June 19

More articles from the category

June 19

Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH takes over Touristik Vertriebsgesellschaft completely

The reorientation of the Touristik Vertriebsgesellschaft (TVG) after the FTI bankruptcy is progressing: Today, Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH took over the FTI Group's 50 percent share in TVG. Even before the bankruptcy, Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH owned 50 percent of the travel agency franchise system. With today's takeover of the remaining 50 percent, Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH is now the sole owner of TVG. "We are pleased that with this step we can now offer the franchise partners planning security and a successful future under a strong roof," said Thomas Bösl and Lars Helmreich, managing directors of Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH. The takeover enables Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH to use the name Sonnenklar TV exclusively in stationary travel sales. In addition, the shopping channel Sonnenklar TV, which is also part of the RT Group, is operated by Euvia Travel GmbH. Raiffeisen Vertriebs GmbH is also acquiring the trademark rights for the flight exchange. The decision to take over had already been speculated about in recent weeks. Axel Bierbach from the law firm Müller-Heydenreich Bierbach & Kollegen, provisional insolvency administrator of FTI Touristik GmbH and BigXtra Touristik, praised the quick solution for TVG's sales partners. TVG's travel agency brands include Sonnenklar TV, 5-vor-Flug and Flugbörse. The franchise system currently includes around 230 travel agencies.

Continue reading "

Pegasus Airlines: Financial challenges and industry outlook

Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines is facing financial challenges, as current chairman Mehmet Tevfik Nane highlighted at an Aviation Club UK event. Nane warned of unsustainable financial developments at Pegasus, as operating costs rose 2024% in the first quarter of 26, while revenues grew only 17%. In the first quarter of 2024, Pegasus reported a net loss of €103 million, compared to €22 million in the same period last year. The operating loss amounted to €36,8 million, compared to €6,2 million a year earlier. These figures highlight the airline's current financial difficulties. Despite the challenging cost structure, Pegasus expects the EBITDA margin to be between 2024% and 28% in 30, supported by a strong peak season. Nevertheless, the airline forecasts that the cost per available seat kilometer excluding fuel will continue to rise. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has an optimistic outlook for the aviation industry as a whole, despite the difficulties. IATA expects airlines worldwide to make a net profit of $2024 billion in 30,5, compared to $27,4 billion last year. The situation remains particularly challenging for airlines in Latin America, where results have been mixed and some airlines are struggling with financial problems. IATA warned of further challenges in this region, despite a forecast overall profit margin of $600 million for 2024. The airline industry as a whole is targeting revenues of around $996 billion by 2024, although traffic growth is expected to slow, reflecting a return to normality after two years of strong demand.

Continue reading "

Debate about Russian aircraft production: Aeroflot and the future of Tu-214 and MS-21

A controversial discussion about the future of the Russian aircraft industry has erupted after Sergei Alexandrovsky, head of the Aeroflot Group, proposed replacing the Tupolev Tu-214 in favor of more modern aircraft such as the MS-21. The government in Moscow is cautious about this move. The first Tu-214s were originally supposed to be delivered to airline customers, but production has stalled considerably. The MS-21, whose series production is not expected until 2026, and the Russified Sukhoi Superjet are also affected by delays. This is leading to a debate about whether Aeroflot should reconsider its order for up to 40 Tu-214s. Alexandrovsky is particularly critical of the outdated cockpit of the Tu-214 and prefers a complete conversion of the fleet to the MS-21. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), responsible for production, has not yet commented on the statements, while the new Russian Industry and Trade Minister, Anton Alikhanov, announced talks to clarify the matter. No new aircraft deliveries from Russia are expected for 2024 and probably also for 2025. The future of the country's aviation industry therefore remains uncertain, especially with regard to the ability to deliver the MS-21 and Tu-214. A solution to the differences between Aeroflot and the government is still pending.

Continue reading "

Qantas' "Project Sunrise" gets green light from European aviation authorities

The ambitious "Project Sunrise" project of the Australian airline Qantas is making progress: The European aviation safety authorities have approved an additional tank for the Airbus A350-1000 ULR, which is intended for super long-haul flights. After a long delay due to technical adjustments, the project is now finally set to start. Originally announced in 2017, Qantas plans to offer ultra-long-haul flights from Sydney to London and New York from mid-2026. The approval of the additional fuel tank by the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) enables Qantas to meet the current delivery date for the specially modified A350-1000 ULR. The COVID-19 pandemic and technical challenges had delayed the delivery of the aircraft. With the new "Sunrise" flights, Qantas is responding to the increasing demand for high-quality long-haul products and is also planning to expand the international network from Perth. The airline also sees particularly great growth potential in India. The long-awaited ultra-long-haul flights are intended not only to strengthen Qantas' existing route network, but also to set new standards in global air travel.

Continue reading "

Air France CEO: Long-haul business travel recovers, short-haul remains challenging

Air France CEO Anne Rigail reports a gradual recovery in long-haul business travel, while China traffic is recovering more slowly. On the other hand, there is no recovery on short-haul routes. Speaking on this issue to journalists, Rigail stressed that there is virtually no recovery on short-haul routes. The CEO's assessment reflects the current challenges facing the aviation industry, especially in the context of the ongoing impact of the global pandemic. Air France and other airlines continue to struggle with lower passenger numbers on short-haul routes despite easing travel restrictions. Rigail stressed the importance of a stable recovery in the aviation market for Air France's overall growth and profitability. The airline is closely monitoring the evolution of passenger demand and adapting its operating strategies accordingly to address market challenges.

