Vueling, part of the IAG Group, has introduced a new immersive virtual reality (VR) training system at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25). The cutting-edge platform is designed to enhance the training of cabin crew (CCs) and pilots, with the airline planning to implement the technology in the first half of 2025.<h3>Next-Generation Training for Flight Crews</h3>According to Vueling, the VR-based training platform allows flight crews to practice and repeat safety procedures in a hyper-realistic virtual environment, optimizing training before hands-on practice in a real aircraft.Developed in collaboration with NTT DATA, the system offers two training modes:<ul><li>Guided mode, providing step-by-step instructions</li><li>Evaluation mode, simulating real-time performance assessments</li></ul>The training replicates Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft scenarios, the models that currently make up Vueling’s fleet.<h3>Immersive Training at MWC25</h3>At MWC25, Vueling is showcasing its VR training system at the MWCapital stand, where attendees can experience a simulation of cabin crew duties during a flight.This initiative is part of Vueling’s alliance with Mobile World Capital, a collaboration aimed at driving innovation, digitalization, and connectivity in Barcelona, reinforcing the city's position as a global leader in mobility.<h3>Operations Center &amp; On-Time Performance</h3>Vueling is also participating in 4YFN (4 Years From Now), a parallel event within MWC25, with an immersive stand titled "The Heart of Vueling", offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at its Operations Control Center (iOCC).The exhibit showcases how Vueling teams work to ensure the safety, efficiency, and punctuality of approximately 700 daily flights. In 2024, the airline achieved an 81.2% on-time performance rate across 223,000+ flights in Europe.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/stand_de_vueling_en_el_4yfn_mwc25.jpg" alt="Stand de Vueling en el 4YFN-MWC25"><figcaption>Vueling stand at 4YFN-MWC25</figcaption></figure><h3>Interactive Experiences at the Vueling Stand</h3>Vueling's stand features a central installation that measures visitors' heartbeats, syncing them with "Vueling’s pulse" to determine a surprise destination, which they can then explore in an immersive flight simulation.Additionally, attendees can participate in an interactive game that tests their knowledge of Vueling's operations center.

Vueling Unveils Immersive VR Training System at Mobile World Congress 2025

Binter has launched a limited-time promotion offering discounted fares for its premium service between Madrid and the Canary Islands. Passengers can purchase tickets until March 17 for travel between April 23 and June 14, 2025.According to the airline, one-way fares start at €60, provided that a round-trip ticket is booked. The promotion includes the exclusive perks of Binter's premium service.<h3>Premium Service &amp; Free Inter-Island Connections</h3>Passengers will fly on Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which Binter highlights for their extra legroom and two-by-two seating configuration, eliminating the middle seat. Additionally, the in-flight experience includes:<ul><li>A complimentary gourmet snack</li><li>Free carry-on baggage allowance</li></ul>Binter operates 16 daily flights between Madrid and the Canary Islands' Tenerife North (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA) airports, totaling 112 weekly frequencies. The airline also offers free inter-island connections within the Canary archipelago, taking advantage of its 210 daily inter-island flights.<h3>How to Book</h3>Promotional tickets can be purchased via:<ul><li><a href="https://www.binter.com/">Binter.com</a></li><li>The Binter mobile app</li><li>Binter's customer service hotline (922/928 32 77 00)</li><li>Travel agencies and airport offices, where passengers can check conditions and fares for various destinations.</li></ul>

Binter Launches Special Promotion for Madrid–Canary Islands Premium Flights

Jerez Airport has launched 35 new EV charging points in its public parking area. According to Aena, the infrastructure includes 34 slow-charging stations and one semi-fast charger, providing an additional option for travelers using electric mobility.The charging system is managed through the AenaEV app, allowing drivers to register their vehicle, select a parking spot, and set the desired charging time and power level. Once the process is complete, the app automatically stops the supply and releases the charging cable. As stated by the company, users must pay for the service before leaving the parking facility.Charging fees vary depending on the type of charge and are available within the app. With this initiative, Jerez Airport joins Spain’s expanding EV infrastructure network, supporting the transition to sustainable mobility.

Jerez Airport Introduces 35 New EV Charging Points in Public Parking Lot

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport will introduce two new controlled motorcycle parking areas on March 11, adding a total of 205 spaces across Terminals T2 and T4.According to Aena, the initiative aims to enhance safety and organization in access routes and transit areas while increasing parking availability for motorcycle users.<h3>Parking Locations and Capacity</h3><ul><li>T123 Terminals: Around 100 spaces will be available on the ground floor of Module C in Parking P2.</li><li>T4 Terminal: A total of 114 spaces will be located in a designated and enclosed area near the VIP parking entrance road.</li></ul>Additionally, some areas previously used for motorcycle parking will be reconfigured. However, the airport will maintain a free motorcycle parking area in Terminal 1’s arrivals zone, which is connected to the other terminals via a shuttle service.<h3>Signage and Communication for Users</h3>To inform travelers and airport personnel about the new access points and parking alternatives, signage and communication campaigns have been implemented.<h3>Expansion of Motorcycle Parking Initiatives</h3>Madrid-Barajas follows the example of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which introduced a controlled motorcycle parking system in February 2024 to improve organization and safety in designated parking zones.

