The Spanish airline Air Europa continues to innovate to improve customer experience, following the signing of an agreement with fellow Spanish company Foundspot to digitize and streamline the process of locating items left behind on board. The technological solution makes the procedure faster and more efficient, giving passengers a quick and practical way to recover their belongings.The system uses a unique algorithm based on artificial intelligence (AI). When a passenger realizes something is missing, they can access a special page from Air Europa and Foundspot, where they provide details about the item, where they think they left it, and the approximate time.The technology cross-references this information with items found by the Air Europa team, which are stored and logged in the platform. If there’s a match, the team confirms the identification. Once validated, the passenger receives an email with a form to request the item’s return, delivered anywhere in the world, according to media partner <a href="https://aeroin.net/para-agilizar-a-localizacao-de-objetos-esquecidos-por-passageiros-air-europa-implementa-sistema-com-ia/">Aeroin</a>.The AI system is already in use at several Spanish airports, including Madrid-Barajas, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. As well as offering greater convenience for passengers, the solution significantly reduces the time needed to locate items, optimizes storage space, and increases the recovery rate by between 80% and 400%, helping passengers avoid the unnecessary replacement of lost items.

Air Europa implements an AI system to locate items forgotten by passengers

Lufthansa City Airlines, the youngest member of the Lufthansa Group, has received its first brand-new Airbus A320neo at the Airbus facility in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. The aircraft, registered as D-AIJP and named “Ingelheim am Rhein”, highlights the airline’s key role in strengthening the Group’s short-haul network and feeding its main hubs.This new A320neo, configured to seat 180 passengers, features Airbus’s “Airspace” cabin, which includes significantly larger overhead luggage bins, advanced lighting systems, and enhanced seating comfort—while maintaining the high standards associated with the Lufthansa brand.“Our new aircraft is both a motivation and an additional incentive for the commitment and excellent work of all our employees, who contribute to the success and growth of our airline every day,” said Peter Albers, Managing Director of Lufthansa City Airlines, during the official handover.With this addition, Lufthansa City Airlines’ fleet now totals eight aircraft—four Airbus A319s and four A320neos. The carrier has ambitious growth plans: five more new A320neos and two additional A320neos are set to join the fleet in 2025, bringing the total to 15 aircraft by the end of the year. Starting in late 2026, the airline also expects deliveries of the first of 40 Airbus A220-300s, known for their fuel efficiency and suitability for regional and feeder routes.Alongside its growing fleet, Lufthansa City Airlines will also expand its European network. For the summer 2025 schedule, it will add seven new destinations: Barcelona, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Düsseldorf, Rome, Edinburgh, Seville, and Bordeaux. With these additions, the airline’s route map will cover 17 destinations, all bookable via the main Lufthansa website (<a href="http://www.lufthansa.com/">www.lufthansa.com</a>).<h3>Lufthansa City Airlines: The Smart Connector in the Lufthansa Group</h3>Launched in June 2024, Lufthansa City Airlines was created with a clear goal: to operate short-haul European routes—especially feeder flights to hubs in Munich and, from 2026, Frankfurt—in a more cost-efficient way. In a European market dominated by strong Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), this new subsidiary enables the Lufthansa Group to optimize operational costs on critical routes while maintaining the quality and service standards synonymous with the Lufthansa name.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="30338" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>The airline’s feeder role is vital in linking passengers across Europe to Lufthansa’s long-haul network from its main connection hubs. The choice of next-generation aircraft like the A320neo and A220 reinforces its focus on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and passenger comfort—key elements for sustainability and competitiveness.Lufthansa City Airlines operates under its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and is distinct from both Lufthansa and Eurowings, the latter being more focused on point-to-point and leisure traffic.

