Air Europa pilots in Spain start 2-week strike over pay dispute

LONDON

The pilots of Air Europa in Spain have decided to go on strike until July 2 due to the failure to reach an agreement on pay increases.

The decision comes as a result of failed salary negotiations.

The pilots allege that the company did not fulfill the terms of a preliminary agreement reached on June 8 and failed to meet their demands concerning salaries and working conditions.

The walkout will continue until July 2, according to a recent statement by Spain's main pilots' union SEPLA.

The union stated that Air Europa's proposed salaries for pilots were comparable to those offered by low-cost airlines.

In February, International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, agreed to acquire the remaining 80% stake in Air Europa from Spain's Globalia for €400 million ($438 million).

The acquisition of Air Europa by International Airlines Group is still pending regulatory approval from Brussels.

Notably, a previous attempt to purchase the airline in 2021 was unsuccessful as it faced rejection from regulators. The decision was primarily based on concerns surrounding the potential lack of competition on Latin American routes.