Fusiones y Adquisiciones

🗺️ Javier Hidalgo led Turkish Airlines' acquisition of a 26% stake in Air Europa, aiding in state loan repayment. Richard Clark is the new CEO of Air Europa. Michael O’Leary critiqued Spanish airport charges. José Luis Ábalos faces legal issues linked to Air Europa's bailout. Gabriel Escarrer expanded Meliá Hotels. Fernando Grande-Marlaska was criticized over travel agency regulations. Significant leadership changes included Guillermo Vallet, Santiago Vallet, Rafael García Garrido, Guillermo González Vallina, James Bilefeld, and David Vidal.

✈ In 2025, Boeing sold around 1,000 aircraft, outpacing Airbus's 797 sales. After cancellations, Boeing secured over 900 contracts, versus Airbus's 707. Airbus delivered 657 planes, exceeding Boeing's 537 deliveries. Boeing, recovering from a crisis since 2019, shows signs of regaining leadership despite production limits of 38 monthly 737s. Airbus's delivery superiority, less than expected, was hindered by supply chain issues. The gap in deliveries remained under 100 aircraft.

📈 Ávoris has expanded significantly, controlling about one-third of the market in the past five years. In summer 2023, Ávoris acquired Gea, and by February 2024, it purchased Dit Gestión, adding approximately 1,500 sales points. Despite this, independent travel groups like Airmet, Nego, and Avasa have claimed no negative impact, with leaders stating they maintain growth and value independence, emphasizing their unique propositions and sustainability post-2020.

🛩 Turkish Airlines and Southwest Airlines announced a strategic alliance allowing seamless connections between Turkish's international flights to the U.S. and Southwest's domestic routes. Key U.S. airports include Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles. This agreement aims to enhance Turkish's global network centered on Istanbul's hub, competing with hubs in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Southwest also has a similar agreement with Germany's Condor. The alliance offers significant growth potential with minimal financial investment.

🛫 Aena, led by CEO Maurici Lucena, announced the purchase of two UK airports in 2024, leveraging €2 billion in net profits to benefit shareholders. The move aligns Aena's capitalist goals with those of Ryanair, despite Aena being a publicly owned entity under Spain's socialist government. This highlights the tension between shareholder profit and public welfare, as high airport fees impact airlines like Ryanair, diverting potential profits to Aena instead.

🛫 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.