Aeromexico schedules flights between Mexico City (MEX) and Philadelphia (PHL), Pennsylvania, increasing the airline's destinations in the United States to 25, according to a new update from Cirium.The new route will operate daily, starting June 5, 2025, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft configured to hold between 160 and 166 passengers, offering 2,324 seats per week.Route: Mexico City - Philadelphia Flight: AM 608 Schedule: 13:35 MEX - 20:31 PHL (Daily)Route: Philadelphia - Mexico City Flight: AM 609 Schedule: 10:02 PHL - 12:55 MEX (Daily)According to Cirium, Aeromexico will be the only airline connecting Pennsylvania with Mexico. This will also be the second U.S. destination the company adds in 2025, following the launch of a route between Mexico City and Phoenix in March.The new routes continue Aeromexico’s significant expansion in 2024 toward the United States, where the airline launched more than 10 new routes. Notable additions include Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), McAllen (MFE), Raleigh/Durham (RDU), Tampa (TPA), and Washington/Dulles (IAD).Other U.S. destinations in Aeromexico's network include Austin (AUS); Chicago/O’Hare (ORD); Denver (DEN); Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW); Detroit (DTW); Fresno (FAT); Houston (IAH); Las Vegas (LAS); Los Angeles (LAX); Miami (MIA); Orlando (MCO); Sacramento (SMF); San Antonio (SAT); San Francisco (SFO); Salt Lake City (SLC); and Seattle (SEA).<h3>A New Route to the United States</h3>As part of the Aeromexico-Delta alliance, the airline will also add its sixth Mexican destination from Atlanta (ATL). Beginning June 5, 2025, Aeromexico will operate daily flights between Atlanta and San Luis Potosí (SLP) with Embraer 190 aircraft, offering 1,386 seats per week.This route expands Aeromexico's network from Atlanta, which already includes flights to Querétaro, León/Guanajuato, Manzanillo, Monterrey, and seasonally, Guadalajara.

Aeromexico Expands U.S. Network with New Philadelphia Route

Delta Air Lines announced that it will resume its daily nonstop service between New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv starting April 1, 2025. This return follows a thorough assessment of safety conditions in collaboration with government authorities and strategic partners.The route will be operated with Airbus A330-900 aircraft, offering approximately 2,000 weekly seats. With this restart, Delta aims to meet the growing demand for connections between North America and Israel.Delta emphasized that it has implemented additional security measures to protect both passengers and crew, reflecting a commitment to confidence in this strategic route.<h3>Strategic partnerships</h3>Delta's service complements its codeshare partnership with EL AL Israel Airlines, allowing passengers to access EL AL's direct flights from U.S. cities such as Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.<h3>Market context and competition</h3>The resumption of this route coincides with stabilization in the region following the recent ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas, according to the affiliated outlet Aeroin. During this period, EL AL was the only airline maintaining direct flights to the United States.Additionally, new airlines are expected to enter the market. A Portuguese company, in collaboration with an Israeli firm, plans to operate flights between the two countries, highlighting the growing interest in restoring air connections with Israel.Delta had suspended this route in October 2023 due to the escalation of conflict in the region. Its return not only strengthens its presence in the Israeli market but also underscores efforts to rebuild confidence in air travel to key destinations.

Delta Air Lines will resume its direct route between New York and Tel Aviv in April 2025

