs

The Group's ownership costs were up 4.1 per cent, with 4.1 points of adverse currency. In 2016, depreciation costs increased from higher IT charges as the renewal of technology replaced fully depreciated assets, including the British Airways new check in and departure control system. The current year charge also reflects a partial impairment of British Airways' Openskies operation in France, the full year impact of owning Aer Lingus, and accelerated depreciation of Iberia's Airbus A340-300s in 2015. Operating lease costs rose at Aer Lingus, British Airways and Vueling, partially offset by a reduction from a tax court ruling in Iberia. The Group had 32 additional leased aircraft compared to the same period last year partially due to fleet renewal with 13 less owned aircraft.

Total operating costs decreased 2.4 per cent (or 6.9 per cent on a like for like basis) impacted by the weaker sterling - reducing our euro cost base, from lower fuel commodity prices and through management cost initiatives. These were partially offset by supplier inflationary increases and from higher activity. Total unit costs decreased by 7.3 per cent excluding currency.

Operating profit

The Group's operating profit, before exceptional items, for the year was €2,535 million, a €200 million improvement from last year. This increase reflects the Group's drive towards achieving a competitive cost base with improved productivity and non-fuel cost savings. These positive results have been reached in a challenging macroeconomic environment with €460 million adverse currency impact, reducing passenger unit revenues but improving total unit costs. The Group's adjusted operating margin improved 1.2 points to 12.3 per cent.

Financial performance by Brand

British Airways operating profit was £1,473 million, excluding exceptional items, an improvement of £223 million over the prior year on a capacity increase of 2.6 per cent. British Airways' home market environment was impacted by the UK's referendum vote to leave the EU with significant volatility in its primary currency and from weaker demand surrounding the vote. The devaluation of sterling benefitted British Airways' revenues in sterling terms while it was adverse on the cost base. Passenger revenue increased for the year, as did BA Holidays revenue reflecting continued growth.

British Airways launched Plan4 this year to streamline and simplify its operations and its head office function, this included recognising an exceptional charge for the year of £124 million. In 2016 cost savings have been achieved with efficiency gains in employee and operational costs.

Overall, British Airways' adjusted operating margin improved 1.9 points to 13.3 per cent.

*For comparative purposes, the 2015 base has been restated to exclude British Airways' share of Avios profits.

For the full year, Aer Lingus operating profit was €233 million, an improvement of €109 million over last year on a like for like basis. Capacity was increased 9.6 per cent with the introduction of two additional Airbus A330s to support Aer Lingus' longhaul expansion, including new destinations such as Los Angeles and Newark.

Following on from the growth and facing significant industry pressure, passenger yields were down. The increase in operating profit reflects the benefit of a lower fuel price environment and cost savings, partially offset by the revenue weakness.

Aer Lingus' cost savings were achieved through efficient growth with higher productivity and from supplier and ownership initiatives leveraged through IAG. This included areas such as catering, cleaning, maintenance, ground handling and aircraft lease extension negotiations.

Aer Lingus, adjusted operating margin increased 5.9 points to 14.9 per cent. This performance reflects a turnaround from prior years, creating a competitive cost base and positioning itself to continue on its growth strategy.

Operating profit and loss performance of operating companies

Iberia's operating profit was €271 million, up €49 million versus last year, achieving an adjusted operating margin of 7.6 per cent. Capacity for the year was up 4.0 per cent, on decreasing passenger unit revenues, impacted by capacity imbalance in longhaul, particularly in parts of Latin America and to a lesser degree in North America. Spain and the rest of Europe remain a challenging environment, while Iberia's revenue performance was relatively stable.

In 2016, Iberia's MRO business increased its external revenues by approximately €100 million while continuing to provide services to other Group companies.

On the cost side, airline non-fuel unit costs improved through higher productivity and from supplier initiatives, in particular efficiencies in IT and lower selling costs.

Iberia is continuing on its transformation journey with a focus on improving profitability in its strategic markets and the launch of the Plan de Futuro II.

*For comparative purposes, the 2015 base has been restated to exclude Iberia's share of Avios profits.

Vueling's operating profit was €60 million with an adjusted operating margin of 6.7 per cent, down 5.1 points versus last year. 2016 was a difficult year with significant Air traffic control industrial action impacting Vueling's network operations. This high level of industrial action coupled with existing stretch in Vueling's resources, due in part to the rate of growth and in part to time of year (the summer peak period), led to significant customer disruption. The issues were addressed through contingency plans and temporary resources.

Vueling's underlying unit revenue performance, although down, was amongst the strongest in the Group.

Vueling's non-fuel unit cost performance reflects higher compensation and employee costs, in part from disruption, but also from the new EU Flight time legislation.

The Vueling NEXT programme will build a stronger platform to support its future growth.

Operating profit and loss performance of operating companies

Exceptional items

For a full list of exceptional items, refer to note 5 of the Financial statements. Below is a summary of the significant exceptional items recorded.