Lufthansa City Airlines Receives First Brand-New Airbus A320neo as It Expands European Network

ITA Airways and LOT Polish Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement set to take effect on April 10, aimed at expanding travel options between Italy and Poland, the airlines announced in a joint statement.Under the agreement, LOT’s “LO” code will be added to ten domestic routes operated by ITA Airways in Italy, linking Rome with cities including Bologna, Bari, Catania, Genoa, Florence, Naples, Palermo, Lamezia Terme, and Turin. In return, ITA Airways will place its “AZ” code on LOT flights between Warsaw and Rome, one of the most heavily trafficked routes between the two countries.LOT currently operates 12 weekly flights between the two capitals, competing with Wizz Air, which runs 11.The agreement aims to facilitate travel between the capitals and improve access to regional destinations, offering passengers greater flexibility in their itineraries and more connection options within each country.“We are pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with LOT Polish Airlines. This partnership marks a significant step in our growth strategy, increasing connectivity for our passengers,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. “With this agreement, we are establishing a privileged and convenient route between Italy and Poland, further strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two countries,” he added.Robert Ludera, Registered Representative and Director of Network Planning at LOT Polish Airlines, said, “Signing this codeshare agreement with ITA Airways is a key move in our strategy, aimed at expanding our offerings and continuously improving our services.” He noted the deal will allow LOT passengers access to a wide network of domestic connections in Italy, significantly easing travel within the country.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37653,35860" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Both carriers emphasized that the partnership will benefit both business and leisure travelers by offering smoother connections between Rome and Warsaw and closer integration of their booking systems.Tickets under the new codeshare arrangement are already available through the airlines’ websites, booking platforms, and authorized travel agencies.

ITA Airways and LOT Polish Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement to Boost Travel Between Italy and Poland

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced the largest summer schedule in its history, adding 28 new routes connecting 17 countries to and from Scandinavia. The 2025 plan includes a total of 278 routes and 23 million available seats, reinforcing Copenhagen Airport’s role as a key international hub, the company noted.The 2025 summer schedule features a 2.2 million seat increase compared to the previous year, with expanded service to cities including Madrid, Budapest, Kraków, Lyon, Wrocław, and the Arctic city of Nuuk in Greenland. While most flights will depart from Copenhagen, there will also be increased connections from Stockholm, Oslo, and other Scandinavian cities.On the intercontinental front, new services will include flights from Copenhagen to Seoul (four times weekly), Seattle (five times weekly), and Beirut (three times weekly from Copenhagen and two from Stockholm). Direct routes from Stockholm to Reykjavik and Bodø will also launch, while Oslo will gain a daily flight to New York (JFK) and a weekly frequency to Rhodes. Additionally, Bergen will be connected twice weekly to Málaga.The airline emphasized that the goal is to further solidify Copenhagen as a strategic hub for international transit from Northern Europe. It also plans to strengthen domestic connectivity in Sweden, where a 54% increase in domestic flights is expected, thanks to new routes to Halmstad and Kalmar.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36667" data-title="You might be interested"></section>“This summer schedule marks a major milestone for SAS as we launch our largest summer expansion to date, with 28 new routes and a significant capacity boost to reach 23 million seats,” said Henrik Winell, Vice President of Network at SAS. “By expanding our network and optimizing travel options, we’re offering our customers unprecedented access to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East,” he added.As part of the expansion, frequency increases are planned on popular routes to Toronto, Berlin, Florence, and Prague. According to the airline, this will lead to a 70% improvement in connection opportunities via Copenhagen Airport, which now offers links to 122 destinations.Details of SAS's new routes for summer 2025:<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/tabla_1_traducida.jpeg" alt="Tabla 1, traducida"></figure>

Scandinavian Airlines unveils largest summer schedule in its history with 28 new routes

ITA Airways will begin the process of joining Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, with the goal of becoming a full member by early 2026, as approved by the Star Alliance Executive Board.The move follows ITA Airways’ recent entry into the Lufthansa Group, which, according to the holding company, paves the way for the Italian carrier’s access to the alliance’s global network. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the international positioning of ITA Airways, which was founded in 2021 after the dissolution of Alitalia.“ITA Airways is expected to join Star Alliance in early 2026,” said Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance. “Our Executive Board’s decision reflects the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. Its addition will strengthen our global network and provide more seamless travel options for passengers around the world.”Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, commented: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and bring the excellence of 'Made in Italy' to the alliance, expanding its global reach.”According to the airline, ITA Airways will contribute 360 daily flights and three new destinations to the Star Alliance network, significantly impacting Rome and Milan—two cities currently served by 16 alliance members. Once finalized in 2026, ITA’s entry will bring the total number of member airlines to 26, offering a combined network of over 18,000 daily flights across 192 countries.The integration will be guided by the Lufthansa Group, which will act as a mentor throughout the process. “I’m proud to see ITA Airways become the fifth Lufthansa Group airline to join Star Alliance,” said Dieter Vranckx, the group’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Its future membership will provide customers with new ways to plan personalized journeys. I’m confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio.”This move further cements Lufthansa’s role in expanding the alliance in Europe, while supporting ITA Airways’ goal of becoming fully integrated into the global aviation market through strategic partnerships.

