Air Europa has appointed Richard Clark as its new CEO. Clark will replace Jesus Nuno de la Rosa, who agreed with the company earlier this week to leave his position.
“Taking on this role is, for me, much more than a responsibility: it is an honour and an opportunity to continue building the future of Air Europa,” said Clark.
Nuna de la Rosa had held the position since 2022. The decision to leave was an amicable one, according to a statement seen by local media.
The move comes shortly after the airline repaid its nearly €475 million government loan a year ahead of schedule. The loan was used to support the airline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The early repayment was supported by a €300 million investment from new minority stakeholder Turkish Airlines.
The deal was closed in early November, with Turkish Airlines now set to acquire a 26% stake in Air Europa following regulatory approvals.
Clark said: “We will ensure that Air Europa continues to grow and consolidate itself as an international benchmark airline.”
He added that the company is aiming to strengthen its Madrid hub as a “bridge between continents” and to grow alongside its partners.
Clark has served at Air Europa since 1987. Alongside his promotion, the airline will reconfigure its board of directors, with the changes expected to be announced in the coming days.