Vueling unveiled its newly liveried aircraft today at Barcelona-El Prat Airport to mark the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Barcelona 2026. The Airbus A320 will serve as a flying ambassador, carrying the spirit of the world’s biggest cycling race across the airline’s European network.
The launch event took place inside the aircraft itself, with a prominent group of institutional and sports figures in attendance. Among them were Bernat Álvarez, Catalonia’s Sports Minister; David Escudé, Barcelona’s Sports Councillor and head of sports for the Barcelona Provincial Council; and Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France. The highlight of the day was Miguel Induráin, the legendary five-time Tour winner and Vueling’s current ambassador for this Grand Départ.
The aircraft’s debut is the most symbolic element of Vueling’s partnership as the official airline of the Tour de France Barcelona 2026 Grand Départ. This sponsorship will be active in the coming months across various activities and venues in Barcelona, from where the prestigious 113th edition of the world’s most important cycling race will officially start on July 4, 2026.
Sandra Hors, Vueling’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Sustainability, emphasized the symbolism of the aircraft and the company’s connection to the event: “This plane is not just a tribute to one of the world’s most important sporting events, but a symbol of our connection with Barcelona and Paris and our ability to unite cultures and cities. We are proud that this winged ‘yellow jersey’ represents the start of a historic milestone for the city.”
**A Design That Breathes Cycling**
The aircraft’s fuselage features a dynamic illustration of cycling pelotons in full effort, highlighting the race’s most recognizable elements: the leader’s yellow jersey and the red polka dots that distinguish the best climber. The artwork underscores the Barcelona-Paris axis, the cities that mark the start and finish of this historic edition, strengthening Vueling’s presence at the heart of the event.
Following the official ceremony, the aircraft received clearance to begin regular operations, carrying the Grand Départ spirit to thousands of passengers and cycling fans across the continent.
**Barcelona and Paris: Two Key Markets**
With this sponsorship, Vueling reinforces its role as an economic driver and connectivity bridge between Barcelona and Paris, where it leads passenger traffic between the two cities (1.3 million passengers in 2025), as well as France-Spain connections. At Barcelona-El Prat, the airline closed 2025 consolidating its leadership with 22.7 million passengers transported. Vueling connects the city with over 100 destinations, around 80 international. This strength in the Spanish market is mirrored in France, where Paris-Orly has become its most important international base, making it the second-largest airline at that airport.
“We must thank Vueling for its commitment to sports sponsorship, especially in Catalonia, where it was born. The Tour’s Grand Départ in Catalonia is a national commitment through which we want to show the world our potential as organizers of major international events that transcend sports and leave a social, economic, and tourism legacy. This is a 360 Sports project,” said Bernat Álvarez, Catalonia’s Sports Minister.
