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February 3, 2025

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February 3, 2025

Collision in Washington: Discrepancies in flight altitudes

Amely Mizzi 3. February 2025 11:50

Last Wednesday evening, a dramatic aircraft collision occurred in the US capital Washington DC, resulting in the worst aviation accident in the United States in more than 20 years. During a botched landing approach to Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA), an American Airlines passenger plane and a UH-60 military helicopter collided. Both planes crashed, killing a total of 67 people - 60 passengers and 4 crew members of the American Airlines plane, and 3 crew members of the helicopter. Investigations into the cause of the collision are currently in full swing. A particularly critical point in the investigation is a discrepancy in the altitude information provided by the two aircraft involved. According to the data from the flight recorder, the American Airlines passenger plane was at an altitude of 325 feet (about 99 meters) at the time of the collision, with a tolerance of plus or minus 25 feet (about 7,6 meters). In contrast, the control tower stated that the military helicopter was flying at an altitude of only 200 feet (approx. 61 meters). The exact reason for these different altitude readings is currently unclear, and investigators are working hard to investigate this discrepancy. The US accident investigation authority NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) stated that the data is still preliminary and that this is an early stage of the investigation. The recovery of data from the military helicopter's flight recorder, which was damaged by water ingress, also presents additional challenges for investigators. Todd Inman, a spokesman for the NTSB, emphasized that there were differing opinions within the team as to whether the discrepancy in the published altitudes

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Lufthansa and ITA Airways: New benefits for passengers announced

Amely Mizzi 3. February 2025 11:41

The Lufthansa Group's recent investment in the Italian airline ITA Airways represents an important step in the further expansion and networking of the Lufthansa Group. Soon after the announcement of the takeover, the first concrete advantages for passengers of both airlines will be noticeable. This applies to the use of frequent flyer programs, optimized airport processes and an expanded selection of flight connections. While the integration is taking place gradually, those responsible at the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways are already presenting a series of measures designed to improve travel comfort for passengers. Frequent flyer programs and synergies with miles and points One of the first major innovations is the expansion of the frequent flyer programs of both airlines. From now on, all 36 million members of Lufthansa's own "Miles & More" program can collect and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. In return, the 2,7 million members of the ITA Airways "Volare" program can now use their collected points on all flights of Lufthansa Group airlines such as Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines. This networking of the frequent flyer programs ensures that travelers can benefit from a significantly expanded network and more flexibility in the future. This optimizes the frequent flyer experience beyond the usual boundaries. Airport relocation and shortened transfer times Another noticeable advantage for passengers of the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways will take effect with the start of the summer flight schedule on March 30, 2025: From this point on, ITA Airways flights will be handled in the Lufthansa Group terminals at the most important hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. In Frankfurt, ITA Airways will be housed in Terminal 1, while in Munich the changeover

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Tui decommissions last Boeing 767

Belinda Borg 3. February 2025 11:37

The aircraft fleet of any aviation company plays a crucial role in meeting operational requirements and ensuring efficiency and safety. Fleet modernisation is a necessary but often costly process that allows airlines to replace their older aircraft with newer, more efficient models. Tui's recent move to remove the last Boeing 767s from its fleet not only marks the end of an era for the company, but also a milestone in the aviation sector, as the model is increasingly being replaced by the newer generation of aircraft. In November 2024, Tui flew its last Boeing 767 on a commercial passenger flight. The flight, number OR1605, took off from Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, on November 4 and landed in Amsterdam after a journey of around four and a half hours. The aircraft type had been a central pillar in the fleet of Tui and its predecessor companies until that point. The Boeing 767, known for its versatility and efficiency on medium-haul routes, entered service in 2000 and was one of the most important aircraft in Tui's operations for several decades. The last example, with the registration PH-OYJ, was welcomed with a ceremonial gesture at Amsterdam Airport. After landing in Amsterdam, the aircraft was flown to Istanbul for further modification and maintenance, before eventually travelling to the USA. There it was converted for future use as a cargo aircraft. Tui did not explain at this time how the aircraft would be used in the future, but the aircraft's journey to retirement indicates the final farewell to a model that

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TAAG Angola Airlines celebrates the arrival of the first Dreamliner

Jan Gruber 3. February 2025 11:29

TAAG Angola Airlines has taken a significant step in the modernization of its fleet with the arrival of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a B787-9, in Luanda, Angola, on January 29, 2025. The arrival of this state-of-the-art aircraft, which operates under the registration D2-TEQ and the name “Namibe”, is a key element of the airline’s long-term growth strategy. The Dreamliner is intended not only to increase the company’s efficiency and versatility, but also to make an important contribution to the expansion of its route network. In the future, TAAG Angola Airlines will welcome a total of four Dreamliners, including a 787-9 and two larger 787-10s, to its fleet. A special livery and a symbol of independence TAAG Angola Airlines’ new aircraft stands out not only for its advanced technology, but also for its unique design. The newly designed livery, reflecting the Angolan origins, prominently features the depiction of the “Palanca” on the aircraft’s tail and engine nacelles. The Palanca is the national animal of Angola, a red antelope-like animal that is considered a national symbol of freedom and pride. This striking design is intended to underline the country’s cultural identity and showcase national belonging in the aviation world. Another distinctive feature of the aircraft is the special logo introduced in honor of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence. On November 11, 2025, Angola will celebrate half a century since its liberation from colonial rule, a historic event marked with the slogan “Angola 50 years: preserving and appreciating the achievements achieved, building a better future.” These celebrations are not only intended to celebrate national

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Tragic crash of a Jet Rescue Learjet 55 in Philadelphia

