Air Europa announced the launch of a new route connecting Madrid (MAD) airport with Geneva (GVA), its second destination in Switzerland. The airline already operates flights to Zurich (ZRH) and, with this new link, strengthens its presence in the Swiss market. Operations are set to begin on June 19, 2026.According to a statement from Air Europa, the route will operate year-round with two daily frequencies. This is the same flight structure the airline maintains on its connection to Zurich, a corridor where it transported nearly 250,000 passengers last year.The new connection to Geneva will add an annual capacity of over 260,000 seats. Combining this capacity with the existing offering on the Zurich route, Air Europa's total capacity in Switzerland will exceed half a million seats per year. All operations to Swiss destinations will be carried out using the Boeing 737-800 fleet.Currently, only Iberia serves the route between Madrid and Geneva, with an average of 35 weekly flights, which translates to up to six daily flights. Starting in September, Easyjet will also resume the route with four weekly flights.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2019/01/Ginebra-Geneve-DIC2018-26-1.jpg" alt="Ginebra – Geneve – DIC2018-26"></figure>The addition of Geneva to its destination network is part of the company's international expansion plan. This growth is supported by the arrival of new aircraft in the coming months, aiming to modernize and enhance the efficiency of its fleet.This announcement comes at a time of strategic realignment for the airline, which recently signed an agreement with Turkish Airlines for a potential investment by the Turkish carrier in its capital, a move that could redefine its position in the European market.

Air Europa to Launch Madrid-Geneva Flights in June 2026

A new realignment in European aviation took shape this Tuesday: Turkish Airlines has signed the acquisition of a 26% stake in the capital of Air Europa. The deal, valued at approximately €275 million, positions the Turkish carrier as a strategic partner in the company controlled by the Hidalgo family. An official announcement from both companies is expected in the coming hours, according to Spanish media reports.The transaction is now subject to approval from competition authorities, a process that could take about three months. With this investment, Turkish Airlines gains access to Air Europa's route network between the European continent and Latin America, operated from its hub at Madrid-Barajas airport.The agreement materializes after other airline groups, such as Air France-KLM and Lufthansa, explored the possibility but ultimately declined to move forward.<blockquote>What you need to know about the dealWho is buying? Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Turkey.What is being bought? A 26% stake in Air Europa.For how much? €275 million.What is the new ownership structure? The Hidalgo family retains control, with IAG as a partner holding 20% and Turkish Airlines holding 26%.Next steps? Approval from competition authorities.</blockquote><h3>Financial Restructuring and New Shareholder Landscape</h3>The capital injection will be fundamental for Air Europa's financial stability. According to statements by its president, Juan José Hidalgo, to the EFE agency, the €275 million, combined with the airline's own cash reserves, will be used to cancel the €475 million loan granted by the state-owned industrial holding company (SEPI) during the health crisis. This bailout was composed of a €240 million participatory loan and a €235 million ordinary loan.This move follows the repayment of another €150 million loan from the ICO, which was completed in May. In parallel, Air Europa is negotiating a new credit line with Spanish banks for an amount ranging from €100 to €130 million.With the entry of Turkish Airlines, Air Europa's ownership structure becomes notably diversified. IAG, the parent company of Iberia and British Airways, already controls a 20% stake in the capital. Hidalgo assured that he has no intention of selling more shares and described his new partners as "the best I could have," now having the backing of two of the world's largest airline groups. The president himself expressed his "peace of mind" that "the airline will move forward and that Spain will have its own national company."<h3>The Long Road to an Agreement</h3>This agreement closes a cycle of nearly six years of negotiations and high uncertainty for Air Europa. In November 2019, IAG signed a preliminary agreement to acquire the airline for €1 billion. The COVID-19 crisis, which according to Hidalgo generated losses of €1.4 billion for the company, halted and devalued the operation.A second attempt by IAG for €500 million also failed, this time due to the demanding conditions imposed by Brussels' competition regulators, which made the integration unfeasible for the Spanish-British holding company. The president of Globalia insists that the state support received "was never a bailout; we were granted a loan guaranteed by Globalia" to overcome a "true ordeal" caused by a global crisis.The necessary authorizations for the deal with Turkish Airlines are expected to be obtained between September and November of this year, at which point the funds will be used to pay SEPI. The entry of Turkish Airlines, a heavyweight in the Star Alliance, into the capital of Air Europa (a member of SkyTeam), creates an unprecedented dynamic at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/08/red_de_corto_y_medio_alcance_de_air_europa_agosto_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de corto y medio alcance de Air Europa - Agosto 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Air Europa short-haul network - August 2025 &nbsp;(Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/08/red_de_air_europa_en_america_agosto_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de Air Europa en América - Agosto 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Air Europa long-haul network - August 2025 &nbsp;(Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>

