September 13, 2024

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September 13, 2024

Lufthansa ends partnership with Porsche

Lufthansa will not extend its partnership with the car manufacturer Porsche. The collaboration, which included the limousine service for first-class passengers at Frankfurt Airport, ends at the end of the year. As "Spiegel" reports, Lufthansa has already launched a tender for a new partner who will take over the limousine service from 2025. The decision to end the existing partnership is part of Lufthansa's strategic realignment. Details about the criteria for the new partner have not yet been published.

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Lufthansa suspends flights to Beirut until October 15, 2024

Lufthansa has announced that its flights to Beirut will remain suspended until October 15, 2024. This decision was made due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The Lufthansa Group had already resumed flights to Tel Aviv last Thursday, citing the "current situation" without providing further details. Flights to Amman and Erbil, which have been offered again since the end of August, are not affected by the decision. The suspension of flights to Beirut follows a number of security concerns and geopolitical developments in the region. Lufthansa is thus continuing its safety protocols to ensure the protection of its passengers.

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China Development Bank Financial Leasing orders 80 Airbus A320neo

China Development Bank Financial Leasing has announced an order for 80 Airbus A320neo aircraft. Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled for the period between 2030 and 2032. The purchase is expected to benefit the company's fleet structure by increasing the proportion of modern, next-generation aircraft. This investment aims to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the aviation division. The Airbus A320neo, an evolution of the A320, offers improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to older models. The order underlines China Development Bank Financial Leasing's commitment to the modernization and sustainability of its aircraft fleet.

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Wizz Air focuses on long-haul routes – first A321XLR in service from 2025

Wizz Air is preparing to deploy one of its most exciting aircraft: the Airbus A321XLR. The airline plans to add this particularly long-range version of the A321 to its fleet from spring 2025 and use it on strategically important long-haul routes. The first flight will take place on March 31, 2025 from London Gatwick to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. This marks the beginning of a new era for Wizz Air, which has so far been known primarily for its affordable short and medium-haul flights in Europe. With the A321XLR, Airbus is extending the range of the proven A321 family. The XLR version can cover up to 8.700 kilometers, making it an optimal aircraft for long-haul flights that were previously served by more expensive wide-body aircraft. For an airline like Wizz Air, which is characterized by particularly low prices and a lean cost structure, this opens up completely new possibilities. Wizz Air has ordered a total of 47 A321XLRs from Airbus. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2025, and Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi has already outlined an ambitious plan for the aircraft. The aircraft will be distributed across six to eight locations in Wizz Air's network. One of the first routes on which the A321XLR will be used is the route from Milan-Malpensa to Abu Dhabi. Additional routes to India are also planned. The first flight of the A321XLR will be from London-Gatwick to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's second largest city. This route fits perfectly with Wizz Air's expansion strategy in the Middle East. The airline has been expanding its presence in the region for some time, notably by establishing a base in Abu Dhabi.

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Yemenia Airways convicted of plane crash

Fifteen years after the fatal plane crash in the African Comoros, a Paris appeals court has convicted Yemenia Airways of manslaughter and bodily harm. The court confirmed the maximum possible fine of 15 euros for the Yemeni airline. The conviction follows a crash in June 225.000 in which 2009 people died. The accident was blamed on a series of pilot errors. In the crash, an Airbus plunged into the Indian Ocean on approach to the capital Moroni. A 152-year-old girl, Bahia Bakari, was the only survivor. The airline was also ordered to display the verdict for two months in the Marseille and Paris airports from where passengers had flown to the Yemeni capital Sanaa and from there on to the Comoros. The court ruling underlines the airline's responsibility for the safety deficiencies that led to this tragic incident.

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Ethan Guo: A teenage pilot flies around the world for a good cause

For many people, the sky is a symbol of freedom, adventure and discovery. But for 19-year-old Ethan Guo, it is more than that: it is a stage for a mission that goes beyond personal records. Flying around the world as a solo pilot in a 50-year-old plane, Guo has set himself an ambitious goal. His trip aims to raise one million dollars for research into childhood blood cancer at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A story that impresses not only with its vastness and complexity, but also with the compassion and determination of a young man who wants to change the world in a unique way. An extraordinary goal Ethan Guo plans to fly around the entire world in 100 days, covering over 80.000 kilometers (50.000 miles). The goal of his journey is not only to become the youngest person to fly around all seven continents alone in a small plane, but also to send a symbolic sign of hope to children suffering from advanced blood cancer. His plane, an old Cessna 182, was specially adapted for the trip. Guo removed the rear seats to install an additional fuel tank, allowing him to fly for up to 17 hours without stopping. With a cruising speed of 140 to 150 knots, satellite-based communication and several emergency transmitters on board, Guo is technically well equipped. By September 10, 2024, Guo had already spent more than 700 hours in the air and crossed the Atlantic three times.