ITA Airways to begin integration into Star Alliance, aiming for full membership by early 2026

Iberia has released its flight schedule for the winter 2025/2026 season, featuring increased frequencies to popular short- and medium-haul destinations in Italy, France, and Austria, along with the return of several seasonal routes previously offered in past winters.In Italy, the Spanish carrier will maintain year-round nonstop services to Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo, Florence, Bologna, Naples, Turin, Catania, Olbia, and Palermo.To mark the Jubilee Year, flights to Rome will be increased to 44 weekly frequencies, two more than last winter, offering a total of 380,000 seats during the season.France remains Iberia’s top international market in terms of flight volume, with over 180 weekly frequencies scheduled between Spain and various French cities. The airline offers direct services to Paris (from both Orly and Charles de Gaulle), Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Toulouse. In Paris alone, up to 52 weekly flights will operate from Orly, complemented by three daily flights from Charles de Gaulle.Austria will be Iberia’s third-fastest growing European market this winter. The Madrid–Vienna route will operate 23 times per week, two more than in 2024, with a total of 180,000 seats available throughout the season.The seasonal service to Innsbruck returns for a second consecutive year, running from December 21, 2025, to April 5, 2026. The route will be operated with Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering 186 seats and two weekly frequencies.<h3>Back to Lapland</h3>For the third year in a row, Iberia will resume its seasonal service to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Flights will run from December 3, 2025, to February 28, 2026.The seasonal route to Tromsø will also return, operating from December 3, 2025, to March 1, 2026, with two weekly frequencies.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37547" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Iberia unveils winter 2025/2026 schedule with expanded routes across Europe

For the 2025 summer season, Air France plans to operate up to 900 daily flights to nearly 190 destinations worldwide. Its network includes 87 long-haul services, representing a 4% increase in capacity compared to the same period last year.Air France teams are already preparing for the peak travel season. During the summer schedule (April–October), the airline will offer expanded global operations.<h4>New summer routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle:</h4><ul><li>Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: five weekly flights starting May 19, 2025.</li><li>Orlando, United States: four weekly flights starting May 21, 2025.</li></ul><h4>North America:</h4>A seventh daily flight will be added between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York-JFK, five of which will be operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft equipped with First Class. The new La Première product will be available on selected flights.The connection to Phoenix-Sky Harbor will be increased to five weekly flights using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.The route to Tahiti, with a stopover in Los Angeles, will offer daily flights.As a sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival, the French airline will operate a special flight between Los Angeles and Nice from May 12 to 26.<h4>South America and the Caribbean:</h4>The connection to Salvador de Bahia, launched in winter 2024, will be maintained year-round with three weekly flights operated with Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.Additional flights will be added to Lima, Santiago de Chile, and Rio de Janeiro.There will be eight weekly flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Saint Maarten, operated with Airbus A330-200.<h4>Africa:</h4>The Zanzibar–Kilimanjaro route will be available year-round with three weekly flights.Three nonstop flights will be added to the Brazzaville service, bringing the frequency to ten flights per week.The Airbus A350-900 will replace the Boeing 787-9 on the Nairobi route.<h4>Asia:</h4>The service to Manila, launched in December last year, will continue throughout the summer with three weekly flights operated with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.<h4>More destinations with the new La Première product:</h4>Starting in spring, the new La Première suite will be available on flights to New York-JFK, and later to Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda. The product is expected to be offered on all La Première destinations by 2026.<h4>Short- and medium-haul routes:</h4>Air France’s short- and medium-haul network will include 96 destinations in France and Europe, with a 2% increase in capacity. The airline will operate up to 670 daily flights.Air France will offer 29 seasonal routes in France and Europe, including to Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain), Rhodes and Heraklion (Greece), and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Air France updates for South America, North America, and other regions for the upcoming summer