Turkish Airlines seals deal to buy 26% of Air Europa

An Iberia Airbus A321XLR, with registration EC-OOJ and in commercial service for just a few weeks, was forced to return to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) this Sunday, August 3rd, after colliding with a bird minutes after takeoff. The aircraft, operating flight IB579 to Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), sustained visible damage to its nose and one of its engines.The aircraft, one of the newest in the Spanish airline's fleet and globally, had taken off from the Barajas runway when the impact occurred during the initial climb phase. The bird first struck the radome—the front cone of the fuselage that protects the weather radar—and was subsequently ingested by the left engine, a CFM International LEAP-1A.Following standard safety procedures for such incidents, the flight crew decided to halt the climb, declare an emergency, and immediately return to Madrid. The landing was completed without any issues approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board.Images and videos captured from the ground and quickly circulated on social media show the extent of the damage. The impact destroyed part of the aircraft's nose, exposing components of the radar. Additionally, damage is visible on multiple fan blades of the left engine, demonstrating the force of the collision.AirNavRadar data shows the flight path the aircraft made:<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="650" height="500" src="https://es.airnavradar.com/?widget=1&amp;z=7&amp;fid=2517089440"></iframe></div><blockquote>What happens when a bird hits an airplane? A bird strike is a relatively common event in aviation. Aircraft and their engines are designed and certified to withstand such collisions to a certain degree. The standard procedure, especially if engine damage is suspected, is for pilots to return to the airport of origin for a full technical inspection, as happened in this case. The greatest risk occurs during takeoff and landing, where altitude is low and bird concentration is higher.</blockquote>Iberia became the global launch customer for the Airbus A321XLR, receiving its first unit in late 2024. This model is notable for its ability to operate long-haul routes with a single-aisle aircraft, offering new efficiency for the company's transatlantic network. The involved aircraft, EC-OOJ, was delivered by Airbus in early July and had commenced commercial flights around July 10, 2025, making it one of the most recent units in operation worldwide.Bird incidents are a known and managed risk in the aviation industry. Airports implement various wildlife control measures to mitigate their presence near runways. Nevertheless, collisions are unavoidable. Jet engine certification includes rigorous bird ingestion tests to ensure that, even after a failure, the engine can be shut down safely without compromising the structural integrity of the wing or the aircraft.

Iberia's Brand-New A321XLR Suffers Engine Damage After Bird Strike, Returns to Madrid

International Airlines Group (IAG) today confirmed the allocation of its order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its Barcelona-based low-cost airline, Vueling. Although the decision was made in 2022, it was officially announced today during the presentation of the Q2 2025 results.This decision marks a fundamental step in Vueling's fleet strategy, as the airline has exclusively operated Airbus A320 family aircraft until now. These will be progressively replaced until the beginning of the next decade.The delivery of these aircraft is scheduled to begin in late 2026. The order is split into two variants of the MAX model: 25 737-8200, a high-density version of the MAX 8, and 25 737-10, the highest-capacity variant in the 737 MAX family.This addition is key to Vueling's strategy of strengthening its position in its core markets, with a special focus on consolidating its leadership in Spain's domestic market.During the first half of 2025, the airline resumed its growth path, increasing its capacity by 3.3% through the addition of seven leased Airbus A320ceo aircraft, achieving an average load factor of 89.3%. The arrival of the new-generation 737 MAX aircraft will enable the replacement of older, less efficient planes and support more sustainable and profitable growth. This comes after its operating profit fell to EUR 95 million in the first half, EUR 2 million less than the same period in 2024. Revenue stood at EUR 1,480 million.In the first half of 2025, Vueling carried 17.89 million passengers, a slight decrease of 0.3% compared to the same period last year.<blockquote>What is the composition of Vueling's fleet?92 Airbus A320s (one in storage) with an average age of 13 years.24 A320neos (13 in storage) with an average age of 6.2 years.18 A321s with an average age of 9.4 years.6 A319s with an average age of 18.3 years.4 A321neos (2 in storage) with an average age of 2.3 years.</blockquote>In addition to the firm order for 50 aircraft, IAG holds purchase options for another 100 Boeing 737 aircraft, which offers Vueling considerable flexibility for future expansions.