Breeze Airways reported its first full quarter with operating profits in the fourth quarter of 2024. The airline generated more than $200 million in revenue during the quarter, with an operating margin exceeding 4%. For the entire year 2024, revenues surpassed $680 million, a 78% increase compared to 2023.Breeze experienced accelerated growth in 2024, adding 29 new destinations and increasing its capacity in terms of available seat miles (ASM) by more than 52% compared to the previous year. The airline achieved profitability for the first time in March 2024, just before its third anniversary, driven by a 30% increase in unit revenue compared to 2023. By the end of the year, Breeze was the leading airline in destinations served in 24 of its 66 cities.David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, commented: “It’s a testament to the work, dedication, and effort of our more than 2,000 team members. We have grown at an unprecedented rate, providing affordable and efficient access to air travel in underserved communities. Our hybrid premium low-cost model, or what we call the ‘Nice Low-Cost Carrier’ (NLCC), is working and thriving.”Breeze stands out for its point-to-point model, connecting secondary airports that have generally been neglected by major airlines in recent decades. Currently, Breeze is the only operator on 87% of its 220 direct routes, offering fares that are on average 44% lower than its competitors.In 2024, Breeze added 13 new Airbus A220-300s, increasing its total fleet of this model to 33 aircraft. With category-leading fuel efficiency, the A220 has enabled Breeze to maintain an average utilization of over 10 hours per day, while its Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft primarily support charter flights. Breeze has 90 firm orders for the A220 and options for 30 more, which will be delivered through 2028.“Thanks to the flexibility and efficiency of the A220, we have been able to offer a premium product and connect underserved cities directly and profitably,” noted Lukas Johnson, Breeze’s Chief Commercial Officer.<h3>Looking ahead</h3>In 2025, Breeze plans to continue its expansion, including the launch of international flights, while maintaining its focus on safety and reliability. Trent Porter, Breeze’s Chief Financial Officer, stated: “Our efficient cost structure, combined with our record growth, positions us for many profitable quarters ahead.”Neeleman concluded: “I am immensely proud of what we have built in such a short time. Breeze is not only transforming the way people fly but also creating a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

About time: Breeze Airways achieves its first quarter with operating profits in 2024

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed on January 23 that it will organize regular events in 2025 to facilitate the acquisition of Eligible Emission Units (EEUs) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The decision follows the success of the first event, held between October and November 2024, where 11 airlines purchased carbon credits at a price of $21.70 per ton.CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is a global initiative adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to help the aviation industry meet its climate goals. The scheme requires international airlines to offset carbon emissions exceeding 2019 levels by purchasing carbon credits or implementing measures to reduce their environmental footprint.Divided into phases, CORSIA aims to ensure that the growth of air traffic does not increase global greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the sector.<h3>Initial success and future goals</h3>The inaugural event included the participation of 32 airlines, 11 of which purchased EEUs financed by the Government of Guyana and linked to the jurisdictional REDD+ ART Trees program. These carbon credits, valid for Phase 1 of CORSIA (2024-2026), must be retired by January 31, 2028, to comply with emission offset commitments.<a href="https://aeroin.net/iata-anuncia-novo-evento-de-aquisicao-de-unidades-de-emissoes-elegiveis-eeus-do-corsia/">According to reports from our associated outlet Aeroin</a>, IATA organized this event in collaboration with the Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE) and with the support of the Government of Guyana, as well as the companies Mercuria and Xpansiv. The goal is to establish a robust market for high-quality carbon credits, enabling airlines to achieve their emission reduction targets efficiently and responsibly.Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, highlighted that the fair price paid for the credits represents significant recognition of the value of natural ecosystems for sustainable development. Meanwhile, Barbaros Kubatoğlu, CFO of Pegasus Airlines, praised the transparent acquisition process, describing it as ideal for increasing confidence in the carbon market.John Melby, CEO of Xpansiv, emphasized the positive evolution of collaboration with IATA since 2020, expressing enthusiasm about the growing interest of airlines in participating in these events.

