January 27, 2025

Air Caraïbes and French Bee: Christine Ourmières-Widener leaves Groupe Dubreuil after tensions

Jan Gruber 27 January 2025 11:58

Christine Ourmières-Widener, who has served as CEO of Air Caraïbes and French Bee since July 2023, will leave Groupe Dubreuil. This was recently announced by the company. The move follows internal tensions between the manager and Jean-Paul Dubreuil, the founder of the group. Dubreuil was reportedly dissatisfied with the leadership of Ourmières-Widener, in particular with the development of Air Caraïbes' punctuality and a deterioration in customer satisfaction. There was also criticism that the leadership under Ourmières-Widener was perceived as cost-intensive and unprofitable. Further tensions apparently arose due to conflicts with Jean-Paul Dubreuil's daughter, who is responsible for communications and commercial matters. The decision to end the collaboration was made after intensive consideration. Until a new management is appointed, Paul-Henri Dubreuil, the current CEO of Groupe Dubreuil, will take over the management of the airlines. Christine Ourmières-Widener previously served as CEO of the Portuguese airline Tap, where she also played a key role.

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MS-21: Serial production delayed until 2026

Stephen Steiner 27 January 2025 11:54

Production of the Russian medium-range aircraft MS-21 will now only begin in 2026. This was confirmed by Sergey Chemezov, head of the state-owned technology group Rostec, which also includes the aircraft manufacturer UAC. Previously, the start of series production had been announced for 2025. Chemezov explained that a series of certification flights with the Yakovlev MS-21 model would have to be carried out before production could begin. The delay is another setback for the ambitious Russian aircraft project, which is intended as a response to Western aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. As early as October 2023, Chemezov had announced the start of production for 2025, while in November Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also named 2025 as the target for the first deliveries. But the still outstanding test flights and the associated delay are now casting a shadow over the schedule. The development of the MS-21 has been accompanied by difficulties for years. Critics had already hinted at a possible delay at the end of last year, when a senior Aeroflot manager lost his job due to speculation about the timing of production. For the Russian aviation industry, the MS-21 remains a key project to become more independent from Western aircraft suppliers.

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Alexander Klaws makes a comeback in Disney's musical Tarzan

Jan Gruber 27 January 2025 11:53

On Sunday evening, visitors to the Stage Palladium Theater in Stuttgart experienced an emotional comeback: Alexander Klaws returned to the stage after almost eight years in the starring role of Tarzan in Disney's Tarzan musical. The musical star was celebrated with standing ovations and frenetic applause as he sang high above the audience and presented well-known songs by Phil Collins. For Alexander Klaws, who played the role of Tarzan in 2010 and 2016, it was a return to one of the most striking pieces of his career. "Tarzan offers a highly emotional story that is made into an unforgettable experience by spectacular aerial acrobatics and the soulful music of Phil Collins," explained Klaws. The singer and actor, who was already well prepared by his role in Winnetou, also spoke of the physical challenge of flying at a height of up to 17 meters and singing at the same time. For him, the musical is not only a professional highlight, but also a very personal journey, as he met his wife Nadja Scheiwiller, who played the role of Jane at the time, during the performances. The premiere in Stuttgart was a special moment for Klaws, who has gone down in Tarzan history, and also for his family, especially for his eldest son, who had always wanted to see his father as Tarzan. "It makes me incredibly proud to be part of this journey again today and to show the world a Tarzan who has matured and grown with me," said Klaws.

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Lufthansa introduces new culinary concept for short and medium-haul flights

Jan Gruber 27 January 2025 11:47

From the end of February, Lufthansa will replace the existing "Tasting Heimat" catering concept on short- and medium-haul flights with a new culinary offering. This was announced by Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer of Lufthansa, in a press release. The new concept was developed in close cooperation with the airline's most important customers and is intended to further improve the culinary experience on these routes. Lufthansa stressed that the new offering is tailored to the wishes and expectations of passengers. Extensive discussions have been held over the past few months and the menu concept has been adapted accordingly. Further details of the changes have not yet been revealed, but the airline announced that the new culinary concept will offer both new dishes and improved presentation. With this step, Lufthansa wants to continue to respond to the needs of its passengers and further optimize the service on its short- and medium-haul flights. The new offering will be available from the end of next month and is part of a series of service improvements that the airline is currently implementing.

