The Franco-Dutch group Air France-KLM has submitted a €300 million offer to acquire 51% of Air Europa, as exclusively reported by El Confidencial this Tuesday. This purchase would also involve taking on the €475 million debt that the Spanish airline owes to the Spanish government.
Competition for Air Europa
This offer comes at a critical time, as Lufthansa, a direct competitor of Air France-KLM, has also expressed interest in acquiring a stake in the Spanish airline. According to sources close to the negotiations, the German company has reportedly offered €240 million for a 25% stake in the company.
→ Air Europa Strengthens Its Presence in America with More Flights This Summer
The interest of major European groups in Air Europa is due to its presence on key routes within Spain, as well as its strategic connections between Madrid and several major cities in Europe and Latin America. Currently, the airline is owned by the Spanish group Globalia, with a 20% stake held by IAG (the parent company of Iberia and British Airways), which last year ruled out a full acquisition due to regulatory concerns.
Expansion in the European Air Market
With this potential acquisition, Air France-KLM would strengthen its presence in the Iberian and Latin American markets, enhancing its network of connections from Madrid. Additionally, acquiring a majority stake would allow the Franco-Dutch group to consolidate its position against Lufthansa and other European airlines in the competition to dominate transatlantic routes.
The outcome of this operation will be crucial for the future of Air Europa and the aviation sector in Spain.
Related Topics
Avianca Launches New Seasonal Guatemala-San Francisco Route and Announces Baggage Policy Adjustments for its Most Economical Fare
Avior Airlines Resumes Caracas–Medellín Route Starting in March
Rutaca Airlines Sets Course for Northern Brazil: Manaus and Boa Vista Join Its International Network Starting in February
Wingo to Reactivate Its Medellín-Caracas Route Starting in March
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.