In 2016, net exceptional charges at the operating profit level were €51 million (2015: €17 million). The net exceptional charge included in Employee costs relate to items at British Airways. In 2016, changes to the US Post-Retirement Medical Benefits were made to align with national trends in the US resulting in a credit of €51 million which has been offset by a €144 million restructuring charge related to initiatives developed to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness. The exceptional item in Fuel, oil and emissions in 2016 and 2015 reflects the impact of recording Aer Lingus fuel cost at the hedged price in the pre-exceptional column, rather than at spot price in the reported column.

In 2015, exceptional charges in Property, IT and other relate to Aer Lingus acquisition costs of €33 million and a legal settlement at British Airways.

Non-operating costs and taxation

Net non-operating costs after exceptional items were €122 million, down from €517 million last year. The improvements are non-recurring, reflecting a:

• €230 million positive swing in partially unrealised gains from losses on derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting; and

• €105 million improvement in profit or loss on the sale of property plant, equipment and investments. The Group recognised a gain on the sale and lease back of Airbus A319s and Boeing 787s in 2016, versus a loss on disposal of the Boeing 737s last year.

The great majority of the Group's activities are taxed in the countries of effective management of the main airline operations (UK, Spain or Ireland, with corporation tax rates during 2016 of 20 per cent, 25 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively). The Group's effective tax rate for the year is 19.6 per cent (2015: 20 per cent).

Although the Group continues to offset prior year tax losses and other tax assets against its current year taxable profit, in 2016 the Group paid corporation taxes of €318 million (2015: €245 million). This represents 13.5 per cent (2015: 13.6 per cent) of the Group's accounting profit before tax.

Profit after tax and Earnings per share (EPS)

Profit after tax before exceptional items was €1,990 million, up 29.3 per cent. The increase reflects a solid operating profit performance in a challenging environment. Diluted earnings per share before exceptional items is one of our key performance indicators and increased by 26.3 per cent.

Dividends

The Board is proposing a final dividend to shareholders of 12.5 euro cents, which brings the full year dividend to 23.5 euro cents. The final dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to shareholders on the register on the record date.

Dividend policy statement

In determining the level of dividend in any year, the Board considers a number of factors, including:

• Earnings of the Group

• On-going cash requirements and prospects of the Group and its operating companies

• Levels of distributable reserves by operating company and efficiency of upstreaming options

• Dividend coverage and

• Its intention, to distribute regular returns to its shareholders in the medium and long term.

The Company received distributions from each of the four airlines in 2016, although due to accumulated losses in certain companies they were not all distributable. Distributions may also be restricted by certain matching principles associated with the Group's pension schemes, see note 32 of the Financial statements.

Notwithstanding these factors, the Company's distributable reserves position was strong, with €6.1 billion available at December 31, 2016.

Liquidity and capital risk management

IAG's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, to maintain an optimal capital structure in order to reduce the cost of capital and to provide future returns to shareholders.

The Group monitors capital using adjusted gearing, adjusted net debt to EBITDAR and liquidity.

In 2016, the Group's financial headroom increased as adjusted net debt to EBITDAR decreased to 1.8 from 1.9 in 2015.

Adjusted net debt reduced to €8,159 million and adjusted gearing improved 3 points to 51 per cent for the period from higher profit after tax.

The Group's equity free cash flow improved €574 million in 2016 due to the increase in EBITDAR and EBITDA before exceptional items with a stronger operating result and from lower net capital expenditure ('CAPEX') spend. The EBITDAR improvement brings the Group closer to its average long term planning goal of c.€5.3 billion on average per annum.

Overall, the Group generated sufficient equity free cash flow in 2016 to support the recommendation of an interim and final cash dividend of €498 million for its shareholders with cash coverage of 4.1 times (2015: 2.8 times).

In February 2017, the Group also announced its intention to carry out a share buyback programme as part of its corporate finance strategy to return cash to shareholders while reinvesting in the business and managing leverage. The programme will be €500 million, carried out during the course of 2017 and may be implemented through one or more share buyback programmes.

Cash flow

In 2016, the Groupnet CAPEX included delivery of 11 new aircraft, two Airbus A380s, two Boeing 787-9s, four Airbus A330s, and three aircraft from the Airbus A320 family. This capital expenditure has been partially offset by €1,582 million of proceeds from the sale and leaseback of 26 new aircraft (nine Airbus A321 family, eight Airbus A330 family and nine Boeing 787-9s). The Group also received proceeds for the sale and leaseback of 12 of its owned Airbus A319s, which were divested to reduce any residual value risk.

In comparison, 2015 deliveries included nine new aircraft, two Airbus A380s, five Boeing B787-9s, one Airbus A320 and one Embraer E-190. In 2015 the Group sale and leaseback was €111 million. The current year net CAPEX of €1,301 million is below the Group's long term planning goal of an average of €1,700 million per annum.

Movements in Working capital generated a €235 million increase in free cash flow primarily related to an increase in sales in advance of carriage. In 2015, the significant use of cash through working capital reflects higher prepayments including fuel, a reduction in payables primarily with lower fuel prices, and the addition of Aer Lingus from August 18, 2015.

Pension and restructuring payments are higher at British Airways due to an increase in cash sweep of €403 million and from a low base with some of the 2015 payment made in 2014.

In 2015, the acquisition of Aer Lingus net of its cash and deposits was a cash outflow of €438 million.