Madrid-Barajas Airport to Open Two New Controlled Motorcycle Parking Areas

Air Europa has announced a partnership with Spanish company Foundspot to implement its advanced lost-and-found solution, leveraging cutting-edge technology to assist passengers in recovering misplaced items.The collaboration will digitize and streamline the lost-item recovery process, offering customers a fast and efficient way to locate belongings left behind on flights.<h3>AI-Powered Lost-and-Found System</h3>The system is based on a proprietary algorithm developed by Foundspot, which uses artificial intelligence to match lost items with those recovered by airline staff.Passengers who realize they have lost an item can visit the dedicated Air Europa–Foundspot webpage to report the loss by providing details such as the item description, suspected location, and time of loss. Foundspot’s technology then searches for matches among items previously logged by Air Europa staff and stored at designated facilities.Air Europa personnel verify potential matches, and if a lost item is identified, the passenger receives an email notification prompting them to complete a form. This initiates the shipment process, allowing the recovered item to be sent worldwide, according to <a href="https://aeroin.net/sistema-com-inteligencia-artificial-agora-ajuda-passageiros-de-air-europa-a-localizarem-itens-esquecidos/">AEROIN</a>.<h3>Service Availability and Impact</h3>The service is already operational at multiple Spanish airports, including:<ul><li>Madrid-Barajas</li><li>Palma de Mallorca</li><li>Barcelona</li><li>Málaga</li><li>Valencia</li><li>Alicante</li><li>Bilbao</li><li>Ibiza</li><li>Gran Canaria</li><li>Lanzarote</li></ul>Beyond reducing recovery times, the automated system optimizes storage space, increasing return rates by 80% to 400% and helping customers avoid unnecessary replacement costs for lost items.

Air Europa Partners with Foundspot to Digitize Lost and Found Process for Passengers

Aena has awarded the contracts for the construction of its new corporate headquarters, which will be located near Terminal 4 of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The total investment amounts to €7.8 million and includes architectural, engineering, and project management services.The architecture firm Batlle i Roig Asociados has been selected for project drafting and technical assistance during construction. The contract, valued at €2.65 million, has an estimated execution period of 55 months, divided into two phases: the Project Drafting Phase (ATRP), which will take approximately 27 months, and the Architectural Technical Assistance Phase (ATA) during construction, initially planned for 28 months.Meanwhile, project management has been awarded to the joint venture (UTE) Viarium Ingeniería S.L. / Intecsa-Inarsa, S.A. for €5.19 million.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/nueva_sede_corporativa_de_aena.jpg" alt="Nueva sede corporativa de Aena"><figcaption>New corporate headquarters of Aena</figcaption></figure><h2>A Headquarters in Harmony with the Future Airport City</h2>The new headquarters, which will house Aena’s Central Services, will be built on a two-hectare plot within the future Madrid-Barajas Airport City development. The facility will feature over 31,000 square meters of above-ground space and a 19,300-square-meter parking area with capacity for 775 vehicles.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36649" data-title="You might be interested"></section>According to Aena, constructing a dedicated headquarters instead of continuing with leased office space will result in lower financial costs, benefiting both the company and airlines. Additionally, the proximity to Terminal 4 will facilitate connections with other businesses that require close access to airport services.The architectural design features an elliptical building with curved lines, in harmony with the aesthetics of Terminal 4. It will have a 360-degree orientation and a connecting walkway to the terminal. A central bio-atrium will serve as a gathering space and will include a large indoor garden.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/nueva_sede_corporativa_de_aena_1.jpg" alt="Nueva sede corporativa de Aena"><figcaption>New corporate headquarters of Aena</figcaption></figure>Aena has emphasized that the new headquarters will meet environmental and technological certification standards. These include:<ul><li>BREEAM® Excellent, aimed at minimizing environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle.</li><li>WELL Platinum, focused on ensuring employee health and well-being.</li><li>WiredScore Office, guaranteeing high-quality communication infrastructure.</li></ul>The project management services will include technical assistance for construction supervision, quality control, and sustainability and connectivity certifications.With these contract awards, Aena continues to advance the development of an infrastructure that, according to the company, will reflect its values as a global airport operator and contribute to the growth of the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport City.

Aena Awards Contracts for New Corporate Headquarters Near Madrid-Barajas Airport

EasyJet continues its growth in the UK by adding three new routes from London-Southend Airport to destinations in Spain and Austria, starting in October 2025. Fares will be available from £29.99. Additionally, nine summer services will be extended into the winter season, strengthening the airport’s year-round connectivity.Next month, the low-cost airline will inaugurate its tenth UK base at London-Southend, offering holiday packages starting at £286 per person.<h3>New Routes to Spain and Austria</h3>In Spain, flights to Barcelona will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, beginning October 26. Services to Lanzarote will run three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from October 27. Meanwhile, flights to Salzburg, Austria, will operate twice a week starting December 6.With these additions, easyJet will increase its destinations from London-Southend to 20. The airline will base three aircraft at the airport, creating approximately 1,200 jobs, including positions for pilots and cabin crew.<h3>Year-Round Leisure Destinations</h3>EasyJet will offer year-round flights to Gran Canaria, Enfidha, Malta, Faro, Antalya, Tenerife, Marrakech, Málaga, and Palma, expanding its leisure travel options. The airline has also opened bookings for its winter season flights. easyJet Holidays will continue to provide tailored vacation packages to meet travelers' needs.<blockquote>“Our continued growth and investment in the UK, with the opening of our new base at Southend next month, highlights the importance of this market for easyJet. Customers continue to choose our flights and holidays for our great value, unrivaled short-haul leisure network, and fantastic customer service, and we look forward to welcoming them on board,” said Ali Gayward, Country Manager for easyJet UK.</blockquote><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="35967" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