Play Europe, a subsidiary of Icelandic airline Fly Play hf., received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate on Thursday, during an official ceremony held in the country's capital.The new certification allows the company to formally launch operations from Malta, as part of a restructuring announced by Fly Play hf. in October 2024. This restructuring included the creation of Play Europe to manage European projects for other airlines, operating from outside Iceland.According to the parent company, Fly Play hf. currently operates a fleet of ten aircraft and has already signed an agreement with an Eastern European operator for the leasing of three aircraft under the new Maltese AOC. These aircraft will operate exclusively outside the Icelandic market, without using the PLAY brand or flying to or from Iceland.The first aircraft registered under the Maltese AOC is an Airbus A321-NEO, manufactured in 2018, with registration 9H-PEA. Crew members, including pilots and senior cabin crew, will be hired directly by Play Europe and will be based in the lessee’s home country.“This is an important step for us. These leasing projects will generate profitability for PLAY in line with our projections and will make operations more stable and predictable, with a positive financial outlook,” said Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO of PLAY. “Receiving the Maltese AOC ahead of schedule is the result of our team’s tireless work over the past months, and we are very proud of this achievement,” he added.During the ceremony, Charles Pace, Director General of the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate, welcomed Play Europe to the Maltese aviation sector. He thanked the teams involved and emphasized that the certification process “went smoothly thanks to the dedication of the Directorate’s inspectors and the PLAY team.”Fly Play hf. will continue operating as an Icelandic low-cost airline, with most of its fleet based in Keflavík, while Play Europe will focus on leasing-based operations outside Iceland.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="32705" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Play Europe receives Maltese AOC and begins operations outside Iceland

Ryanair became the first European airline to transport 200 million passengers in a single calendar year, as announced by the company this Thursday. This achievement fulfills the goal set during the previous results presentation.The milestone was reached on the Fuerteventura-Madrid flight operated on Wednesday, March 26, where the 200 millionth passenger, Maria Cornelia Vos, aged 84, was on board. To celebrate this achievement, the ultra-low-cost airline awarded her free tickets for a year.According to the company, this record corresponds to the 2024/2025 period and represents a new historical maximum for both Ryanair and the European aviation sector.“We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Maria Cornelia Vos as our 200 millionth passenger this year,” said Micheal O'Leary, CEO of the Ryanair Group.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37453" data-title="You might be interested"></section>“Ryanair is proud to have reached this number, and we are pleased that these 200 million passengers have collectively saved around 5 billion euros compared to the average fares of other competing airlines,” he added.In the fiscal year ending March 2024, Ryanair had transported 184 million passengers and announced that by 2034, it expects that number to reach 300 million per year.

New record: Ryanair transports 200 million passengers in a single calendar year

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted, for the first time, approval as a Design or Production Organization (DPO) for equipment used in air traffic management and air navigation services (ATM/ANS). This measure represents a significant step toward the harmonization and modernization of the air traffic system in Europe.The Dutch company Micro Elektronische Producten B.V. (MEP), specialized in air-ground communication systems for air traffic control, was the first to receive this approval, which is valid across the European Union market. According to EASA, this unique approval will facilitate the adoption of safe and interoperable solutions at the continental level.“This approval is the first step towards a more modern and harmonized ATM network in Europe,” said Jesper Rasmussen, EASA's Director of Flight Standards. “Europe is strong in the production of ATM equipment, and this new approval system makes it easier for service providers to adopt solutions that have already been proven in real operations. It also drives innovation, as approved organizations can improve existing solutions without requiring a new full certification,” he added.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/easa_micro_elektronische_producten_bv.jpg" alt="EASA - Micro Elektronische Producten B.V."></figure>The recognition comes as part of the new European regulation on conformity assessment for ATM/ANS equipment, specifically in compliance with Regulations (EU) 2023/1769 and 2023/1768. According to EASA, the approval grants organizations specific privileges, such as certifying certain equipment, classifying changes as "major" or "minor," and issuing design compliance declarations or release forms valid for installation by air navigation service providers (ANSPs).The verification process, conducted by the EASA team over the past twelve months, successfully concluded for MEP. In the words of MEP’s CEO, Werner van Eck, “I am very happy that MEP is the first company to receive the DPO approval. It is the result and recognition of the hard work of our team and the great support we have received from EASA over the past year.”The agency highlights that this approval also reduces the administrative burden for ANSPs, who will be able to rely more directly on the work carried out by DPO organizations when making changes to their systems.Among the key elements of the new regulatory framework are the creation of a single source of technical specifications and certifications valid across the EU, as well as a simplified conformity procedure for manufacturers. According to EASA, these changes were designed to improve cost-efficiency, reduce implementation issues, and maintain high safety and innovation standards in the European air traffic industry.