Vueling breaks all-Airbus fleet: set to receive 50 Boeing 737 MAX starting in 2026

Aena has reported strong financial and operational performance for the first half of 2025, with a net profit of €893.8 million, representing a 10.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The company attributes these results to the continued growth in passenger traffic and the dynamism of its commercial revenues.The Spanish airport operator, which also manages London-Luton Airport and a significant group of terminals in Brazil, achieved an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of €1,692.3 million, 8.8% higher than in the first half of the previous year. Total consolidated revenues grew by 9.1% to €2,995.9 million.Passenger traffic across the entire Aena Group network (Spain, London-Luton, and Aena Brazil) saw a 4.7% increase, reaching 180.9 million travelers. Airports in Spain handled 150.6 million passengers, up 4.5% from 2024, in line with the air traffic recovery trend in Europe. The group's international operations contributed €196.4 million to the EBITDA.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/07/cuenta_de_resultados_de_aena_primer_semestre_2025.jpg" alt="Cuenta de resultados de Aena - Primer semestre 2025"><figcaption>Cuenta de resultados de Aena - Primer semestre 2025</figcaption></figure><blockquote><h3>Aena's Key Figures | First Half 2025</h3>What was Aena's net profit?Aena recorded a net profit of €893.8 million, a 10.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.How many passengers used the group's airports?The Aena Group handled a total of 180.9 million passengers. Of these, 150.6 million corresponded to its airports in Spain.Will Aena's tariffs increase in 2026?Aena's Board of Directors has proposed an increase of 68 euro cents per passenger for 2026, which is now subject to supervision by the CNMC.</blockquote>Aeronautical revenues increased by 6.1% to €1,574.5 million. However, the commercial area showed greater momentum, with revenues reaching €929.1 million, a 10.4% rise. According to the company, total sales from commercial activities exceeded those of 2024 by 9.9%, and rental income grew by 15.8%.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/07/trafico_de_aeropuertos_de_aena_primer_semestre_2025.jpg" alt="Tráfico de aeropuertos de Aena - Primer semestre 2025"><figcaption>Tráfico de aeropuertos de Aena - Primer semestre 2025</figcaption></figure>On the financial side, the consolidated net financial debt stood at €5,973 million, with a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.64 times. The company highlights its solid cash generation, which amounted to €1,459.9 million.<h3>Proposed Tariff Update for 2026</h3>The Board of Directors of <a href="https://www.aena.es/en/passengers/passengers.html">Aena</a> has approved a proposal to update its airport tariffs in 2026. The plan includes an increase equivalent to 68 euro cents per passenger, raising the Maximum Annual Revenue per Passenger to €11.03.This adjustment, which must be supervised and approved by the <a href="https://www.cnmc.es/">National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC)</a>, is broken down into 45 cents to recover arrears from 2024 and 23 cents for cost updates. The CNMC issued a resolution on July 10, declaring the update index that allows part of this increase to be applicable.<h3>Download document: <a href="https://www.aena.es/sites/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&amp;blobkey=id&amp;blobtable=MungoBlobs&amp;blobwhere=1576871918129&amp;ssbinary=true">Aena H1 2025 - Results Presentations</a></h3>

Aena's profit exceeds €893 million in a first half marked by strong growth

Sevilla Airport (SVQ) has implemented a system to operate its passenger boarding bridges remotely, a development aimed at making apron operations more agile and flexible. According to Aena, the Spanish airport operator, this terminal becomes the second in its network, following Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), to adopt this technology, positioning it among the sector's pioneers in Europe.The operation, which until early July was performed manually using a console at the end of each bridge, is now managed from a centralized control desk. This station, manned by Apron and Platform Service (SPP) personnel, is equipped to control all of the airport's boarding bridges.Thanks to a network of installed cameras and sensors at various angles on the bridges, the technician has a complete view of both the aircraft and the parking stand, allowing them to dock and undock the finger with the same precision and safety as the on-site method.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/07/conduccion_remota_de_pasarelas_telescopicas_aeropuerto_de_sevilla_1.jpeg" alt="Conducción remota de pasarelas telescópicas - Aeropuerto de Sevilla"><figcaption>Conducción remota de pasarelas telescópicas - Aeropuerto de Sevilla</figcaption></figure><blockquote><h3>What is a remote-controlled passenger boarding bridge?</h3>It is a system that allows an operator to connect and disconnect a finger (boarding bridge) from an aircraft from a central control room, without needing to be physically present at the bridge. It uses high-definition cameras and sensors to guide the maneuver, improving agility and enabling a single technician to manage multiple gates, thereby optimizing aircraft turnaround times.</blockquote>To enhance safety and coordination with flight crews, the system is complemented by a traffic light signal. This indicates to the cabin crew the exact moment it is safe to open the aircraft doors for deplaning or, once boarding is complete, to close them and begin taxiing. The light remains red while the bridge is in motion and turns green upon secure completion of the connection.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/07/conduccion_remota_de_pasarelas_telescopicas_aeropuerto_de_sevilla.jpeg" alt="Conducción remota de pasarelas telescópicas - Aeropuerto de Sevilla"><figcaption>Conducción remota de pasarelas telescópicas - Aeropuerto de Sevilla</figcaption></figure>The primary benefit of this procedure is the increase in efficiency during airline turnarounds. Centralized management eliminates the need for technicians to physically move between different boarding gates, allowing for a quicker response and more dynamic resource allocation.<h3>A Project with History and a Future</h3>The implementation of this technology is the result of a project that began years ago. The first pilot tests at Sevilla Airport date back to early 2021, a globally pioneering experience at the time that served to validate the system's functionality. The positive results laid the groundwork for its definitive adoption.Subsequently, between 2021 and 2022, Aena invested over five million euros to replace the old bridges with six new-generation units developed by the technology company Adelte. These new structures, in addition to enabling remote driving, are prepared for the project's next phase: 100% autonomous operation, a capability that is already under development.This modernization aligns with a global trend in aviation, with other European airports like Munich Airport (MUC) also conducting trials with similar technologies. The collaboration between Aena, the airlines operating in Seville, their handling agents, and the developer Adelte has been crucial for the successful launch of the system.