EasyJet Expands in the UK with Three New Routes from London-Southend

Beijing Capital Airlines will increase the frequency of its Hangzhou (HGH) – Madrid (MAD) route, currently the only direct connection between China and Spain.The airline began operations in Madrid in January 2025 with three weekly flights. According to Aeroroutes, this will increase to four weekly flights during the northern summer season, from June 22 to August 24, 2025.The route is operated with Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 260 seats (18 in business class and 242 in economy). With this adjustment, the airline will offer 2,080 seats per week on this route.<h3>New Flight Schedule (Effective June 22 – August 24, 2025)</h3><ul><li>Flight JD 605: HGH 00:30 → MAD 08:00 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)</li><li>Flight JD 606: MAD 12:50 → HGH 08:00 (+1) (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)</li></ul><h3>Growing Air Traffic Between China and Spain</h3>Air traffic between China and Spain has seen steady growth, driven in part by the absence of Western airlines in the region. This has allowed Chinese carriers to expand their presence in the European market.Chinese airlines benefit from access to Russian airspace, enabling them to operate shorter routes at lower costs compared to their European competitors.Currently, six airlines operate direct flights between China and Spain: Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines (starting April 2025). These carriers connect Madrid and Barcelona with seven Chinese cities.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/capital_airlines_madrid.png" alt="Capital Airlines - Madrid"><figcaption>Capital Airlines network</figcaption></figure><h3>China–Spain Direct Flight Network (February 2025)</h3><h4>Air China</h4><ul><li>Shanghai/Pudong (PVG) – Barcelona (BCN) | 3 weekly flights | Airbus A350-900</li><li>Beijing (PEK) – Barcelona (BCN) | 7 weekly flights | Airbus A350-900</li><li>Beijing (PEK) – Madrid (MAD) | 12 weekly flights | Boeing 787-9</li></ul><h4>Beijing Capital Airlines</h4><ul><li>Hangzhou (HGH) – Madrid (MAD) | Increasing from 3 to 4 weekly flights | Airbus A330-300</li></ul><h4>China Eastern Airlines</h4><ul><li>Shanghai/Pudong (PVG) – Madrid (MAD) | 7 weekly flights | Airbus A350-900</li><li>Wenzhou (WNZ) – Madrid (MAD) | 2 weekly flights | Airbus A350-900</li></ul><h4>Hainan Airlines</h4><ul><li>Chongqing (CKG) – Madrid (MAD) | 2 weekly flights | Boeing 787-9</li><li>Shenzhen (SZX) – Madrid (MAD) | 2 weekly flights | Boeing 787-9</li></ul><h4>Shenzhen Airlines</h4><ul><li>Shenzhen (SZX) – Barcelona (BCN) | 4 weekly flights | Airbus A330-300</li></ul><h4>Sichuan Airlines (Starting April 25, 2025)</h4><ul><li>Chengdu/Tianfu (TFU) – Madrid (MAD) | 4 weekly flights | Airbus A330-200 &amp; A330-300</li></ul><h3>Market Growth and Passenger Traffic</h3>According to AENA Statistics, 588,212 passengers traveled between China and Spain in 2024.The market share among airlines operating these routes was as follows:<ul><li>Air China: 46.5%</li><li>China Eastern Airlines: 35%</li><li>Beijing Capital Airlines: 10.3%</li><li>Hainan Airlines: 8.2%</li></ul>

Beijing Capital Airlines Increases Frequency on Hangzhou–Madrid Route

The Aena Board of Directors has approved the bidding process for the runway pavement regeneration at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, with a budget of €31.6 million and an estimated completion time of 15 months. While most of the work will be carried out at night, the runway is expected to be completely closed for 35 days in 2026, from April 23 to May 27, in coordination with airlines and authorities.<h3>Project Details</h3>The renovation involves 1.23-meter-deep pavement regeneration in four specific areas, covering 22,040 square meters. The rest of the airfield will undergo a less extensive renewal. According to Aena, the project aims to enhance pavement quality and extend its lifespan. To achieve this, 75,000 tons of new pavement will be used, mainly produced at two temporary asphalt plants within the airport to ensure supply and minimize road transport.To reduce the impact on air traffic, the airport will close nightly from 11:30 PM to 5:30 AM for 24 weeks in 2026, in addition to the 35-day full closure. Aena has notified airlines well in advance to allow schedule adjustments.The project also includes upgrades to the airfield's lighting and drainage systems, featuring:<ul><li>28 km of primary cable,</li><li>76 km of secondary cable,</li><li>3.4 km of conduit banks,</li><li>888 new LED beacons, and</li><li>6.5 km of new drainage channels to improve energy efficiency.</li></ul><h3>ILS System Upgrade</h3>Alongside the runway renovation, Aena will invest €1.4 million to upgrade the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at both runway ends. The Category II/III ILS at Runway 17 will be replaced in May, aligning with the daytime closure. Meanwhile, the Category I ILS at Runway 35 will be upgraded between August and September, resuming operation in early October.The last similar renovation at Santiago Airport took place in 2008, though on a smaller scale than the upcoming project.<h3>Passenger Traffic at Santiago Airport</h3>In 2024, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport handled 3.64 million passengers, a 2.9% increase from 2023 and 25.4% higher than in 2019, before the pandemic. This ranked it 16th among Spain’s busiest airports.Regarding flight operations, the airport managed 26,968 flights, 4.1% more than in 2023 and 20.4% above 2019, placing it 19th nationwide.Currently, the airport is connected to 19 destinations through four airlines:<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Destination</th><th>Airlines</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Alicante</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Barcelona</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Bilbao</td><td>Iberia</td></tr><tr><td>Basel</td><td>EasyJet</td></tr><tr><td>Paris-CDG</td><td>Vueling</td></tr><tr><td>Fuerteventura</td><td>Vueling</td></tr><tr><td>Geneva</td><td>EasyJet</td></tr><tr><td>London-Gatwick</td><td>Vueling</td></tr><tr><td>Lanzarote</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Gran Canaria</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Madrid</td><td>Iberia, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Málaga</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Palma de Mallorca</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>London-Stansted</td><td>Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Seville</td><td>Vueling, Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Tenerife North</td><td>Vueling</td></tr><tr><td>Tenerife South</td><td>Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Valencia</td><td>Ryanair</td></tr><tr><td>Zaragoza</td><td>Ryanair</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/red_de_destinos_de_santiago_de_compostela_febrero_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos de Santiago de Compostela - Febrero 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Santiago de Compostela Route Network – February 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>According to Aviacionline, citing Cirium data, Ryanair accounts for 42.6% of seat capacity at Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), followed by Vueling (39.5%), Iberia (14.6%), and EasyJet (3.3%).