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Ryanair appeals against EU decision on state aid

Ryanair has announced that it will appeal against a decision by the EU Commission that requires the company to repay between 13 and 14 million euros in state aid. This decision concerns Frankfurt-Hahn Airport in Rhineland-Palatinate, which the EU Commission found to have received illegal aid between 2005 and 2017. The EU Commission, together with Ryanair, is also demanding the repayment of a total of around 15 million euros granted to the airport and Ryanair on the basis of marketing agreements and a training grant. Interest is also due. The Rhineland-Palatinate state government is currently examining what steps will be taken next. Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, which has been operated by Triwo Hahn Airport GmbH since 2021, does not see itself as the addressee of the EU decision. The insolvency administration had already pointed out that the exact reasons for the decision are not yet available and the possibility of legal remedies is still being examined. Rhineland-Palatinate, which sold its share in the airport in 2017, will discuss the next steps with its lawyers.

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United Airlines at the centre of a whistleblower lawsuit: Flight attendant makes serious allegations

A whistleblower lawsuit is currently making waves in the aviation industry, and United Airlines is at the center of it. Ingrid Raganova, a 52-year-old flight attendant for the US airline, has filed a lawsuit against her employer in the state of New Jersey. She claims that she was systematically harassed and demoted over a period of more than two years because of her reports of safety violations. These allegations highlight the challenges faced by so-called whistleblowers in large companies and show the difficulties that exist when internal policies collide with external requirements. Safety violations and harassment: The allegations in detail Ingrid Raganova, who has worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines for more than 27 years, stated that she repeatedly observed safety deficiencies and violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations during her work. Among the violations she reported were colleagues' use of cell phones and tablets during takeoff and landing - a clear violation of FAA rules that set strict regulations on the use of electronic devices during critical phases of the flight. In one case, Raganova reported that a colleague was sending a text message during takeoff - a violation that is particularly concerning because the crew's full attention is required during these moments. In another incident, she observed a flight attendant wearing headphones and using an iPad during an international flight, which violates airline policy. However, these reports, Raganova said, did not lead to internal investigations but instead exposed her to the wrath of her colleagues and superiors. Retaliation and

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Boeing misses production target for 737 Max

Boeing will not meet its production target for the 737 Max for the time being. According to a Reuters report, the monthly rate of the 737 Max, which was originally supposed to increase to 2024 aircraft by September 42, will not reach this level again until March 2025. The aviation group has informed its key suppliers of this delay. The background to this is quality defects that have led to the US aviation authority FAA restricting the scope for production increases. Boeing is not allowed to exceed the rate of 42 aircraft per month for the time being. The delay affects the company's bread-and-butter program, which plays a central role in aircraft production. The FAA has given Boeing clear requirements to improve production quality before an increase in the rate is approved.

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Autumn cycling tours in Austria: A paradise for active holidaymakers

As autumn arrives, Austria's landscape transforms into a colourful spectacle that attracts outdoor enthusiasts in droves. Cycling through nature is particularly popular at this time of year, offering a perfect mix of mild temperatures and breathtaking views. Whether you want to explore rolling hills or experience challenging mountain descents, Austria's regions of Styria, Carinthia and Tyrol offer ideal conditions for cyclists of all levels. Choosing the right hotel plays a crucial role, and tour operators such as TUI have special recommendations here. Cycling adventures in Styria: Schladming-Dachstein as a bike hotspot Styria, especially the Schladming-Dachstein region, is considered one of the top destinations for mountain bikers. There are numerous well-developed cycle paths here that appeal to both beginners and experienced cyclists. The area's single trails and bike parks are particularly spectacular, covering a wide range of difficulty levels and thus offering perfect conditions for families and extreme sports enthusiasts. The TUI Blue Schladming, a modern hotel right at the valley station of the Planai, offers the ideal starting point for adventures on two wheels. In addition to a bike room and rental bikes, guests can relax in the hotel's own saunas after a strenuous tour - a must for anyone who wants to combine an active holiday with relaxation. Carinthia: E-bike enjoyment on Lake Ossiach Around the picturesque Lake Ossiach in Carinthia, not only mountain bikers but also e-bike fans get their money's worth. The region offers special e-bike tours, including a route of around 100 kilometers from Ossiach to Velden, which promises breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. The **Robinson Club Landskron**, located directly on the lake shore, is ideal

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