June 21

More articles from the category

June 21

Cathay Pacific: Looking for a way out of the pandemic

The aviation industry has largely recovered since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but not all airlines have bounced back equally quickly. Cathay Pacific, once a symbol of excellence and efficiency in Asian air travel, continues to struggle with the aftermath of the global crisis. While the Hong Kong-based company's current traffic figures show progress, a full return to pre-pandemic capacities will still take some time. While many other airlines are already operating at pre-pandemic levels, Cathay Pacific still faces major challenges. Cathay Pacific recently released its traffic figures for May, and it is evident that the airline is still struggling with the effects of the pandemic. In May 2024, Cathay Pacific carried 1,68 million passengers at a load factor of 80,3%, an increase of 18,4% year-on-year. Despite this growth, Cathay Pacific remains behind 2019 figures. The combination of Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried a total of 2024 million passengers in the first five months of 11,2. For comparison, in the same period in 2019, Cathay Pacific and its now-defunct subsidiary Cathay Dragon carried 15,2 million passengers. The integration of HK Express and the closure of Cathay Dragon make direct comparisons of pre-pandemic figures difficult. However, even taking these factors into account, the combined passenger numbers of Cathay Pacific and HK Express in the first five months of 2024 only reached 74% of the passenger numbers of Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon

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Be careful at the Donauinselfest: strict towing measures

The Donauinselfest from June 21 to 23, 2024, brings not only music and entertainment, but also strict traffic regulations. The ÖAMTC warns that vehicles that are parked illegally will be rigorously towed away. The costs for towing, storage, reporting and any taxis required can amount to over 400 euros. In order to ensure free access for emergency vehicles, visitors to the festival should use public transport and park-and-ride facilities. According to the ÖAMTC, anyone who does not want to go to the Donauinselfest should use the vignette-requiring connections via the Prater Bridge (A23) or the Nord Bridge. Disruptions due to heavy influx are to be expected on the Floridsdorf, Brigittenau and Reichs Bridges. In addition, the comprehensive short-term parking zone regulation in Vienna (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 22 p.m.) must be observed on Friday. The ÖAMTC offers information on short-term parking zones, residential areas, parking garages, parking spaces and park-and-ride facilities in its app and route planner.

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The end of an era: The retirement of the US Air Force’s KC-10A Extender

The US Air Force's McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender aerial refueling platform is about to be retired, bringing an important chapter in the history of military aviation to an end. On June 6, 2023, Travis Air Force Base in California bid farewell to the 349th Air Mobility Wing, 79th Air Refueling Squadron 83-0078, and handed over the KC-10A to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, better known as "The Boneyard". The aircraft 83-0078, affectionately called "Outlaw" by the crew, was number 389 on the McDonnell Douglas production line in Long Beach, California. The 40,7-year-old KC-10A was delivered to the US Air Force in December 1983 and offered both aerial refueling and transport capabilities. Despite its three-engine design, which made it less efficient than twin-engine aircraft such as the Boeing KC-45A Pegasus, the KC-10A was a reliable mainstay of the U.S. Air Force. According to a statement from the U.S. Air Force on October 6, 2023, the KC-10 has already completed its last combat missions. Maj. Joseph Rush, commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (EARS), explained that the KC-10 has been the anchor of aerial refueling in the theater since Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The ability to refuel another aircraft in the air allowed it to stay in the air longer and significantly extend its range. For fighter aircraft, this meant turning a two-hour flight without refueling into an eight-hour combat mission, providing nonstop support for troops on the ground or protection for valuable aircraft in combat zones. Rush also emphasized that the best elements of the

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Lockheed Martin delivers 2.700th C-130 Hercules to the US Marine Corps

Lockheed Martin recently delivered the 2.700th Hercules tactical multi-role aircraft, expanding the global C-130 fleet. The delivered KC-130J Super Hercules tanker aircraft is operated by the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Lockheed Martin's C-130 air transport aircraft are in service with 70 nations and support various missions around the world. The KC-130J is specifically designed as a tactical tanker and is part of the C-130J Super Hercules family, which is certified for 18 different mission profiles. Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility and Maritime Operations business, emphasized the importance of this milestone for the global aviation industry and military support worldwide.