Aena Approves Runway Renovation at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport

Aena recorded a net profit of €1.93 billion in 2024, marking an 18.6% growth compared to €1.63 billion in 2023. This result was driven by an 8.5% increase in passenger traffic, reaching 369.5 million across all airports operated by the company, including those in Spain, London Luton, and Brazil.At Spanish airports, passenger traffic grew by 9.2%, reaching 309.3 million, setting a new record for the second consecutive year. Aena projects that in 2025, Spanish airport traffic will increase by 3.4%, reaching 320 million passengers.<h3>Passenger Distribution in 2024</h3><ul><li>309.3 million – Spanish airports</li><li>27.4 million – Block Eleven Airports (Brazil)</li><li>16.7 million – London Luton Airport</li><li>15.9 million – Northeast Brazil Airport Group</li></ul><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/grafico_en_ingles.jpg" alt="grafico en inglés"></figure><h3>Financial Performance</h3>Aena reported an EBITDA of €3.51 billion in 2024, with a 60.2% margin, reflecting a 16.1% increase from 2023.Total group revenue reached €5.83 billion, a 13.3% rise compared to the previous year:<ul><li>€3.19 billion from aeronautical revenue (+11.6%)</li><li>€1.78 billion from commercial revenue (+14.7%)</li></ul>Revenue from real estate services grew by 11%, driven by a 13.7% increase in air cargo, which now represents 46% of this business segment.Aena also reduced its net financial debt from €6.22 billion in 2023 to €5.5 billion in 2024, lowering its debt-to-EBITDA ratio to 1.57x, compared to 2.06x the previous year.<h3>Dividend Proposal and Stock Split</h3>Aena announced plans to propose a dividend of €9.76 per share at its upcoming General Shareholders' Meeting on April 9, exceeding last year’s €7.66 per share.Additionally, the company will propose a 10-for-1 stock split to align its share price with other Ibex 35 companies. Aena noted that its share price is currently the highest on the Spanish index, having appreciated 270% since its IPO in 2015.During the meeting, shareholders will also vote on the reelection of Javier Marín, Jaime Terceiro, Amancio López, and Juan Río, as well as the appointment of Ramon Tremosa as a new board member.<h3>Sustainability Initiatives</h3>Aena confirmed that in 2024, it approved its emissions reduction targets under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).For the second consecutive year, the company was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and FTSE4Good, recognizing its advancements in sustainability.Aena was also listed in "Europe’s Climate Leaders 2024," a ranking by the Financial Times and Statista that highlights 500 European companies leading in carbon emissions reduction and climate commitment.<h3>New Corporate Headquarters at Madrid-Barajas</h3>Aena awarded Batlle i Roig Asociados the architecture and engineering services contract for its new corporate headquarters, to be located in the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport City, west of Terminal 4.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/render_de_la_nueva_sede_corporativa_de_aena.jpg" alt="Render de la nueva sede corporativa de Aena"><figcaption>Render of Aena's new corporate headquarters.</figcaption></figure>The company stated that owning its headquarters would be more financially sustainable in the long term compared to renting. The new location aims to boost the Airport City’s development, attracting companies requiring proximity to the airport and fostering new business activities in the area.<h3>Outlook for 2025</h3>With the summer 2025 schedule finalized, Aena expects passenger traffic at Spanish airports to grow by 3.4%, reaching 320 million passengers.The company reaffirmed its commitment to expansion and consolidating its position as the world’s largest airport operator in terms of passenger volume and market capitalization.

