August 15, 2024

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August 15, 2024

Mamma Mia! celebrates its 25th anniversary with a tour through Germany and Austria

The globally acclaimed musical Mamma Mia! is celebrating a special anniversary this year: 1999 years have passed since its premiere in London's West End in 25. To mark the occasion, the sensational feel-good musical will go on an extensive tour of Germany and Austria in November and December 2024. The musical, which was created by Judy Craymer and is based on the timeless hits of the Swedish pop group ABBA, will stop in Munich, Vienna, Stuttgart and Berlin before continuing its journey in Bremen and Frankfurt in January 2025. Mamma Mia! is much more than just a musical - it is a cultural phenomenon. Since its premiere in London's West End in April 1999, the play has become one of the most successful stage productions in the world. With more than 65 million viewers in 50 productions and in 16 different languages, Mamma Mia! has thrilled millions of people around the world. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that in 2011 the musical was the first of its kind to be performed in Mandarin in the People's Republic of China, underlining its international appeal. The musical has proved a huge success not only in Europe but also in the USA. On Broadway, where Mamma Mia! was performed for a record-breaking 14 years, it has become the eighth longest running show in history. This underlines the enduring popularity and relevance of this musical, which appeals to people of all ages. A story full of heart and humor, carried by ABBA hits The story of Mamma Mia! revolves around Sophie, a young woman,

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Climate stickers strike in Berlin, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Cologne

In a coordinated action, climate activists from the "Last Generation" partially paralyzed several German airports through protests on August 15, 2024. Activists wearing orange safety vests entered the airports in Berlin-Brandenburg, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Cologne/Bonn, causing significant disruption to flight operations. The actions not only raise questions about the effectiveness and legitimacy of such protests, but have also sparked a renewed debate about airport security and the adequacy of the law. On the morning of August 15, activists from the "Last Generation" managed to gain access to the grounds of several major airports in Germany. While at some locations - such as Stuttgart - they only blocked access roads, in Cologne/Bonn and Nuremberg they entered security-relevant areas directly, which meant that flight operations had to be temporarily suspended. At Stuttgart and Cologne/Bonn airports, activists glued themselves to the road or near the runways, forcing police officers to remove them from the ground before operations could resume. No major incidents occurred, and police took the activists into custody. The Last Generation protesters wanted to use their action to draw attention to the urgency of radical climate action. According to a statement from the group, banners with slogans such as "Oil kills" and "Sign the treaty" were displayed during the actions. These slogans refer to the activists' demands for an immediate phase-out of fossil fuels and the signing of an international treaty that would implement these demands.

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Familypark plans new catering facility

A new restaurant will open in the theme area of ​​the adventure castle in the amusement park in summer 2025. The new building is necessary because the current "Filippos Restaurant" no longer meets the increasing number of visitors and modern demands. The new restaurant building will offer significantly more space on over 700 m² with a spacious terrace and a total of 480 seats (260 inside, 220 outside). In addition to an open self-service concept, an indoor children's play area and a separate room for company events are planned. The design of the restaurant is based on the style of a medieval castle to offer guests a special ambience. Construction work will begin in September 2024, which may lead to restrictions on neighboring attractions. During the Halloween event, construction will be halted to allow visitors an undisturbed experience. The total cost of the project is 8,2 million euros, with local companies mainly commissioned to carry out the construction.

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Zurich Airport records significant passenger growth in July 2024

Zurich Airport handled a total of 2024 passengers in July 3.105.953, an increase of 7% compared to the previous year. Passenger numbers thus reached 99% of the level of July 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Of the passengers, 2.235.983 were local passengers, while 28% of the air passengers (863.488 people) were transfer passengers. The number of flight movements also increased: with 24.617 take-offs and landings, the figure was 4% higher than in the same month last year and reached 96% of the 2019 level. The average number of passengers per flight rose slightly to 144 people, and seat utilization increased by 1 percentage point to 85%. In the freight sector, a total of 2024 tonnes were handled in July 37.021, an increase of 23% compared to the same month last year, but 2% less than in July 2019.

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FACC increases sales by 2024 percent in the first half of 23,6

The Austrian FACC AG, a global leader in the aviation industry, recorded a 2024% increase in sales to EUR 23,6 million in the first half of 438,3. This development is supported by the strong growth of the international aviation industry and the increasing demand for lower-emission aircraft. The operating result (EBIT) increased by 51,2% to EUR 22,5 million. According to CEO Robert Machtlinger, FACC is particularly benefiting from long-term partnerships with major aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing and Comac. The company has also completed the expansion of its plant in Croatia, which is expected to play an important role in increasing efficiency in the future. FACC was able to hire 604 new employees in the last twelve months and continues to be perceived as an attractive employer in the industry. Despite the positive outlook for 2024, FACC is planning additional cost-cutting measures to ensure competitiveness in view of increased personnel costs in Austria.