EASA grants first approval to design or production organization for air traffic management equipment

Global Airlines, a new British airline, has announced, through a promotional offer, that its first transatlantic services will begin in May of this year. Reservations can already be made on the <a href="https://www.ga.flights/">company's website</a>.The airline is preparing to operate flights with an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, which is currently undergoing preparation work in Portugal, under the operation of Hi Fly, a wet lease airline.In its announcement, Global Airlines highlighted the "special" inaugural flights from the United Kingdom, specifically from Manchester and Glasgow, to New York's JFK Airport. The first flight from Glasgow to JFK is scheduled for May 15, with the return expected on May 19. A Manchester-JFK service will then be offered on May 21, with the return on May 25, reports our partner outlet, <a href="https://aeroin.net/start-up-britanica-que-voara-o-maior-aviao-de-passageiros-do-mundo-define-datas-dos-primeiros-voos/">AEROIN</a>.The airline announced that tickets will be on sale in the coming days and invited interested parties to make reservations to receive an invitation to purchase a ticket.Global Airlines emphasized that the cabins have been completely renovated to offer a new look and feel. “The catering team has worked on preparing a new menu, and there will be ‘limited edition’ amenity kits in all cabins for all passengers,” the airline added.The booking system indicates that three fare classes will be available: first class, business class, and economy. Global Airlines has identified Travelopedia, a UK-based travel agency operating under the name GA Flights, as the company offering the tickets, describing it as a “reliable consolidator.”Additionally, the airline reported that all flights provided by GA Flights are covered by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Air Travel Organizer’s License scheme, which aims to financially protect consumers. The CAA lists Travelopedia as a registered member of ATOL.

Against the grain, new British airline confirms date for its first flights with an Airbus A380

Helvetic Airways has made its inaugural landing at London City Airport (LCY) with an Embraer E195-E2, making it the airline operating the largest aircraft at this small airport. As previously reported by Aviacionline, the flight departed Zurich (ZRH) on March 26 at 13:40, with an expected arrival time in London at 16:15, local time.To celebrate this milestone, the Embraer E195-E2 that made the inaugural flight was decorated with stickers that read “The Largest Aircraft at LCY.” London City Airport is one of the most challenging airports in Europe, located in the heart of London's financial district.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/carta_ils_pista_27_del_aeropuerto_london_city_fuente_navigraph.png" alt="Carta ILS pista 27 del Aeropuerto London City (Fuente: Navigraph)"><figcaption>ILS letter for runway 27 at London City Airport (Navigraph)</figcaption></figure>Moreover, it is one of the few airports in the world that receives commercial aircraft specially certified for ILS approaches with a 5.50-degree descent rate. This makes it a unique challenge for many aircraft to land at this airport.London City Airport is currently undergoing a passenger growth plan, aiming to reach 9 million passengers by 2031. This project is supported by a series of approvals from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, along with the expansion of the commercial ramp and the construction of a taxiway extension to the runway's end.The arrival of the Embraer E195-E2 marks another step in the airport's growth strategy. Currently, only five large narrow-body jets operate at the airport: the Airbus A318, Airbus A220-100, and the Embraer E190-E1, E190-E2, and E195-E2.While the Embraer E195-E2 is now the largest aircraft operating at London City, it's not the heaviest at takeoff. That title remains with the Airbus A220-100, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 63,100 kilograms.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/embraer_e195_e2_de_helvetic_airways_aterrizando_en_lcy_foto_x.jpg" alt="Embraer E195-E2 de Helvetic Airways aterrizando en LCY (Foto: X)"><figcaption>Embraer E195-E2 of Helvetic Airways landing at LCY (X)</figcaption></figure><h3>Larger Aircraft on the Horizon</h3>In January of this year, London City Airport submitted a request to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to certify operations with the Airbus A320neo.The request includes the implementation of a new flight procedure known as RNP AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorization Required), which would adjust the approach angle for the A320neo at both runway heads.The Airbus A320neo can carry up to 186 passengers, 50 more than the Embraer E195-E2, and is one of the most widely used aircraft globally.

