Latest news with #AirEuropa
Fintech News ME
21-07-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Air Europa's Investment Potential in the GCC Aviation Market
Javier Hidalgo is once again positioning Globalia—and its airline Air Europa—at the center of global aviation's most strategic routes. The recent launch of the direct route between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Etihad Airways, not only strengthens commercial ties between Europe and the Gulf but also showcases the group's long-term international strategy. 'The opening of the Abu Dhabi route marks a milestone in Air Europa's growth, both in terms of connectivity and global positioning,' said Javier Hidalgo, CEO of Globalia. A strategic bridge with Etihad Airways On June 25, 2025, Air Europa and Etihad Airways officially launched their new intercontinental route, connecting Madrid and Abu Dhabi. The partnership includes a codeshare agreement, enabling passengers from Spain and Latin America to access over 40 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania through Etihad's hub. This agreement enhances Air Europa's relevance in long-haul travel and strengthens its footprint in a region with rising demand and investment opportunities. A sustainable and profitable airline Air Europa's ability to attract international attention stems from more than just its network. Since 2015, the company has reduced its CO₂ emissions by over 21%, as confirmed in its 2024 Sustainability Report. With a goal of reaching 30% by 2030, the airline is implementing structural changes focused on: Fleet modernization, including the addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the first 737 MAX. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use on routes such as Madrid-Havana and Madrid-Buenos Aires. Technological innovation, such as OptiClimb and electric ground vehicles. This transformation is part of the 'Vuelo 2030' strategic plan, with more than 40 environmental and operational actions in progress. 'We're demonstrating that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand in aviation,' emphasized Javier Hidalgo. Why the Gulf sees potential in Air Europa The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has become a hotspot for strategic investments in European airlines. Sovereign wealth funds like ADQ (Abu Dhabi), QIA (Qatar), and PIF (Saudi Arabia) have previously backed players such as IAG, Lufthansa, and ITA Airways. Air Europa, with its modern fleet, Latin American connectivity, and green transformation plan, represents an attractive partner for future joint ventures or investment rounds. While no formal negotiations have been announced, the launch of the Madrid–Abu Dhabi route is widely interpreted as a step towards deeper commercial ties. Javier Hidalgo and Globalia's international momentum Javier Hidalgo's leadership has been instrumental in repositioning Globalia as a forward-looking group, focused on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-border partnerships. His presence in the UAE—home to influential business and aviation networks—reflects the ambition to expand beyond traditional markets. As Europe and the Middle East deepen their aviation collaboration, Air Europa could become the next success story connecting continents through strategic vision, green technology, and long-term value creation.
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Globalia expands UAE presence with strategic airline and hospitality partnerships
Spain's largest tourism group, Globalia, is expanding its presence in the United Arab Emirates through a combination of aviation and hospitality initiatives designed to strengthen connectivity and support regional tourism growth. Last month, Globalia announced the launch of a new direct route between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, operated by its flagship carrier Air Europa, in collaboration with Etihad Airways. The inaugural flight marks Air Europa's first operation in the Middle East and signals a deeper engagement with the UAE's fast-evolving tourism and transportation sectors. This new route, operated via a wet-lease agreement, is part of a broader strategy to enhance global connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. With increased frequencies and shared loyalty programmes, the partnership improves access for business and leisure travelers while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's positioning as a global aviation hub. Globalia's ambitions in the region extend beyond the skies. The company is bringing to the UAE a European tourism model grounded in operational excellence, technological innovation, and cultural integration. Drawing on decades of leadership in Spain and Latin America, Globalia is adapting its ecosystem to suit the opportunities and demands of Gulf markets. As part of this broader vision, Globalia's hospitality arm, Be Live Hotels, is actively exploring expansion opportunities in the UAE and across the Gulf region. The brand is known for aligning high-quality guest experiences with strong environmental and social responsibility standards, already recognised in the Caribbean and Europe. 'Sustainability is not a trend - it's the only way to guarantee the future of tourism,' said Javier Hidalgo, former CEO of Globalia and one of the early advocates of long-term value-driven tourism. The group's expansion strategy emphasises soft power, local partnerships, and tourism that respects both the environment and the cultural context of its host destinations. These evaluations come as the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for eco-conscious travel and high-quality hospitality experiences.
Tourism Breaking News
25-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Etihad Airways and Air Europa celebrate inaugural flight milestone, enhanced partnership strengthens connectivity between the UAE and Spain
Post Views: 33 Etihad Airways and Air Europa celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier's first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa's Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries. The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: 'Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we're opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.' Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa's President, added: ''Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.' The partnership reinforces Etihad's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi's position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, while also strengthening links with key European markets such as Spain. Together, Etihad and Air Europa offer passengers convenient travel options to more than 130 destinations across their combined networks. The wet-lease operation establishes a strong foundation for more strategic initiatives between Etihad and Air Europa in the future, including opportunities for deeper commercial activities and expanded bilateral cooperation. Both airlines remain committed to exploring additional collaborative opportunities that will benefit passengers through enhanced travel options, improved connectivity, and seamless service delivery.
Gulf Today
24-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Etihad Airways, Air Europa celebrate inaugural flight milestone
Etihad Airways and Air Europa have celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier's first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents. Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa's Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, 'Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we're opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.' Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa's President, added, 'Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.' The partnership reinforces Etihad's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi's position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, while also strengthening links with key European markets such as Spain. Together, Etihad and Air Europa offer passengers convenient travel options to more than 130 destinations across their combined networks. WAM
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad Airways, Air Europa celebrate inaugural flight milestone
Etihad Airways and Air Europa have celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier's first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents. Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa's Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, 'Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we're opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.' Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa's President, added, 'Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.' The partnership reinforces Etihad's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi's position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, while also strengthening links with key European markets such as Spain. Together, Etihad and Air Europa offer passengers convenient travel options to more than 130 destinations across their combined networks.
