- Welcome to the Turkish-Spanish Chamber of Commerce! What led Air Europa to join this organisation, and what synergies do you hope to achieve as a member?
Joining the Turkish-Spanish Chamber of Commerce is a strategic step for Air Europa. We aim to strengthen bilateral economic ties, promote tourism and trade between both countries, and foster new partnerships with Turkish companies. This platform allows us to connect with key stakeholders, enhance our local presence, and position our new Madrid–Istanbul route as a long-term bridge between Spain, Turkey, and Latin America.
- Could you tell us a bit about the vision behind launching a new route between Spain and Turkey? Why was now the right time to take this step?
The launch of our Madrid–Istanbul route fits seamlessly into our connectivity strategy. This is not just about a point-to-point route—it’s about integrating Istanbul into our transatlantic network. With carefully designed schedules, Turkish travelers can connect efficiently via Madrid to over 20 destinations across Latin America, and vice versa. As international travel demand grows, this route strengthens Madrid as a global hub and opens a gateway between Turkey and the Americas.
- What makes Turkey an attractive destination for Air Europa and its passengers? Are you focusing mainly on tourism, business travel, or both?
Turkey offers the perfect combination of business dynamism and tourism appeal. Istanbul is a thriving cultural and economic hub, attracting leisure travelers and corporate clients alike. At Air Europa, we are targeting both segments, ensuring flexible schedules, premium service, and efficient connections. Turkey is not just a destination—it’s a strategic gateway.
- The travel market is evolving rapidly. How is Air Europa distinguishing itself from other carriers offering routes to Turkey?
We stand out in two key ways. First, we operate the route with Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offering a superior passenger experience—greater comfort, reduced cabin noise, and faster travel times, cutting flight duration by around 40 minutes compared to narrow-body aircraft. Second, we offer seamless connectivity via Madrid to Latin America and the Caribbean, which positions us uniquely for East–West global travel.
- How do you see this route contributing to Air Europa’s competitive positioning in the region, especially given the strong presence of other European carriers in Istanbul?
The Madrid–Istanbul route enhances our competitive edge by combining long-haul network integration and premium aircraft operations. While competition—especially from Turkish Airlines—is intense, we differentiate by offering wide-body service, a strong presence in Latin America, and efficient hub operations in Madrid. This route isn’t isolated; it’s embedded in our broader strategy to link Europe and the Americas through high-quality, sustainable service.
- Will this new route open up further connectivity opportunities for passengers traveling to Asia, the Middle East, or beyond?
Yes. While our main focus is westbound, Istanbul offers great eastbound potential too. The real value lies in two-way connectivity: Turkish passengers can fly to Latin America via Madrid, and Latin American travelers can reach Turkey efficiently with just one stop. This expands Air Europa’s role as a transcontinental connector and enhances our offering for multi-region travelers.
- What role do cultural and economic connections between Turkey and Spain play in Air Europa’s decision to create a direct link between the two countries?
Cultural affinity and growing trade between Turkey and Spain played a major role in this decision. Bilateral economic exchange exceeds €8 billion, and tourism flows are increasing. Our route supports and reinforces these ties, contributing to greater mobility, economic growth, and cultural understanding between our two nations.
- Sustainability is a key focus for Air Europa. Could you share what steps the airline takes to minimise its environmental footprint, and how these practices will extend to your new route to Turkey?
Sustainability is central to our growth. Air Europa was awarded for the lowest CO₂ emissions in short-haul flights as part of the Sustainable Flight Challenge. We operate the Istanbul route with Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which reduce emissions by up to 25% and noise by 60% compared to previous-generation aircraft. We’re also digitizing operations and targeting a 30% emissions reduction by 2030. We have already achieved a 21% reduction in emissions compared to 2015.
- Can you provide insights into the passenger experience on this new Turkey route? Are there any special services, connections, or upgrades available?
Passengers on our Istanbul route enjoy the comfort of the Boeing 787: more space, better cabin pressure, larger windows, and quieter travel. Business Class includes lie-flat seats and premium dining. We also provide fast connections to the Americas via Madrid, access to the SkyTeam network, and full integration with our SUMA loyalty program.
- What does Air Europa’s enhanced route network mean for Turkish and Spanish businesses? How do you aim to support commerce and connectivity between the two countries?
This route strengthens the air bridge between Spain and Turkey, enabling faster business travel and more agile logistics. With cargo capacity of up to 7,500 tonnes per year, it also supports commercial trade. Spanish and Turkish companies now have better access to Latin America, leveraging our hub in Madrid for global reach.
- What is your long-term commitment to the Turkish market? Could we expect more routes or collaborations with Turkish partners in the future?
Our presence in Turkey is part of a long-term vision. We are exploring new codeshare or interline opportunities to extend our reach within Turkey and the region. Istanbul is just the starting point—we’re open to expanding the relationship with Turkish tourism authorities, travel agencies, and business partners.
- What kind of demand are you anticipating for the Istanbul route, both in terms of leisure and business travel?
We foresee a balanced demand between leisure and business segments. Istanbul’s appeal as a tourism destination, coupled with its role as a regional business hub, ensures consistent traffic throughout the year. Early load factors reached 85%, confirming the market’s strong response to our launch.
- Are there any planned collaborations or codeshare agreements with Turkish carriers, such as Turkish Airlines, to enhance connectivity from Istanbul?
We are always open to strengthening partnerships. As part of SkyTeam and through our own interline agreements, we are evaluating collaboration opportunities with local carriers to improve connectivity from Istanbul to other Turkish and regional destinations. We currently have a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines.
- Finally, what message would you like to send to Turkish passengers who will be flying with Air Europa for the first time?
To our new Turkish passengers: welcome aboard! With Air Europa, you will experience modern aircraft, attentive service, and smooth connections to Europe and Latin America. We are committed to offering you comfort, reliability, and a travel experience that exceeds expectations. We look forward to becoming your trusted partner in the sky.
Entrevista realizada a Bernardo Botella, Global Sales & Distribution Director de Air Europa.
The speakers emphasized the enormous potential for Spanish-Turkish collaboration, especially in joint projects in third countries, including the Balkans, North Africa, and Central Asia. The presentation also addressed Türkiye’s growing leadership in renewable energy, particularly in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy, and Limak’s expanding portfolio, which aligns with both national and global sustainability goals.