Helvetic Airways Lands for the First Time at London City Airport with Embraer E195-E2

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is gearing up for its new summer schedule, running from March 30 to October 25. According to airport operator Fraport, 83 airlines will connect Frankfurt to 275 destinations in 91 countries, totaling over 4,500 weekly flights and offering approximately 829,000 seats per week—a 5% increase compared to last year.Intra-European traffic will continue to grow. Among the highlights announced by Fraport is the debut of Electra Airways (EAF), which will launch twice-weekly flights to Burgas and Varna on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast in mid-May, in cooperation with SunExpress. Also noteworthy is the return of easyJet to the airport after a five-year absence, with daily services to Rome and Milan Linate.Condor will add ten new European routes from Frankfurt. The airline has already started services to Berlin and Hamburg, and will add two daily flights to Munich and Zurich, as well as a daily flight to Vienna. During the Easter school holidays, it will launch a new connection to Rome, continuing onward to Palermo, Sicily. Additional routes beginning in May include Paris Charles de Gaulle, Prague, Milan Malpensa, and Larnaca in Cyprus.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/red_global_del_aeropuerto_de_frankfurt_julio_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red global del aeropuerto de Frankfurt - Julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Frankfurt Airport global network – July 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>For long-haul services, Condor will introduce twice-weekly flights to Panama City starting June 11. Routes to Johannesburg and Bangkok will become year-round operations, and beginning in July, Condor will also offer a connection from Bangkok to Sanya, on China’s Hainan Island.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="34750" data-title="You might be interested"></section>The Lufthansa Group will expand its network with several new destinations from Frankfurt. Air Dolomiti will begin a weekly flight to Figari, Corsica, on May 17. Discover Airlines, its leisure-focused brand, will add flights to Kefalonia and Kalamata in Greece, and will extend year-round service to Kittilä in Finnish Lapland. Austrian Airlines will continue operating up to four daily flights to Linz, while Lufthansa will resume flights to Bydgoszcz (Poland) and Lamezia Terme (Italy), both starting in April.In July, according to data from Aviacionline via Cirium, Lufthansa will account for 52.6% of seat capacity in Frankfurt, followed by Condor with 9.7%. On non-European routes, Lufthansa’s share drops to 39.5%, with Condor at 10.6% and United Airlines at 6.6%.Lastly, Air Astana, the national airline of Kazakhstan, will increase its services from Frankfurt with three weekly flights to Almaty.With around 1,000 intercontinental flights per week, Frankfurt remains Germany’s leading airport for long-haul connections, as emphasized by the airport operator.

Frankfurt kicks off the summer season with flights to 275 destinations: new routes added in Latin America and Asia

WestJet continues to expand its transatlantic network with the announcement of a new seasonal service between Halifax and Barcelona-El Prat, offering four weekly flights during the summer 2025 season. This new route adds to the existing connection between Calgary and the Catalan capital. The Canadian airline has scaled back capacity to the United States while increasing flights to Europe.“This route is shaping up to be a favorite among travelers looking to explore Spain and other European destinations,” said John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “The Halifax-Barcelona service complements our extensive and growing transatlantic schedule from Eastern Canada.”Flight schedule between Halifax (YHZ) and Barcelona (BCN)From June 27 to September 28, 2025• Flight WS 66: YHZ 11:20 PM – BCN 09:50 AM (+1 day) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. • Flight WS 67: BCN 11:20 AM – YHZ 02:02 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.The flights will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, configured with 174 seats in two classes: 12 in Premium Economy and 162 in Economy.“We’re thrilled that WestJet is launching the first direct service connecting Halifax Stanfield with Spain,” said Marie Manning, Vice President of Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer of the Halifax International Airport Authority. “This new summer route to Barcelona—a city renowned for its culture and architecture—not only opens access to one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, but also welcomes visitors from Spain and beyond to discover Atlantic Canada’s heritage and natural beauty.”The new Halifax-Barcelona service joins WestJet’s upcoming routes to Amsterdam (launching May 29) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (launching May 16), complementing existing flights to London-Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Dublin. According to the airline, this is the only non-stop connection between Nova Scotia and Barcelona.

