7/30/2010: Charter Carrier AlbaStar Takes Flight

DALLAS – Today in 2010, Spanish charter carrier AlbaStar (AP) operated its inaugural flight. 

The flight, from the carriers Palma (PMI) base to Milan Malpensa (MXP), was operated by a Boeing 737-400 (EC-LAV) 'Pino D'Urso,' named in honor of the airline's founder. 

AP was established on November 30, 2009, by former LTE International Airways (XO) and MyAir (8I) staff led by Michael Harrington, the former CEO of XO. The aim was to provide charter services for Spanish, Italian, and other European tour operators.

Expansion

In January 2011, the carrier diversified by adding a Boeing 737-400 freighter (EC-LKB) to the fleet. 

By 2014 the airline had opened a second base at Milan's Malpensa Airport (MXP). It also has hubs at Milan's Bergamo Airport (BGY) and on the island of Sicily at Trapani–Birgi Airport (TPS).

AlbaStar has also established itself as the leading European airline in pilgrimages and religious trips to the holy city of Lourdes, France. Today, AP, serves Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE) from over 45 destinations. 

Birthday Celebrations

By its tenth birthday in 2020, AlbaStar was operating a fleet of six 737-800s, the first of which it received in June 2017. It also has a single -400 series still in service. Since its inception, the airline has carried over 2.9 million passengers. 

In July 2022, AP became the European launch customer of the 'WheelTug,' an electric system fitted to its aircraft's nose wheel to allow pilots to taxi without the need for engines to be running.

Speaking of the innovative product, Albastar CEO Michael Harrington said: "For Albastar to be the European launch customer of such an important project for cutting CO2 emissions is a great honor and we very much hope this will set a game‐changing example with other European airlines."