Sevilla Airport modernizes with remote-controlled passenger boarding bridges

Spanish airline World2Fly has advanced plans to connect Madrid with Rosario, Argentina, but the project is on hold due to critical infrastructure issues at the city's international airport. The proposed route would be the first-ever direct flight connecting Rosario (Argentina's third largest city) to Europe.According to sources within the airline, the company intends to launch the service in December 2025. World2Fly has already secured the necessary takeoff and landing slots in Spain and has advanced the regulatory processes with both Spanish and Argentine civil aviation authorities.The plan consists of two weekly year-round flights utilizing modern Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline is confident in the route's potential, with market studies suggesting that a third weekly frequency could be viable.However, the project is entirely dependent on the reconstruction of the main runway at Rosario's "Islas Malvinas" International Airport (ROS). Sources at the airline stated that the current condition of the runway makes it unsuitable for A350 operations, calling the situation a "clear stopper."The bidding process for the essential runway works has stalled, creating uncertainty. For a December 2025 launch, World2Fly needs confirmation that the works will commence soon. The airline is ready to proceed with the final steps, including putting tickets on sale, but cannot move forward without a guarantee that the runway will be ready.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="40597" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>A delay could jeopardize the entire project, as postponing the launch would push it into the airline's high season in the Northern Hemisphere, complicating aircraft and resource allocation.World2Fly has identified Rosario as its next major objective in the region, following a successful launch in Cali, Colombia. However, with the current uncertainty, the airline has warned that while it does not wish to abandon the project, it is evaluating other options if the situation in Rosario is not resolved.

World2Fly Plans December 2025 Launch for Madrid Flights to Argentina's Third-Largest City, Pending Airport Works

Iberia has updated its culinary offerings for summer 2025, both onboard and in its VIP lounges at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, featuring a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients.In long-haul Business Class, new starters include smoked salmon with lemon-pepper sauce, burrata with tomato sobrasada and spiced pumpkin, and marinated Iberian pork with melon sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and toasted almonds. Main courses now feature grilled beef sirloin with green pepper sauce, oven-baked hake with saffron potatoes, and goat cheese-stuffed pasta in piquillo pepper sauce.Desserts have also been updated with homemade options like pavlova with fresh seasonal fruit, artisan rice pudding ice cream, and chocolate truffle tart.On short- and medium-haul Business Class flights, new items include tomato tartare with piquillo pepper and sautéed prawns served with black rice and roasted zucchini.The Gastrobar menu now offers lighter summer dishes such as pastrami bagel, Caprese coca, hot lasagna, and sweet treats like hazelnut cookies paired with cold cappuccino or summer cocktails including Mojito and Rebujito.The Pre-order service, which allows passengers to select their meal in advance, includes ricotta and spinach mezzelune, Greek salad with feta cheese, and a celebration pack featuring vanilla-lemon mousse cake and cava. Customers can also pre-select the award-winning creamy rice with cuttlefish and prawn, recognized by the On board Hospitality Awards.In Iberia’s Premium Lounges, the summer offering includes cold soups like salmorejo and vichyssoise, lighter salads, seasonal fruits like melon and apricots, and new hot and cold snacks such as wraps, gyozas, and tequeños. The coffee selection now features Illy, and a new ice cream menu has been introduced.According to Iberia, these changes aim to deliver a dining experience that is “fresh, sophisticated, and representative of the best of Mediterranean cuisine.”&nbsp;

