Jurídicos y Administrativos

✈️ AerCap, an Irish aircraft leasing company with 1,676 planes, is the world's largest passenger airplane owner as of 2025. Founded in 2006 by Tony Ryan, AerCap grew significantly after acquiring ILFC in 2014 and GE Capital Aviation Services during the pandemic. Their fleet includes 278 twin-aisle aircraft and numerous Embraer models. The second-largest lessor owns 761 planes, and the third owns 583, with subsequent firms based outside of Europe. Ireland's favorable tax regime is beneficial to these leasing companies.

🛫 The union ASAE criticized the Madrid government delegation for ignoring the humanitarian disaster at Madrid's Barajas Airport, where about 500 homeless individuals have taken residence due to authorities' inaction. Employees often don't report crimes due to fear, and passengers, unless seriously harmed, don't report due to haste. The union questions when police will address the issue, referencing a recent eviction of approximately 200 homeless people at El Prat Airport before the Mobile World Congress.

🚀 Following a fire incident on an Air Busan flight in Hong Kong in January, Taiwan's four airlines—China Airlines, Eva Air, Starlux, and Tigerair—ban the use of external batteries or power banks. Starting March 1, these devices are prohibited; however, Tigerair and Starlux only restrict their use, not transport. Passengers are advised to charge devices beforehand and pack batteries properly to prevent accidents. This measure applies to the mentioned airlines on all routes, not to other airlines flying to Taiwan.

🗽 The government of Baleares will increase the ecotax during high season, with hikes ranging from €0.30 to €1.2 per night based on accommodation type. Five-star establishments will see the tax rise from €4 to €5.2 or possibly €5.5 per night, while budget accommodations like hostels will increase from €1 to €1.3 per night. The higher rates apply from June to August, with reductions in winter (December to February) and no changes during other months. The measure, seeking legal exemption for Baleares residents, awaits support from either Més or Vox for passage as the Partido Popular lacks a majority. Hoteliers oppose the increase, anticipating backlash at the upcoming ITB Berlin fair, yet President Marga Prohens views it as a strategy to manage tourist influx and combat overcrowding.

✈ Iberia Express faces a dispute with UPPA over pilot collective bargaining agreement updates, risking competitiveness. IAG CEO Luis Gallego suggests Iberia Express could be replaced by a new low-cost airline or enhance partnership with Air Nostrum if no agreement is reached. Options include launching a new airline with its own AOC or reinforcing Air Nostrum collaboration. CEO Carlos Gómez warns of uncertainty and potential business model risks for Iberia Express.

✈ Lufthansa leads air operations in five European countries, defying a European Commission order to charge competitor Condor "political prices" for passenger transportation. German courts in December allowed Lufthansa to set prices for Condor passengers to Frankfurt at its discretion. On January 15, the Commission insisted Lufthansa maintain prices. Lufthansa publicly criticized the Commission's attempt to dictate flight pricing and questioned the legal basis for such demands.

💸 Booking.com, headquartered in Amsterdam, insists their programs are designed to add value and market accommodations globally without causing harm to hotels. The company is currently appealing a CNMC decision, with the resolution pending at the Audiencia Nacional. They emphasize ongoing commitment to listening to partners and creating new business opportunities for them.

🏠 Palma's City Council to prevent new tourist rental accommodations post the current moratorium in Baleares, confirmed by Mayor Jaime Martínez. About 4,000 legal rentals exist—aiming to reduce this number over time. The 2023 General Plan could allow 2-3,000 more rentals, but plans are to prevent any increase. Strategies include prohibiting the replacement of tourist rentals leaving the market and intensifying control over illegal offerings, while hotels will face containment rather than a ban.

🐛 During a Madrid-Dusseldorf flight, a tarantula bit the Iberia A320 commander at a critical moment during takeoff rotation at Barajas airport, with no time to abort. The co-pilot swiftly took control, preventing further incident. SEPLA highlighted this event to emphasize the importance of having two pilots in the cockpit, especially in situations requiring quick human judgment and experience. The union opposes plans to reduce cockpit crew, stressing that AI should aid pilots, not replace them.

🏨 Over 200 hotels joined a collective lawsuit against Booking.com in Spain, aiming for 2,000 participants in phase one, based on an EU court ruling against OTA's parity clauses. A CNMC-imposed fine of €413 million on Booking could be decided in four years, with the trial expected by late 2025 and potentially lasting until 2031; claimable damages might exceed €750,000. Canarias parliament will discuss the Sustainable Tourist Use of Housing law on March 14 amidst unregulated growth, with INE reporting 217,000 vacation rentals in November 2024, and the regional government registering 247,000. In transport news, Verdi union's 48-hour strikes at Munich and Hamburg airports in Germany disrupt traffic, while Athens airport in Greece braces for a 24-hour strike on a national scale.