Latest news with #Globalia
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.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Turkish Airlines explores Air Europa stake as bid deadline looms
Turkish Airlines is exploring making a bid for a minority stake in Air Europa, the latest carrier to express interest in the Spanish airline, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal, with binding bids due in the coming weeks. Interested investors have been asked to submit binding bids by early July, one of the sources and two more said. The sources declined to be identified because the terms are confidential. Turkish Airlines' consideration of a bid is significant as there are few examples of carriers outside Europe buying shares in players in the region. The interest has been reported by Spanish online newspaper El Espanol. The deadline for binding bids has not previously been reported. Air France KLM and Lufthansa are also in talks with Globalia, the holding company of the family Hidalgo that founded the company, about buying a stake, Reuters reported previously. The airline makes just over a quarter of its revenues from Europe. It has a codeshare agreement with Air Europa. Turkish Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while its shareholder Turkey's Wealth Fund declined to comment. A representative for Globalia and the Hidalgo family said they did not want to comment on an ongoing operation because of confidentiality issues. Lufthansa declined to comment. An Air France-KLM spokesperson said the airline is interested in reinforcing its longstanding cooperation with Air Europa. NEXT PHASE OF LONG PROCESS Binding bids would mark the next phase of a prolonged sale process as Air Europa seeks to raise cash to repay a government loan granted during the pandemic. A previous plan had aimed for binding bids in May, two of the sources said. The process has faced delays due in part to disagreements between members of the Hidalgo family and concerns from interested airlines on the structure of the deal, according to the two sources and a fourth one said. The interested parties are working with advisers to structure bids in the hope that buying a minority stake of about 20% may put them in a better position to take control of the airline in the future, the two sources added. Some potential suitors have expressed concern over a lack of clarity about how they may be able to do that, according to the fourth person with knowledge of the talks. Last year, BA-owner IAG which has a 20% stake, abandoned a deal to take full ownership of the airline after regulators raised issues over competition given its ownership of Spanish carrier Iberia. It also owns Vueling and Aer Lingus. Pressure has mounted on airlines to consolidate in Europe to better compete with major global rivals from the United States and the Middle East. Many are focusing on the most popular routes in southern Europe as a target for expansion. Air Europa flies within Spain and between Madrid and large cities in Europe and Latin America. (Reporting by Andres Gonzalez and Joanna Plucinska; Additional reporting by Ceyda Caglayan in Istanbul and Inti Landauro in Madrid; Editing by Josephine Mason and Barbara Lewis)
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Turkish Airlines explores Air Europa stake as bid deadline looms
By Andres Gonzalez and Joanna Plucinska LONDON (Reuters) -Turkish Airlines is exploring making a bid for a minority stake in Air Europa, the latest carrier to express interest in the Spanish airline, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal, with binding bids due in the coming weeks. Interested investors have been asked to submit binding bids by early July, one of the sources and two more said. The sources declined to be identified because the terms are confidential. Turkish Airlines' consideration of a bid is significant as there are few examples of carriers outside Europe buying shares in players in the region. The interest has been reported by Spanish online newspaper El Espanol. The deadline for binding bids has not previously been reported. Air France KLM and Lufthansa are also in talks with Globalia, the holding company of the family Hidalgo that founded the company, about buying a stake, Reuters reported previously. The airline makes just over a quarter of its revenues from Europe. It has a codeshare agreement with Air Europa. Turkish Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while its shareholder Turkey's Wealth Fund declined to comment. A representative for Globalia and the Hidalgo family said they did not want to comment on an ongoing operation because of confidentiality issues. Lufthansa declined to comment. An Air France-KLM spokesperson said the airline is interested in reinforcing its longstanding cooperation with Air Europa. NEXT PHASE OF LONG PROCESS Binding bids would mark the next phase of a prolonged sale process as Air Europa seeks to raise cash to repay a government loan granted during the pandemic. A previous plan had aimed for binding bids in May, two of the sources said. The process has faced delays due in part to disagreements between members of the Hidalgo family and concerns from interested airlines on the structure of the deal, according to the two sources and a fourth one said. The interested parties are working with advisers to structure bids in the hope that buying a minority stake of about 20% may put them in a better position to take control of the airline in the future, the two sources added. Some potential suitors have expressed concern over a lack of clarity about how they may be able to do that, according to the fourth person with knowledge of the talks. Last year, BA-owner IAG which has a 20% stake, abandoned a deal to take full ownership of the airline after regulators raised issues over competition given its ownership of Spanish carrier Iberia. It also owns Vueling and Aer Lingus. Pressure has mounted on airlines to consolidate in Europe to better compete with major global rivals from the United States and the Middle East. Many are focusing on the most popular routes in southern Europe as a target for expansion. Air Europa flies within Spain and between Madrid and large cities in Europe and Latin America.
Reuters
20-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Turkish Airlines explores Air Europa stake as bid deadline looms
LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) - Turkish Airlines is exploring making a bid for a minority stake in Air Europa, the latest carrier to express interest in the Spanish airline, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal, with binding bids due in the coming weeks. Interested investors have been asked to submit binding bids by early July, one of the sources and two more said. The sources declined to be identified because the terms are confidential. Turkish Airlines' consideration of a bid is significant as there are few examples of carriers outside Europe buying shares in players in the region. The interest has been reported by Spanish online newspaper El Espanol. The deadline for binding bids has not previously been reported. Air France KLM ( opens new tab and Lufthansa ( opens new tab are also in talks with Globalia, the holding company of the family Hidalgo that founded the company, about buying a stake, Reuters reported previously. The airline makes just over a quarter of its revenues from Europe. It has a codeshare agreement with Air Europa. Turkish Airlines ( opens new tab did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while its shareholder Turkey's Wealth Fund declined to comment. A representative for Globalia and the Hidalgo family said they did not want to comment on an ongoing operation because of confidentiality issues. Lufthansa declined to comment. An Air France-KLM spokesperson said the airline is interested in reinforcing its longstanding cooperation with Air Europa. Binding bids would mark the next phase of a prolonged sale process as Air Europa seeks to raise cash to repay a government loan granted during the pandemic. A previous plan had aimed for binding bids in May, two of the sources said. The process has faced delays due in part to disagreements between members of the Hidalgo family and concerns from interested airlines on the structure of the deal, according to the two sources and a fourth one said. The interested parties are working with advisers to structure bids in the hope that buying a minority stake of about 20% may put them in a better position to take control of the airline in the future, the two sources added. Some potential suitors have expressed concern over a lack of clarity about how they may be able to do that, according to the fourth person with knowledge of the talks. Last year, BA-owner IAG (ICAG.L), opens new tab which has a 20% stake, abandoned a deal to take full ownership of the airline after regulators raised issues over competition given its ownership of Spanish carrier Iberia. It also owns Vueling and Aer Lingus. Pressure has mounted on airlines to consolidate in Europe to better compete with major global rivals from the United States and the Middle East. Many are focusing on the most popular routes in southern Europe as a target for expansion. Air Europa flies within Spain and between Madrid and large cities in Europe and Latin America.
