Fusiones y Adquisiciones

✈️ Vueling, led by Carolina Martinoli, will double its flight capacity between Barcelona and Istanbul from 7 to 13 weekly flights starting summer 2026. The low-cost airline first launched this route in October last year with three weekly flights. Competing with Turkish Airlines, which operates 3-4 daily flights, and Pegasus with 1-2 daily flights, Vueling aims to capture market share in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines plans to acquire 26%-27% of Air Europa in 2026.

🛩 Turkish Airlines secured a historic 2.9 billion yuan ($412 million) loan from the Bank of China. This funding supports their $300 million acquisition of Air Europa. The investment aims to expand their fleet, business growth, and infrastructure at Istanbul Airport. CFO Murat Şeker emphasized the strengthened financial position and enhanced Turkey-China ties. This deal is set to help Turkish Airlines reach a fleet of 800 aircraft.

🌍 Joan Gaspart and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero have become prominent figures in China's tourism projects in Hainan, the economic lab of Beijing. In March, Gaspart was named "global ambassador of Hainan" and hosted Governor Liu Xiaoming in Barcelona to discuss investment opportunities. Zapatero attended the Boao Forum in March, supporting China’s goal to make Hainan a free trade port. Both have participated in events promoting Hainan as a global tourist destination.

🛩 Aena is considering a stake in Catania Airport, Italy's fifth largest by passenger traffic, as the privatization of 51%-66% of SAC is planned. In 2024, the airport handled 12.3 million passengers, a 15% increase, with revenues of €122 million. Interested parties include Vinci, ADQ, Mundy’s, and Blackstone, with Mundy’s seen as a key competitor. Catania's majority stake is valued over €600 million. Aena also eyes projects in Sao Paulo and London Luton.

✈️ Iberia and Pegasus Airlines enter a code-sharing agreement, enhancing routes between Spain and Turkey. Starting from October 2025, Iberia will offer flights from Madrid to Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport and seven Turkish domestic destinations. Pegasus will add its code to Iberia’s flights to 11 Spanish locations, Lisbon, and São Paulo. This move follows Turkish Airlines' €300 million purchase of 27% of Air Europa, intensifying competition in the Madrid-Istanbul corridor.

🛫 Air Europa has received the fourth of 20 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in 2025 at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport from Glasgow. Initially, they received the first unit in May 2025, becoming the first Spanish airline to operate this model. IAG owns 20% of Air Europa, with Turkish Airlines acquiring 26-27%. The airline plans to receive ten more units in 2026, aiming for a total of 20 by mid-2028, contributing to cost efficiency and long-term profitability.

✈️ Air Europa has paid €73 million in interest on a €475 million state loan from SEPI during the pandemic. A further interest payment of €22.8 million is scheduled for November. The airline plans to use €300 million from Turkish Airlines, in exchange for 26-27% of its capital, along with existing liquidity, to repay the state aid early. This information was disclosed by the government in response to parliamentary inquiries.

🏨 Antonio Catalán, founder of AC Hotels, bought a building at Gran Vía 34 in Granada, the former Junta de Andalucía headquarters. The 655 m² site is pending final urban use changes to become a hotel or tourist apartments. In March 2025, urban planning approved necessary changes, awaiting the final cultural commission report. Catalán's visit during the 2023 reopening of Hotel Santa Paula initiated the purchase, aligning with Granada's luxury tourism growth.

🚀 South, a subsidiary of Iberia, leads the bid for ground handling services at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports in Portugal. The process began in October 2024, with South and Clece participating in early 2025. If awarded, the license will last seven years. South operates in 38 Spanish airports, employs over 8,000 people, and serves over 100 airlines. The decision will be finalized after a five-day objection period by the Portuguese aviation authority.

🌍 Ávoris partners with Atlas Voyage to expand in Morocco, introducing Travelplan and Welcomebeds. The agreement makes Atlas Voyage the exclusive distributor nationwide. CEO Vicente Fenollar highlights Morocco as a priority for growth. Initially, Travelplan offers destinations like the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Balearic Islands, with Iberojet flights. Welcomebeds provides special conditions for Moroccan agencies. Eduard Bogatyr emphasizes offering quality experiences and direct air connectivity for Moroccan travelers.