IAG to acquire, $1.15B in new leases, Bonza launching soon - Jan 12
Spanish government brokers meeting between Iberia & Air Europa CEO's in acquisition talks
IAG, the Spanish-British parent company of the likes of British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, intends to acquire Air Europa following new steps by the Spanish government to speed up the acquisition.
IAG has been making moves toward an acquisition since 2019, including a $1.1 billion USD bid that fell through during the pandemic. A renewed attempt comes weeks following meetings between Iberia president Javier Sánchez-Prieto and Air Europa CEO Nuño de la Rosa. IAG loaned Air Europa's parent, Globalia, €100 million in March last year, providing a year of exclusivity to broker an agreement.
A new Spanish-government-backed meeting following post-pandemic reductions in value will take place before March 31, and is intended to help broker the agreement between IAG and Globalia.
New plans for UK satellite launch following failed attempt
Virgin Orbit announced Thursday it intends to launch another rocket from Cornwall following its failed mission Monday. If successful, the launch would make Britain Europe's first nation to launch a satellite into orbit from its own soil.
According to Virgin Orbit, the company is already in discussions with government official and other commercial stakeholders about a new mission later this year. The company has already initiated formal investigations into the source of the second stage rocket failure in the meantime.
KKR to invest additional $1.15 billion in new aircraft leases
Global investment firm KKR is extending its partnership with aviation financer Altavair L.P. to make $1.15 billion in new investments into its fleet of leased, primarily Airbus and Boeing, jets. Since KKR acquired a 50% interest in Altavair in 2018, KKR has already invested $1.7 billion in addition to the recent announcement. So far, the partnership has already acquired 90 aircraft, 75% of which are leased out to tier-one airlines worldwide.
Hong Kong Airlines recruiting 1,000 new employees
Following recent lifts in pandemic-era travel restrictions, Hong Kong Airlines is experiencing a rapid recovery, announcing a need for 1,000 recruits to join its workforce by the end of this year. New employees needed include 120 pilots, 500 cabinn crew, and 380 ground staff. Once new staff is hired, the airline's workforce will be back to ~60-70% of pre-pandemic numbers.
New Australian airline receives Air Operators Certificate
Australian startup Bonza was granted its Air Operator's Certificate today. Within hours, the airline announced that ticket sales for its Boeing ($BA) 737 MAX 8 routes nationwide will "soon go on sale."