Air Europa Express, a strategic subsidiary of Air Europa, is commemorating its 30th anniversary, consolidated as one of Spain’s most dynamic airlines. The carrier operates a network connecting the national territory with key European destinations. After closing 2025 with over 2.8 million passengers carried, the company reaffirms its fundamental role in regional connectivity and the operational efficiency of the Globalia Group.
Three Decades of Transformation: From Aeronova to Air Europa Express
The airline’s trajectory began in 1996, when a group of eleven pilots from the AIRMED flight school founded the company under the name Aeronova. In its early stages, the operator specialized in high-precision and high-reliability niches:
- Air Cargo and Medevac Flights: It positioned itself as a European leader in the transport of cargo weighing between one and two tons.
- Critical Services: Upon obtaining a Type B Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the company performed essential duties in support of organ transplants.
- Operational Milestones: Before its integration into Globalia, the firm already managed international routes such as the Marseille-Algeria connection and passenger services between Malaga and Melilla, additionally maintaining its own hangar in Burgos since 2014.
In 2015, Globalia acquired the airline, rebranding it as Air Europa Express. The first commercial flight under this new identity took place in 2016, covering the Madrid-Valencia-Palma route.
Fleet Consolidation and Operational Efficiency
A fundamental pillar of the strategy over the last decade has been the unification of its fleet. Joining the tourism group allowed for a renewal centered on a single-model fleet, optimizing costs and training.
- Current Fleet: The company operates 11 Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
- Standardization: Since 2023, 100% of the pilots and cabin crew (TCP) have been specifically trained to operate this aircraft model.
- Impact Figures: During its tenure within Globalia, the airline has transported more than 18.2 million passengers across more than 190,000 flights.
Currently, Air Europa Express manages 29 routes, 26 of which operate from Madrid-Barajas Airport and three from Palma de Mallorca. Its structure is supported by a young workforce of approximately 400 employees.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Academic Excellence
The airline has grown not only in volume but also in industry recognition. Continuous training is a hallmark of the brand, evidenced in 2024 when it received the Award for Excellence in Training granted by the University of Tarragona.
In the environmental sphere, the company is executing a sustainable expansion plan. Its participation in the last two editions of The Aviation Challenge—the sustainability initiative by the SkyTeam alliance—demonstrates its commitment to process optimization and carbon footprint reduction through the constant modernization of its fleet.
“Celebrating these 30 years is a testament to the dedication, effort, and passion of everyone who is part of this great family,” stated Toni Gimeno, General Manager of Air Europa Express, highlighting the enthusiasm with which the firm faces its upcoming challenges.
A Year of Celebrations for the Group
The subsidiary’s 30th anniversary coincides with another significant milestone for the holding company: the 40th anniversary of its parent company, Air Europa, which will be formally celebrated this coming November. With integrated operations and an efficient narrow-body fleet, Air Europa Express looks toward the future as the feeder engine for the group’s long-haul network.
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Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.