Air Europa is preparing to repay the remaining $66 million of a $160 million loan it secured from a banking consortium in May 2020, backed by a guarantee from the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO). This repayment is scheduled to occur in May 2025. The loan was provided under favorable terms to support the airline during the critical early months of the COVID-19…
Air Europa, the Spanish carrier currently undergoing a privatization and acquisition process, is facing increased uncertainty in its sale as the airline evaluates underwhelming offers from major European airline groups. Bids submitted by both Lufthansa (Germany) and Air France-KLM are reportedly below expectations, casting doubt over the timing and structure of a potential transaction.
Air Europa (Spain) is actively exploring the possibility of selling up to 25% of its capital as it seeks to secure a strategic investor to navigate ongoing economic pressures. The airline’s board of directors is expected to convene to review potential investor interest and set a framework for the partial divestment, driven by diminishing travel demandand the economic impact of US-imposed tariffs.
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.
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.
International Airlines Group (IAG) is exploring the potential launch of a new low-cost carrier (LCC) in Madrid, should salary negotiations with Iberia Express pilots fail to reach a resolution. At the same time, the Group is reconsidering its position in Air Europa, weighing the possibility of maintaining its 20% stake without participating in an upcoming capital increase.
Brussels Airlines has entered into a wet-lease agreement with Air Europa, enlisting a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to service its Brussels to New York JFK route. This arrangement commenced on February 22, 2025, and is set to continue while several of Brussels Airlines’ Airbus A330 aircraft are undergoing maintenance.
Air Europa, Spain’s second-largest airline, has announced plans to sell 20% of its capital to generate funds for repaying its bailout debt, which is due in 2026. The airline has made it clear that it does not want any new partners influencing its operations, signaling a preference for financial backing without strategic control.
Air Europa, a leading Spanish airline, is attracting significant investment interest from major global carriers as it prepares for a capital increase. According to CEO Jesus Nuno de la Rosa, potential investors include Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Delta Air Lines. The airline expects up to 20% of its capital to be subscribed through new shares before the summer of 2025.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Air Europa have signed a new codeshare agreement aimed at improving air connectivity between Scandinavia and the Iberian Peninsula. This partnership represents a strategic move by both airlines to expand their route networks and offer greater convenience to their passengers.
