Nombramientos

✈ Plus Ultra retires its last operating Airbus A340, named Santa María Portugalete (registration EC-MQM), from its fleet after eight years of service. This marks the end of an era for Spain's A340s, as Iberia first flew the model in 1996 and sold its last units in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. Plus Ultra now standardizes its fleet to only A330s for better operational costs in maintenance and fuel consumption, with the retired A340 heading to the Netherlands for dismantling.

🏨 Marc Rahola and Diego Calvo acquired 100% of Concept Hotel Group, equally, after co-founder Tallyn Planells left in 2012. The company, initially with three hotels in Ibiza, Mallorca, and Barcelona, now operates nine hotels solely in Ibiza and employs about 400 workers. Rahola joined the company in 2021, purchasing a 25% stake to boost expansion. The group includes brands The Concept Hotels, Mongibello, and the new Mítico.

🛩 On March 26, a Bombardier Challenger 3500 plane, the only one in Ryanair's fleet and set to be registered in the Isle of Man, landed in Dublin Airport from Montreal Trudeau and later continued to London's Stansted Airport. It may replace one of Ryanair's three Learjet 45s, which are 12 to 21 years old and are used as "air ambulances" for technical assistance, carrying spare parts or engineers. These jets are based in Milan Bergamo and London Stansted, owned by Malta's Aviation Finance And Leasing, with Ryanair as the sole shareholder.

✈ Jorge Minué, comandante de Iberia, ha finalizado su última trayectoria profesional con el vuelo Madrid-Barajas. Minué, parte de la VII promoción de la ENA y ex-instructor, se retira para disfrutar más de su pasatiempo favorito, el baloncesto. La torre de control le rindió homenaje durante su despedida.

🛩 Boeing faced turmoil following the crash of Lion Air's first 737 Max, spurred by whistleblowing employees who leaked information to the press. The company initially retaliated against these individuals, which included both well-meaning and opportunistic staff. After the media circus, Boeing's leadership changed twice, with Dennis Muilenburg and then Dave Calhoun stepping down. Whistleblower John Barnett, a former Boeing supervisor who exposed flaws in the 787 Dreamliner's management and was subsequently harassed and fired, committed suicide before he could testify in court. His family has filed a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging mistreatment leading to his suicide. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated profound changes in the 787's production due to chaotic conditions. Further scandals, such as the incident with an Alaska Airlines plane's emergency exit door, contributed to Calhoun's departure and calls for Boeing's reinvention, now led by Kelly Ortberg. Barnett's family is now among those seeking significant compensation from Boeing.

🚿 Matthias Schmid of Booking.com asserts that hotels have always been free to make their own decisions regarding their business with Booking.com, and claims no harm has been caused to partners. Booking.com challenged a CNMC decision with the Audiencia Nacional, which suspended the decision, obligations, and proposed sanction during the appeal. Schmid emphasizes a TJUE ruling from September 19 is misinterpreted, as it does not deem price parity clauses illegal or necessarily harmful, nor does it support claims for damages.

🏨 JCI Talent Search's LinkedIn post on executive interest in joining hotel chains amid generational shifts gathered over 20,000 views in a few hours. CEO José Contreras reports clients undergoing organizational changes at General Manager and Corporate Director levels across Spain, including Madrid, Catalonia, Cantabria, Andalusia, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. Opportunities are aimed at stable, experienced professionals for long-term roles within economically solid companies seeking candidates aligned with their philosophies.

📍 Gabriel Escarrer recently spoke at the presentation of the Solytur program in Madrid, marking a strong institutional declaration as president of Exceltur. Criticizing Spanish political leaders' capabilities without naming them, he spared only Ayuso. Escarrer also targeted Airbnb for unregulated tourist accommodation. As he prepares to leave Exceltur, his successor faces a significant challenge, especially after replacing the long-serving executive vice president with Oscar Perelli. Escarrer's impact at Exceltur contrasts with Jorge Marichal's less successful and low-profile tenure at the hotel association.

💼 Isabel Pardo de Vera, former State Secretary of Transport and ex-president of Adif, has joined the private sector with ACS, led by Florentino Pérez. Her advisory role comes after a two-year public service incompatibility period, which forced her to decline offers, including one from Air Europa in 2023. Her ACS position, not requiring conflict of interest clearance post-restriction period end on February 21, offers a €400,000 annual salary. Pardo de Vera rejected a spot on Revenga Ingenieros' board in July 2024 and Asval's presidency in December 2023. Since her 2023 cessation, she received approximately €80,000 in government severance and advised Swiss fund Ginkgo.

🚀 Iryo, facing a potential loss of employees to rival Renfe in early 2024, has doubled the salaries of its train drivers. Initially earning around €1,800 monthly, the first cohorts of Iryo's Italian company now make about €3,300, including bonuses and allowances. Ouigo, too, has revised its salary scales, with annual wages ranging from €20,000 to €50,000, aligning with Renfe's pay structure.