WestJet to fly between Halifax and Barcelona with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

Ryanair has launched a new subscription plan called "<a href="https://www.ryanair.com/es/es/lp/explorar/membresia">Prime</a>", specifically designed for frequent flyers. The annual cost of the program is €79 and includes benefits such as free seat reservations, travel insurance, and exclusive monthly access to early seat sales.According to the company, travelers who take at least 12 flights a year could save up to €420—a figure five times higher than the subscription fee. Ryanair also notes that even passengers who fly just three times a year could save around €105, exceeding the program’s cost.Membership is limited to 250,000 people, on a first-come, first-served basis.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37124" data-title="You might be interested"></section>“Ryanair Prime is a new discount plan for frequent flyers who want to travel regularly without breaking the bank,” said Dara Brady, Ryanair’s Director of Marketing. “Members will enjoy access to exclusive sales, free reserved seating, and travel insurance every time they fly with us,” he added.The airline says the initiative is aimed at building loyalty among regular travelers by offering year-round perks. Enrollment is now open directly on <a href="https://www.ryanair.com/es/es/lp/explorar/membresia">Ryanair’s website.</a>

"Ryanair Prime", the new discount program for frequent travelers of the ultra low-cost carrier

Iberia announced that it will expand its international network for the 2025–2026 winter season, adding new routes from Madrid to Orlando, United States, and to Recife and Fortaleza in Brazil.According to the company, the direct connection between Madrid and Orlando will begin on October 26, 2025, with four weekly flights operated by Airbus A330 aircraft, which have a capacity of 254 passengers. Iberia will offer more than 46,000 seats on this route throughout the season.“We believe Orlando could become the star destination for the next Christmas season thanks to our relationship with Disney Destinations,” said María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Chief Commercial, Network Development, and Alliances Officer.Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, stated that this direct route “reflects our commitment to further fostering global connections” between Orlando and Madrid.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/horarios_de_iberia_entre_madrid_y_orlando.jpeg" alt="Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid y Orlando"><figcaption>Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid y Orlando</figcaption></figure>The company will also strengthen its presence in Brazil by launching flights to Recife starting December 13, 2025, with three weekly frequencies, increasing to five starting in February 2026. Fortaleza will begin receiving Iberia flights on January 19, 2026, initially with three weekly flights, increasing to four per week in February.Most notably, these new Brazilian routes will be operated with the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, a model Iberia globally launched in November 2024 and currently uses on routes to Boston and Washington. According to the airline, these aircraft offer a range of up to 7,500 kilometers, feature 182 seats across Business and Economy classes, and deliver over 40% fuel savings compared to similar wide-body aircraft. These will be the first transatlantic services operated by the A321XLR outside the North Atlantic corridor.“We believe Brazil has great potential beyond the main cities we already serve. With the addition of the new A321XLR, we can explore new routes across the Atlantic, gauge their performance, and gradually adapt our offer to meet demand,” said López Solás.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/horarios_de_iberia_entre_madrid_recife_y_fortaleza.jpeg" alt="Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid, Recife y Fortaleza"><figcaption>Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid, Recife y Fortaleza</figcaption></figure>Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, added: “Fortaleza and Recife are vibrant gateways to Brazil’s unique beauty and experiences. We are expanding access for Spanish tourists to the Brazilian northeast, which features warm-water beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and rich local cuisine and culture. In 2024, we saw a 13% increase in tourists from Spain, and the launch of these routes will help us continue growing.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36759" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>From the state government of Pernambuco, Acting Governor Priscila Krause said the new Recife-Europe connection will “further strengthen cultural and economic ties.” Eduardo Loyo, President of Empetur, noted that this route is the result of joint work started in 2023.Meanwhile, Ceará Governor Elmano de Freitas described the new direct connection between Madrid and Fortaleza as “a milestone for the state,” adding that it will help reinforce Ceará’s position as a global destination.With these new destinations, Iberia will offer approximately 284,000 seats to Brazil during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Iberia brings A321XLR to South America with new routes to Recife and Fortaleza

