Tag: Spain (Page 9 of 9)

Spain Says Iberia Meets EU Airline Rules if No-Deal Brexit

January 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

MADRID (Reuters) – The Spanish government is confident national flag carrier Iberia will be able to fly across Europe in the event of a disorderly Brexit, even though the airline is majority-owned by Britain-based Anglo-Spanish group IAG (ICAG.L).

Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29 but has yet to seal a withdrawal agreement, posing a potential risk to airlines that don’t meet EU rules requiring European carriers to be majority-owned and operated in the bloc.

“From the public works ministry’s point of view, we’re convinced that Iberia is a Spanish company,” a spokesman for the ministry told Reuters.

“We are also convinced that, if necessary, the company will make the necessary adjustments to make sure it complies with European regulations,” he said.

Iberia carries 19 million passengers a year and is a major employer in Spain with almost 17,000 workers.

IAG, which also owns British Airways, is registered in Spain but headquartered in Britain and has shareholders from around the world. Iberia has a Spanish shareholder with just over 50 percent of voting rights via a complex ownership scheme.

“We are confident that we will comply with the EU and the UK ownership and control rules post-Brexit,” IAG said, adding that IAG was a Spanish company.

The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that Brussels had doubts about IAG’s arguments that its individual airlines are domestically owned.

European Commission sources told Reuters that Brussels encouraged IAG and all airlines concerned to check with the national licensing authorities whether they would still meet the operating licence requirements in case of a “no deal” Brexit.

They said the Commission was in regular contact with the national authorities that review compliance.

While IAG wholly owns the economic rights of Iberia Holdings, it holds just 49.9 percent of voting rights. Garanair, wholly owned by Spain’s retail giant El Corte Ingles, has the remaining 50.1 percent voting stake.

(By Belén Carreño. Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Mark Potter)

Image from http://Iberia.com

Boeing to Modernize Spanish Chinook Helicopter Fleet

January 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced on january 3, 2019 that it will upgrade all 17 of Spain’s CH-47D Chinook helicopters to the F-model configuration, adding features such as the digital automatic flight control system, common avionics architecture system and advanced cargo handling to align that country’s fleet with those of other nations.

This is the first order from a non-U.S. customer placed through a contract Boeing and the U.S. Army signed in July. That contract covers six new F-models for the U.S. and options for up to 150 more Chinooks for U.S. and international customers. Deliveries to Spain begin in 2021.

“The Chinook is a versatile aircraft flown by eight NATO nations, including Spain,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Cargo and Utility Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “With this contract, Spain’s Chinook crews will enjoy the platform’s current technology and capability, while the country gets an affordable upgrade that builds on its existing H-47 investment.”

The CH-47F is a twin-engine, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. In addition to the U.S. Army and Special Operations Forces, Chinooks are currently in service or under contract with 19 international defense forces. It can fly at speeds exceeding 175 mph and carry payloads greater than 21,000 lbs. In 2017, Boeing and the U.S. Army announced development of CH-47F Block II, which will incorporate a new rotor blade, redesigned fuel system, improved drivetrain and structural improvements to the fuselage.

For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

Story and image from http://www.boeing.com

Airbus to Boost Pay to Help French Crisis

December 18, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

PARIS (Reuters) – Europe’s Airbus (AIR.PA) is ready to pay a special bonus to its lowest-paid workers after French President Emmanuel Macron called on French companies to help tackle weeks of protests about the cost of living, according to a staff memo.

The intervention by Europe’s largest aerospace firm – part-owned by French, German and Spanish states – comes after Macron last week urged company leaders including planemaking chief and designated CEO Guillaume Faury to do more to ease the crisis.

However, Airbus – which depends primarily on exports of jetliners in competition with U.S rival Boeing (BA.N) – has also stressed the importance of remaining competitive and warned against focussing solely on “cyclical and pecuniary measures”.

“Airbus is ready to contribute and support the government’s action in response to this emergency, while recalling the absolute necessity to maintain the competitiveness of French companies that are exposed, like Airbus, to strong international competition,” said the memo to French staff seen by Reuters.

A spokeswoman said the size and scope of any bonus payment had yet to be defined and would be discussed in the regular course of dialogue with the company’s unions.

Airbus employs 48,000 people in France where aerospace workers are comparatively well paid, with average industry salaries of 4,250 euros (3,821 pounds) a month compared with the national average of 2,250, according to aerospace lobby GIFAS.