In 2016, the cash Dividend paid reflects the 2015 final dividend and the 2016 interim dividend. In 2015, the cash dividend was only the 2015 interim dividend, the Group's first dividend payment.

Net financing and refinancing are discussed on the next page.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Group's cash in flow for the year was €1,046 million and after net foreign exchange differences, the increase in cash net of exchange was €572 million. Adequate cash levels are maintained by each operating company.

Net debt, adjusted net debt and adjusted gearing

Net debt

Net debt at December 31, 2016 was €2,087 million, a reduction of €687 million in the year from the stronger cash position.

Net debt from regular financing activities increased €187 million, with new borrowings slightly exceeding the current year's regular debt and lease repayments. The level of 2016 new borrowings and finance leases reflected the timing of fleet deliveries for the Group.

In 2015, the Group's Net debt through acquisition was €507 million from the addition of Aer Lingus. The improvement reflected Aer Lingus' strong cash position and mix of operating versus financing leases. Also related to the 2015 Aer Lingus acquisition, IAG launched two tranches of convertible bonds totalling €1 billion.

Capitalised aircraft lease costs rose during the year from the full year impact of Aer Lingus and from an increase in leased aircraft at British Airways as part of the regular fleet renewal programme.

Capital commitments and off balance sheet arrangements

Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for amounted to €14,022 million (2015: €16,091 million) for the Group. The majority of this is in US dollars and includes commitments until 2022 for 106 aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, 18 Boeing 787s, 43 Airbus A350s, and 5 Airbus A330s.

Expected fleet deliveries in each of 2017 and 2022 is nine aircraft, compared to an average of 38 aircraft for each of 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The expected net capital expenditure by year follows the pattern of the fleet deliveries. Overall, the Group maintains flexibility in its fleet plans through the use of deferrals, options and its renewal terms.

IAG does not have any other off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Strategic framework

Our mission is to be the leading international airline Group. This means we will:

• Win the customer through service and value across our global network;

• Deliver higher returns to our shareholders through leveraging cost and revenue opportunities across the Group;

• Attract and develop the best people in the industry;

• Provide a platform for quality international airlines, leaders in their markets, to participate in consolidation; and

• Retain the distinct cultures and brands of individual airlines.

By accomplishing our mission, IAG will help to shape the future of the industry, set new standards of excellence and provide sustainability, security and growth.

IAG's six core strategic objectives are:

• Leadership in IAG's main cities;

• Leadership across the Atlantic;

• Stronger Europe-to-Asia position in critical markets;

• Grow share of Europe-to-Africa routes;

• Stronger intra-Europe profitability; and

• Competitive cost positions across our businesses.

Principal risks and uncertainties

During the year we have continued to strengthen our risk framework and processes to identify, assess and manage risks. The principal risks and uncertainties affecting us, detailed on pages 47 to 54 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2015, remain relevant. The Group faced a number of changes in economic conditions in 2016 including the impact of the UK referendum vote to exit the EU and adverse exchange rates, partially offset by lower fuel prices. There is continued uncertainty as we move into 2017 with upward pressure on fuel price and the changing political landscape. We have also seen an increase in the risk of financial loss, disruption or damage to our reputation as the frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks on corporates continues.

International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A.

Unaudited Full year Consolidated Financial Statements

January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016

Consolidated income statement

1 The prior year consolidated Income statement includes reclassifications to conform to the current year presentation. Refer to note 2 for further details.

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income

Items in the consolidated Statement of other comprehensive income above are disclosed net of tax.

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated cash flow statement

At December 31, 2016 Aer Lingus held €47 million of restricted cash (2015: €49 million) within interest-bearing deposits maturing after more than three months to be used for employee related obligations.

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year to December 31, 2016

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year to December 31, 2015

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1 Background and general information

International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (hereinafter 'International Airlines Group', 'IAG' or the 'Group') is a leading European airline group, formed to hold the interests of airline and ancillary operations. IAG is a Spanish company registered in Madrid and was incorporated on April 8, 2010. On January 21, 2011 British Airways Plc and Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España S.A. Operadora (hereinafter 'British Airways' and 'Iberia' respectively) completed a merger transaction becoming the first two airlines of the Group. Vueling Airlines S.A. ('Vueling') was acquired on April 26, 2013, and Aer Lingus Group Plc ('Aer Lingus') on August 18, 2015.

IAG shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities and also on the stock exchanges of Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia (the 'Spanish Stock Exchanges'), through the Spanish Stock Exchanges Interconnection System (Mercado Continuo Español).

2 Significant accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements herein are not the Group's statutory accounts and are unaudited. The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed by the European Union (IFRSs as endorsed by the EU). The consolidated financial statements are rounded to the nearest million unless otherwise stated. These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost convention except for certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments and available-for-sale financial assets that are measured at fair value. The carrying value of recognised assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value hedges are adjusted to record changes in the fair values attributable to the risks that are being hedged. The financial statements for the prior year include reclassifications that were made to conform to the current year presentation. The amendments have no material impact on the financial statements.

The Group's financial statements for the year to December 31, 2016 were authorised for issue, and approved by the Board of Directors on February 23, 2017.

