Fusiones y Adquisiciones

🛫 Aena, a Spanish public company with a minority private stake, acquired 51% of Infrabridge, owning and managing Leeds Bradford Airport, and 49% of Newcastle Airport. This €300 million transaction strengthens Aena's global expansion, already managing Luton Airport, London. Aena's €2 billion profits in Spain facilitate this purchase. Leeds Bradford Airport, now expanded, serves the economically growing Leeds. Newcastle Airport is well-connected but not fully managed by Aena due to a 49% stake.

✈️ Wamos Air, led by Enrique Saiz, joined Grupo Abra over a year ago, becoming part of a 300-aircraft fleet with 30,000 employees. The airline plans to integrate Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 into its fleet for enhanced global operations. Despite challenges from COVID-19, Wamos Air adapted by repurposing aircraft for cargo, maintaining financial stability. Currently, the company is hiring 50 pilots and 120 cabin crew, aiming for growth and innovation within the wet lease market.

🛩 Spirit Airlines faces rumors of imminent shutdown in the U.S. despite efforts to survive amidst payment suspension in 2025 for the second time. This weekend, speculation spread about its closure, affecting potential customer confidence. Competitors anticipated this, preparing to step in with rescue fares. Director Dave Davis acknowledged ongoing restructuring, including cutting slots, planes, and salaries. Spirit, however, is still expanding strategically while dropping unprofitable routes. The rumors could undermine the airline's recovery efforts.

✈ Air Albania suspended all flights from December 7 after Turkish Airlines, owning 49%, announced a divestment on November 19. Air Albania, owning just two aircraft, hasn't declared bankruptcy, indicating potential future operations. Other shareholders include MDN Investment (41%) and Albcontrol (10%). Turkish Airlines' exit forces the cessation of flights from Tirana to Istanbul and Milan. Meanwhile, Albania's tourism boom benefits Wizz Air and Ryanair.

💸 María Jesús Garrido and Vicente Fernández, ex-president of SEPI, allegedly demanded 2% commissions for expediting pandemic-related public loans to companies via Allies & Altera. Contracts included a base fee of €7,000/month plus a 2% success fee. Investigations link these practices to SEPI rescues, such as Air Europa (€475 million) and Tubos Reunidos (€112 million). Funds were reportedly channeled through Mediaciones Martínez SL in 2023. Fernández and others were released last Saturday, with the case under secrecy.

✈️ Julio Martínez Sola acquired a 64.3% stake in Plus Ultra from Snip Aviation and Fly Spain, finalizing in October 2025 after starting in late 2024. SEPI approved the deal in November. Plus Ultra plans capital expansion and new partnerships by 2026. The board grew to nine members. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Plus Ultra is expanding its Airbus A330 fleet and increasing flight frequencies.

📰 Expedia Group, on Wednesday, announced plans to acquire Tiqets, an Amsterdam-based platform, with the deal set to close by Q1 2026. Founded in 2014, Tiqets operates in over 60 countries, 1,000+ cities, and 17 languages, managing 50 million experiences. Headquartered in Amsterdam, it employs 200+ people in cities like Barcelona and London. Alfonso Paredes highlighted the acquisition's role in enhancing Expedia's travel solutions, while Tiqets CEO, Laurens Leurink, emphasized combining global reach with curated experiences.

✈ Air Europa plans to incorporate its first A350 aircraft starting in 2028. By 2033-2034, they aim to have 30 A350s, alongside 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. On November 18, a memorandum was signed to acquire up to 40 A350-900s. Turkish Airlines purchased 26% of Air Europa, injecting €300 million, allowing the family to repay a €475 million state rescue loan early. This strategic expansion enhances the fleet's profitability and growth.

✈️ Air Europa's partnership with Turkish Airlines involves a €300 million investment for a 26% stake. If the EU blocks the deal, this sum will convert to a three-year loan. The current interest rate would be lower than the previous 9% for a €475 million state rescue. The decision from Brussels could take 6-12 months. Despite potential setbacks, Air Europa, under Globalia, remains financially stable.

🛫 Portugal, 2024: The government aims to privatize 45% of TAP Air Portugal. Three major European airline groups submitted offers, with Lufthansa's chances low due to its centralizing tendencies. IAG finds operational synergies, while French interests push for South American expansion. The government's control intentions with TAP shares remain unclear, impacting buyer interest. A past failed privatization influences current caution. As with ITA, strategic minority stakes might interest buyers, though Portugal's future involvement is uncertain.