Airbus does however have an unspecified number of lower-paid workers in France, where its lowest wage stands at 1,700 euros a month, compared with the national minimum wage of 1,500.

Macron met bankers and company bosses including Faury last week after weeks of demonstrations against his government. Thousands took part in a fifth weekend of protests on Saturday.

The ‘yellow vest’ movement started in mid-November with protests at junctions against fuel tax increases, but quickly became a wider mobilisation against Macron’s economic policies.

During the protests, a convoy of parts for the world’s largest airliner, the A380, was briefly halted by protesters.

Last week reports said protesters blocked access to Airbus and Amazon sites in Toulouse, where the planemaker is based.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Mark Potter)

Image from http://www.airbus.com

Hotel Sofia Barcelona Joins The Unbound Collection

December 13, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

CHICAGO (December 12, 2018) Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today Hotel SOFIA Barcelona is joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, becoming the first Hyatt hotel in Barcelona and third property in Spain. The 465-room hotel is located on the Avenida Diagonal, one of Barcelona’s main avenues in the heart of the city.

Originally named after Princess Sofia, wife to the former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Hotel SOFIA Barcelona has been known to host many dignitaries and heads of state. With the hotel’s rich history paired with its contemporary and luxurious design, Hotel SOFIA Barcelona perfectly meets the brand’s promise of creating story-worthy and unforgettable experiences.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to the first Hyatt hotel in Barcelona,” said Felipe Espinoza, general manager of the hotel. “Hotel SOFIA Barcelona has long been a symbol of glamour and luxury in the area. Its rich history and stunning architecture will deliver an unforgettable stay for the modern traveler.”

The hotel is home to luxurious suites, five distinct dining options and a live dinner experience where actors, dancers and singers perform nightly. For relaxation, guests can enjoy several leisure facilities including an elegant Mediterranean-inspired spa, the SOFIA Oasis Wellness & Spa, and a tropical garden pool.

Guestrooms

The hotel’s 465 sophisticated and completely renovated rooms are designed for those looking for a space they can call their own, tastefully designed and all with access to SOFIA Oasis Wellness & Spa. There are 18 luxurious suites guests can choose from including So Suite, which offers a large, open space featuring a living room, in addition to a spectacular bathroom with a bathtub and modern touches. All suites feature impressive views of Barcelona and access to the privileged “As You Wish” services, which include amenities such as a 24-hour butler, welcome gifts, access to the Wish Lounge serving daily cocktails and delicacies, and other personalized offerings.

Dining and Drinking

The hotel boasts five distinct gastronomic spaces with unique personalities, all of which have been carefully designed by interior designer Jaime Beriestain. IMPAR delivers Mediterranean fusion cuisine, while Sofia Be So is a more intimate luxury restaurant serving traditional local dishes with premium ingredients. For coffee or cocktails, the Sofia Bar offers the perfect spot to rendezvous. And, for a sweet treat, Philosofia is the hotel’s own bakery, where everything is made fresh daily. The hotel also has its own live dining experience, Zuu, where guests can enjoy evening entertainment.

Wellness

Hotel SOFIA Barcelona serves as a luxury oasis, with an abundance of wellness offerings. Guests have the option to relax, be pampered, and stay fit within the elegant Mediterranean-inspired spa, the SOFIA Oasis Wellness & Spa, a tropical garden pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Meetings and Events

Hotel SOFIA Barcelona features one of the largest meeting spaces in the city, including a convention hall that seats more than 1,000 attendees, as well as 22 multi-purpose meeting rooms distributed over two floors. Featuring natural light and equipped with cutting edge technology, the venue caters to every request, be that business or pleasure.

Hotel SOFIA Barcelona is the third property to open in Europe as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It joins Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, France and Nish Palas in Istanbul, Turkey.

For more information, please visit https://sofiabarcelona.com/en/

Story and image from http://www.hyatt.com

Airbus, Dassault Finalizing Bid On New Fighter Jet

November 16, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

BERLIN (Reuters) – Airbus (AIR.PA) and France’s Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA) will shortly submit an unsolicited proposal for initial conceptual work on a next-generation fighter jet to German and French officials, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The two companies agreed in principle in April to work together on an ambitious Franco-German program to design a new warplane, but are anxious to get some early funding so they can start work on new technologies required for the multi-billion project – with a goal of fielding a new aircraft around 2040.