The Directors have considered the business activities, the Group's principal risks and uncertainties, and the Group's financial position, including cash flows, liquidity position and available committed facilities. The Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to remain in operation for the foreseeable future and have therefore continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Consolidation

The Group financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, each made up to December 31, together with the attributable share of results and reserves of associates and joint ventures, adjusted where appropriate to conform to the Group's accounting policies.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, which is the date on which the Group obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Control exists when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration paid is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Non-controlling interests represent the portion of profit or loss and net assets in subsidiaries that are not held by the Group and are presented separately within equity in the consolidated Balance sheet. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through the Income statement.

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

All intra-group account balances, including intra-group profits, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Segmental reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with how resource allocation decisions are made by the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for resource allocation and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the IAG Management Committee.

Foreign currency translation

a Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the functional currency, being the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. In particular, British Airways and Avios have a functional currency of pound sterling. The Group's consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the Group's presentation currency.

b Transactions and balances

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency using the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. Monetary foreign currency balances are translated into the functional currency at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at balance sheet exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income statement, except where hedge accounting is applied. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities classified as non-current on the Balance sheet are recognised within 'Net currency retranslation charges' in the Income statement. All other gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities are recognised in operating profit.

c Group companies

The net assets of foreign operations are translated into euros at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Profits and losses of such operations are translated into euros at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting exchange differences are taken directly to a separate component of equity until all or part of the interest is sold, when the relevant portion of the cumulative exchange difference is recognised in the Income statement.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is held at cost. The Group has a policy of not revaluing property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost less the estimated residual value on a straight-line basis, over the economic life of the asset. Residual values, where applicable, are reviewed annually against prevailing market values for equivalently aged assets and depreciation rates adjusted accordingly on a prospective basis.

a Capitalisation of interest on progress payments

Interest attributed to progress payments, and related exchange movements on foreign currency amounts, made on account of aircraft and other qualifying assets under construction are capitalised and added to the cost of the asset concerned.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the Income statement in the year in which they are incurred.

b Fleet

All aircraft are stated at the fair value of the consideration given after taking account of manufacturers' credits. Fleet assets owned or held on finance leases are depreciated at rates calculated to write down the cost to the estimated residual value at the end of their planned operational lives on a straight-line basis. Depreciation rates are specific to aircraft type, based on the Group's fleet plans, within overall parameters of 23 years and 5 per cent residual value for shorthaul aircraft and 25 years and 5 per cent residual value for longhaul aircraft.

Cabin interior modifications, including those required for brand changes and relaunches, are depreciated over the lower of five years and the remaining life of the aircraft.

Aircraft and engine spares acquired on the introduction or expansion of a fleet, as well as rotable spares purchased separately, are carried as property, plant and equipment and generally depreciated in line with the fleet to which they relate.

Major overhaul expenditure, including replacement spares and labour costs, is capitalised and amortised over the average expected life between major overhauls. All other replacement spares and other costs relating to maintenance of fleet assets (including maintenance provided under 'pay-as-you-go' contracts) are charged to the Income statement on consumption or as incurred respectively.

c Other property, plant and equipment

Provision is made for the depreciation of all property, plant and equipment. Property, with the exception of freehold land, is depreciated over its expected useful life over periods not exceeding 50 years, or in the case of leasehold properties, over the duration of the lease if shorter, on a straight-line basis. Equipment is depreciated over periods ranging from 4 to 20 years.

d Leased assets

Where assets are financed through finance leases, under which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the Group, the assets are treated as if they had been purchased outright. The amount included in the cost of property, plant and equipment represents the aggregate of the capital elements payable during the lease term. The corresponding obligation, reduced by the appropriate proportion of lease payments made, is included in borrowings.

The amount included in the cost of property, plant and equipment is depreciated on the basis described in the preceding paragraphs on fleet and the interest element of lease payments made is included as an interest expense in the Income statement.

Total minimum payments, measured at inception, under all other lease arrangements, known as operating leases, are charged to the Income statement in equal annual amounts over the period of the lease. In respect of aircraft, certain operating lease arrangements allow the Group to terminate the leases after a limited initial period, without further material financial obligations. In certain cases the Group is entitled to extend the initial lease period on predetermined terms; such leases are described as extendable operating leases.

Intangible assets

a Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and represents the excess of the consideration paid over the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree. Where the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree is in excess of the consideration paid, a gain on bargain purchase is recognised immediately in the Income statement.

For the purposes of assessing impairment, goodwill is grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and whenever indicators exist that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

b Brands

Brands arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are initially recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Long established brands that are expected to be used indefinitely are not amortised but assessed annually for impairment.

c Customer loyalty programmes

Customer loyalty programmes arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are initially recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. A customer loyalty programme with an expected useful life is amortised over the expected remaining useful life. Established customer loyalty programmes that are expected to be used indefinitely are not amortised but assessed annually for impairment.

d Landing rights

Landing rights acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Landing rights acquired from other airlines are capitalised at cost.