IATA drives the acquisition of carbon credits with new events in 2025

Emirates announced that it will resume its daily flights to Beirut and Baghdad starting February 1, 2025. Both routes will be operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering three classes of service and a total capacity of over 5,000 seats weekly on the Beirut connection.Starting April 1, 2025, Emirates will add a second daily flight between Dubai and Beirut. This new service, identified as EK957/958, will depart in the morning, complementing the existing daily frequency and providing greater flexibility and connectivity for travelers.<h3>Flight schedules and route details</h3>Flights to Beirut and Baghdad will operate according to the following local schedules:Beirut:<ul><li>From February 1, flight EK953 will depart Dubai at 11:30, arriving in Beirut at 14:00. The return flight, EK954, will leave Beirut at 15:30, landing in Dubai at 21:20.</li><li>From April 1, flight EK957 will be added, departing Dubai at 07:30 and arriving in Beirut at 10:30. Flight EK958 will leave Beirut at 12:05, arriving in Dubai at 16:55.</li></ul>Baghdad:<ul><li>On Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, flight EK941 will depart Dubai at 08:05, arriving in Baghdad at 09:50. The return flight, EK942, will leave Baghdad at 11:25, landing in Dubai at 14:35.</li><li>On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, flight EK943 will depart Dubai at 13:00, arriving in Baghdad at 14:25. The return flight, EK944, will leave Baghdad at 15:55, arriving in Dubai at 19:10.</li></ul>Flights operated by several airlines, including Emirates, to Beirut were suspended in July 2024 due to escalating tensions in the region. The conflict intensified after a rocket launched from Lebanon struck the Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of 12 people. Facing uncertainty over potential reprisals and regional security, many airlines temporarily canceled their operations to Rafic Hariri International Airport.With the resumption of these services, Emirates connects Beirut and Baghdad with its network of over 140 global destinations. Tickets are now available through the Emirates website, mobile app, official stores, contact centers, or authorized travel agencies.

Emirates resumes daily flights to Beirut and Baghdad starting February 2025

The Kuwaiti low-cost airline Jazeera Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Budapest, Hungary, with Kuwait, marking the first direct service between the two countries. The operation, which will be seasonal, will be available twice a week between June and September 2025. Flights will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, with a capacity of 174 passengers.The main goal of this connection is to promote tourism and commercial exchange between Kuwait and Hungary. Additionally, Jazeera Airways aims to attract passengers from India who use Kuwait International Airport as a hub for connections to Central Europe. Budapest, which already operates flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, strengthens its network to the Middle East with this new addition.<h3>Strategy of operational independence</h3>Founded in 2004, Jazeera Airways was the first private airline in the Middle East. Since then, it has worked to consolidate its operational independence and infrastructure. In 2018, the airline inaugurated an exclusive terminal at Kuwait International Airport, reinforcing its strategic position.In December 2024, Jazeera Airways acquired six Airbus A320-200 aircraft that were under operating lease contracts, as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on external lessors. This move highlights the airline's efforts to increase control over its operations and ensure greater long-term stability. Currently, its fleet consists of 24 Airbus A320 and A320neo aircraft.<h3>Boost for Budapest's connectivity</h3>The new route also benefits Budapest Airport, which continues to expand its connectivity to the Middle East, a region with growing demand. Currently, the airport offers approximately 17,000 weekly seats to various destinations in the region.The connection with Kuwait not only diversifies the airport's flight network but also presents opportunities to strengthen tourism and business between Central Europe and the Middle East. Although the service will initially be seasonal, it could become a permanent route if demand justifies it.

Jazeera Airways will connect Budapest and Kuwait with seasonal flights in 2025

Vueling, the low-cost airline of the IAG group, has announced the addition of five new aircraft for the summer 2025 season. Three of these aircraft will be assigned to its main base in Barcelona, while the other two will operate from various airports in Spain. This fleet expansion will allow the airline to exceed its initial operational capacity, offering over 27 million seats, one million more than the previous summer, across nearly 100 destinations.This growth follows the approval of the fourth collective agreement with pilots, which stabilizes Vueling's operational costs for the next four years. According to IAG, this financial stability enables the airline to implement a strategic growth plan, boosting its capacity and market offerings.With a diverse fleet of 6 A319, 77 A320ceo, 12 A320neo, 18 A321ceo, and 1 A321neo, Vueling is well-positioned to support this expansion. In the coming years, the airline expects to receive 8 A320ceo, 13 A320neo, and 3 A321neo, as reported by Cirium.<h3>Focus on Spanish and International Markets</h3>For the summer 2025 season, Vueling plans to increase its seat capacity by 6% for both domestic and international routes. Capacity in Barcelona will grow by 9.1%, further consolidating its leadership in Catalonia.Key routes will also see significant increases. Seat capacity to the Canary Islands will rise by 30.9%, while routes between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands will grow by 7.1%.At the international level, Vueling will strengthen its connections with Europe:<ul><li>16% more seats between Spain and the United Kingdom.</li><li>13% more seats between Spain and Italy.</li><li>19% more seats between Spain and Portugal.</li><li>17% more seats between Spain and the Netherlands.</li></ul><h3>Leadership in the Domestic Market</h3>In 2024, Vueling transported 33 million passengers to or from Spanish airports, with 15.25 million passengers on domestic routes. According to AENA data, the airline remains the undisputed leader in Spain's domestic market.