Iberia unveils new summer 2025 menus with Mediterranean flavors

Girona-Costa Brava Airport is heading into the 2025 peak travel season with a nearly 10% increase in flight and seat offerings compared to the previous year. According to a statement released today by Aena, a total of 12,085 commercial flights and 2,068,784 seats have been scheduled, reinforcing the airport’s status as a key gateway in northeastern Spain.The airport’s route network now connects 49 cities across 17 countries, with notable concentration in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Poland—markets that account for around 50% of total seat capacity, according to Aena. New destinations this summer include Sarajevo, Lublin, Ostrava, Budapest, and London Luton, expanding connectivity with European capitals and strengthening Girona’s role as a gateway to the Costa Brava, the Girona Pyrenees, and southern France.In 2024, Girona-Costa Brava Airport surpassed 2 million passengers and handled over 24,000 operations, reflecting annual increases of 25.9% and 19.4%, respectively. The upward trend continues in 2025, with passenger numbers rising 19.2% and operations 33.5% year-over-year through May.Data from Cirium, compiled by Aviacionline, shows that Ryanair will account for 80% of seat capacity at Girona in July, followed by Transavia (9.5%) and Jet2 (7.6%). Remaining capacity is shared among Wizz Air, Air Arabia Maroc, and TUIfly Belgium.Aena highlights its ongoing infrastructure investment plan, which included €45.9 million between 2017 and 2021, with an additional €47.9 million earmarked through 2026. Improvements include upgrades to arrival areas, security, passport control, restrooms, and commercial and dining spaces. Airfield enhancements have also been made, notably to the runway and Instrument Landing System (ILS).By 2026, plans call for a revamp of check-in counters, adaptation of gates for Airbus A321, a new bird control station, and improved pedestrian pathways between the terminal and parking areas.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/red_de_destinos_del_aeropuerto_de_girona_costa_brava_julio_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos del Aeropuerto de Girona-Costa Brava, julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Route Network of Girona-Costa Brava Airport, July 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>Beyond commercial operations, the airport also supports business aviation, pilot training, emergency services, and National Transplant Organization (ONT) flights. A new executive aviation terminal (FBO) is in development, alongside a strategy to promote real estate growth for hangar development.Cargo traffic has also surged, following the incorporation of a specialized logistics agent. Between 2019 and 2024, cargo movements grew by 224.9%, marking a significant upturn in the airport’s freight activity.

Girona-Costa Brava Airport Boosts Summer 2025 Capacity with Nearly 10% Growth in Flights and Seats

World2fly has strengthened its presence in the Indian Ocean with the launch of a new nonstop route between Madrid (MAD) and Mauritius (MRU), operated once a week.With this addition, the airline enters direct competition with Iberojet, which also offers a weekly frequency on the same route.The inaugural flight W2 5607, operated with an Airbus A330 registered EC-OHV, departed from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport at 21:13 on Monday, June 24, and landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 10:42 the following day, after a flight duration of eleven hours and 28 minutes.The new connection departs every Tuesday from Madrid at 20:35, arriving in Mauritius at 10:10 the next day. On the return leg, flight W2 5608 takes off from the island at 12:10, landing in Madrid at 22:05 (local times). The service is operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 388 seats. Fares start at €389.With this new route, World2fly consolidates its offering from Madrid, where it already operates year-round flights to Cali (Colombia), Havana (Cuba), Cancún (Mexico), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), as well as seasonal services to La Romana (Dominican Republic).

World2fly Expands Indian Ocean Presence with New Nonstop Route to Mauritius

Iberia hosted the fourth edition of its “Quiero Ser” program, an initiative aimed at sparking interest in aeronautical careers among teenagers aged 14 to 18 through an immersive experience in the world of commercial aviation and aircraft maintenance.Organized in collaboration with CAE and Technovation Girls, the event brought together 35 young participants who explored a variety of roles in the aviation sector—many of them traditionally male-dominated—such as pilot, aircraft maintenance technician (AMT), and engineer.Participants visited key industry facilities, including flight simulators at CAE’s crew training center, and several operational areas of Iberia Maintenance, such as the Engine Workshop, Components Workshop, Test Bench, and Hangar 6, where aircraft maintenance is performed for Iberia and over 100 external clients.“We firmly believe that sparking vocations at an early age is key to building a more diverse future,” said María Bello, Iberia’s Director of People and Diversity. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see these young women drawn to professions where female representation has historically been low.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/iberia_programa_quiero_ser.jpg" alt="Iberia - Programa &amp;quot;Quiero ser&amp;quot;" /><figcaption>Young participants of the fourth edition of Iberia’s “Quiero Ser” program</figcaption></figure>“With ‘Quiero Ser,’ we want to open doors, ignite passions, and shed light on careers that are often overlooked, partly due to the lack of visible role models,” she added.The program is part of Iberia’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan, which aims to promote equal opportunities and increase the visibility of women in sectors with low female representation.

