Miguel Praga

🛈 Agustín Almodóbar, the Popular Party's Tourism spokesperson in the Senate, warns about the "ignorance, passivity, and absolute incompetence" of Minister Bustinduy and the lack of influence and leadership of Minister Hereu, endangering the survival of the Imserso tourism program. Concerns arise in the tourism sector due to no improvements or modernization efforts for senior travel programs after recent meetings. Almodóbar calls for urgent action as contracting conditions for lodging must be reviewed; otherwise, no hotels will participate next season, leading to closures and unemployment for thousands. He requests an urgent briefing from Imserso's General Director, María Teresa Sancho, on new tender progress and changes, while pressing the Executive to disclose decisions on the new specifications, as the tender for the 2025/2026 season is already delayed.

👨 Imserso faces the challenge of publishing new tourism program tender documents within the next few weeks, a prerequisite for the public tender. General Director María Teresa Sancho promised earlier this year they would be ready soon. Experts suggest publication should occur by mid-April to avoid past delays. After the September 2024 break with Ávoris, there's a typical 30-day window for proposals, indicating a possible public contest in May. Hotels currently earn €25-26 per night versus a €34 real cost, while agencies make €14.50 per sold seat.

✈ Easyjet pilot Paul Elsworth, flying an A320 from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt, was suspended after bringing the aircraft within 800 feet (240 meters) of a mountain on February 2. His immediate response to the cockpit alarms averted a collision. The plane was 3,100 feet (950 meters) above the 2,329 feet (700 meters) mountain, instead of the regular 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Investigation launched; Elsworth temporarily relieved of duties; passengers likely unaware of the incident's severity; his son is a British Airways pilot.

✈ Vueling, an IAG airline, challenges a €39.2 million fine imposed by the Spanish government for charging for hand luggage. On January 29, they filed an appeal and a precautionary measure to suspend the fine with the National High Court, expecting a resolution by mid-2025 and a potential court date in 2026. Vueling disputes the decision based on European regulations that allow pricing freedom. Ryanair was fined €107.7 million, Easyjet €29 million, Volotea €1.189 million, and Norwegian €1.610 million, totaling €179 million for five low-cost carriers.

🛫 The major aviation sector trial involves aircraft leasing companies based in Ireland and insurers. Sparked by the 2022 Ukraine war, Western sanctions forced lessors to cancel contracts with Russian airlines, affecting approximately 400 planes valued at $10 billion. Russia retained the planes, prompting lessors to seek insurance claims. Insurers, including Lloyd’s, Fidelis, AIG, and Chubb, contest coverage terms. The dispute is now before Dublin judges, with future contracts likely to address war conflict and increase policy costs.