Vueling Expands Fleet for Summer 2025: Over 27 Million Seats Available

The GOL Group, which encompasses the brands GOL Linhas Aéreas, Smiles, Smiles Viagens, GOLLOG, and VoeBiz, announced the appointment of Patrícia Pessoa as its new Marketing Director. With over two decades of experience in the field, the executive will take on the challenge of leading the company’s communication and positioning strategies during a pivotal moment for the Brazilian aviation sector.Pessoa has a background in multinational companies such as Whirlpool, where she headed the marketing department for three years, in addition to holding strategic roles at Samsung and IBM. Her expertise spans areas like CRM, campaign optimization, and performance marketing—skills that will be critical in her new position.Pessoa's arrival coincides with a period of transformation for GOL Linhas Aéreas. The company is at the center of attention following the announcement of the merger between Abra Group, GOL’s parent company, and Azul Linhas Aéreas. This agreement, still subject to approval by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) and the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), could redefine the landscape of Brazil’s aviation market by consolidating a player that would control over half of the sector in the country.In this context, Pessoa’s role will not only involve strengthening GOL’s brand identity but also managing the communication surrounding a potential integration with Azul. According to preliminary information, both airlines would maintain their brands and independent operations but would benefit from synergies in international routes and resource optimization.As reported by our associated outlet Aeroin, in her new role, Patrícia Pessoa will report directly to Carla Fonseca, GOL’s Vice President and CEO of Smiles, who has highlighted the importance of this addition in consolidating the company’s position in a constantly evolving market.

Amid the potential merger with Azul, GOL appoints Patrícia Pessoa as Marketing Director

Austrian Airlines has announced an ambitious flight program for the summer of 2025, with up to 1,374 weekly operations on short- and medium-haul routes to 105 destinations. The schedule also includes charter services to four destinations, operated in collaboration with tour operators up to five times per week.The Mediterranean region will play a central role in the program, offering an extensive range of flights to Greece, Italy, and Spain. In Greece, services will include 20 destinations, ranging from major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki to islands such as Lefkada and Lemnos. In Italy, flights will cover 12 destinations, including Sicily, Sardinia, and the mainland. The Spanish market will feature 10 destinations, including the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands (Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca), and various mainland cities.Other key destinations in the Mediterranean include Porto and Madeira in Portugal. The airline will also serve Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Zagreb in Croatia; Podgorica and Tivat in Montenegro; and Burgas and Varna in Bulgaria. Additionally, Austrian Airlines will offer charter flights to Hurghada (Egypt), Calvi (Corsica), Skyros (Greece), and Monastir (Tunisia), in collaboration with travel agencies.Northern Europe will see a significant expansion, with flights from Vienna to Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden; Oslo, Lofoten, and Tromsø in Norway; Copenhagen; Reykjavik in Iceland; and three UK destinations: London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.In the long-haul segment, Austrian Airlines will operate up to 108 weekly flights to 18 major destinations. In Africa, flights to Cairo will run year-round, with seasonal services to Mauritius and Marrakech. In Asia, the airline will connect Vienna to Bangkok, Tokyo-Narita, Shanghai-Pudong, and Malé, according to demand. In North America, Austrian Airlines will fly to Boston, New York (JFK), Newark, Washington-Dulles, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, and Montreal.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="35205" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Austrian Airlines Adds New Routes Across Europe, Asia, and North America