Aena Reports €1.93 Billion Net Profit in 2024, an 18.6% Increase

Binter executives met at the Gran Canaria Chamber of Commerce to analyze the results of the first year of operation of the Canary Islands-Madrid route, as well as the growth of connectivity across the islands and support for Canarian businesses.In 2024, the airline transported over 5.6 million passengers across its network, marking a 31% increase compared to the previous year. According to the company, it operated 250 daily flights and offered 7.4 million seats. Throughout the year, Binter operated 63 routes connecting to 26 international destinations.<h3>Strong Performance in the Canary Islands-Madrid Route</h3>The first year of operations on the Canary Islands-Madrid route has exceeded expectations, particularly in a market dominated by low-cost airlines. In 2024, the airline offered 770,000 seats on more than 5,800 flights.According to the company, the punctuality rate on the route reached 83%, while operational reliability stood at an impressive 99.7%. Since Binter entered this market, demand has grown by 25% compared to the previous year.The airline also highlighted that it has met its initial goals for the route and has introduced the "Flexiplus" fare, which allows passengers to modify bookings, access VIP lounges, and enjoy priority boarding and check-in.<h3>Expansion Plans for 2025</h3>Looking ahead to 2025, Binter plans to continue its expansion by offering 8.1 million seats and increasing its network to 65 routes serving 38 destinations.Starting in April, the airline will introduce new services from Gran Canaria to Córdoba, Badajoz, Valencia, and Almería. Additionally, from Tenerife, Binter will launch flights to San Sebastián, Granada, Murcia, Valencia, Pamplona, and Ponta Delgada.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36276" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Binter Reviews First Year of Canary Islands-Madrid Route and Plans Expansion for 2025

Aena has announced an expansion of the Noise Insulation Plan (PAA) for Valencia Airport, now covering 9,946 homes and sensitive-use buildings after an updated program assessment. This marks an increase of 5,271 properties compared to the previous census.Following this update, 3,156 new homes have been added to the plan after meeting the required criteria, while 211 more are pending documentation for inclusion.<h3>New Noise Assessments and Required Soundproofing</h3>Recent acoustic measurements have identified 184 properties in need of soundproofing interventions. Aena stated that ongoing assessments will continue to define the necessary technical measures to ensure compliance with acoustic quality standards.<h3>Implementation and Pending Applications</h3>So far, soundproofing work has been completed in 23 homes across:<ul><li>Manises (3)</li><li>Quart de Poblet (11)</li><li>Ribarroja del Turia (5)</li><li>Xirivella (4)</li></ul>Additionally, 8 more homes are currently undergoing insulation improvements.With these additions, 4,285 properties near the airport now benefit from enhanced acoustic insulation. However, 2,235 homeowners have yet to apply for inclusion in the plan, despite being notified of their eligibility by Aena. The pending applications are distributed as follows:<ul><li>550 in Quart de Poblet</li><li>283 in Valencia</li><li>900 in Xirivella</li><li>230 in Manises</li><li>272 across Aldaia, Ribarroja del Turia, and Mislata</li></ul><h3>Information and Ongoing Monitoring</h3>To assist residents, Aena has set up the Noise Insulation Plan Management Office, available via phone (+34 915 903 170) or email (<a href="mailto:oficina.paa@ineco.com">oficina.paa@ineco.com</a>) for inquiries.The progress and updates of the plan will be reported to the Valencia Airport Environmental Monitoring Commission, which includes representatives from:<ul><li>Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge</li><li>Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA)</li><li>Generalitat Valenciana</li><li>Local municipalities</li><li>Aena</li></ul>With this expansion, Aena continues its commitment to reducing noise impact and improving quality of life for communities surrounding Valencia Airport.

Aena Expands Noise Insulation Plan for Valencia Airport to Nearly 10,000 Properties

A car entered a restricted area of Terminal 4 at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport on Tuesday morning (14), reaching the aircraft access zone but not entering the maneuvering area. According to El Mundo de Madrid, the incident occurred when the driver, a young man picking up his grandmother, followed his GPS instructions and unintentionally ended up inside the airport premises.<h3>How the Car Entered the Restricted Zone</h3>Aena, the airport operator, explained that the vehicle entered the area by closely following a maintenance car that had authorized access. Initially undetected, the car continued along a service road until it was identified at the exit of a tunnel by security teams and the Guardia Civil."The car remained on a service road for authorized vehicles, inside a tunnel, without ever entering the aircraft maneuvering or movement area," authorities emphasized.Airport workers cited by <a href="https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2025/02/18/67b4b41efc6c838f358b45c6.html?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1739899604">El Mundo de Madrid </a>stated that the vehicle reached the jet bridge tower, an area near aircraft operations. One employee noted that, had it not been intercepted, the car could have reached the runways.<h3>Investigation Underway</h3>Following the incident, Aena and the Guardia Civil launched an investigation to clarify the facts, identify potential security protocol failures, and establish preventive measures.The driver explained that he simply followed his GPS route, which led him behind an authorized vehicle. According to El Mundo de Madrid, after being stopped, the young man and his grandmother left the airport without receiving a fine, though visibly shaken by the experience.<h3>Airport Security Concerns</h3>Access to restricted airport areas is governed by strict security protocols, including physical barriers, identification and authorization systems, and constant surveillance by security personnel and law enforcement.In sensitive areas such as the aircraft apron or service zones, only pre-approved vehicles and individuals are permitted entry, requiring identity verification and specific permits. Many airports also employ license plate recognition systems, access cards, and dual-verification procedures to prevent unauthorized entry.In some cases, vehicle access points feature automated gates synchronized with credential scanners and CCTV monitoring to detect anomalies in real time.The fact that this multilayered security approach failed, allowing a car onto the airside area, raises questions about the effectiveness of Madrid-Barajas Airport’s current technology and the level of adherence to security protocols by personnel.