Iberia inspires future aviators with fourth edition of “Quiero Ser” program

LEVEL, the long-haul low-cost carrier of the IAG group, will offer over 400,000 seats for the 2025/26 winter season, marking a 51% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth is especially significant on routes to North America, where capacity will rise by 64%, according to data released by the airline.New York (JFK) will see the most notable expansion, becoming LEVEL’s top growth route. The airline will operate daily flights between Barcelona and New York from November through January, and six weekly frequencies from February to March—a 126% increase in seat availability compared to the previous winter.Other North American routes, including Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles, will also see increased service. Boston will have five weekly flights at peak demand, while Miami will feature four weekly frequencies in December and January. Los Angeles will continue with three weekly flights, remaining the only direct route from Barcelona to L.A.In South America, LEVEL will expand its capacity by 38%, focusing on routes to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. For the first time, the airline will offer up to 11 weekly flights between Barcelona and Buenos Aires, with 12 frequencies in select weeks of November. The Santiago route will operate five times per week during December, January, and February, and four times weekly for the rest of the season.“The expansion of our winter schedule reflects LEVEL’s strong commitment to Barcelona and our continued focus on strengthening connections to strategic destinations in the Americas,” said Lucía Adrover, the airline’s Chief Commercial and Network Officer.With these changes, LEVEL solidifies its position as the leading long-haul carrier at Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas El Prat Airport, where it will hold an 18% share of total seats. In the North Atlantic market, its share rises to 29%, the airline added.

LEVEL boosts transatlantic capacity by 51% for winter 2025/26

On the morning of June 21, Valencia Airport (VLC) welcomed the inaugural Air Transat flight from Montreal (YUL), reestablishing a direct link with North America for the first time since 2012.The inaugural flight, operating under flight number TS 276, landed at Manises Airport at 7:30 a.m. (local time). The route was served by a modern Airbus A321LR, registration C-GOKE, which departed Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport at 6:36 p.m. the previous day, completing the journey in six hours and 54 minutes.This new Air Transat service not only restores intercontinental connectivity for Valencia, but also highlights the growing role of long-range narrow-body aircraft in opening new point-to-point markets. The A321LR’s efficiency allows airlines to serve routes that were once economically unfeasible with wide-body jets.<blockquote>Key Facts About the YUL–VLC Route• Which airline operates direct flights between Valencia and North America? Air Transat is currently the only carrier offering nonstop service between Valencia and the Americas (Montreal, Canada).• When does the flight operate? The service runs once a week—departing Montreal on Fridays and returning from Valencia on Saturdays.• What aircraft is used on the route? The flights are operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft, configured with 199 seats in two classes (12 in Club Class and 187 in Economy).</blockquote>According to the official schedule, flight TS 276 departs Montreal (YUL) every Friday at 6:15 p.m. and arrives in Valencia (VLC) at 7:20 a.m. on Saturday. The return leg, flight TS 277, leaves Valencia on Saturdays at 8:50 a.m. and lands in Montreal at 11:05 a.m. (local times).With the addition of Valencia, Air Transat strengthens its presence in Spain, adding to its existing destinations of Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), and Málaga (AGP)—all served from Montreal. Thanks to this expansion, the airline now offers 7,300 weekly seats between Canada and Spain during the 2025 summer season.This figure positions Air Transat as the second-largest airline on the Canada–Spain corridor, behind only Air Canada, which focuses its higher-capacity operations on Madrid and Barcelona.The Valencia service is scheduled to run until October 4, with the possibility of extending into the winter season depending on market demand. The route also offers convenient connections from Montreal to other destinations across Canada and the United States.

Valencia Returns to the Transatlantic Map with Inaugural Air Transat Flight from Montreal

