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.
Air Europa, a major airline in Spain, has taken a significant step to address its financial challenges by hiring PJT Partners, a US-based advisory firm, to manage its debt and potentially arrange a capital increase. The airline aims to tackle a substantial debt of US$491.8 million, owed to the Spanish government, as part of its recovery strategy.
SKY Airline, based in Chile, and Air Europa, headquartered in Spain, have entered into an interline agreement, enabling seamless connectivity for passengers through key hubs in Madrid and Medellin. The partnership enhances travel options across Europe and Latin America, strengthening ties between the two regions.
Air Europa Holdings, a leading Spanish carrier, anticipates closing 2024 with a turnover of nearly $3 billion, reflecting a 6.3% year-on-year increase. The growth comes as the airline focuses on reducing its leverage while continuing to expand and modernize its fleet. As part of its fleet expansion strategy, Air Europa plans to add three Boeing 787 Dreamliners and its first Boeing 737…