Capitalised landing rights based outside the EU are amortised on a straight-line basis over a period not exceeding 20 years. Capitalised landing rights based within the EU are not amortised, as regulations provide that these landing rights are perpetual.

e Contract based intangibles

Contract based intangibles acquired in a business combination are recognised initially at fair value at the acquisition date and amortised over the remaining life of the contract.

f Software

The cost to purchase or develop computer software that is separable from an item of related hardware is capitalised separately and amortised on a straight-line basis generally over a period not exceeding five years, with certain specific software developments amortised over a period of up to 10 years.

g Emissions allowances

Purchased emissions allowances are recognised at cost. Emissions allowances are not revalued or amortised but are tested for impairment whenever indicators exist that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the value by which the asset's carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less cost to sell and value-in-use. Non-financial assets other than goodwill that were subject to an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

a Property, plant and equipment

The carrying value is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable and the cumulative impairment losses are shown as a reduction in the carrying value of property, plant and equipment.

b Intangible assets

Intangible assets are held at cost and are either amortised on a straight-line basis over their economic life, or they are deemed to have an indefinite economic life and are not amortised. Indefinite life intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Investments in associates and joint ventures

An associate is an undertaking in which the Group has a long-term equity interest and over which it has the power to exercise significant influence. Where the Group cannot exercise control over an entity in which it has a shareholding greater than 51 per cent, the equity interest is treated as an associated undertaking.

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The considerations made in determining significant influence or joint control are similar to those necessary to determine control over subsidiaries. The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangement and determined it to be a joint venture.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, and initially recognised at cost. The Group's interest in the net assets of associates and joint ventures is included in Investments accounted for using the equity method in the Balance sheet and its interest in their results is included in the Income statement, below operating result. The attributable results of those companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included for the periods of ownership.

Financial instruments

a Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets including listed and unlisted investments, excluding interests in associates. After initial recognition, available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in Other comprehensive income until the investment is sold or becomes impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously reported in equity is recognised in the Income statement.

The fair value of quoted investments is determined by reference to bid prices at the close of business on the balance sheet date. Where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. Where fair value cannot be reliably estimated, assets are carried at cost.

b Other interest-bearing deposits

Other interest-bearing deposits, principally comprising funds held with banks and other financial institutions, are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

c Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

Derivative financial instruments, comprising interest rate swap agreements, foreign exchange derivatives and fuel hedging derivatives (including options, swaps and futures) are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss arising from remeasurement depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged (as detailed below under cash flow hedges). The gains or losses related to derivatives not used as effective hedging instruments are recognised in the Income statement.

Exchange gains and losses on monetary investments are taken to the Income statement unless the item has been designated and is assessed as an effective hedging instrument. Exchange gains and losses on non-monetary investments are reflected in equity until the investment is sold when the cumulative amount recognised in equity is recognised in the Income statement.

Long-term borrowings are recorded at amortised cost, including leases which contain interest rate swaps that are closely related to the underlying financing and as such are not accounted for as an embedded derivative.

d Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are reported in the Income statement, unless the derivative financial instrument has been designated as a hedge of a highly probable expected future cash flow. Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges and assessed as effective, are recorded in equity. Gains and losses recorded in equity are reflected in the Income statement when either the hedged cash flow impacts the Income statement or the hedged item is no longer expected to occur.

Certain loan repayment instalments denominated in US dollars, euro and Japanese yen are designated as cash flow hedges of highly probable future foreign currency revenues. Exchange differences arising from the translation of these loan repayment instalments are recorded in equity and subsequently reflected in the Income statement when either the future revenue impacts income or its occurrence is no longer expected to occur.

e Convertible debt

Convertible bonds are classified as compound instruments, consisting of a liability and an equity component. At the date of issue, the fair value of the liability component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for similar non-convertible debt, and is subsequently recorded at an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method until extinguished on conversion or maturity of the bonds, and is recognised within Interest-bearing borrowings. The difference between the proceeds of issue of the convertible bond and the fair value assigned to the liability component, representing the embedded option to convert the liability into equity of the Group, is included in Equity portion of convertible bond in Other reserves and is not subsequently remeasured.

Issue costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components of the convertible bonds where appropriate based on their relative carrying values at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component is charged directly against equity.

The interest expense on the liability component is calculated by applying the effective interest rate for similar non-convertible debt to the liability component of the instrument. The difference between this value and the interest paid is added to the carrying amount of the liability.

f Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset is considered impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events that have occurred since the initial recognition of the asset have had a negative impact on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. In the case of equity securities classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered an indicator that the security is impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative gain or loss previously reported in Other comprehensive income is included in the Income statement.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset carried at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying value and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate.

Employee benefit plans

a Pension obligations

The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior years.

Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.

The Group's net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years. The benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets are deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the balance sheet date on AA-rated corporate bonds of the appropriate currency that have durations approximating those of the Group's obligations. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the net obligation calculation results in an asset for the Group, the recognition of an asset is limited to the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan ('the asset ceiling'). The fair value of the plan assets is based on market price information and, in the case of quoted securities, is the published bid price.

