POSITIVE TREND

UNEMPLOYMENT in Spain rose by just 0.1% in February compared to a month earlier, according to Labour Ministry figures. The increase was 2,618 people, leaving a total of 2.91 million people out of work in the lowest February figure since 2008.

Compared to a year earlier, unemployment fell by 200,669 - a 6.45% reduction.

18

Merger On

All solutions are on page 14

SPAIN’S Air Nostrum has been given the green light for a merger with Ireland's CityJet to form Europe's largest regional airline. It's the second time that European Com mission permission has been granted after a 2019 go-ahead was suspended due to the Covid pandemic. A new holding company will be formed with both brands being maintained across a fleet of 70 aircraft - 48 of which belong to Air Nostrum. The economic model is similar to that of the IAG group established after the merger of

British Airways and Iberia. Air Nostrum also operates as an Iberia franchisee for regional flights. Around 2,000 people will be employed by the new combined firm including maintenance and support services.