A year ago, the Government of Uruguay disclosed plans to establish a national passenger airline. On January 28, 2024, during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Spain, Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación (SUA) was officially unveiled. The new airline aims to become a regional leader in the competitive Latin American market.After months of silence, SUA announced an event scheduled for January 28, 2025, at Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo. During the event, the airline will reveal operational details, the commencement of operations, and the Airbus A220-300 aircraft model chosen to launch its services.<h3>Fleet and Business Model</h3>SUA will operate Airbus A220-300 aircraft under a wet-leasing agreement with airBaltic, marking two regional firsts: SUA will be the first airline in Latin America and the Caribbean to use this model, and airBaltic’s ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) business model will debut in the region.Initially, the fleet will consist of six aircraft integrated gradually over 18 months. Within three years, SUA plans to expand its fleet to ten aircraft, generating 300 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs in Uruguay. This growth aligns with the sector’s sustained expansion in the region.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2021/04/airbaltic-aircraft-14.jpg" alt="airBaltic Airbus A220"><figcaption>airBaltic Airbus A220</figcaption></figure><h3>Projects and Strategic Alliances</h3>Beyond passenger transportation, SUA has ambitious goals. It aims to establish the first Airbus A220 maintenance and operations center in Uruguay and the region. Additionally, the airline plans to install a Category D full-flight simulator for pilot training within the next five years.The project is supported by the Uruguayan Government and funded largely by Saudi private capital. These efforts align with the modernization initiatives of the National Airport System, which has recently upgraded facilities in Salto, Paysandú, Rivera, and Punta del Este.However, some administrative steps remain before regular operations can begin. SUA must secure its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), and the Airbus A220 must receive type certification in Uruguay.<h3>About the Founder</h3>Antonio Rama, CEO and founder of SUA, brings significant experience to the venture. Currently a Boeing 777 captain at Qatar Airways, Rama was also the founder of U-Air, a low-cost airline that operated from 2003 to 2005, pioneering the low-cost model in Uruguay and the Southern Cone. His expertise positions him to lead SUA’s ambitious plans.

Uruguay Launches SUA, the First Airline in Latin America to Operate Airbus A220

Alaska Airlines, which had a year marked by milestones and operational challenges, reported a net profit of $395 million at the close of 2024. This result includes the performance of Hawaiian Airlines, acquired in September of the same year, which resulted in a 13% increase in annual revenue, reaching $11.7 billion, while costs grew by 11%, totaling $11.1 billion.The integration of Hawaiian Airlines represented a cash expenditure of $659 million as part of a transaction valued at $1.9 billion, including the assumption of $900 million in debt. The incorporation of the new subsidiary increased the group’s fleet to 392 aircraft, distributed among 71 Hawaiian Airlines aircraft, 239 Alaska Airlines aircraft, and 44 Horizon Air aircraft.In 2024, the group transported 49.2 million passengers, with an average load factor of 83.9%. However, Hawaiian Airlines ended the year with negative financial results, a situation that, according to the group’s projections, is expected to improve starting in the second quarter of 2025, although it will not offset the losses from the beginning of the year.The last quarter of 2024 benefited from strong demand in the leisure and corporate segments, along with favorable weather conditions that facilitated operations during the holiday season. The flight completion rate and load factor exceeded expectations, reaching 83.8% for the fourth quarter.Despite challenges related to aircraft delivery delays, the group expects to improve unit costs as capacity levels normalize in 2025.<h3>Outlook for 2025</h3>Alaska Air Group projects capacity growth, measured in available seat miles (ASM), of between 2% and 3% for the entire year 2025. However, it anticipates losses in the first quarter, with an adjusted result per share between $0.50 and $0.70, while the annual adjusted profit could exceed $5.75 per share.In a competitive environment, Alaska Air Group joins other U.S. airlines in presenting results. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines reported adjusted net profits of $3.9 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, highlighting the recovery of the sector in 2024.<h3>A future shaped by costs and synergies</h3>The group remains focused on implementing its strategic plan, which aims to leverage the combined strengths of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to improve the customer experience and generate operational synergies. Although facing a challenging start to the year, Alaska Air Group anticipates solidifying its position in 2025 as one of the main players in the U.S. airline sector.