Current service costs are recognised within employee costs in the year in which they arise. Past service costs are recognised in the event of a plan amendment or curtailment, or when the Group recognises related restructuring costs or termination benefits. The net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability or asset during the period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net interest and other expenses related to the defined benefit plans are recognised in the Income statement. Remeasurements, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding interest) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), are recognised immediately in Other comprehensive income. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Income statement in subsequent periods.

b Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without realistic possibility of withdrawal, or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.

Other employee benefits are recognised when there is deemed to be a present obligation.

Taxation

Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exceptions:

• Where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

• In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries or associates, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and

• Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise income tax is recognised in the Income statement.

Inventories

Inventories, including aircraft expendables, are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Such cost is determined by the weighted average cost method. Inventories include mainly aircraft spare parts, repairable aircraft engine parts and fuel.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits with any qualifying financial institution repayable on demand or maturing within three months of the date of acquisition and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based payment plans, under which the Group awards equity instruments of the Group for services rendered by employees. The fair value of the share-based payment plans is measured at the date of grant using a valuation model provided by external specialists. The resulting cost, as adjusted for the expected and actual level of vesting of the plan, is charged to the Income statement over the period in which the options vest. At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management's best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions, and accordingly the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in the cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the Income statement with a corresponding entry in equity.

Provisions

Provisions are made when an obligation exists for a present liability in respect of a past event and where the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated.

Employee leaving indemnities and other employee provisions are recorded for flight crew who, meeting certain conditions, have the option of being placed on reserve or of taking early retirement. The Group is obligated to remunerate these employees until they reach the statutory retirement age. The calculation is performed by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method.

Other employee related provisions are recognised for direct expenditures of business reorganisation (restructuring provisions) where plans are sufficiently detailed and well advanced, and where appropriate communication to those affected has been undertaken at the balance sheet date.

If the effect is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the provision. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to unwinding the discount is recognised as a finance cost.

Revenue recognition

Passenger and cargo revenue is recognised when the transportation service has been provided. Passenger tickets net of discounts are recorded as deferred revenue on ticket sales in current liabilities until the customer has flown. Unused tickets are recognised as revenue using estimates regarding the timing of recognition based on the terms and conditions of the ticket and statistical analysis of historical trends.

Other revenue including maintenance; handling; hotel and holiday and commissions is recognised at the time the service is provided in accordance with the invoice or contract.

Customer loyalty programmes

The Group operates five loyalty programmes: Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Avios, Punto and Aer Club. The customer loyalty programmes award travellers Avios points to redeem for various rewards, primarily redemption travel, including flights, hotels and car hire. In accordance with IFRIC 13 'Customer loyalty programmes', the fair value attributed to the awarded Avios points is deferred as a liability and recognised as revenue on redemption of the points and provision of service to the participants to whom the Avios points are issued.

In addition, Avios points are sold to commercial partners to use in loyalty activity. The fair value of the Avios points sold is deferred and recognised as revenue on redemption of the Avios points by the participants to whom the Avios points are issued. The cost of the redemption of the Avios points is recognised when the Avios points are redeemed.

The Group estimates the fair value of Avios points by reference to the fair value of the awards for which they could be redeemed and is reduced to take into account the proportion of award credits that are not expected to be redeemed based on the results of statistical modelling. The fair value of the Avios point reflects the fair value of the awards for which points can be redeemed.

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are those that in management's view need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence. The exceptional items recorded in the Income statement include items such as significant restructuring; the impact of business combination transactions that do not contribute to the ongoing results of the Group; and the impact of the sale, disposal or impairment of an investment in a business.

Business combination transactions include cash items such as the costs incurred to effect the transaction and non-cash items such as accounting gains or losses recognised through the Income statement, such as bargain purchase gains and step acquisition losses.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results in the future may differ from estimates upon which financial information has been prepared. These underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if these are also affected. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed as follows.

a Employee benefit obligations, employee leaving indemnities, other employee related provisions and restructuring

The cost of employee benefit obligations, employee leaving indemnities and other employee related provisions is determined using actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations involve making assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return on assets, future salary increases, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these schemes, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty. The assumptions relating to these schemes are disclosed in notes 25 and 32. The Group exercises its judgement in determining the assumptions to be adopted, in discussion with qualified actuaries.

Restructuring provisions are estimates of future obligations. The Group exercises judgement in determining the expected direct expenditures of reorganisation based on plans which are sufficiently detailed and advanced.

b Revenue recognition

Passenger revenue is recognised when the transportation is provided. Ticket sales that are not expected to be used ('unused tickets') are recognised as revenue using estimates regarding the timing of recognition based on the terms and conditions of the ticket and historical trends.

In respect of customer loyalty programmes the fair value attributed to awarded points is deferred as a liability and is recognised as revenue on redemption of the points and provision of service to the participants to whom the points are issued. The fair value of the award credits is estimated by reference to the fair value of the awards for which the points could be redeemed and is reduced to take into account the proportion of award credits that are not expected to be redeemed by customers. The Group exercises its judgement in determining the assumptions to be adopted in respect of the number of points not expected to be redeemed through the use of statistical modelling and historical trends and in determining the mix and fair value of the award credits.