Iberia will invest €6 billion over the coming years as part of its Flight Plan 2030, aimed at consolidating growth, renewing its fleet, and enhancing the customer experience, the company announced today during a press conference in Madrid.The strategy includes a major expansion of its long-haul capacity, with plans to grow from 45 to 70 aircraft in that category. This will include models like the A350, A321XLR, and possibly the A330NEO, part of a broader order announced by IAG. The plan also envisions replacing nearly the entire short- and medium-haul fleet with more efficient and lower-emission A320 and A321 NEOs, aligning with the airline’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/iberia_evolucion_flota.jpg" alt="Iberia evolución flota" /></figure>Iberia’s President and CEO, Marco Sansavini, stated: “Thanks to the deep transformation Iberia has undergone over the past decade and the efforts of all our people, we are achieving results that allow us to look to the future with confidence and invest €6 billion through our Flight Plan 2030.”According to the company, a key objective is to help develop Barajas Airport as a competitive intercontinental hub alongside its European counterparts. In this regard, Iberia will launch new routes to Toronto, Philadelphia, and Monterrey, in addition to previously announced destinations in Recife, Fortaleza, and Orlando.<figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-center" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/iberia_nuevos_destinos_20252026.jpg" alt="Iberia - Nuevos destinos 2025/2026" /></figure>The airline will also renew 100% of its long-haul cabins, increase overhead bin space for carry-on luggage, and introduce a new Premium Lounge in Terminal 4 at Barajas, with further improvements planned for ground services.Another pillar of the plan is the creation of Ciudad Iberia in La Muñoza, an aerospace innovation center that will also house the airline’s corporate headquarters. Iberia also expects to hire around 1,000 new employees annually, aiming to reach a total of 250,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs and contribute €19 billion annually to Spain’s GDP—a 42% increase over current levels.Coinciding with its centenary in 2027, the airline will launch the Iberia Foundation, which will aim to amplify the company’s positive social impact.Download document: <a href="https://onedrive.live.com/?redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2IvYy80ZGMxNTIwNjRjYjA2ZWY2L0VjaFROUFZ1QVFwRXFtcVd2UU11M0NBQkNFeDlwZVR4dmhmNWphVGdabmRnaXc%5FZT1YNEVrWks&amp;cid=4DC152064CB06EF6&amp;id=4DC152064CB06EF6%21sf53453c8016e440aaa6a96bd032edc20&amp;parId=4DC152064CB06EF6%21423701&amp;o=OneUp">Iberia Flight Plan 2030 Presentation</a>

Iberia to Invest €6 Billion Under “Flight Plan 2030” to Drive Growth and Fleet Renewal

LOT Polish Airlines continues to expand in Spain with the launch of its direct flights between Warsaw-Radom and Barcelona, offering travelers another convenient option between the Polish and Catalan capitals.This new route complements LOT’s year-round service to Rome-Fiumicino (Italy) and its seasonal operations to Preveza/Lefkada (Greece) in collaboration with tour operators.The inaugural flight, LO 2213, was operated by a Boeing 737 MAX registered SP-LVQ. The aircraft departed from Warsaw-Radom Airport at 7:26 a.m. local time on June 14 and landed at Barcelona-El Prat International Airport at 10:03 a.m., completing the journey in 2 hours and 38 minutes.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/rdo_bcn.jpeg" alt="rdo-bcn" /></figure>In addition to this new route, LOT’s Spanish schedule includes year-round flights to Madrid and Barcelona, seasonal services to Tenerife, and a planned connection to Málaga set to launch early next year.Flight 2213 operates every Saturday, departing Warsaw-Radom at 7:15 a.m. and arriving in Barcelona at 10:25 a.m. The return flight, LO 2214, departs Barcelona at 11:25 a.m. and lands in Warsaw-Radom at 2:25 p.m.The route is served by Boeing 737 aircraft configured with 186 seats, providing a reliable and comfortable option for both leisure and business travelers.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39912" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

LOT Expands in Spain with New Warsaw-Radom to Barcelona Route

Azul Linhas Aéreas’ flight from Recife to Madrid experienced another technical issue on Thursday (June 12), involving the same aircraft that failed to complete its inaugural flight on Tuesday (June 10).On the first attempt, the Boeing 767-300ER, registered CS-TSU and operated by Portuguese airline EuroAtlantic Airways—which Azul contracts for its international routes—suffered a flap malfunction shortly after takeoff from Recife during the debut flight to Madrid.The aircraft had to perform several holding patterns over the Atlantic Ocean to burn fuel and reduce weight before returning safely to Recife. Although the landing was uneventful, observers noted glowing brake discs, a result of braking while near the maximum landing weight and with inoperative flaps, which required a higher approach and landing speed, according to Azul’s media partner AEROIN in Brazil.With the unscheduled return of the 767, the inaugural flight to Madrid was canceled and rescheduled for Thursday, which was also intended to be the second operation on Azul’s new Madrid route. Meanwhile, the Recife–Porto route, also assigned to the same EuroAtlantic aircraft, was operated on Wednesday (June 11) by an Azul Airbus A330-900neo, registration PR-ANY.Azul also launched its Campinas–Madrid route on Tuesday.On Thursday, the same Boeing 767 departed Recife for Madrid with a 2-hour and 15-minute delay. Shortly after its 11:12 p.m. departure, the aircraft climbed only to 6,000 feet before it apparently experienced another flap issue, forcing yet another return to Recife, as confirmed by flight tracking platform AirNavRadar.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/vuelo_inaugural_frustrado_de_recife_a_madrid.jpg" alt="Vuelo inaugural frustrado de Recife a Madrid" /></figure>The aircraft finally landed at 2:37 a.m. local time (5:37 GMT).

