Air Europa to Receive First Airbus A350-900 in 2028 amid Strategic Overhaul
Spanish carrier is "optimistic" about this year after increasing 2025 profits by one-third. Air Europa expects to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 in 2028 and has embarked on a new strategic plan to achieve a "major structural and operational transformation" over the next two years. The Spanish carrier, which increased its full-year pre-tax profit by one-third to €155 million ($176 million) in 2025, says its new '+Air 28' plan will focus on operational efficiency, profitability and data-driven decision-making. As part of the plan, the carrier will launch a new maintenance division – Air Europa Technics – which will provide MRO services for its own aircraft and to third-party operators. Air Europa says it will adapt its maintenance capabilities to service the A350-900, ahead of incorporating the type into its currently all-Boeing fleet. It operates more than 60 aircraft, comprising 787-8s and -9s as well as 737s, and is in the process of adding 737 Max 8s as well . The carrier firmed an order with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900s at the beginning of this year. Air Europa confirms to FlightGlobal that the airline will take delivery of its first A350 at some point in 2028. Air Europa says it is "optimistic" about the remainder of 2026, despite "global instability surrounding the fuel market". Operating revenue in the first four months of the year was 9.2% higher than in the same period in 2025. The airline aims to increase its full-year pre-tax profit by 28% in 2026, it says. Full-year revenue in 2025 was 7.3% higher than the previous year, at €3.1 billion. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 14%, to €235 million. Passenger numbers were up 2.6% on a 1.5% increase in capacity, leading to a slight increase in load factor to 84.4%. "The continuous expansion and renewal of our fleet, together with structural improvements and operational efficiency, are the pillars on which we will continue to grow and demonstrate the strategic role we play, especially in Europe and Latin America," says Air Europa president Juan Jose Hidalgo. The airline’s chief executive, Richard Clark, adds: “The 2025 results are, once again, the outcome of the joint collaboration of all the professionals at this company. This effort does not stop, and it is the key to continuing our international expansion, as reflected in the opening of new routes, both domestic and international.” Air Europa’s recently-opened routes include Oviedo and Seville in Spain, Geneva in Switzerland and Johannesburg in South Africa. Star Alliance carrier Turkish Airlines is in the process of acquiring a 25-27% stake in Air Europa , which is a SkyTeam member. British Airways parent IAG is also a 20% shareholder in Air Europa, which is majority-owned by Globalia.