At December 31, 2016 the Group recognised €4,145 million in respect of deferred revenue on ticket sales (2015: €4,374 million) of which €1,287 million (2015: €1,545 million) related to customer loyalty programmes.

c Income taxes

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

The Group recognises deferred income tax assets only to the extent that it is probable that the taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised. Management consider the operating performance in the current year and the future projections of performance laid out in the approved business plan in order to assess the probability of recoverability. The Business plan relies on the use of assumptions, estimates and judgements in respect of future performance and economics.

d Impairment of non-financial assets

The Group assesses whether there are any indicators of impairment for all non-financial assets at each reporting date. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite economic lives are tested for impairment annually and at other times when such indicators exist. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions as disclosed in note 16.

Other non-financial assets are tested for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

e Residual values and useful lives of assets

The Group exercises judgement to determine useful lives and residual values of property, plant and equipment, including fleet assets. Useful lives and residual values are reassessed annually, taking into consideration the latest fleet plans and other business plan information. The assets are depreciated to their residual values over their estimated useful lives.

f Lease classification

A lease is classified as a finance lease when substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the Group. In determining the appropriate classification, the substance of the transaction rather than the form is considered. Factors considered include but are not limited to the following: whether the lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term; the lessee has the option to purchase the asset at the price that is sufficiently lower than the fair value on exercise date; the lease term is for the major part of the economic life of the asset; and the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least substantially all of the fair value of the leased asset. Details of the Group's operating lease commitments are disclosed in note 24.

g Maintenance provision

The Group has a number of contracts with service providers to replace or repair engine parts and other maintenance checks. These agreements are complex and the Group exercises judgement in determining the assumptions used to match the consumption of replacement spares and other costs associated with fleet maintenance with the appropriate income statement charge.

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

a New and amended standards adopted by the Group

The Group has adopted a number of amendments to accounting standards for the first time in the year to December 31, 2016. None of these amendments has resulted in a significant change to the financial position or performance of the Group, or presentation and disclosures in the Group's financial statements.

b New standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective

The IASB and IFRIC issued the following standards, amendments and interpretations with an effective date after the year end of these financial statements which management believe could impact the Group in future periods. Unless otherwise stated, the Group plans to adopt the following standards, interpretations and amendments:

IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers'; effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard establishes a five-step model that will apply to revenue arising from contracts with customers. Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for goods and services and at a point when the performance obligations associated with these goods and services have been satisfied.

IAG has initiated a project to identify the revenue streams throughout the Group, and to analyse them using the five-step model. In addition, the Group has worked with other airlines through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Industry Accounting Working Group to ensure that the proposed approach is consistent with other industry participants. At this stage, the Group expects the following main changes to revenue accounting on adoption of IFRS 15:

• A change in timing of the recognition of certain ancillary revenue, to align with the principal performance obligations associated with the services provided;

• Changes to the gross or net presentation of revenue arising from the review of terms and conditions of certain transactions undertaken by the operating companies where they may be identified as principal or agent.

The Group expects to adopt the standard from January 1, 2018 and is currently considering whether to use the full retrospective application or the cumulative catch-up transition method. The Group does not expect a significant change to its performance or financial position on adoption of this standard.

IFRS 9 'Financial instruments'; effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard removes the multiple classification and measurement models for financial assets required by IAS 39 and introduces a model that has only two classification categories: amortised cost and fair value. Classification is driven by the business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. The accounting and presentation for financial liabilities and for derecognising financial instruments is relocated from IAS 39 without any significant changes. IFRS 9 (2010) introduces additional changes relating to financial liabilities. IFRS 9 adds new requirements to address the impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The Group does not expect that there will be a significant change in the classification and measurement of its financial instruments or in its hedging activities on adoption of this standard.

IFRS 16 'Leases' (not yet endorsed by the EU); effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The new standard eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and instead introduces a single lessee accounting model. Applying this model, lessees are required to recognise a lease liability reflecting the obligation to make future lease payments and a 'right-of-use' asset for virtually all lease contracts. IFRS 16 includes an optional exemption for certain short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the new standard. It is expected that both net debt and non-current assets will increase on implementation of this standard as obligations to make future payments under leases currently classified as operating leases are recognised on the balance sheet, along with the related 'right-of-use' asset. Details of the Group's operating lease commitments are disclosed in note 24.

IAS 7 (Amendment) 'Statement of cash flows' (not yet endorsed by the EU); effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The amendment requires disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including changes arising from cash flows and non-cash changes. The amendment suggests that one way to fulfil the disclosure requirement is by providing a reconciliation between the opening and closing balances in the statement of financial position for liabilities arising from financing activities. The adoption of the amendment will result in additional disclosure requirements for the Group.

IFRS 2 (Amendment) 'Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions' (not yet endorsed by the EU); effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The amendments address three main areas: the effects of vesting conditions on the measurement of a cash-settled share-based payment transaction; the classification of a share-based payment transaction with net settlement features for withholding tax obligations; and accounting where a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment transaction changes its classification from cash settled to equity settled. The adoption of the amendments will not result in a change to the financial position or performance of the Group.

There are no other standards, amendments or interpretations in issue but not yet adopted that the Directors anticipate will have a material effect on the reported income or net assets of the Group.

