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 &quot;Quiero ser&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.

Iberia Resumes Summer Flights to Ponta Delgada and Tirana

The Technical Commission of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Government of Catalonia has approved the expansion project of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, promoted by Aena.According to the organization, the plan aims to reconcile the airport's development as an intercontinental hub with the preservation of the natural environment, particularly the La Ricarda lagoon.The project will be included in the investment proposal for the next regulatory period, DORA 3 (2027–2031), and involves a total investment of 3.2 billion euros, combining already planned actions with those recently agreed upon. The master plan is expected to be approved by 2028, with construction starting in 2030 and completion projected for 2033.Among the key works is the extension of the sea-facing runway (24L-06R), which will enable the infrastructure to accommodate intercontinental aircraft without restrictions. The extension will be 500 meters, bringing the total runway length to 3,160 meters. According to Aena, this will also help reduce noise impact on nearby residential areas.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg" alt="BARCELONA AEROPUERTO plano extension pista"></figure>The increased operational capacity will require the construction of a new satellite terminal, in addition to the renovation of Terminals 1 and 2 and improvements to the parking facilities and existing runway.In 2024, Barcelona-El Prat Airport handled 55.03 million passengers, marking the end of the post-pandemic recovery with a 4.5% increase over 2019. This figure brings the airport's capacity to its limit, making the expansion crucial to support its ambitions of becoming a long-haul alternative hub for Spain.By the summer of 2025, Barcelona's network of destinations outside Europe already reaches 55 cities.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/red_de_destinos_fuera_de_europa_de_barcelona_el_prat_julio_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos fuera de Europa de Barcelona-El Prat - Julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Barcelona Airport - Network of Destinations Outside Europe - July 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>Aena states that the final design reduces the impact on La Ricarda's natural area by 87 meters compared to the initial proposal. The projected runway ends before the main channel connecting the lagoon to the sea, thereby preserving the water body.The project includes complementary environmental measures, such as the restoration of more than 270 hectares of natural spaces in the Llobregat Delta — ten times the area affected — the creation of a green belt to balance agricultural and environmental uses, and a specific environmental fund to strengthen the protection of this ecosystem.These initiatives add to those Aena is already implementing in the area, such as forest management, control of invasive species, installation of nesting boxes, maintenance of drainage channels, and water resource management to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport Expansion Approved Amid Record Passenger Growth

Aena will carry out a comprehensive renovation of the Arrivals area at Seville Airport, following the awarding of construction works to MAB. The project represents a €1.56 million investment and will have an estimated completion time of approximately eight months.According to Aena, the work will focus on upgrading access roads, the Arrivals tunnel, and the surroundings of parking lot P1. Planned improvements include new pavement, sidewalk reconfiguration, the installation of smart pedestrian crossings, and replacement of street furniture. The tunnel ceiling will also be repaired and repainted, and traffic flow will be reorganized to enhance circulation and wayfinding in the area.The project also includes improved signage at the parking entrance, aligned with new traffic patterns to make directions clearer for users.As part of the upgrades, two vertical access hubs will be built to connect the Arrivals and Departures areas. One will be located in the Patio de los Naranjos, equipped with an elevator and fixed stairs. The second will be constructed in the northern part of the tunnel, featuring a mechanized ramp in addition to stairs and an elevator.The redevelopment aims to enhance accessibility, particularly for passengers with reduced mobility. To this end, a platform lift will connect the “pick-up” parking area to the vertical access hubs.Both structures will be covered to provide shelter from adverse weather conditions. Additionally, a direct access door will be installed between the Arrivals road and the Departures hall, and the terminal building façade will undergo a cleaning treatment.

