IAG Group opens an Artificial Intelligence Lab in Barcelona housing 150 jobs

International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of the airlines Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and Level, has announced that they will be opening an artificial intelligence lab in Barcelona. This lab will serve as a space for collaboration and excellence, housing 150 highly specialized professionals. This expansion comes in addition to the artificial intelligence laboratory that the Group already has in London.

IAG's aim is to establish itself as a leader in innovation and the development and application of artificial intelligence within the airline industry.
 

The decision to establish the new lab in Barcelona aligns with the growing presence of the artificial intelligence sector in Catalonia. Recent announcements, such as Sony AI choosing Barcelona as the location for its newest artificial intelligence center, further solidify the region as an attractive destination for companies in this industry.

Catalonia has seen remarkable growth in the artificial intelligence sector, with the number of companies dedicated to AI nearly tripling since 2019. A study conducted by ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment in collaboration with CIDAI- Centre of Innovation for Data Tech and Artificial Intelligence revealed that artificial intelligence already generates a turnover of 2,155 million euros in Catalonia, marking a 60% increase from 2019. Furthermore, nearly 500 Catalan companies are currently dedicated to this technology, collectively employing 14,525 individuals.

IAG's activity in Barcelona-Catalonia

IAG has analyzed for the first time its contribution to Catalonia's economy. According to a report presented by the Group yesterday, IAG will contribute 6,043 million euros to Catalonia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 and support the creation of more than 81,000 jobs in Catalonia.

Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, said: "Over the years, IAG's airlines have established a leading position at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport and we are the only airline group to offer short, medium and long-haul services. Having strong, competitive hubs that connect European and intercontinental flights is vital to the competitiveness of European aviation and to strengthening our contribution to European economies. We will continue to work to maintain Catalonia as one of the European regions with the best and greatest connectivity".

About IAG Group

International Airlines Group (IAG) is one of the world's largest airline groups, operating a fleet of 585 aircraft that serve over 250 destinations and cater to more than 115 million passengers in 2023. The Group, established in 2011, includes the airlines Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL, as well as the IAG Loyalty and IAG Cargo businesses.

Notably, the company has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and climate change action, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Carbon Disclosure Project's A-List.

Source: International Airlines Group (IAG)