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Israel suspends commercial flights to Paphos, Cyprus for security reasons

Amely Mizzi 27 January 2025 11:46

Israel has ordered the suspension of commercial flights to Paphos Airport in Cyprus. The decision, made by Israel's Shin Bet security agency on Sunday evening, was made due to security concerns. Paphos Airport, which is mainly used for charter flights, is the smaller of the two airports in Cyprus and is located near a military base currently being expanded by the US. According to Cypriot officials, flights to Paphos were already adjusted a few days ago and the Republic of Cyprus was informed of the change in flight schedules. While flights to and from Paphos have been suspended, connections to the larger Larnaca International Airport remain as scheduled. The winter flight schedule includes up to ten flights per week from Tel Aviv and seven flights from Haifa to Paphos. The decision mainly affects charter traffic, which plays an important role in Cyprus' tourism sector. The exact duration of the suspension and the exact reasons for the security concerns were not disclosed. However, it is known that Cyprus is considered a strategically important location in the region in terms of security arrangements.

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Mundo Reisen and PAD-Reisen offer special trips from Paderborn/Lippstadt

Amely Mizzi 27 January 2025 11:45

The group tour operator Mundo reisen GmbH & Co. KG from Hesse, together with PAD-Reisen, has launched two special trips from Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport to Rimini, Italy, for spring 2025. These exclusive direct flights offer an attractive travel option, as there are no direct connections to this popular Italian coastal city from the major international airports in Germany. The flights start on April 30th and May 7th at the best travel time and are already in high demand. Mundo Reisen and PAD-Reisen have put together a special program for travelers that consists of exclusive excursions and sightseeing. Roland Hüser, Managing Director of Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport, expressed his delight at the offer and emphasized the importance of direct flights to Rimini. The trips can be booked both via the PAD-Reisen website and in travel agencies and many regional cooperative banks.

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EU foreign policy chief proposes gradual easing of sanctions against Syria

Amely Mizzi 27 January 2025 11:42

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has put forward a proposal to gradually ease sanctions against Syria. During talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, Kallas said that measures necessary for the country's reconstruction could be taken first. The plan aims to support Syria's reconstruction by starting with targeted easing measures that should allow for an improvement in the humanitarian situation. Kallas stressed, however, that these easing measures will depend on developments on the ground and that strict measures against certain sectors and actors, such as Syrian Arab Airlines, could remain in place. The airline remains subject to EU sanctions that target the Syrian regime and its allies, among others. The proposal to ease sanctions comes amid growing international discussions about the possible normalisation of relations with Syria. Reconstruction of the country represents an enormous challenge, both financially and politically. Kallas explained that a gradual approach is needed to maintain the necessary pressure on the Syrian regime while improving the humanitarian situation.

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Jeju accident: First interim report published

Belinda Borg 27 January 2025 11:40

As part of the investigation into the tragic plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people in late December, preliminary investigations have suggested that bird strikes may have been the cause of the accident. Bird feathers and traces of blood were found in both engines of the crashed Boeing 737-800 operated by South Korean budget airline Jeju Air. DNA analysis revealed that the feathers and blood were from damsels, known as migratory birds in the region. These birds fly from their breeding grounds in Siberia to the Korean peninsula in winter. According to investigators, the plane's pilots identified a group of birds as they approached the runway. Surveillance footage shows the plane heading toward the birds during a go-around. Although bird strikes are considered a possible cause of the accident, there has been no information yet on whether the engines had failed before the crash. The preliminary investigation also found that both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder failed four minutes before the crash. The exact cause of the failure of these devices has not yet been determined. The Boeing 737-800 crashed on December 29, 2024 on a flight from Thailand to South Korea. During landing at Muan Airport, the aircraft overshot the runway without its landing gear extended, hit a concrete wall and burst into flames. Only two of the 181 passengers, including crew members, survived the accident. Investigators now plan to dismantle the aircraft's engines and examine the individual components in detail to further clarify the exact cause of the accident.