Aena to overhaul Sevilla Airport’s Arrivals area with €1.56 million investment

Wamos Air, the Spanish airline and member of the Abra Group known for its expertise in charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations, has announced a cabin crew recruitment campaign for a new operation based in New Zealand. According to the airline, the initiative seeks qualified personnel to “connect New Zealand with the world.”The announcement, shared via the airline’s official channels, specifies that selected crew members will be deployed to New Zealand for a period of three to six months, starting in late October 2025. A unique feature of this opportunity is the requirement for an accredited N2 level of Japanese, indicating a focus on the Japanese market or routes connecting to Japan—an important source of tourists to Oceania.In addition to Japanese proficiency, candidates must have a high level of Spanish and English, with other language skills considered a plus. Applicants must hold a valid DNI/NIE with work authorization, a current passport, be at least 18 years old, and possess a secondary education diploma or equivalent. Most importantly, a valid European Cabin Crew Attestation (Part CC) is required, in line with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.Additional criteria include a height between 1.65 and 1.90 meters, immediate availability, and the ability to complete type conversion training in Madrid in the coming months. Candidates must also provide a criminal record certificate for any countries where they have resided over the past five years.<h3>Key Details of Wamos Air’s Cabin Crew Call:</h3><ul><li>Position: Cabin Crew (TCP)</li><li>Location: New Zealand-based operations</li><li>Duration: 3 to 6 months, starting late October 2025</li><li>Special Language Requirement: Accredited N2 level Japanese, plus Spanish and English</li><li>Training Location: Type conversion to be conducted in Madrid</li><li>Previous Airline Experience: Not specified, but a valid European Cabin Crew Certificate is required</li></ul>Wamos Air operates a fleet primarily consisting of Airbus A330 aircraft, well-suited for long-haul flights such as those expected from New Zealand. Although the airline has not disclosed the exact routes or client involved in the operation, the requirement for temporary crew in a market like New Zealand—paired with the Japanese language prerequisite—suggests a specific contract, potentially to support another carrier during peak travel seasons or on routes linking Oceania and Asia.

Wamos Air launches cabin crew recruitment for new operations based in New Zealand

LEVEL, the long-haul low-cost carrier of International Airlines Group (IAG) based in Barcelona, is celebrating its eighth anniversary this June with strong growth figures reflecting its development and expansion. Over the past eight years, the airline has carried more than 3 million passengers—representing a 20% increase compared to the total at the end of its seventh year of operations.LEVEL has operated a total of 11,636 flights, covering more than 105 million kilometers. These figures represent a 35% increase in flight operations and a 31% increase in distance flown year-over-year.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/04/A330-200-Level-MSN1864-on-ground-scaled.jpg" alt="A330-200 – LEVEL"><figcaption>Ph: Airbus</figcaption></figure>Since launching, 1.6 million passengers have departed from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous cumulative total from this hub. The airline also registered 900,000 passengers originating from the United States—a 28% rise—and 700,000 from South America and the Caribbean, up 17%. The latter includes seasonal routes to Punta Cana and Cancún during the pandemic period.This growth has been supported by fleet expansion, including the recent addition of a seventh aircraft. This new capacity has enabled LEVEL to increase frequencies on existing routes and explore new connectivity opportunities.As a result, the airline has boosted its competitiveness for the Winter 2024–2025 season, offering 9% more seats compared to the same period last year. For the current Summer 2025 season, capacity to Latin America has grown by 24%, and the airline plans to add an eighth aircraft in 2026.A major milestone for LEVEL in the past year was obtaining its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC), granting the airline full operational autonomy within IAG. This development marks a turning point in LEVEL’s maturity, giving it a distinct identity, processes, and results—similar to other IAG carriers like Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling.Leadership at LEVEL also entered a new phase with the appointment of Rafael Jiménez Hoyos as CEO. His leadership reflects the airline’s commitment to continued expansion and connecting Barcelona with the world, with a focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer experience.“Celebrating eight years reflects a project that has matured, overcome challenges, and grown with determination,” said Rafael Jiménez Hoyos, CEO of LEVEL. “This anniversary comes at a pivotal time, with key developments like obtaining the AOC, expanding the fleet, and solidifying routes like Miami, which just marked its first year.”<blockquote>Hoyos added, “We look to the future with ambition, confident in our ability to continue connecting the Americas and Barcelona through an affordable, easy, and warm travel experience centered on people.”</blockquote>LEVEL: Key Figures and MilestonesPassengers carried in 8 years: Over 3 million, up 20% year-over-year.Current fleet: Seven aircraft, with plans to add an eighth in 2026.Significance of the AOC: Grants LEVEL full operational autonomy within IAG.Long-haul leader in Barcelona: LEVEL became the city’s top long-haul operator in 2023.Destinations from Barcelona: Miami, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de Chile.<h3>Flydays: Special Offers for Customers</h3>To celebrate its eighth anniversary, LEVEL will launch a series of promotions in June, including “Flydays,” offering special fares on selected routes. Subscribers to LEVEL’s newsletter will receive exclusive access to a promotion featuring €8 tickets, rewarding customer loyalty.Over its eight years of service, LEVEL has strengthened its commitment to Barcelona, becoming the leading long-haul carrier at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport since 2023.The route between Barcelona and Miami recently celebrated its first anniversary, cementing its place in the airline’s network. LEVEL’s portfolio includes seven destinations across the U.S. and Latin America: Miami, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de Chile.Currently, LEVEL holds a unique position as the only direct operator on three of these seven routes: Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de Chile—solidifying its role as a key air bridge between Europe and the Americas.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39324,38497,37928" data-title="You might be intersested"></section>

