Airline Air Europa has entered into a strategic framework agreement with the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing to collaborate on modernizing the airline’s fleet. The Spanish carrier announced the deal but did not disclose the exact number of aircraft or the financial value of the order. This collaboration signals an extension of a long standing relationship, reinforcing Air Europa’s use of Boeing models as a core element of its fleet strategy moving forward.
The arrangement also supports Air Europa’s aim to consolidate and expand its relationships with lessors in the market, providing solid backing for the company’s ambitious development plan. This partnership comes as both companies look to strengthen their ties and align operations for future growth.
more efficient aircraft
The agreement will establish the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the new Boeing 737 MAX as the backbone of Air Europa’s growing fleet. Air Europa has previously been a pioneer among Spanish carriers in adopting these models, which are widely regarded for technological innovation, cabin comfort, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions. This milestone underscores the airline’s commitment to upgrading its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Throughout the year, Air Europa expanded its fleet with Boeing aircraft to meet rising demand for more seats and to support the industry resurgence following the pandemic. This expansion enabled the restoration of numerous routes and frequencies with distinctive characteristics across global destinations, while Madrid Barajas Airport, Adolfo Suárez, continued to play a central role in the network.
Air Europa’s intention was to close 2023 with a fleet of around 61 aircraft, moving closer to pre pandemic capacity. The Hidalgo family, which controls the airline, faced lease payment challenges and returned a portion of the 66 aircraft operated during the peak period of the crisis.
recovery continues
The new announcement follows IAG exercising an option to provide a €100 million unsecured loan issued seven years ago to Globalia in March, aimed at acquiring a 20% stake in Air Europa. This financial move underscores ongoing efforts to stabilize and fund the airline’s expansion plans. In July, Jesús Nuño de la Rosa, who previously led Viajes El Corte Inglés for over two decades, was appointed as the airline’s CEO, succeeding Valentín Lago. The board of directors approved the leadership change to guide the company through the next phase of growth.
Nuño de la Rosa, together with the executive team, will oversee the continued expansion of Air Europa. The objective is to restore activity levels seen before the coronavirus outbreak during the second half of the year, with the anticipated arrival of the new fleet laying the groundwork for a robust recovery across the network.