The Group has not early adopted any standard, amendment or interpretation that has been issued but is not yet effective.

c Prior period reclassification

The financial statements for the prior year include reclassifications that were made to conform to the current year presentation.

In 2016 the Group reviewed and amended the reporting of individual line items in the consolidated Income statement to better reflect the nature of underlying transactions and improve comparability between reporting periods. As a result, for the year to December 31, 2015, revenue previously reported as Other revenue has been reclassified to Passenger revenue and Cargo revenue. Expenditure in respect of certain subcontracted services, previously allocated to Property, IT and other costs, has been reclassified to Handling, catering and other operating costs. These reclassifications have not affected reported total revenue, expenditure or operating profit for 2015. Details of these adjustments are provided in the table below.

Consolidated Income statement for the year to December 31, 2015

3 Business combination

On August 18, 2015, the Group acquired 100 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of Aer Lingus Group for €2.55 per share.

The fair values of the assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition were presented in the financial statements for the year to December 31, 2015 on a provisional basis. During the twelve months to December 31, 2016 the valuation exercise was finalised, resulting in an increase of €58 million to the fair value of property, plant and equipment arising from the acquisition, a related €7 million deferred tax liability, and a corresponding decrease to goodwill. The comparative information is restated to reflect this adjustment.

The goodwill is recognised as follows:

4 Segment information

a Business segments

British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus are managed as individual operating companies. Each airline operates its network operations as a single business unit. The chief operating decision maker is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, and has been identified as the IAG Management Committee. The IAG Management Committee makes resource allocation decisions based on network profitability, primarily by reference to the passenger markets in which the companies operate. The objective in making resource allocation decisions is to optimise consolidated financial results. Therefore, based on the way the Group treats its businesses, and the manner in which resource allocation decisions are made, the Group has four reportable operating segments for financial reporting purposes, reported as British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus. Other Group companies include the head office companies.

In 2016, the Avios business has been treated as a separate operating unit and is included in Other Group companies in the Business segment information. In 2015, Avios was allocated to the British Airways and Iberia operating segments according to the ownership percentage. The 2015 comparatives have been restated and Avios has been included in Other Group companies.

For the year to December 31, 2016

For the year to December 31, 2015

b Geographical analysis

Revenue by area of original sale

Assets by area

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

5 Exceptional items

1 Employee costs

British Airways has embarked on a series of transformation proposals to develop a more efficient and cost effective structure. The overall costs of the programme principally comprise employee severance costs. The costs incurred in the year to December 31, 2016 in respect of these projects amount to €144 million, with a related tax credit of €27 million.

During the year the Group made changes to the US PRMB (Post-Retirement Medical Benefits) to further bring the level of benefits in line with national trends seen in the US. This scheme is accounted for in a similar way to a defined benefit plan, so any reduction in benefit results in the recognition of a past service gain when the plan amendment occurs. This change has resulted in a one-off gain in employee costs of €51 million in the year to December 31, 2016, and a related tax charge of €9 million.

2 Pre-acquisition cash flow hedge impact

Under IFRS 3 Business combinations, gains or losses on cash flow hedges acquired should not be recycled to the income statement but recognised in equity. Following the acquisition of Aer Lingus, IAG continued to unwind the cash flow fuel hedges acquired in reported fuel expense. For the year to December 31, 2016, a credit of €42 million (2015: €51 million) was recognised as an exceptional item, reversing the impact of unwinding the cash flow hedges to arrive at the total Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges. A related tax charge of €5 million (2015: €6 million) was also recognised.

In the year to December 31, 2015:

3 Business combination costs

Transaction expenses of €33 million were recognised in relation to the Aer Lingus Business combination in the year to December 31, 2015.

4 Litigation provision

The litigation provision represents the continuation of the civil claims brought against British Airways in 2006. This provision represents a settled case against British Airways in the cargo claim for a total of €35 million. The final amount required to pay the remaining claims detailed in note 33 is subject to significant uncertainty.

6 Expenses by nature

Operating profit is arrived at after charging

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-current assets:

Operating leases costs:

Cost of inventories:

7 Auditors' remuneration

The fees for audit and non-audit services provided by the auditor of the Group's consolidated financial statements and of certain individual financial statements of the consolidated companies, Ernst & Young S.L., and by companies belonging to Ernst & Young's network, were as follows:

1 Fees for services billed to Aer Lingus by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ('PwC') and by companies belonging to PwC's network, being the auditors of Aer Lingus in 2015.

2 In 2015 this mainly included services in relation to the Aer Lingus acquisition.

The audit fees payable are approved by the Audit and Compliance Committee and have been reviewed in the context of other companies for cost effectiveness. A description of the work of the Audit and Compliance Committee is set out in the Report of the Audit and Compliance Committee and includes an explanation of how objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided.

8 Employee costs and numbers

1 Other employee costs include allowances and accommodation for crew

The average number of employees during the year was as follows:

9 Finance costs and income

a Finance costs

b Finance income

c Net financing credit/(charge) relating to pensions

10 Tax

a Tax charges and tax balances

Tax (charge)/credit in the Income statement, Other comprehensive income and Statement of changes in equity

For the year to December 31, 2016