Miguel Praga

📫 Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, criticizes the European Union's new hand luggage proposal. The European Parliament suggests allowing free hand luggage up to one meter, which O'Leary argues would cause cabin space issues, security problems, and flight delays. He also criticizes Ursula von der Leyen for not enhancing airline competitiveness according to the Draghi Report since September 2024. O’Leary demands equal environmental tax conditions, ETS and CORSIA harmonization, and air traffic control reforms.

🛫 Aena, the Spanish airport operator, is exploring taking over Catania Airport, indicating a mix of public and private investment. Despite privatization efforts in Europe, state enterprises like French, Spanish, and Italian railways, compete in France and Spain, raising questions about market freedom. The Spanish Minister Puente criticizes Ouigo for alleged price undercutting against Renfe, noting French government backing. The scenario highlights the complex interplay of state and private interests in European transport.

💰 La CNMC's investigation into an alleged cartel in the travel agency sector is concluding in December. The investigation started after inspections in November 2023 of agencies Ávoris, IAG7, Viajes El Corte Inglés, and Nautalia for sharing clients and information. The state travel contract is valued at €340.3 million, with Viajes El Corte Inglés winning lots of €30.7 million and €54.2 million in April 2022. Nautalia-IAG7 and Ávoris handled lots worth €90.6 million, €59.8 million, and €105.1 million.

🛩 Ryanair's new five-year agreement with CCOO sparks controversy. USO accuses Ryanair of ignoring Spanish laws, offering only 20 workdays of vacation instead of the legal 22, and paying only 18 euros per day to JU and 36 to N1, causing financial losses. The airline recognizes just 9 paid holidays instead of 14, and enforces clauses limiting strike rights. Disciplinary measures include possible transfers to Dublin, viewed as intimidation tactics by USO.

🧲 Jumbo Tours, since February 2022, finances Green & Human, covering operational expenses and strategic projects, due to insufficient membership dues. Legal action is ongoing in Palma de Mallorca, revealing potential financial mismanagement. The association allegedly hid a substantial debt from members, risking reputational harm. Ginés M., then CEO of Jumbo Tours, was simultaneously Green & Human's president. The lawsuit seeks debt acknowledgment and initial contributions return. Affected parties include bed banks and hotel multinationals.