Alaska Airlines ends 2024 with $395 million in profit following the integration of Hawaiian Airlines

Since January 1, 2025, FlyArystan operates under the FS code, assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), replacing the previous code KC. This change coincides with a significant milestone for the airline: the addition of a new Airbus A320 Neo, manufactured in Toulouse, France.With this acquisition, FlyArystan adds its 24th aircraft to the fleet, consolidating its position as the leading low-cost airline in Kazakhstan. This model, with a capacity for 188 passengers, has been named “Spica”, in honor of one of the brightest stars, reflecting the company’s aspiration to lead the accessible air transport sector.The A320 Neo introduces significant technological innovations. Thanks to new-generation engines and an improved design, it reduces fuel consumption by 20%, which also translates into a notable reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, the aircraft is quieter compared to previous models, contributing to a lower environmental impact.Richard Ledger, President of FlyArystan, highlighted the importance of this addition: “The arrival of a new aircraft from the Airbus factory in Toulouse not only strengthens our ability to expand routes and increase frequencies but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability and quality in air travel.”

FlyArystan modernizes its fleet with a new Airbus A320 Neo

On January 19, flight FM871, operated by Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, landed at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco, with 237 passengers on board. This flight marked the opening of a new route between Shanghai and Casablanca, making Shanghai Airlines the first Chinese airline to establish this direct connection.The return flight, FM872, made a stop in Marseille, France, before arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on January 20. The route, which operates three times a week (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday), departs from Shanghai at 01:55 a.m. and arrives in Casablanca at 01:10 p.m. local time. The return flight departs from Casablanca at 05:10 p.m. and arrives in Shanghai at 04:40 p.m. Beijing time the following day.The new connection aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between China and Morocco, promoting trade and tourism exchanges between countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, it offers an efficient and direct transportation alternative between these two regions.The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or simply the Belt and Road, is a global infrastructure development and international cooperation strategy launched by the People's Republic of China in 2013. It is considered a cornerstone of Xi Jinping's foreign policy.The BRI proposes a new concept for international relations based on the idea of "consulting, building, and sharing together", through free trade among nations, aiming to create an order founded on prosperity and stability, modeled after the relationships established between East and West during the era of the historic Silk Road.The route is operated by a Boeing 787-9, which includes services such as a business class cabin with options for social interaction and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity. Passengers not continuing to Marseille can remain in the airport's international transit area without requiring a Schengen visa or transit visa.With a network spanning 135 routes and connecting 85 cities in China and other countries, Shanghai Airlines has expanded its international presence with offices in cities like Budapest, Marseille, Singapore, Melbourne, and Auckland. In the future, the airline plans to continue expanding its international route network, aiming to improve service quality and offer more connectivity options to passengers.

Shanghai Airlines inaugurated the air connection between Shanghai and Casablanca, Morocco