Car Enters Restricted Area at Madrid-Barajas Airport Due to GPS Error

The state government of Pernambuco, in northeastern Brazil, has announced the launch of Azul Linhas Aéreas’ new route between Recife and Madrid.Just last week, we had speculated that Madrid was likely to become Azul’s next European destination—though the expectation was for flights from Campinas. Now, this has been officially confirmed, even before the airline itself made the announcement (a common occurrence when politics come into play).<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/anuncio_gobierno_de_pernambuco_vuelos_recife_madrid.jpg" alt="Anuncio gobierno de Pernambuco - Vuelos Recife / Madrid"><figcaption>Pernambuco Government Announcement – Recife/Madrid Flights (Portuguese)</figcaption></figure><h3>Flight Schedule and Operations</h3>The first flight between Recife and Madrid is scheduled for June 11, with the route operating three times per week. Ticket sales are expected to open next week, at which point more details, such as flight days and times, will be revealed.<h3>Azul Expands Its European Network</h3>Madrid will become Azul’s fourth European destination. The Brazilian airline already operates flights to Lisbon and Paris-Orly from Campinas. Additionally, Azul previously announced flights to Porto from Recife, also set to launch in June, using a leased Boeing 767 from EuroAtlantic—the same aircraft that will operate the Madrid route.<h3>Madrid Barajas Expands Its South American Connections</h3>With the addition of Recife, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport will now have regular flights to 19 South American cities, joining:<ul><li>Asunción (Air Europa)</li><li>Bogotá (Avianca, Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Iberia)</li><li>Cochabamba (BoA)</li><li>Caracas (Air Europa, Iberia, Estelar, Laser, Plus Ultra)</li><li>Cali (Avianca, World2Fly)</li><li>Córdoba (Air Europa)</li><li>Buenos Aires (Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Europa, Iberia)</li><li>Rio de Janeiro (Iberia)</li><li>São Paulo (Air Europa, Air China, LATAM, Iberia)</li><li>Guayaquil (Air Europa, Iberia)</li><li>Lima (Air Europa, Plus Ultra, LATAM, Iberia)</li><li>Medellín (Air Europa, Avianca)</li><li>Montevideo (Air Europa, Iberia)</li><li>Santiago (LATAM, Iberia)</li><li>Salvador (Air Europa)</li><li>Quito (Air Europa, Iberia)</li><li>Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Air Europa, BoA)</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/vuelos_entre_madrid_y_sudamerica_febrero_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Vuelos entre Madrid y Sudamérica - Febrero 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Flights Between Madrid and South America – February 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>With this new route, Azul further strengthens its international expansion while Recife consolidates its position as a key hub for flights between Brazil and Europe.

Pernambuco Government Announces Azul’s New Recife-Madrid Route

Binter has finalized an order for four new ATR 72-600 aircraft equipped with PW127XT engines, replacing older units of the same model. The airline has also left open the option to acquire five additional aircraft in the future. The agreement, concluded in late 2024, is part of Binter’s ongoing fleet modernization strategy.ATR confirmed the transaction in its financial results presentation, highlighting that this deal marks one of the first replacement orders for the ATR 72-600 series with upgraded units.<h3>Commitment to Efficiency and Sustainability</h3>Binter’s president, Rodolfo Núñez, emphasized the airline’s dedication to passenger comfort and operational reliability, stating:"Our investment in these new ATR 72-600 aircraft underscores our commitment to the comfort and reliability of the communities we serve. With the exceptional efficiency of the PW127XT engines, optimized for ATR turboprops, we are setting new standards in fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs—establishing a benchmark for responsible aviation practices."<h3>Binter’s Operations and Fleet</h3>Binter operates a fleet of 26 ATR 72-600 aircraft, conducting 210 daily flights and transporting over 5 million passengers annually across the Canary Islands. As a key player in inter-island connectivity, the airline ensures vital air links in a region where aviation is essential for mobility and economic development.The company has relied on ATR turboprops since 1989 and asserts that the integration of the PW127XT engines enhances operational efficiency while significantly reducing emissions—aligning with its environmental objectives.<h3>Fleet Renewal for a Sustainable Future</h3>Binter’s fleet upgrade reflects its commitment to more efficient, environmentally friendly aircraft, addressing the growing emphasis on sustainability and cost optimization in commercial aviation. The airline's long-standing relationship with ATR plays a crucial role in strengthening regional connectivity while advancing responsible aviation practices.