Azul’s Recife–Madrid flight grounded again after second flap issue with same Boeing 767

The airports managed by Aena in Spain, Brazil, and the United Kingdom handled a combined 34.5 million passengers in May, representing a 3.8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Of that total, 29.2 million passengers were processed at facilities located on the Iberian Peninsula, reflecting a 3.3% year-over-year growth.According to data released by the airport operator, global air traffic reached 297,321 aircraft movements, with 247,288 occurring in Spain—a 3.9% rise compared to May of the previous year. Meanwhile, cargo volume across Spanish airports totaled 126,911 metric tons, marking a 4.8% annual increase.Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport led in passenger volume with 5.7 million travelers (+1%), followed by Barcelona-El Prat with 5.17 million (+3.7%), and Palma de Mallorca, which handled 3.82 million passengers, though it posted a slight decline of 0.5%. Airports showing the strongest growth included Málaga-Costa del Sol (+8.7%) and Valencia (+7.2%).In May, Seville Airport recorded its highest passenger traffic in history, while 23 airports in the network set new May records, including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Málaga, Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, and Tenerife South.In terms of operations, Madrid-Barajas also led with 36,641 flights (+0.8%), followed by Barcelona-El Prat (33,131, +4.9%) and Palma de Mallorca (27,190, +0.3%). In total, 18 airports posted their highest-ever operational volumes for the month of May.As for cargo, Madrid-Barajas processed 69,335 metric tons, a 9.5% increase and the highest volume ever recorded in May at the airport. It was followed by Barcelona-El Prat with 17,457 tons (+10.5%), also a monthly record for that facility.From January to May, Spanish airports under Aena's management handled 120.1 million passengers, a 4.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.In Brazil, the 17 airports operated by Aena served 3.65 million passengers in May, up 8.5% year-over-year, though aircraft movements fell by 4%. Congonhas Airport in São Paulo led the way with 1.97 million passengers (+9.2%).Cargo transport in Brazil also saw significant growth, reaching 10,692 metric tons, up 17.1% compared to May 2024. Congonhas handled 42% of the national total.At London Luton Airport, also operated by Aena, 1.6 million passengers were recorded in May (+3.1%), while cargo traffic declined by 9.5% year-over-year.Overall, Aena managed 145.1 million passengers globally from January to May 2025, a 4.9% increase compared to the same five-month period in 2024.

Aena airports handle 34.5 million passengers in May, with growth across Spain, Brazil, and the UK

Iberia resumed its seasonal operations last Saturday to Ponta Delgada, in the Azores Islands, and Tirana, the capital of Albania, expanding its European network for the summer months.For Ponta Delgada, the airline will operate three weekly flights between June and September, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, offering more than 19,000 seats. This marks the third consecutive summer season with direct flights from Madrid to the capital of São Miguel Island.Madrid – Ponta Delgada:<ul><li>Monday 15:30–16:55</li><li>Wednesday 08:20–09:45</li><li>Saturday 09:10–10:35</li></ul>Ponta Delgada – Madrid:<ul><li>Monday 17:55–22:55</li><li>Wednesday 10:45–15:45</li><li>Saturday 11:25–16:25</li></ul>The Madrid–Ponta Delgada flight varies in schedule by day, while the return leg maintains afternoon departure times. Ponta Delgada is known for its natural landscapes, traditional Portuguese architecture, and attractions such as whale watching and visits to the volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades.Tirana also returns to Iberia’s schedule after last summer’s successful run. The airline has programmed up to three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, totaling more than 18,000 available seats this season.Madrid – Tirana:<ul><li>Tuesday 08:00–11:05</li><li>Thursday 11:45–14:50</li><li>Saturday 15:50–18:55</li></ul>Tirana – Madrid:<ul><li>Tuesday 11:45–15:10</li><li>Thursday 15:30–18:55</li><li>Saturday 19:35–23:00</li></ul>According to the airline, Albania has emerged as a growing destination in Europe. From Tirana, travelers can access sites such as Lake Ohrid, Mount Dajti, the Adriatic beaches, and historic cities like Berat and Krujë.“We want to continue offering a diverse and attractive network of destinations for our customers,” the airline stated. The routes are part of Iberia’s strategy to strengthen its seasonal presence in both emerging and traditional European destinations.

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