Air France and Lufthansa have officially halted negotiations with the Hidalgo family, the owners of Spanish airline Air Europa, over the proposed acquisition of a 25% stake in the carrier. The talks reportedly collapsed due to an unresolved dispute concerning the valuation of Air Europa, which the Hidalgo family placed at $1.1 billion.
Asiana Cargo, the cargo division of South Korea’s Asiana Airlines, is in the final stages of its acquisition by Air Incheon, marking a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the country’s air freight market. Following regulatory approvals by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), the unified cargo airline is expected to officially launch in July 2025.
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) has officially completed its acquisition by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. The deal, structured as an all-cash transaction, assigns ATSG an enterprise valuation of approximately US$3.1 billion, signaling a major move within the logistics and air transport sectors.
Republic Airways Holdings and Mesa Air Group, two of the largest regional airline operators in the United States, have announced a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. The deal will create a new, publicly traded regional airline company, consolidating resources, fleets, and operational platforms under a unified corporate structure.
Air France-KLM is actively pursuing expansion of its strategic holdings, with CEO Ben Smith confirming that the group is in discussions to take a stake in Air Europa of Spain. Additionally, the airline is looking to boost its existing share in SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) of Sweden to a majority ownership.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has expressed its intention to incorporate Alaska Air Group into its existing trans-Pacific joint venture with US-based American Airlines. Although JAL has clearly indicated this strategic interest, no specific timeline for the inclusion was provided.
In the wake of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger, Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) have formalized a business agreement to jointly monitor the implementation of corrective measures required as part of the merger approval process. This cooperation aims to ensure fair competition and compliance with aviation regulations following the integration of Korea’s two largest airlines.
Minority shareholders of T’way Air (South Korea) have begun legal and financial action, alleging violations of their shareholder rights amid the airline’s merger and acquisition agreement involving major stakeholders Yelimdang and Daemyung Sono Group. The dispute highlights growing concerns over transparency and fair treatment in corporate governance during ownership transitions.
SMFL LCI Helicopters, the joint venture between Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing Co. and LCI Investment, has announced an agreement to acquire Macquarie Rotorcraft, a major helicopter leasing company. This acquisition will significantly expand SMFL LCI’s fleet, strengthening its position in global rotorcraft leasing across sectors such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and utility operations.
Air France-KLM has made a $326.8 million bid to acquire a 51% stake in Air Europa, a strategic move that would strengthen its presence in Spain and enhance its long-haul connectivity to Latin America.