Binter Expands Fleet with Four New ATR 72-600 Aircraft, Eyes Future Growth

Starting April 1, 2025, Iberia’s loyalty program will transition to Club Iberia Plus, introducing new earning rules for Elite Points and a new membership tier.Under the new system, Elite Points will be earned based on euros spent, rather than distance flown, when traveling with Iberia Group airlines. Additionally, customers will be able to earn points for purchasing extra services, such as seat selection or priority boarding, as well as when shopping with program partners.Purchasing Optima, Confort, or Flexible fares will also allow travelers to earn additional points, depending on the route and travel class.<blockquote>Beatriz Guillén, Iberia’s Global Sales and Loyalty Director, stated that the new system is “a fairer and more transparent way to reward our most loyal customers” and that expanding commercial partnerships will provide “greater benefits” to travelers.</blockquote><h2>New Platino Prime Tier &amp; Membership Changes</h2>As part of the program revamp, Iberia will introduce a new elite tier: Platino Prime, offering benefits such as:<ul><li>Higher Avios earning rates</li><li>Enhanced upgrade options</li><li>Exclusive promotions</li></ul>Access to Platino Prime will be based solely on spending in euros, while the Platino tier can still be earned through flight activity.Both Platino and Platino Prime will correspond to oneworld’s Emerald status.Iberia will also reduce the number of flights required to achieve Plata and Oro status and introduce a flight-based qualification path for Platino.The Avios accumulation system—used for redeeming flights, hotel stays, and other services—will remain unchanged and continue to be calculated based on euros spent.<h2>Club Iberia Plus: Tiers &amp; Benefits</h2>The new Club Iberia Plus will feature five elite levels:<ul><li>Clásica</li><li>Plata</li><li>Oro</li><li>Platino</li><li>Platino Prime</li></ul>Additionally, lifetime tiers Infinita and Infinita Prime will continue to offer exclusive benefits to their members.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/iberia_plus.jpeg" alt="Iberia Plus"></figure>The loyalty program allows members to earn Avios when flying with Iberia or partner airlines, as well as with a wide range of affiliated brands, including:<ul><li>Credit cards</li><li>Car rentals</li><li>Gas stations</li><li>Hotel chains</li></ul>Accumulated points can be redeemed for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and entertainment experiences through an extensive network of commercial partners.

Iberia to Relaunch Its Loyalty Program as Club Iberia Plus Starting April 2025

The air traffic between Spain and Latin America/Caribbean maintained its growth throughout 2024, solidifying the recovery trend that began in 2023 after the COVID-19 crisis.Spain has emerged as one of the fastest-growing international markets, surpassing even the record set in 2023. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain welcomed 93,799,505 international tourists in 2024, marking a 10.1% increase compared to the previous year.Passenger flows between Spain and Latin America/Caribbean had been steadily increasing before the pandemic, a trend that was disrupted by the global health crisis. However, recovery accelerated in 2023 and 2024, and further expansion is expected.According to AENA España, 11.4% of travelers arriving in Spain come from Latin America and the Caribbean, while 59.6% come from the European Union, and the remaining 29% from the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.<h2>Top Airlines Operating Between Spain and Latin America</h2>In 2023, a total of 12,384,014 passengers traveled between Spain and Latin America/Caribbean, with 93.6% passing through Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). The remainder traveled through Barcelona (BCN) and Tenerife Norte (TFN).<h3>Spanish Airlines</h3>Spanish airlines continue to dominate this market, holding a 72.4% market share, though this represents a slight 1.5 percentage point decline compared to the previous year.<ul><li>Iberia leads with 38.2% of traffic.</li><li>Air Europa follows with 22.1%.</li><li>World2Fly ranks third with 4.2%.</li><li>Plus Ultra (3.1%), Iberojet (2.6%), and LEVEL (2.2%) complete the list.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/tabla_ranking.jpg" alt="tabla ranking"></figure>In 2024, all Spanish airlines increased their passenger numbers, except for Iberojet, which experienced a 19.19% decline. Iberia recorded the highest growth, with a 17.05% increase, driven by expanded frequencies in the region.<h3>Latin American Airlines</h3>Seven Latin American carriers collectively hold a 26.1% market share in Spain – Latin America traffic.<ul><li>Avianca is the leading Latin American airline in this market, with 8.2%.</li><li>LATAM follows closely with 8.0%.</li><li>Aeroméxico ranks third with 5.9%.</li></ul>These three airlines operate at least three routes each between Spain and Latin America, carrying between 1 million and 720,000 passengers annually.Other airlines with smaller market shares include:<ul><li>Aerolíneas Argentinas (2.3%)</li><li>Boliviana de Aviación (0.8%)</li><li>Cubana de Aviación (0.1%)</li><li>LASER (0.3%) and Estelar (0.5%), both operating the Madrid – Caracas route.</li></ul>Additionally, Emirates and Air China, though not Latin American carriers, serve this market and together hold a 1.5% market share on their single routes to Spain.Compared to 2023, all airlines grew in passenger volume, except for Cubana de Aviación, which saw a 3.40% decline.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/grafico_ranking.jpeg" alt="gráfico ranking"></figure><h2>Top Routes Between Spain and Latin America/Caribbean</h2>In 2024, airlines connected Madrid, Barcelona, and Tenerife Norte with 36 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean.<h3>New Routes and Traffic Growth</h3><ul><li>Madrid added a new destination: Santa Clara, Cuba, operated by Iberojet.</li><li>Barcelona introduced a new route to Tegucigalpa/Palmerola, Honduras, also operated by Iberojet.</li><li>Passenger traffic increased significantly on flights to Santiago de los Caballeros (Dominican Republic), Caracas (Venezuela), and Cochabamba (Bolivia), growing by 105.04%, 57.04%, and 54.8%, respectively, compared to 2023.</li></ul><h3>Routes Yet to Recover to Pre-Pandemic Levels</h3>Despite strong overall growth, certain destinations have yet to fully recover to 2019 traffic levels, including:<ul><li>Cali, Colombia</li><li>Rio de Janeiro/Galeão, Brazil</li><li>Havana, Cuba</li><li>Salvador de Bahia, Brazil</li></ul><h3>Routes from Barcelona</h3><ul><li>The only Barcelona route that has not recovered is Lima, Peru, previously operated by LATAM.</li><li>Aeroméxico has yet to announce its return to Barcelona, leaving Emirates as the sole airline operating the Mexico City – Barcelona route.</li></ul><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/02/tabla_23.png" alt="Tabla 23"></figure><h3>Tenerife Norte – Caracas</h3><ul><li>Plus Ultra continues to operate weekly flights between Tenerife Norte and Caracas, carrying 21,259 passengers in 2024, a 16.7% increase compared to 2019.</li></ul>