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Poland strengthens its defense capabilities with mega deal for Apache attack helicopters

Poland has taken a significant step towards strengthening its military capabilities. On August 13, 2024, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a $10 billion (approximately €9,14 billion) contract for the purchase of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. This contract, signed at the 56th Inowrocław-Latkowo Air Base, home of the 1st Land Forces Aviation Brigade, represents one of the largest single defense contracts in Poland's history. The contract covers not only the supply of the state-of-the-art Apache attack helicopters, but also a comprehensive logistics and training package. This includes ammunition and spare parts necessary for the effective use and maintenance of the helicopters. This ensures that Poland not only has the hardware, but also receives the necessary support to effectively put the new systems into operation. The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters are the latest and most advanced variant of the Apache series, featuring upgraded engines, new composite rotor blades, and superior combat capabilities. These technological improvements will enable Poland to significantly increase its air combat capabilities and strengthen interoperability with the U.S., NATO, and other allied nations. Background and strategic considerations The purchase of the 96 Apache helicopters comes as part of a major modernization of the Polish Armed Forces. The new helicopters are to replace approximately 30 old Soviet Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters. This conversion is part of the "Kruk" (Polish for "raven") program, which aims to replace the country's aging attack helicopters and bring Poland's air force up to date with the latest technology. Poland will be the second largest operator of Apache helicopters in the world after the U.S.

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Walter Cho receives KASBA Top Management Award for outstanding leadership qualities

Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group, was presented with the Top Management Award by the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration (KASBA) on August 13. This honor recognizes his successful leadership of the airline through the pandemic, including the acquisition of Asiana Airlines, as well as his proactive environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. Walter Cho follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who also received this prestigious award. KASBA particularly highlighted Cho's ability to make strategic decisions in times of crisis, such as the rapid transition from passenger to cargo aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Korean Air has modernized its fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft and expanded the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Cho's commitment to fostering a collaborative and flexible corporate culture and his investments in innovative aerospace technologies such as urban air mobility (UAM) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were also praised.

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Tui: Record sales and increasing booking numbers in the third quarter of 2024

The tourism group Tui has achieved impressive results in the third quarter of the 2024 financial year. With 5,8 million holidaymakers and record sales of 5,8 billion euros, the Tui Group can once again report a successful financial year. Sales increased by nine percent compared to the previous year, when the group generated 5,3 billion euros. This positive development underlines Tui's continued recovery and growth after the pandemic-related setbacks. The third quarter of the 2024 financial year marks another milestone for Tui. The group achieved record sales of 5,8 billion euros, a significant increase of nine percent compared to the previous year. This reflects not only the increased number of holidaymakers, but also the company's ability to benefit from a robust price increase. Average prices were three percent higher than in the previous year, indicating strong demand and a positive market impact. Adjusted Group EBIT, an important indicator for assessing operating profitability, rose by EUR 62 million to a total of EUR 232 million. This is the eighth consecutive quarter in which Tui has recorded double-digit growth in adjusted EBIT. Sebastian Ebel, CEO of Tui Group, was satisfied with the results and emphasized the company's continuous improvement in performance. Summer bookings and outlook for the winter season The booking situation for summer 2024 is also showing a positive development. 88 percent of capacities have already been sold and bookings are six percent higher than in the previous year. The positive development at Tui Germany, where the number of customers increased by ten percent, is particularly noteworthy.

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Air Baltic increases revenue despite net loss

Latvian airline Air Baltic has achieved impressive financial results in the first half of 2024, but also posted a net loss. Revenue increased by 16% year-on-year to a record level of approximately EUR 339 million. At the same time, adjusted EBITDAR increased by 39% to almost EUR 77 million. The number of passengers carried increased by 11% to over 2 million. However, this positive development is offset by a net loss of around EUR 88,8 million, due to problems with Pratt & Whitney engines, higher depreciation costs and currency depreciation. Despite these challenges, Air Baltic remains optimistic and continues to focus on strong operational performance and the expansion of its route network, which now includes over 130 routes.

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Air France and Transavia France return to Beirut

Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, French airline Air France and its subsidiary Transavia France have decided to resume their flights to Beirut, which have been suspended since the end of July. This decision, which is to be implemented on Thursday, August 15, 2024, comes despite ongoing security concerns and the threat of military escalation in the region. While some airlines continue to suspend their connections to the affected areas, Air France is setting a sign of continuity in flight operations, although the security situation is reviewed daily. The decision to resume flights between Paris and Beirut is strongly influenced by the uncertainty in the region. According to a statement from the company, the resumption takes place "at the present time and subject to the evolution of the security situation at the destination". This means that the continuation of flight operations depends on a daily assessment of the situation on the ground. The safety of passengers and crew is a top priority for Air France and Transavia France. In order to offer travelers additional flexibility, the recently introduced measures to postpone or cancel flights booked up to August 25th remain in place. This step shows the airline's efforts to offer its customers a certain level of reliability despite the uncertain situation. Air France and Transavia France are ready to continue their flight operations as long as the situation allows and safety is guaranteed. Increased security precautions and general suspensions Despite the decision by Air France and Transavia France, many other airlines are suspending their connections to the affected regions for the time being. Lufthansa has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut,

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