The British Chamber of Commerce and the airline Vueling analyzed, during the 45th edition of Fitur held in Madrid, the implications of tourism contributed by Great Britain to Spain, with a special focus on the region of Catalonia.At Vueling's stand in Hall 10 of the fair, a panel composed of Lloyd Millen (British Consul in Barcelona), Patrick Torrent (Executive Director of Catalonia Tourism), Manuel Butler (Tourism Advisor at the Spanish Embassy in the United Kingdom), and Mateu Hernández (General Director of Tourism of Barcelona), moderated by Sandra Hors (Director of Corporate Assistance at Vueling), debated the importance of adapting Barcelona's tourism offer to meet new trends.The panelists agreed that the British tourist is currently looking for new experiences, and that the flow of tourists from the United Kingdom to Spain has grown steadily in recent years. They emphasized that the United Kingdom contributes 20% of Spain’s tourism revenue, but that the market is complex, as it tends to be unstructured, with no defined search patterns.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/01/vueling_cataluna.jpg" alt="Vueling Cataluña"></figure>Mateu Hernández highlighted the importance of “taking tourism seriously,” pointing out that cities like London offer valuable lessons, particularly with its shopping tourism, especially during the holiday season. Additionally, they noted that British tourism generates 25 million euros, with visitors primarily seeking safe and quality experiences, while also highlighting the rise of youth tourism.Each year, 20 million British tourists visit Spain, and the panel stressed the importance of offering tailored and attractive options to residents of southern England. They also emphasized the promotion of sustainable tourism, with Vueling supporting this initiative by providing low-carbon connectivity as part of its strategy.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/01/vueling.jpg" alt="Vueling"></figure>The image of Spain in the United Kingdom remains very strong, making it the top destination for sun-and-beach vacations and the favorite holiday spot for British tourists. These visitors primarily travel for leisure, staying mostly in hotels, though rental accommodations and family or friend-hosted stays are also popular. The majority of tourists are middle-class, traveling as couples or families, with an average age of 45 years.Popular destinations include the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and Andalucía, according to estimates from Turespaña.

The UK’s Influence on Spain’s Tourism Growth and Sustainability Goals

Lufthansa will operate Airbus A380 flights to Denver for the first time, offering nonstop service from Munich. This will be the fifth destination in the United States served by the German airline with the superjumbo during summer 2025. The introduction of the A380 will replace the Airbus A350-900, which has 293 seats, increasing seating capacity per flight by 75%.“This is a monumental occasion for Denver. We are grateful for Lufthansa’s continued investment in Denver and the increased capacity this aircraft will provide for the 100 million annual passengers we are preparing to serve. We look forward to supporting them as they operate the world’s largest passenger aircraft at Denver International Airport (DEN),” commented Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport (DEN).With this new service, Lufthansa will become the sole operator of regular A380 passenger flights to Denver. The superjumbo previously landed in the city in November 2018 when an Air France A380, operating the Paris CDG-Los Angeles route, was diverted to Denver International Airport for medical reasons, utilizing the airport's 5,000-meter runway.Additionally, Lufthansa operates daily nonstop flights between Frankfurt and Denver with the Airbus A350-900. Its joint venture partner, United Airlines, offers daily flights from Denver to Frankfurt and Munich, operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.Lufthansa’s Airbus A380 has a capacity for 509 passengers, distributed across eight First Class seats, 78 in Business Class, 52 in Premium Economy, and 371 in Economy.A380 flight schedule between Munich (MUC) and Denver (DEN):From April 30 to September 30:<ul><li>Flight LH 480: MUC 11:15 - DEN 13:45 (daily flights)</li><li>Flight LH 481: DEN 16:15 - MUC 10:00+1 (daily flights)</li></ul>During summer 2025, Lufthansa’s A380 will also operate to New York-JFK, Boston, Washington-Dulles, Los Angeles, and Delhi.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="35464" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Denver Welcomes Lufthansa's Airbus A380 with Nonstop Service from Munich

As part of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León, announced that her team is currently negotiating to expand air connectivity between Peru and Spain, specifically aiming to restore the direct connection between Barcelona and Lima.The minister emphasized that Spain is Peru's primary trade and tourism partner in Europe. According to recent figures, 138,000 Spanish tourists are expected to visit the South American country in 2024. “It's possible that some airlines will add a new route, which would be Barcelona – Lima,” she commented during her presentation.Two airlines have reportedly expressed interest in resuming direct flights between Barcelona (BCN) and Lima (LIM). Although the minister did not mention specific names, she noted that discussions are progressing, and a decision is expected to be finalized in the coming days.In the past, LATAM Airlines operated this route with three weekly flights using Boeing 767-300(ER) aircraft until March 2020. However, the company has not announced any plans to resume the route so far.<h3>Possible operators for the route</h3>Another potential candidate is LEVEL, which currently connects Barcelona with Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires, making it the only airline with nonstop services from Catalonia to these South American destinations. Supported by its expanding fleet—with the addition of its seventh A330-200 in 2024 and the upcoming arrival of an eighth aircraft—LEVEL may include Lima in its route network.Additionally, Iberojet, which operates a temporary base in Barcelona with flights to Cancún and Punta Cana during the summer, has shown interest in expanding into the Latin American market. The airline recently added services to Santa Clara (Cuba) and launched a direct connection between Catalonia and Honduras in October 2024, highlighting its commitment to the region and making it a potential candidate for a Lima route.

