Air Europa Workers Demand Profit Share

Air Europa's cabin crew are pressuring the airline's management to translate record profits into better working conditions. The Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) union made the demand in an internal communication seen by the publication Preferente.

USO is calling for progress in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. The union argues it is essential that the current strong economic performance of Globalia's airline is reflected in staff paychecks.

"Air Europa continues to report very positive economic results and growth prospects for the coming years," the union stated. It insists this scenario must lead to a "real improvement in the economic, social, and working conditions of the workers."

Financial Turnaround

This demand follows a dramatic financial reversal for Air Europa after the severe blow of the pandemic. The airline closed 2025 with a record pre-tax profit of 154.5 million euros. That figure is 33% higher than the 116 million euros earned in 2024.

Its EBITDA also reached a historic high of 235.8 million euros, while revenue hit 3.146 billion. The current situation is radically opposite to its position during Covid-19, when it needed 475 million euros in state aid to guarantee its survival.

Air Europa finished repaying that rescue loan in October 2025, a year ahead of the initially planned schedule. This was possible after Turkish Airlines injected 300 million euros to acquire between 26% and 27% of the capital, with the rest covered by the airline's accumulated liquidity.

Thus, the Hidalgo family's company has gone from the brink of dissolution to a strong financial position in just a few years. It now boasts record profits, no debt, and a new strategic partner in Turkish Airlines.

Negotiation Status and Destinations

USO admits that the lack of progress in the agreement negotiations could generate uncertainty among workers. However, it assures that it will continue working to reactivate the process "as soon as possible." The next meetings of the negotiating table are scheduled for September.

The Globalia-owned airline, the property of Pepe Hidalgo, operates from Madrid to key destinations in the Americas. Its main routes from the Spanish capital include Miami, New York, Cancún, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Havana, and Panama City.