Germany and France signed a memorandum of understanding about the project in April, but progress has been halting amid disputes between the governments about future exports, and among industry about how to divvy up work on a system to integrate the new jet with drones and other weapons.

One source familiar with the matter said the two companies could submit their proposal by the end of the year or early next year, paving the way for the first contract awards next year.

One French military official told the International Fighter conference in Berlin this week that the two governments hoped to conclude an initial contract in January.

Peter Harster, senior executive with MTU Aero Engines (MTXGn.DE), said the study contract was needed, along with a medium-term budget plan, to help set a realistic timetable and key requirements to ensure the new jet would be ready by 2040.

Harster also called for a separate contract for work on an engine for the new jet to enable optimal flexibility and give the customers direct control over the propulsion system.

Bruno Fichefeux, head of future combat air systems at Airbus, told the conference he expected conceptual work on the program to begin soon, “bilaterally or with Spain.”

A Spanish official told the conference his country was in discussions with both the Dassault-Airbus team, and a separate project being led by Britain’s BAE Systems (BAES.L) to secure a role on one of the projects. A French military official said the two projects could also be merged at a future date.

Douglas Barrie, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said government and industry ties would likely shift again, as in the 1970s and 1980s during work that ultimately led to the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault’s Rafale.

“We’re at the start of that process again now. And I don’t think it will take a decade to shake out, but it will take some time,” he said. “I think shifts are inevitable.”

Senior executives from Airbus and other companies discussed the next generation fighter with German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen at a meeting hosted last week by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), the sources said.

BDLI declined to comment on the meeting. No comment was immediately available from the defense ministry.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Mark Potter)

Image from http://www.dassault-aviation.com

Ryanair Hopes To Close Union Deals By Christmas

October 22, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

DUBLIN (Reuters) – Ryanair (RYA.I) hopes to reach deals with all of its major unions by Christmas, its chief executive said on Monday, in a sign an end may be in sight to disruptions which have hit its profit and shares.

The Irish low-cost carrier, Europe’s largest, on Monday reported a 7 percent fall in profits in the six months to Sept. 30 on high fuel costs and intense competition.

But it said these factors were helping it to resolve its industrial relations troubles.

“Given the adverse environment that’s out there for airlines and the number of job losses being reported in recent weeks both by pilots and cabin crew, there is a much more sensible, common sense approach being taken by the unions,” Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said in a video presentation.

O’Leary said that recent progress in talks left Germany and Belgium as the only two large markets for the airline where recognition agreements had not been secured.

“We would be hopeful of concluding agreements with them this side of Christmas,” he added.

The fall in profit was less than the 9 percent drop forecast by analysts and Ryanair shares were 4.2 percent higher at 12.00 euros at 1100 GMT.

Ryanair’s shares are almost 40 percent down from a peak of 19.39 euros in August last year before the industrial relations issues began.

A staff revolt forced management to recognise unions for the first time last December and the airline has since struggled to put in place union recognition agreements.

A spokesman for Belgium’s LBC-NVK union said it was waiting for an offer from Ryanair on Thursday and had warned the airline they could strike again if there is no progress.

A spokesman for German unions VC said he saw “no real progress” in talks with Ryanair, which also needs to secure recognition deals in the Netherlands and Sweden.

On Friday it said it had reached agreement with British, Portuguese and Italian pilots and was close to a deal with Spanish pilots, although the British union said the deal had not been approved by its members yet.

Ryanair issued a profit warning on Oct. 1 citing damage to bookings from strikes and cutting its forecast for full-year profit by 12 percent.

But on Monday, O’Leary said much of the weakness of recent weeks was sector-wide rather than specific to Ryanair.

Over-capacity in European short-haul will push Ryanair fares down by 2 percent in the six months to March 31 compared to the same period last year, O’Leary forecast. He warned he would not rule out a 3 percent fall.

“We are entering into a grim winter in terms of declining air fares,” he told an analyst conference call. “But moving into the summer of 2019 I would expect to see some upward traction on pricing… following oil prices with a 12-month lag.”

Ryanair, which makes most of its profit in the summer, reported a profit of 1.2 billion euros ($1.38 billion) in the six months to Sept. 30, better than the 1.127 billion euros forecast in a company poll of more than 10 analysts.

($1 = 0.8685 euros)

(Additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri and Alexander Smith)