Fusiones y Adquisiciones

✈️ Juan José Hidalgo, president of Air Europa, revealed that Lufthansa's acquisition offer failed due to control issues. During the Nueva Economía Forum in Madrid, he stated, "As long as I live, no one but me will govern Air Europa." Hidalgo expressed satisfaction with the airline's current state, citing no debts and expansion plans for 7-8 new routes in 2026. He refuted claims of government rescue, asserting a $1 billion payment to the government between 2024-2025.

💰 Turkish Airlines has invested €300 million in Air Europa, aiding the airline's recovery from €1.4 billion losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding enabled Air Europa to repay the SEPI loan. Juan José Hidalgo, president of Globalia, stated Turkish Airlines anticipated interest from Lufthansa. British group IAG, owning 20% of Air Europa, also invested €300 million. At 85, Hidalgo emphasizes growth over profit and maintains that Air Europa is financially stable.

✈️ Vueling aims to expand its annual passenger count from 40 to 60 million by 2035, with a €5 billion investment over ten years. Focused on Barcelona, Vueling plans to renew its fleet, starting with 50 new Boeing 737s arriving in late 2026. Founded in Barcelona in 2004, Vueling currently leads the market with a 40% share and 60 aircraft at its hub. The airline aims for a 100% Boeing fleet in the future.

✈️ Air Europa plans 7 weekly flights between Barcelona and Istanbul, competing with Turkish Airlines, which offers 3-4 daily flights. Turkish Airlines acquired 26% of Air Europa for €300 million in November. Vueling, operating since late 2024, will increase from 7 to 13 weekly flights by summer 2026. Pegasus, allied with Iberia, offers 1-2 daily connections. The start date for Air Europa’s operation is pending regulatory approval.

✈ Aer Lingus will stop selling long-haul tickets from Manchester after March 31, 2025. Unite, the union, is urging a strike vote over fears of job losses. Over 200 jobs could be lost as routes to Barbados, New York, and Orlando cease. Despite Aer Lingus earning 135 million euros in spring 2025 alone, and projecting a 35 million euro profit from two Manchester-based planes, the closure looms. Workers will vote on October 26.

✈️ Alaska Airlines, in 2026, ordered 110 Boeing aircraft, including 105 of the yet-to-be-certified 737Max 10 and five 787 models. There are also 35 additional options. This is the airline's largest purchase ever, raising Boeing's stock value. Alaska Airlines, having acquired Hawaiian Airlines 18 months ago, now has 324 planes, with only 52 from Airbus. They await the delivery of 245 aircraft and have been loyal Boeing customers for 60 years.

🏠 Mazabi enters the Paris tourism market by acquiring an aparthotel near the Eiffel Tower, managed by Adagio, a joint venture of Pierre & Vacances and Accor. The property includes 19 tourist apartments in a 32-story building. This expansion follows Mazabi's recent New York debut, where they acquired 25% of the 607-room InterContinental New York Times Square, in partnership with Panghea Capital Partners.

🛫 British Airways is altering breakfast offerings for business class on eight domestic and European routes, replacing traditional English breakfast with fruit, yogurt, and pastries to simplify service. Affected routes include London to Belfast, Jersey, Manchester, Newcastle, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, and Paris. Following a successful test in September, this change accommodates shorter flights. Traditional English breakfast continues on longer routes. British Airways states this allows more crew-customer interaction.

📈 Parpública invited IAG, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa to submit non-binding proposals for TAP's reprivatization. Starting January 2, 2026, this second phase allows 90 days for submissions. Portugal plans to sell up to 49.9% of TAP, with 44.9% open to investors and 5% to employees. The government aims to receive proposals by Q1 2026, evaluating financial, technical, and strategic plans, before a third phase for binding offers. TAP is fully state-owned post-2021 restructuring.

✈️ Airbus secures a major deal selling 85 A320 aircraft to Chinese companies at year-end. Spring Airlines plans to acquire 30 A320s for $4.13 billion, with delivery scheduled from 2028 to 2032. Juneyao Airlines is set to purchase 25 A320s under similar terms. China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC) committed to 30 A320neos, with deliveries extending to 2033. This Tuesday's agreement includes potential model swaps before delivery.