Peru negotiates to restore direct flights between Barcelona and Lima

Within the framework of the Feria Internacional de Turismo (FITUR) in Spain, Air Europa and Scandinavian Airlines Systems (SAS) have signed a codeshare agreement. According to the companies, the agreement aims to enhance connectivity between Scandinavia and the Iberian Peninsula.This partnership comes as SAS prepares to launch flights between Copenhagen (CPH) and Madrid (MAD) on April 11, 2024. Through this route, Scandinavian travelers will gain access to popular destinations in Spain and Portugal via Air Europa’s network.The Spanish airline currently connects Madrid with Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, as well as key cities across Spain, including A Coruña, Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Málaga, Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife/North, and Vigo. Beginning in summer 2024, the partnership will expand to destinations in North Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, strengthening SAS's footprint in these regions.For SAS, this marks the second significant partnership supporting its operations in Latin America and the Caribbean since joining the SkyTeam alliance in 2024. Earlier that year, it signed a similar agreement with Aerolíneas Argentinas.<h3>Benefits for Air Europa and SAS</h3>In turn, Air Europa will gain access to new connections in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, including key cities such as Aarhus, Gothenburg, Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen, and Stavanger.“Thanks to the codeshare, users can simplify their flight planning and enjoy the same level of service quality as a result of our membership in the SkyTeam alliance,” stated Imanol Pérez, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Europa.

SAS and Air Europa Codeshare Agreement Expands Global Connectivity

United Airlines presented its financial and operational results for 2024, reporting a significant increase in revenue, operational efficiency, and global network expansion. The company recorded adjusted earnings* of $4.6 billion, with an adjusted margin of 8.1%, and achieved a historic record in passenger transportation.During the fourth quarter of 2024, United reported operating revenue of $14.7 billion, representing a 7.8% growth compared to the same period in 2023. Earnings reached $1.3 billion, with a margin of 8.9%, while diluted earnings per share stood at $2.95 ($3.26 adjusted).For the full year, the airline achieved a free cash flow of $3.4 billion, with available liquidity of $17.4 billion at year-end.<h3>Operational performance</h3>The airline performed well in on-time departures, leading in punctuality across the seven major hubs it operates in the United States. Throughout 2024, it operated a record 88 days without cancellations on United Express flights and offered its largest international schedule, with 700 daily flights to 133 destinations across 67 countries. Additionally, the airline inaugurated nine new international routes set to begin in the summer of 2025, including unique destinations such as Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Nuuk (Greenland), and Palermo (Italy).Domestically, the company operated 1.3 million flights to over 200 cities, exceeding its capacity by 11% compared to the previous year.<h3>Innovation in customer experience</h3>The airline implemented various technological and operational improvements focused on the passenger experience. These include:• The integration of high-speed Wi-Fi in partnership with SpaceX. • AI-driven tools to provide real-time updates. • Spanish translations in its mobile app. • New wine options in Polaris® and Economy cabins, sourced from independent brands. Additionally, United introduced a pooling system in its MileagePlus program, allowing customers to share miles between linked accounts—a first in the U.S. airline industry.<h3>Projections for 2025</h3>Looking ahead to 2025, United Airlines anticipates strong demand, with expectations for revenue growth per available seat mile in both domestic and international markets. The company will also continue to expand its network, focusing on increasing its transatlantic and transpacific connectivity, while consolidating its position in exclusive destinations not served by other U.S. airlines.*: All reported results were calculated before the application of taxes.

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