Continue reading "

Severe turbulence on Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Queenstown

On June 16, 2024, a domestic flight from Wellington to Queenstown saw turbulent scenes in which two people were injured. Air New Zealand flight NZ607, an Airbus A320-200 with the registration ZK-OXH, encountered turbulence during beverage service. One passenger was injured when a hot coffee pot broke and scalded her as the aircraft suddenly descended. A crew member hit the cabin ceiling during turbulence. Both injured people were taken to Lakes District Hospital after landing in Queenstown, reports the New Zealand Herald. The incident occurred during the flight, which departed Wellington at 14:02 p.m. and landed in Queenstown as scheduled at 15:12 p.m. Eyewitnesses reported severe turbulence that caused the aircraft to rock like a roller coaster. No further beverage service was provided after the incident. Captain David Morgan, Air New Zealand's Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, confirmed the incident and stressed that passenger safety was ensured at all times. The incident comes in the context of a series of turbulences in aviation, including a fatal incident on a Singapore Airlines flight in May 2024. Experts warn of increasing turbulence due to global warming and recommend that passengers remain seat belted at all times during the flight.

Continue reading "

New flight connection from Paderborn/Lippstadt to Pristina in summer 2024

From summer 2024, Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport will be expanding its offering to include a new destination. The Croatian airline Trade Air will offer up to two weekly flights to the Kosovar capital Pristina from July 5 to September 6. An Airbus A319 with 144 seats will be used. On Fridays during this period, there will be a weekly flight from Pristina to Paderborn/Lippstadt. Departure from Pristina will be at 12:35 p.m. with a scheduled arrival in Paderborn/Lippstadt at 15:05 p.m. Return flights are scheduled to depart Paderborn/Lippstadt at 1:50 a.m. and arrive in Pristina at 18:10 p.m. In addition, there will also be a flight connection between the two cities on Tuesdays from July 9 to August 20. Departure from Pristina is scheduled for 4:35 a.m. and arrival in Paderborn/Lippstadt at 7:05 a.m. The return flight departs at 7:55 a.m. from Paderborn/Lippstadt and arrives in Pristina at 10:15 a.m. The introduction of this new route is seen as a response to the increasing demand for direct connections between Germany and Kosovo. Trade Air and Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport hope for a positive response from passengers and a successful establishment of the route during the summer months.

Continue reading "

Boeing 757 of the New Zealand Royal Air Force remains in Papua New Guinea

A New Zealand Royal Air Force Boeing 757-2K2 carrying Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Japan has broken down during a refuelling stop at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Luxon was part of a delegation of about 52 business leaders and reporters en route to Tokyo, Sky News Australia reported. The incident was caused by a "fuse issue" on the Boeing 757, registration NZ7571, which occurred during refuelling in Port Moresby. Although Prime Minister Luxon was able to take a commercial connection to Japan, the delegation had to stay overnight. They now plan to fly to Brisbane to catch an Air New Zealand flight to Tokyo. Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand and part of the delegation, assisted in organising the alternative travel arrangements. New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins was critical of the incident, which she described as "embarrassing". Prime Minister Luxon is considering using only commercial flights for such trips in the future. The New Zealand Royal Air Force (NZDF) has previously had problems with the aircraft that were supposed to transport the country's prime ministers.

Continue reading "

Ethiopian Airlines increases flight frequency to Zurich

The Ethiopian national airline Ethiopian Airlines is significantly expanding its flight offering to Zurich. It currently flies the Addis Ababa – Zurich route five times a week. From October 27 this year, the frequency will be increased to seven flights per week. What is new is that the flights will include a stopover at Milan Malpensa Airport. The decision to expand the offering is due to the increased demand for connections between Ethiopia and Switzerland. Ethiopian Airlines aims to offer both business travelers and tourists improved accessibility. The integration of Milan Malpensa as a stopover is part of the strategy to attract additional passengers and increase the efficiency of the flight routes. The airline emphasizes that the expansion of the offering is a response to the growing number of passengers and the needs of travelers. Ethiopian Airlines is known for its international connections and aims to further strengthen its presence in the European aviation market.

Continue reading "

Norwegian flight makes emergency landing in Hanover due to medical emergency

A Norwegian flight D8 3665 from Palma de Mallorca to Copenhagen had to make an emergency landing at Hanover Airport on Friday due to a passenger's medical emergency. The Boeing 737-800 with the registration SE-RRO had taken off from Palma at 10:05 a.m. and began to descend near Frankfurt before landing safely in Hanover. Emergency services on site immediately attended to the passenger, who was then transported to medical care. The incident caused a short stopover before the flight was able to continue its journey to Copenhagen with less than an hour's delay. The airline Norwegian confirmed the medical incident and stressed that the safety and well-being of passengers is its top priority.

Continue reading "