Divers

🛫 In Iberia Express, the UPPA union is pursuing legal action over a dispute with management regarding pilot collective agreement updates, prompting IAG to consider a new low-cost airline for Barajas. Luis Gallego's group, unwilling to match the salary conditions of Iberia pilots as demanded by unions, explores either freezing Iberia Express or launching a new low-cost carrier with its AOC or intensifying collaboration with Air Nostrum. Iberia Express CEO Carlos Gómez communicated to staff the uncertain outcomes this could lead to for the airline's business model.

🚧 Booking.com faces a reduced €413 million fine, initially €486 million, from Spain's CNMC for anti-competitive practices as of July 2024. The OTA hired Clifford Chance to appeal the ruling, arguing disproportionality. The Spanish hotel sector, represented by Eskariam and AEDH, may seek over €3 billion in damages based on a September 2024 TJUE judgment. The legal battle could extend for years, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.

🎮 Donald Trump shared a controversial AI-generated video on TruthSocial and Instagram envisioning a rebuilt, tourist-friendly future Gaza. The video transitions from destroyed Gaza scenes to potential future prosperity, featuring Elon Musk throwing money and Trump lounging with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

🛫 A Condor Airbus A321 from Fuerteventura to Munich experienced a landing gear malfunction shortly after departure. The crew requested a diversion to Gran Canaria, where they landed safely without further incidents, as reported by air traffic controllers on their X account.

✈️ Lunes: huelgas en aeropuertos de Colonia Bonn y Dusseldorf, 280 vuelos cancelados, 48 mil pasajeros afectados. Jueves y viernes, huelgas en Múnich durante carnaval. Múnich es esencial para Lufthansa en vuelos largo recorrido. Sindicato Verdi demanda aumento salarial del 8% o 350 euros lineales; negociaciones del 14 al 16 de marzo en Potsdam. 28 de marzo, huelga general en Grecia; afectará aeropuertos, aerolíneas, ferrocarriles y ferries. Italia: Easyjet enfrenta suspensiones por demandas salariales de empleados.

✈ Boeing considers returning to Russia three years after cutting ties due to the Ukraine invasion. Russia reports 34 of its 66 A320 aircraft are grounded due to a lack of spare parts. Russian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Denís Mánturov and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, have not yet received an official request from Boeing, despite openness to the idea. Western sanctions have plunged Russian aviation into crisis, leading to a significant increase in air incidents.

🚀 Fire services received an Embraer E195 from Binter and an Airbus A319 from Iberia last week at San Sebastián Airport. Despite no technical issues with the planes, authorities attended the landings due to potential impact from storm Herminia and low visibility. Both aircraft landed successfully on their first attempt, after which fire crews departed.

✈️ Captain George O'Hara, Ryanair's longest-serving pilot, was honored by Kerry Airport's fire brigade with a water salute after one of his final flights before retiring, celebrating his 39 years of service. The event included a cake and gifts presentation. The airport shared a heartfelt message wishing him joyful and peaceful retirement skies.

🛫 Madrid's Barajas Airport daily hosts around 500 homeless individuals, with similar issues at Barcelona and Palma airports. No substantial action has been taken by Aena or other institutions. Workers describe the airports as lawless zones with unchecked crime. Alternativa Sindical reports that homeless individuals misuse facilities and hinder passengers. Barcelona's El Prat Airport shelters around 100 homeless nightly, while Palma airport sees dozens, exacerbated by Mallorca's housing shortage. The responsibility to address the issue remains unclaimed by institutions.

✈ After nearly two years of negotiation, Plus Ultra's management signed the first collective agreement with Sepla for its approximately 100 pilots, valid for three years. The deal includes salary increases with different pay levels based on seniority and improvements in fixed and variable elements like flight hours, instruction time, etc. It also enhances stability in scheduling, addresses free tickets, days off, uniforms, paid leave, sabbaticals, and reduced hours, and introduces new criteria for internal promotion. Plus Ultra aims to negotiate next with cabin crew and ground staff.