Air Nostrum was founded in 1994 in Valencia, Spain. It was created to become a reference point for the southern European regional aviation market sector as indicated by its original name: Air Nostrum Lineas Aereas del Mediterraneo (Air Nostrum Mediterranean Airlines).

 

With 80,000 annual flights and 5.5 million passengers, Air Nostrum is, today, considered the leading regional aviation company in Spain. It is also considered one of the most important European regional aviation airlines. Funded by private capital, it operates as part of the Iberia Group under the brand name of Iberia Regional Air Nostrum. It has an annual revenue of over 500 million euros and approximately 1,500 employees.

 

The Company operates mainly short and medium-range flight operations, niche markets, and PSO (Public Service Obligation) flight routes. At the same time, it provides support for the Iberia airline by covering low passenger demand slots on high air traffic density flight routes.

 

Its exclusive franchise with the Iberia Group enables it to feed Iberia’s long and medium-haul network thanks to the over 200 daily flight operations to and from some 60 airports located in 9 European and North African countries. It is considered today’s market leader as far as the Spain-France corridor is concerned.

 

Air Nostrum has, thanks to its first-rate management, high service quality and renowned prestige, been awarded a number of important sector awards. It is, for example, the only European regional aviation company to have ever won the ERA (European Regions Airline Association) Airline of the Year Award on eight different occasions, six gold and two bronze, the last of which was presented to the Company in October, 2019.

 

It is also holder of the famous Palme d'Or for Sustained Excellence, a special life honour presented in recognition of sustained excellence and high business performance over an extended period, and the Social Responsability Airline Award in 2023. Again, it was the first European regional airline to be presented with these exceptional awards.

 

In 2003, the Company was awarded the “Flight” Award considered the ‘Oscar’ of the Aviation Sector while in 2011, it was presented in Washington with the prestigious Air Transport World Magazine Airline of the Year Award.

 

Air Nostrum has, since it was founded, operated over 2.5 million flights and transported over 100 million passengers.

 

The business model developed by Air Nostrum works:

 

·           Because it has increased (two and threefold) the previous existing amount of air traffic, boosting the economy of connected regions.

 

·           Because it promotes Iberia, market leader in Latin America, incorporating the most successful developments in marketing: Iberia.com, Serviberia, Iberia Plus, Iberia Plus Empresa, etc.

 

·           Because it is sustained by a company, present in almost all of Spain’s Autonomous Regions, which has demonstrated its viability and competence.

 

·           Because it provides airports, thus guaranteeing the growth of sustainable flight routes, with an important amount of air traffic.

 

On June 23, 2022, a Temporary Public Financial Support Agreement and a Financing Contract were signed within the scope of the fund for strategic companies (Fondo Estatal de Apoyo a la Solvencia de las Empresas Estratégicas), managed by the Spanish state holding company Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI).

 

The financial aid has been fully used towards an equity loan granted to Air Nostrum L.A.M., S.A.U. dated June 23, 2022, pursuant to the provisions of clause 2.4 of the Financing Contract, which includes, among other items, the following: covering the working capital needs for payroll and social security expenses, taxes, operating costs, debt repayment and other disbursements provided for in the Ecological Transition Strategic Plan contained in the Viability Plan. At the Air Nostrum Group, we recognise the importance of leading the change in a key sector for global connectivity, fulfilling our commitment to minimise environmental impact and maximise social value. During 2024, our sustainability strategy, anchored in environmental and social commitments, has been based on:


 
  1. Creating a net-positive impact on the planet with a strong commitment to protecting the environment, driving strategic actions to combat climate change, promoting energy efficiency, fostering the circular economy, and preserving biodiversity.
  2. Generating positive social impact by investing in our customers and passengers, encouraging inclusion, and ensuring the overall well-being of our employees.
  3. Through responsible governance, upholding standards of transparency and regulatory compliance.
  4. Guaranteeing the safety of our passengers and employees as a top priority, implementing strict protocols and cutting-edge technology.
  5. Transforming and innovating by leading the transition to a more sustainable aviation by implementing disruptive technologies, digitalising processes, and collaborating with strategic partners to accelerate decarbonisation.

Of the amount received, 85% of the funds already used have been allocated to payments arising from the operational activity, while the remaining 15% has been committed to non-operational payments.