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European air traffic approaches pre-corona levels

Jan Gruber 27 January 2025 11:38

After the severe slump during the Corona pandemic, European air traffic has recovered significantly in 2024 and is almost at the level of 2019. According to the European air traffic control organization Eurocontrol, around 10,7 million flights were carried out in European airspace last year. This means that air traffic reached around 96 percent of the volume before the pandemic. Europe's airports recorded 1,28 billion passengers handled, an increase of seven percent compared to 2023. Although the overall figures are encouraging, a heterogeneous picture emerges when looking at regional developments. In southern Europe in particular, the 2019 level was exceeded in many places, with countries such as Spain, Greece and Portugal benefiting from strong tourist demand. In southeastern Europe, airspace recorded particularly high utilisation, which is due, among other things, to changes in routing. Airlines had to divert air traffic in central Europe due to temporary airspace closures during the summer. In contrast, northern and eastern European countries continue to lag behind. The Baltic and Scandinavian countries were particularly affected, with figures significantly lower than in 2019. The reasons for this include flight bans and airspace closures, which continue to have a negative impact on air traffic in these regions. The recovery in northwestern Europe also remains muted. While France and Ireland showed positive developments, other major markets such as Germany and Great Britain remained below pre-coronavirus levels. In European air traffic, network carriers continue to hold the largest market position with 36 percent, closely followed by low-cost airlines, which account for 34 percent of the market. Both segments are moving almost on a par, which reflects the growing influence of low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and

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Expansion of international rail traffic: Berlin and Paris to increase

Belinda Borg 27 January 2025 11:31

For a few weeks now, a direct ICE route has been connecting the capitals Berlin and Paris - an offer that has met with enormous popularity. Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the French national railway company SNCF are therefore planning to further expand the route network between Germany and France. The connection between Munich and Paris in particular is to be significantly strengthened in the future. The direct connection between Berlin and Paris, introduced in December 2024, is recording exceptionally high booking numbers, according to DB long-distance transport director Michael Peterson. In the first quarter of this year, train occupancy is often at 90 percent. It is particularly noteworthy that around 75 percent of travelers use the entire route from Berlin to Paris or vice versa, which indicates strong demand for direct connections between the two metropolises. Munich-Paris: An ambitious expansion plan In addition to the Berlin-Paris route, the connection between Munich and Paris is also coming into focus. According to SNCF long-distance transport director Alain Krakovitch, the plan is to offer up to five direct connections a day between the two cities from December 2026. This will be made possible by the expansion of the new station in Stuttgart, which will serve as an important hub. So far there is only one TGV that travels from Paris to Munich without changing trains. The increased frequency is intended to offer travellers greater flexibility in the future and significantly increase the attractiveness of this connection. According to current plans, both ICE and TGV trains are to be used on the route, which underlines the close cooperation between DB and SNCF. Significance for international long-distance transport The increasing demand for international train connections reflects a broad trend in European long-distance transport. The direct connection Berlin–Paris and the

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More articles from the category

Air Caraïbes and French Bee: Christine Ourmières-Widener leaves Groupe Dubreuil after tensions

MS-21: Serial production delayed until 2026

Alexander Klaws makes a comeback in Disney's musical Tarzan

Lufthansa introduces new culinary concept for short and medium-haul flights

Israel suspends commercial flights to Paphos, Cyprus for security reasons

Mundo Reisen and PAD-Reisen offer special trips from Paderborn/Lippstadt

EU foreign policy chief proposes gradual easing of sanctions against Syria

Jeju accident: First interim report published

European air traffic approaches pre-corona levels

Expansion of international rail traffic: Berlin and Paris to increase

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