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Spanair

From Alfawiki
Spanair S.A.
Company typeSubsidiary (formerly)
IndustryAirline
FoundedDecember 1986; 39 years ago (1986-12)
DefunctJanuary 27, 2012 (2012-01-27)
FateCeased operations
Headquarters
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
,
Spain
Area served
Spain, Europe, West Africa, global charter flights
ProductsScheduled passenger services, charter flights
OwnerSAS Group (until 2009), Catalan investment consortium (from 2009)
Number of employees
3,161
ParentSAS Group (until 2009)

Spanair S.A. was a Spanish airline based in the Spanair Building in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, close to Barcelona. Up until 2009, it operated as a subsidiary of the SAS Group, which owned just under 20% of the airline. Spanair provided scheduled passenger services across Spain and Europe, with routes extending to West Africa, alongside global charter flights catering to tour operators. Its primary hub was located at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, with additional focus cities at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and Palma de Mallorca Airport. The company employed 3,161 personnel and was affiliated with the Star Alliance from 2003 until it ceased operations on 27 January 2012.

Formation and Initial Development

Established in December 1986 as a collaboration between Scandinavian Airlines and Viajes Marsans, Spanair commenced its flight operations in March 1988, initially focusing on European charter services. By 1991, it expanded its network to include long-haul destinations such as the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, and introduced domestic scheduled flights by March 1994. During the late 1990s, the airline operated Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on routes serving Washington and Buenos Aires.

Spanair became a member of the Star Alliance on 1 May 2003.

On 13 June 2007, SAS revealed intentions to divest its shares in Spanair but retracted this plan in June 2008 after failing to obtain an acceptable offer. Eventually, on 30 January 2009, SAS sold a controlling interest to a Catalan investment consortium led by the Consorci de Turisme de Barcelona and Catalana d'Iniciatives for one euro, while retaining a minority stake.

Following the 2008 Madrid crash, reports surfaced highlighting employee concerns regarding the airline’s financial stability amid announcements of workforce reductions and flight cutbacks.

In 2009, Spanair involved the public in choosing a new logo, officially unveiling it on 13 May and applying the refreshed branding to its fleet by June.

Closure

On 25 January 2011, Spanair declared an "Emergency Financial Situation," leading the Catalan government to approve a €10.5 million loan aimed at sustaining the airline. Although revenue showed improvement and cost-saving initiatives were introduced, Spanair ultimately halted operations on 27 January 2012 after Qatar Airways withdrew from investment negotiations. SAS reported a write-down of 1.7 billion Swedish kronor ($251 million) due to the airline's shutdown. Spain’s development minister, Ana Pastor, suggested that the government might impose a €9 million ($12 million) fine on Spanair for breaching aviation security regulations by ceasing operations without adequate notice. The airline suspended all flights but did not disclose bankruptcy intentions. Its last passenger service was flight JK1326 from Trondheim to Las Palmas.

Headquarters

Spanair maintained its corporate headquarters in the Spanair Building (Edifici Spanair) situated in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona.

Previously, its main office was located within the Spanair Building on Palma de Mallorca Airport premises. Amid ownership transitions in 2008, the company confirmed plans to retain its headquarters in Palma de Mallorca despite speculation about relocating to Barcelona. However, in 2009, Spanair announced intentions to transfer its corporate offices to Barcelona and officially registered its domicile there in May. The airline initiated efforts to secure new office premises in Barcelona. In June 2009, around 200 employees protested against the swift schedule for relocating from Palma.

Service concept

For passengers traveling in economy class within Western Europe, Spanair provided a buy on board option, offering food and beverages available for purchase during the flight. Additionally, the airline enhanced its frequent flyer program, rebranded as Spanair Star, which enabled members to immediately apply points as discounts toward upcoming flights.

Sponsorship

Between 1995 and 2005, Spanair served as the principal kit sponsor for the Spanish football team RCD Mallorca.

Codeshare agreements

Up until January 2012, Spanair held codeshare partnerships with multiple airlines, including numerous Star Alliance affiliates (indicated with *):

Final fleet

At the time of its shutdown, Spanair’s fleet consisted of the following aircraft:

Spanair fleet
Aircraft In service Passenger configuration Remarks
C Y Total
Airbus A320-200 19 48 108 156 Two-class layout with flexibility
— 180 180
Airbus A321-200 5 — 212 212
McDonnell Douglas MD-83 2 — 153 153 Leased from Scandinavian Airlines
McDonnell Douglas MD-87 2 — 125 125 Flexible two-class configuration
Total 28


Retired fleet

Prior to ceasing operations, Spanair operated the following aircraft types:

Spanair former fleet
Aircraft Quantity Year introduced Year retired Additional information
Boeing 717-200 4 2007 2011 Transferred to Blue1
Boeing 757-200 2 1996 1998 Leased from Airtours International Airways
4 1999 2000 Leased from Air2000, Air Holland, and Monarch Airlines
Boeing 767-300ER 3 1991 2002 One aircraft leased from Lauda Air
Fokker 100 3 2005 2008 Leased from Girjet
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 1 1989 1989
McDonnell Douglas MD-81 3 2005 2006 Leased from Scandinavian Airlines
McDonnell Douglas MD-82 15 1990 2009 (Two-class flexible layout)
Aircraft Quantity Introduced Retired Notes
1 2008 Crashed as Spanair Flight 5022
Aircraft Quantity Introduced Retired Notes
25 1993 2011
1 1991 1991 Used as private jet
Aircraft Quantity Introduced Retired Notes
18 1996 2011


Accidents and incidents

  • On 10 May 2001, Spanair Flight 3203, an MD-83 registered as EC-FXI and nicknamed "Sunseeker," experienced significant damage when the right landing gear collapsed during touchdown at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. All 50 passengers and crew evacuated without injury. The aircraft was subsequently repaired and returned to operational status.
  • On 20 August 2008, Spanair Flight 5022, operating an MD-82 with registration EC-HFP and called "Sunbreeze," crashed shortly after departing Madrid–Barajas Airport en route to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. There were 172 individuals aboard. Initially, 19 survived the accident; however, one later succumbed to injuries. The investigation revealed that the flaps were not extended properly and identified malfunctions in the take-off warning system as contributing factors.

See also

External links

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