Divers

💸 Wizz Air's stock surged nearly 12% on Friday after Barclays recommended it as an attractive investment, suggesting shares are worth £15, up from £11. Despite a 38% drop in operating profit from £47 million to £27 million, the bank's optimism stems from Wizz Air's strategic shift to focus on low-cost European flights. While the latest quarter showed increased profits primarily from extraordinary income, the airline's potential for future growth remains promising.

✈️ Noel Philips, a video blogger, discovered a separate Ryanair in Alaska, founded in 1953 by a different Ryan family. This Alaskan Ryanair, 70 years old, operates 23 small aircraft mainly for cargo, but since 2011, it also carries passengers, often just one per flight. The Alaskan Ryanair, not related to the Irish carrier, is owned by the Ryan family in its third generation and holds the largest fleet of Spanish Casa aircraft worldwide.

🌍 En París, el Comité del Patrimonio Mundial de la Unesco inscribió 26 nuevos sitios en su lista, incluyendo lugares en África, Asia, Europa, Oceanía, América Latina y el Caribe. Sierra Leona se destacó con la inclusión del Complejo Gola-Tiwai. Los palacios de Luis II de Baviera en Alemania y el cañón del río Peruaçu en Brasil son algunos destacados. La Unesco también aprobó dos extensiones transfronterizas en el sudeste asiático y el sur de África, reforzando la colaboración regional.

💬 Víctor de Aldama claims Begoña Gómez pressured for Air Europa's bailout from Moncloa, seeking sponsorships from the Hidalgo family. Aldama disputes a leaked recording involving 22,000 devices, questioning its timing and content. While rejecting any commission payments, he insists pressure on ministers was essential for the company's survival. Aldama is ready to testify before Supreme Court Judge Leopoldo Puente, highlighting the alleged governmental misuse of the audio leak for discrediting purposes.

🌍 In Spain's tourist hotspots like Ibiza, there's a clear link between tourism and rising housing prices. Similarly, Tarragona's prosperity is tied to its petrochemical complex, and Asturias to mining. While industries face opposition, it's unique to see tourists blamed directly for tourism's negative impacts. A recent radical group's sign highlights housing market issues to tourists without blaming them. Over 100,000 homes are on rental platforms instead of available for residents, with politicians largely defending this trend.

✈️ Emirates is modernizing its fleet with upgraded interiors for older 777 models due to delays in receiving new Boeing 777X aircraft. Starting in mid-September, the first upgraded 777s will operate flights from Dubai to Madrid-Barajas, initially the sole destination until more planes are available. Emirates plans to eventually extend new first-class amenities, including 13-inch TVs and cream-colored decor, to all of its 191 aircraft, earning widespread praise from industry specialists.

✈ Iberia exclusively operates Airbus A321XLR flights to the Americas. By early 2026, they’ll have 8 such aircraft, already flying to Boston, Washington, Recife, and Fortaleza. In October, San Juan is added. Toronto and Philadelphia are potential next stops. Monterrey uses wide-body planes. Starting November 2024, the A321XLR carries 182 passengers over 8,700 km, saving 30% fuel per passenger compared to older models, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

✈️ Boeing estimates a need for 2.4 million new aviation professionals globally over the next 20 years, including 660,000 pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians, and 1 million flight attendants. Eurasia, China, and North America will account for over half of hires, with 550,000, 426,000, and 435,000, respectively. Two-thirds of hires will replace retirements, while one-third will support fleet growth. Demand is driven by single-aisle aircraft.

✈️ Mahan Airlines, July 2025, Iran, acquired five Boeing 777s from NokScoot, previously of Singapore Airlines. Due to sanctions, the aircraft were initially registered in Madagascar before moving to Iran. In early July, they flew from Cambodia's Reap Angkor airport, their transponders off over Afghan or Pakistani airspace. Since 2019, Iran has acquired 33 Western-blocked planes, including an A340 from Iberia. More Boeing 777s may soon join their fleet.

🛫 Vueling, on July 23, 2025, at Valencia Airport, removed 52 Jewish French teenagers from a Valencia-Paris Orly flight. Vueling cited safety concerns due to "highly disruptive behavior" involving emergency equipment tampering. The Guardia Civil intervened, resulting in one arrest. Contradicting reports claim the group sang Hebrew songs, with allegations of antisemitism, including a crew member labeling Israel a "terrorist state," which Vueling denies. The airline maintains the decision was purely operational and security-driven.