Jurídicos y Administrativos

👨 Imserso faces the challenge of publishing new tourism program tender documents within the next few weeks, a prerequisite for the public tender. General Director María Teresa Sancho promised earlier this year they would be ready soon. Experts suggest publication should occur by mid-April to avoid past delays. After the September 2024 break with Ávoris, there's a typical 30-day window for proposals, indicating a possible public contest in May. Hotels currently earn €25-26 per night versus a €34 real cost, while agencies make €14.50 per sold seat.

✈ Easyjet pilot Paul Elsworth, flying an A320 from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt, was suspended after bringing the aircraft within 800 feet (240 meters) of a mountain on February 2. His immediate response to the cockpit alarms averted a collision. The plane was 3,100 feet (950 meters) above the 2,329 feet (700 meters) mountain, instead of the regular 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Investigation launched; Elsworth temporarily relieved of duties; passengers likely unaware of the incident's severity; his son is a British Airways pilot.

💰 Sandra Ortega, daughter of Amancio Ortega, won a legal battle against EBN Banco de Negocios, which demanded over 1.5 million euros from her after Room Mate's bankruptcy. The Madrid Court (Juzgado de Primera Instancia número 46) ruled she didn't authorize the guarantee by Rosp Corunna for Kike Sarasola's hotel chain. Financial entities claim around 150 million euros for "comfort letters" breaches, but evidence and a handwriting analysis confirmed Ortega's non-consent. EBN can appeal to the Audiencia Provincial de Madrid, yet the current ruling supports Ortega, who denies authorizing the guarantees and blames her former asset manager.

✈ Vueling, an IAG airline, challenges a €39.2 million fine imposed by the Spanish government for charging for hand luggage. On January 29, they filed an appeal and a precautionary measure to suspend the fine with the National High Court, expecting a resolution by mid-2025 and a potential court date in 2026. Vueling disputes the decision based on European regulations that allow pricing freedom. Ryanair was fined €107.7 million, Easyjet €29 million, Volotea €1.189 million, and Norwegian €1.610 million, totaling €179 million for five low-cost carriers.

🛫 The major aviation sector trial involves aircraft leasing companies based in Ireland and insurers. Sparked by the 2022 Ukraine war, Western sanctions forced lessors to cancel contracts with Russian airlines, affecting approximately 400 planes valued at $10 billion. Russia retained the planes, prompting lessors to seek insurance claims. Insurers, including Lloyd’s, Fidelis, AIG, and Chubb, contest coverage terms. The dispute is now before Dublin judges, with future contracts likely to address war conflict and increase policy costs.

🏨 In the Comunidad Valenciana, the tourism sector is experiencing issues due to a new system imposed by the Ministry of the Interior that complicates hotel operations. Hosbec, led by president Fede Fuster, criticizes the logistical challenge of the system, which has been problematic since its implementation, including a collapse on December 2. The double communication requirement for reservations is a particular issue, with hotels having to report at both booking and guest arrival times. Three months after the decree's enforcement, the Ministerial Order detailing its application remains unpublished, leading to uncertainty and potential short-term changes. Hosbec demands urgent corrective measures, suggesting that reporting should be limited to client registration using ID documents.

💰 Facua-Consumidores en Acción launched a campaign targeting Ryanair for alleged "massive frauds" related to cancellations, delays, and hand luggage surcharges. The initiative followed a meeting with Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aimed at informing passengers about their rights. Facua plans to spread the word via social media and 250,000 emails. A historic fine was imposed by Spain's Ministry in May 2024, penalizing low-cost airlines including Ryanair with €179 million; Ryanair's share was €107 million. Passengers can claim compensation of €250-€600 for disruptions.

✈ Iberia aims to expand its fleet by 23 new aircraft by 2028 as part of its "Plan de Vuelo 2030" to enhance growth and establish Madrid-Barajas as a leading European hub. In 2023, seven aircraft will be added, followed by two in 2026, eight in 2027, and six in 2028, including three A350 models for routes to Latin America and seven A321XLRs to increase connectivity with the US East Coast. Due to aircraft shortages and manufacturer delays, Iberia has outsourced some routes to other airlines. By 2027, Iberia plans to upgrade 20 A330 and 14 A350 with new business class suites featuring privacy doors, currently in 20% of the wide-body fleet. Financially, Iberia's goals include maintaining an operating margin of 12-15%, comparable to the 13.6% achieved in 2024.

📍 Juan Molas, president of Spain's Mesa del Turismo, in an interview with Preferente, calls for a unified national legal framework to address the challenges in the Spanish tourism sector, including the regulation of tourist homes and the need for transparency and legal certainty. He advocates for a dedicated Tourism Ministry, criticizes the government's inaction on RD 933/2021, stresses the importance of qualified labor, and touches on the impact of international politics on tourism. The interview underscores concerns over tourism-phobic protests and the need for administration and private sector collaboration to promote tourism positively. Mesa del Turismo, comprising over 100 members, continues to focus on qualitative growth, and Santiago Vallejo has been appointed for institutional relations to maintain contact with public administrations and diplomatic representatives.

💰 Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit (UCO) investigates government negotiations with Air Europa for a first credit of €141 million backed by ICO, preceding a €475 million state bailout. UCO seeks to clarify reasons for aid and Nadia Calviño's involvement, the former economy minister and current President of the European Investment Bank (BEI). Messages from November 2024 indicate Calviño's connection to a corrupt scheme. Despite knowledge of a €35 million dividend distribution among Air Europa's Hidalgos before aid request, Calviño didn't halt the state aid approved on November 3, 2020.