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Be careful in summer: protect batteries and electronic devices from heat

The summer heat not only poses health risks for people and animals, but also for our everyday electronic companions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops should not be exposed to excessive direct sunlight. This is emphasized by the Waste Electrical Equipment Coordination Office (EAK) in view of the rising temperatures. In addition, it is strongly recommended that batteries of e-bikes, e-scooters and other electrical devices should never be charged unattended and that they be disposed of correctly. Electronic devices have become indispensable companions in our everyday lives. Whether for communication, work or entertainment - the use of cell phones, tablets and laptops is omnipresent. But especially in extreme heat, the built-in lithium batteries can heat up, which can affect their longevity and cause potentially dangerous situations. The batteries used in these devices are particularly powerful due to their high energy density and low self-discharge, but are also susceptible to overheating and damage. This is particularly problematic when temperatures rise, as is common in the summer months. Lithium is very reactive and can become easily flammable at high temperatures. This not only affects cell phones and tablets, but also other electrical devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters. In 2023 alone, around 220.000 e-bikes were sold in Austria, which also run on lithium batteries. Correct charging and disposal of batteries Improper handling of batteries can lead to serious safety risks. The EAK warns against charging batteries unattended and recommends always charging them on a non-flammable surface. It is also pointed out that damaged batteries - recognizable by melting points, deformation or leaking liquid - should be replaced immediately, as they can lead to

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Survey shows: Freedom and flexibility are the main reasons for holiday travel by car

A recent survey by AutoScout24 among 500 Austrians shows that the majority of respondents prefer the car for vacation trips because of the freedom and flexibility it offers. Families with children and people aged 40 to 49 in particular value the unrestricted mobility and the ability to not be limited when packing. 78 percent of respondents stated that freedom is the main reason for choosing the car as a means of travel. 84 percent of families and 87 percent of 40 to 49 year olds particularly emphasized this aspect. Another important reason is the short-term planning of trips by car, which is an advantage for 73 percent of respondents, with men (77 percent) emphasizing this more often than women (69 percent). In addition, the car is preferred if the destination is not far away (62 percent). Costs also play a role, especially for families who see the car as a cheaper alternative to air travel (35 percent). Only 7 percent of respondents see an advantage in terms of climate protection.

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Global Airlines postpones A380 maiden flight

UK-based Global Airlines recently announced that it would delay the start of its commercial operations until 2025. Originally scheduled to begin operations in spring or summer 2024, unexpected delays in the maintenance and interior fit-out of its first Airbus A380 at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) have thwarted plans. This decision sheds light on the numerous challenges faced by new airlines, particularly when attempting to operate with the introduction of wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380. In May 2023, Global Airlines announced the acquisition of its first Airbus A380 from Dorrick Aviation and planned to begin operations within a year. Despite repeated assurances that flights would begin in 2024, it was recently confirmed that passenger flights will now not begin until 2025. This move is closely linked to the ongoing maintenance and cabin refit of the airline's only active Airbus A380, registered as 9H-GLOBL and currently being serviced in Glasgow. The next step in the maintenance process is scheduled to start in the coming weeks and bring the airline closer to its goal. Global Airlines currently has two Airbus A380s scheduled for delivery: 9H-GLOBL and 9H-MIP. While 9H-MIP was last seen ferried from Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) to PIK via Montreal Mirabel International Airport (YMX) in May 2023, the aircraft has not appeared on Flightradar2023's radar since December 24. However, the arrival of 9H-GLOBL in Glasgow was a significant milestone. The ferry flights were carried out with the landing gear down, supported by

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Austrians consider vacation on their balconies

A recent market research by the online portal Willhaben shows that 85,9 percent of property seekers in Austria attach great importance to open spaces such as balconies, terraces or gardens. The survey, which was conducted by Marketagent in March and April 2024, interviewed 1.600 people aged 18 to 59 who have searched for properties in the last six months or are currently looking for them. The results show that despite difficult market conditions, interest in open spaces remains unbroken. Judith Kössner, Head of Real Estate at Willhaben, confirms the ongoing trend: "Demand for open spaces of all kinds has boomed during and after the pandemic. In challenging times, compromises are required, but many Austrians do not want to forego the advantages of balconies, terraces or gardens." The study shows that 48 percent of respondents attach "very great" importance to open spaces and 37,9 percent attach "rather great" importance to them.

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