London Heathrow Airport is a critical hub for global air connectivity and trade, with over 1,300 flights landing and departing daily.This makes the airport’s operational shutdown until 11:59 PM this Friday—due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation on Thursday night—an unprecedented disruption for both passengers and airlines.Heathrow by the Numbers<ul><li>For Friday, March 21, 1,330 scheduled passenger flights (arrivals and departures) were planned according to <a href="https://www.cirium.com">Cirium</a>.</li><li>Heathrow’s global network includes 208 destinations:<ul><li>78 in Europe</li><li>38 in North America</li><li>37 in Asia</li><li>16 in Latin America and the Caribbean</li><li>14 in Africa</li><li>12 in the UK</li><li>11 in the Middle East</li><li>2 in Oceania</li></ul></li><li>77 airlines operate scheduled passenger flights.</li><li>83.9 million passengers passed through Heathrow in 2024 (+6% compared to 2023).<ul><li>Of this total, 74.9 million were international passengers.</li></ul></li><li>In 2024, Heathrow was the fifth busiest airport globally by passenger numbers and the second busiest considering international traffic.</li><li>British Airways accounts for 47% of seat capacity and 51% of flights. Virgin Atlantic followed, far behind, with 7% of seats and 5% of scheduled flights.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/red_de_destinos_de_londres_heathrow_marzo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos de Londres-Heathrow - Marzo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>London-Heathrow network - March 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure><ul><li>Average load factor was 80.7%, with 220.6 occupied seats per flight on average.</li><li>Heathrow handled 1,580,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024 (+10.4% compared to the previous year).</li><li>Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited, the airport’s operator, reported revenues of £3.559 billion (-4% vs. 2023):<ul><li>£2.229 billion from aeronautical sources.</li><li>£772 million from retail.</li><li>£558 million from other non-aeronautical sources.</li></ul></li><li>Operating costs reached £1.524 billion (+5%).</li><li>Net profits amounted to £644 million (£78 million higher than 2023).</li></ul>Heathrow Airport is operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited, owned by the consortium FGP Topco Limited, whose shareholders include Ardian (22.61%), Qatar Investment Authority (20%), Public Investment Fund (15.01%), GIC (11.2%), Australian Retirement Trust (11.18%), China Investment Corporation (10%), Ferrovial (5.25%), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ, 2.65%), and Universities Superannuation Scheme (2.1%).<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/vuelos_hacia_londres_heathrow_momentos_antes_del_cierre_a_las_240_am_utc_del_21mar2025_via_airnavradar.jpg" alt="Vuelos hacia Londres-Heathrow momentos antes del cierre, a las 2:40 AM UTC del 21MAR2025 (via AirNavRadar)"><figcaption>Flights to Londres-Heathrow at 2:40 AM UTC 21MAR2025 (via AirNavRadar)</figcaption></figure>

Heathrow by the Numbers: Anatomy of a Paused Global Hub

Ryanair has confirmed it has initiated private criminal proceedings through the Spanish courts against a passenger who caused disruptions on flight FR2001, which was traveling from Lanzarote to Santiago on January 17.According to the ultra-low-cost airline, the passenger's actions resulted in a 40-minute delay in the flight's departure, disrupting the experience of 137 passengers. The individual, who claimed to be a UN diplomat with "diplomatic immunity", attempted to occupy an unassigned seat and became verbally aggressive when the crew asked to see his boarding pass. The passenger was ultimately removed from the flight by the Civil Guard.<h3>Ryanair's Zero-Tolerance Policy on Disruptive Behavior</h3>Ryanair emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward disruptive passenger behavior."It is unacceptable that passengers, many of whom were on family vacations, suffer an unnecessary delay due to the actions of one disruptive individual," said a spokesperson for Ryanair. The airline added that the criminal action against the passenger could result in a prison sentence ranging from three to twelve months, or a fine equivalent to six to eighteen months' salary, under the airline's policy.The airline hopes this legal action will serve as a deterrent and help prevent similar disruptive behavior in the future, ensuring a respectful travel environment for both passengers and crew.<h3>Previous Legal Action Against a Passenger</h3>Earlier this year, Ryanair also filed a civil lawsuit against a passenger to recover €15,000 for the cost of diverting a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to Porto.On that occasion, the ultra-low-cost carrier went a step further by publicly detailing how it arrived at the amount for the lawsuit, breaking down each cost item:<ul><li>Excess fuel costs for diverting the flight: €800</li><li>Accommodation for passengers and crew: €7,000</li><li>Landing and handling fees at Porto Airport: €2,500</li><li>Lost sales on board: €750</li><li>Legal costs in Portugal: €2,500</li></ul>

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