LEVEL Marks Eighth Anniversary with Growth in Routes, Fleet, and Passenger Volume

Plus Ultra has announced a cooperation agreement with ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Latin America and Italy. Through a stopover at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, passengers traveling from Lima (Peru), Cartagena and Bogotá (Colombia), or Caracas (Venezuela) can continue on to Rome with a single ticket on flights operated by ITA Airways.Once in the Italian capital, travelers will have multiple onward connection options to domestic destinations, including Milan and Venice, among others. The partnership between the two carriers includes operational integration of flights, ensuring continued connectivity even in the event of delays and maintaining seamless itineraries for both outbound and return journeys.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39187,8361" data-title="You might be interested"></section>In July 2024, Plus Ultra had already announced plans to strengthen its presence in the region. The airline currently operates four weekly flights between Madrid and Bogotá, as well as between Madrid and Cartagena de Indias, up from its previous three-weekly schedule. These routes are served by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which replaced the A340-300s initially used when operations to Colombia began in 2022. Each aircraft seats 299 passengers, providing a total of 1,196 weekly seats between Spain and Colombia.In addition to its Colombian routes, Plus Ultra also operates regular flights from Madrid to Caracas with multiple weekly frequencies, as well as services to Lima. This network allows Latin American passengers to reach destinations in Italy with just one stop.

Plus Ultra and ITA Airways Sign Agreement to Boost Connectivity Between Latin America and Italy

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Iberia and British Airways, among others, is anticipating a strong performance in Latin America throughout the remainder of 2025. This outlook follows an encouraging first quarter, despite ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty.During the first three months of the year, IAG posted a profit of €176 million, marking a significant turnaround from the €93 million loss recorded in the same period of 2024. The robust demand for international travel positively impacted the group’s various business units, helping the company surpass last year’s negative results.In the Latin American market, Iberia stood out as a key driver of performance, while LEVEL and British Airways also showed operational progress—though British Airways maintains a more limited footprint in the region compared to its Spanish counterpart.In Q1 2025, Iberia continued expanding capacity on its Latin American routes, a trend that began in 2024. Connections from Madrid-Barajas (MAD) to cities such as Bogotá (BOG), Buenos Aires (EZE), and Santiago de Chile (SCL) were among those benefiting from increased frequencies. IAG noted, “Capacity growth during the quarter remained high at 7.1%, as Iberia in particular continues to add frequencies to its major destinations. Strong demand in the market is reflected in the 1.0% rise in unit revenue per passenger, despite the negative impact of increased capacity.”A similar trend was observed with LEVEL, the group’s long-haul low-cost carrier. The airline increased its frequencies from Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) to the capitals of Argentina and Chile. In Santiago’s case, LEVEL appears to be leveraging a network of connections through Vueling, another IAG carrier, although each airline operates independently.Looking ahead, IAG remains confident in the continued strength of its Latin American operations, which thus far show no signs of being affected by the global environment. The group has announced additional capacity increases for Iberia and LEVEL on key routes such as Buenos Aires (EZE) and Santiago (SCL), while maintaining current levels on flights to Bogotá (BOG) and Lima (LIM).Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, stated that the group aims to strengthen its brand portfolio in the region. Given the geographical and cultural ties with Latin America, Iberia and LEVEL are positioned as central players in the group’s strategy, underscoring IAG’s commitment to the Latin American market.

