Air Europa expands by leasing Boeing 787s and 737 MAXs

Spanish carrier Air Europa will expand its fleet by leasing five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and ten Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft from Irish lessor AerCap, with aircraft deliveries expected between 2024 and 2026.

The airline also highlighted that it would become the first Spanish carrier to operate MAX aircraft.

“Just as we were the first Spanish company to incorporate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, we are now doing the same by adding the new Boeing 737 MAX to our fleet,” Richard Clark, Managing Director of Air Europa, said.

Air Europa currently operates a total of 48 aircraft, including the 737-800, 787, ATR 72, and ERJ-190.

“For Air Europa these new technology fuel-efficient aircraft will provide improved cost efficiencies and help them to meet their sustainability commitments,” said Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer, AerCap.

This news comes two weeks after IAG, the owner of British Airways and Iberia, took a 20% stake in Air Europa after converting a loan.

IAG was initially in talks to acquire Air Europa but scrapped the planned deal in December 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the aviation landscape.