Air Traffic Between Spain and Latin America/Caribbean Continues to Grow in 2024

Azul Linhas Aéreas is set to announce a new international route, marking a significant expansion of its global network. The Brazilian airline currently operates international flights to two destinations in Florida, USA, two in Europe, and several cities across South America.<h2>Adjustments in Flight Operations</h2>Recently, Azul reduced flights to Fort Lauderdale from Belo Horizonte (Confins) and Recife as part of a strategic shift. This adjustment appears to be aimed at reallocating aircraft to its Portugal-bound flights, particularly the Lisbon – Campinas route, currently operated by a EuroAtlantic Airways Boeing 777, and the upcoming Recife – Porto route.However, with confirmation that the Recife – Porto route will not use Azul’s Airbus A330 fleet but rather a leased EuroAtlantic Boeing 767 with Portuguese crew, speculation within Azul about a new European destination has gained traction.<h2>Madrid to Become Azul’s Next European Destination</h2>According to <a href="https://aeroin.net/madri-devera-ser-o-proximo-destino-internacional-da-azul-linhas-aereas/">AEROIN</a>, Azul has hinted to employees that it is preparing to launch a new route to Madrid from Campinas (Viracopos Airport). This follows the successful launch of Azul’s Paris route, which managed to thrive despite the lack of a local partner for passenger distribution—unlike its Lisbon and Porto operations, where Azul has a strong partnership with TAP Air Portugal.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36061" data-title="You might be interested"></section><h2>Fierce Competition on the São Paulo – Madrid Route</h2>The São Paulo – Madrid route, departing from Guarulhos Airport (GRU), is one of the most competitive long-haul markets connecting Brazil and Europe. Currently, up to five daily flights serve this route, operated by:<ul><li>Iberia (2 flights per day)</li><li>LATAM (1 flight per day)</li><li>Air Europa (1 flight per day)</li><li>Air China (3 flights per week on the Beijing – Madrid – São Paulo route)</li></ul>Azul’s decision to enter this market appears to have influenced LATAM’s recent move to increase its flights to Madrid starting in June, bringing its schedule to two daily flights, matching Iberia’s frequency.<h2>Azul’s Competitive Edge: The Viracopos Hub</h2>Azul’s key advantage in this market will be connectivity through its Campinas (Viracopos) hub. This hub provides seamless connections for passengers from smaller and mid-sized Brazilian cities, many of which lack direct flights to Guarulhos Airport (GRU), where competitors operate their Madrid services.However, Azul will have to compete against strong rivals, including:<ul><li>Iberia and LATAM’s partnership, which enhances connectivity between South America and Spain.</li><li>Air Europa’s well-established distribution network in Madrid.</li><li>Air China’s competitive pricing on the São Paulo – Madrid route.</li></ul><h2>Expected Launch Timeline</h2>Although no official start date has been announced, Azul is expected to launch its Campinas – Madrid flights around June, strategically aligning with the peak summer travel season in Europe.

Spain

Vueling Unveils Immersive VR Training System at Mobile World Congress 2025

Binter Launches Special Promotion for Madrid–Canary Islands Premium Flights

Jerez Airport Introduces 35 New EV Charging Points in Public Parking Lot

Madrid-Barajas Airport to Open Two New Controlled Motorcycle Parking Areas

Air Europa Partners with Foundspot to Digitize Lost and Found Process for Passengers

Aena Awards Contracts for New Corporate Headquarters Near Madrid-Barajas Airport

EasyJet Expands in the UK with Three New Routes from London-Southend

Beijing Capital Airlines Increases Frequency on Hangzhou–Madrid Route

Aena Approves Runway Renovation at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport

Aena Reports €1.93 Billion Net Profit in 2024, an 18.6% Increase

Binter Reviews First Year of Canary Islands-Madrid Route and Plans Expansion for 2025

Aena Expands Noise Insulation Plan for Valencia Airport to Nearly 10,000 Properties

Car Enters Restricted Area at Madrid-Barajas Airport Due to GPS Error

Pernambuco Government Announces Azul’s New Recife-Madrid Route

Binter Expands Fleet with Four New ATR 72-600 Aircraft, Eyes Future Growth

Iberia to Relaunch Its Loyalty Program as Club Iberia Plus Starting April 2025

Air Traffic Between Spain and Latin America/Caribbean Continues to Grow in 2024

Azul Linhas Aéreas to Launch New International Route, Expanding European Network

Más Leídas de Spain

Jerez Airport Introduces 35 New EV Charging Points in Public Parking Lot

Binter Launches Special Promotion for Madrid–Canary Islands Premium Flights

Vueling Unveils Immersive VR Training System at Mobile World Congress 2025