IAG Sees Strong Outlook for Latin American Operations in 2025

Globalia Mantenimiento Aeronáutico has announced the successful reintegration of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner EC-OGY into the Air Europa fleet, after a comprehensive overhaul to bring the aircraft into full operational readiness. The maintenance firm highlighted this project as one of the "major challenges" it has recently undertaken.The EC-OGY, serial number (MSN) 43983, has a unique history. It was originally intended for Colombian airline Avianca, where it would have carried the registration N797AV, as the airline’s first 787-9. However, it never entered commercial service with Avianca. Instead, the aircraft—owned by lessor SMBC Aviation Capital—was stored between 2019 and 2023 under the Austrian registration OE-IBM, before being reassigned to Air Europa. Upon arrival at Globalia Mantenimiento’s facilities in Palma, it underwent a nearly two-year reactivation process.Faced with the need to expand its long-haul fleet, Air Europa entrusted the Globalia Mantenimiento team with the complex task of preparing the aircraft. “After years without flying, Air Europa needed to integrate the now EC-OGY into its fleet, and they chose to trust the Globalia Mantenimiento team to deliver on this project,” the company stated.A key aspect of the overhaul was a complete cabin modification, essential to align the aircraft’s interior with Air Europa’s product standards. The Spanish airline typically configures its Boeing 787-9s in a two-class layout accommodating around 333 passengers. Globalia Mantenimiento emphasized its extensive experience with this type of refurbishment, now strengthened further by this case.Flight tracking data shows that EC-OGY began commercial service for Air Europa in mid-May 2025, with destinations including Havana, Munich, and Santiago de los Caballeros, following a positioning flight to Madrid on May 10. Globalia Mantenimiento celebrated the project’s completion in its public announcement.Both companies, part of the Globalia Group, highlighted the excellent coordination between Air Europa and Globalia Mantenimiento teams, crediting this synergy as key to the project’s success. “Together, we’ve made it a success,” stated the maintenance division, reaffirming their commitment to “continue building and growing together.”Globalia Mantenimiento Aeronáutico operates facilities in Palma de Mallorca and a state-of-the-art widebody-capable hangar at Madrid-Barajas Airport, inaugurated in 2024. The reentry of EC-OGY supports Air Europa’s strategy to modernize and consolidate its long-haul fleet, which is centered on the Dreamliner platform.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39330" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Globalia Mantenimiento and Air Europa Celebrate Entry into Service of Boeing 787-9 EC-OGY

Etihad Airways will implement an operational adjustment on its Abu Dhabi–Madrid route starting June 24, with flights EY103 and EY104 to be operated using Air Europa aircraft, according to aviation news outlet AeroRoutes. The rest of the frequencies between the two cities will continue under direct Etihad operation.The revised operation involves the use of Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring 32 business class and 307 economy class seats. As of now, no end date has been announced for this arrangement.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38865" data-title="You might be interested"></section><h3>New schedules for flights operated by Air Europa</h3>Starting June 24, flights EY103 and EY104 will follow this schedule:<ul><li>EY103: Departs Abu Dhabi at 14:00, arriving in Madrid at 19:50 (local time)</li><li>EY104: Departs Madrid at 21:45, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 06:35 the next day</li></ul>These services will complement existing EY101 and EY102 flights, which will continue with Etihad-operated aircraft:<ul><li>EY101: Departs Abu Dhabi at 02:15, arrives in Madrid at 08:05</li><li>EY102: Departs Madrid at 10:35, arrives in Abu Dhabi at 19:25</li></ul>Using Air Europa aircraft reflects a common practice in the airline industry, often linked to wet lease agreements, seasonal demand, or strategic fleet optimization. While the nature of the agreement between Etihad and Air Europa hasn’t been confirmed, the measure ensures service continuity without disrupting the summer high season schedule.

Etihad to Operate Madrid Flights with Air Europa Aircraft Starting in June

Air Nostrum becomes the first airline in Spain and the first company in the Valencian Community to simultaneously obtain Penal Compliance (UNE 19601) and Tax Compliance (UNE 19602) certifications, awarded by AENOR, a leading organization in conformity assessment.This dual certification confirms that the airline has implemented proper control and monitoring systems to prevent criminal risks and ensure tax transparency, aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.According to Air Nostrum, the accreditation reinforces its commitment to ethical and responsible management. The airline emphasizes that its operations are conducted under the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and good corporate governance.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37580" data-title="You might be interested"></section>The UNE 19601 standard aims to minimize organizations’ exposure to criminal liability through a crime prevention system, while UNE 19602 certification recognizes the implementation of a tax compliance model that, according to AENOR, provides support in the event of tax authority inquiries or judicial proceedings.<blockquote>“With this dual AENOR certification, Air Nostrum strengthens its position as a leader in business best practices in the aviation sector, enhancing its commitment to rigorous risk management aligned with the highest standards in penal and tax compliance,” said Salvador Ibáñez Moscardó, AENOR's regional director for the Balearic Islands, Valencian Community, and Murcia.</blockquote><blockquote>Carlos Bertomeu, President of Air Nostrum, added: “Certifying our penal and tax compliance management systems reflects our dedication to ethics and compliance across all our operations. Being the first airline in Spain to earn both UNE 19601 and UNE 19602 certifications underscores our mission to provide a strong, safe, and transparent governance environment for our employees, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”</blockquote>

Spain

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IAG Sees Strong Outlook for Latin American Operations in 2025

Globalia Mantenimiento and Air Europa Celebrate Entry into Service of Boeing 787-9 EC-OGY

Etihad to Operate Madrid Flights with Air Europa Aircraft Starting in June

Air Nostrum Earns Dual AENOR Certification for Penal and Tax Compliance

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