Amely Mizzi 3. February 2025 11:23

On January 31, 2025, a Learjet 55 belonging to the medical air rescue company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed shortly after takeoff from North Philadelphia Airport. The crash occurred just two days after a collision between a civilian aircraft and a US Army helicopter, raising renewed questions about air safety. The Learjet, flying under the Mexican registration XA-UCI, was on a medical evacuation mission and was en route from Philadelphia to an as yet undisclosed destination. The aircraft was carrying a total of six people: the pilot, the co-pilot, two emergency medical technicians, a doctor, a patient - a young girl - and the child's mother. All occupants died in the crash. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the aircraft, said in an initial statement that it extended its "deepest sympathy and condolences" to the affected families and relatives of the crew. The crash: A dramatic end to a medical flight The crash of the Learjet 55 occurred shortly after takeoff from runway 24 at North Philadelphia Airport at around 18:06 p.m. local time. According to the authorities, the aircraft initially climbed to an altitude of 1.650 feet (approx. 500 meters) when it suddenly began a dramatic descent. According to the initial data from the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), the aircraft fell at an alarming rate of 11.000 feet per minute, indicating an abrupt and severe crash. The last reported speed of the aircraft before impact was 247 knots (approx. 457 km/h). The impact was so severe that the

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Boeing struggles with delivery delays

Jan Gruber 3. February 2025 11:18

Boeing continues to be under intensive supervision by the US aviation authority FAA. In 2024, the aircraft manufacturer had to contend with a mechanics strike lasting several weeks and other challenges, which led to a significant decline in deliveries. Last year, Boeing was only able to deliver 348 aircraft. However, the company expects a noticeable improvement for 2025, particularly in the 737 Max and 787 programs, and hopes that the strict supervisory requirements will be relaxed. In the case of the 737 Max, the FAA had limited the monthly rate of deliveries to 737 aircraft after an incident involving an incorrectly installed emergency exit panel on an Alaska Airlines 9 Max 38. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed the hope that this cap would be lifted later this year, which would increase production rates for the Max series. In this case, up to 2025 aircraft could be delivered per month by the end of 42. The integration of the acquired supplier Spirit Aerosystems will also contribute to an increase in production figures. The long-haul 787 program is also struggling with delivery problems. In 2024, only 51 units of the Dreamliner were delivered, significantly fewer than Boeing originally expected. For 2025, Boeing is aiming to increase production, with a planned rate of seven 787s per month and a total of up to 80 deliveries. The situation is particularly striking at Lufthansa, whose 787-9 aircraft have already been completed in Charleston, but are awaiting final FAA approval of the new business class seats. Boeing and Lufthansa hope that deliveries can be completed soon, as soon as the necessary approval tests are passed.

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ASL Airlines France announces new summer flights to Pristina

Stephen Steiner 3. February 2025 11:14

ASL Airlines France is expanding its route network with two new summer connections to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. From July 3, 2025, weekly non-stop flights will be offered from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Lyon. These new routes are aimed primarily at the Kosovar diaspora and travelers who want to explore the region. The flights will be operated as part of the 2025 summer schedule, which also includes existing and new connections within France, as well as to Algeria and other international destinations. With this expansion, ASL Airlines France is responding to the increasing demand and growing interest in flights between Europe and Kosovo.

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Air Belgium lays off nearly 130 employees as part of the restructuring to Air One Belgium

Stephen Steiner 3. February 2025 11:09

Belgian airline Air Belgium is facing a drastic restructuring. Almost 130 employees will be laid off as part of the transformation into Air One Belgium, a new subsidiary that will focus exclusively on cargo transport in the future. The employees concerned, who have already been on short-time work since October, will lose their jobs when the airline transfers its operating license to the new company between the end of March and the beginning of April. This decision follows the approval of the sale of Air Belgium to the Dutch PESO Aviation Management and the British Air One Holding International, which operate one of the largest cargo aircraft fleets in the world. The restructuring affects around 50% of Air Belgium's total of 401 employees. Only around 197 employees, including pilots, will remain as part of the restructuring. Air Belgium had originally considered keeping part of its workforce employed through passenger charter flights, but this plan has since been abandoned. The decision was confirmed by CEO Niky Terzakis, who stressed the significance of the restructuring. Terzakis explained that Air Belgium's passenger flights will not resume under the new company name Air One Belgium. Instead, the focus will be on expanding its cargo business. The move follows a court approval in December and represents another change for the Belgian airline, which has faced repeated financial and operational challenges in recent years.

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Lawsuits filed against airport expansion in Leipzig/Halle

Belinda Borg 3. February 2025 11:00

Ten lawsuits have been filed against the planned expansion work at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The deadline for substantiating the lawsuits ends in mid-February 2025. It is expected that the proceedings will take some time. The plaintiffs, including environmental protection associations as well as business people and private individuals, are opposed to the expansion of the airport, which is primarily intended to increase air freight capacity. The expansion of the airport was approved by the State Directorate of Saxony in September 2024. The planned expansion affects an area of ​​39 hectares on the apron in order to increase handling capacity for cargo aircraft. In particular, the shipping company DHL Express is planning to expand its logistics hub at the airport. With an investment of around 500 million euros, Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG wants to strengthen the location in the long term. Leipzig/Halle Airport is already the second largest cargo airport in Germany and the fifth largest air freight hub in Europe. In 2023 and 2024, however, air freight volumes stagnated at around 1,4 million tons. The proceedings are expected to last several months. After the reasons for the lawsuits have been stated, the State Directorate of Saxony will be given the opportunity to comment before a further exchange of arguments takes place. A final verdict on the lawsuits is therefore not yet foreseeable.

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Henri Country House Kitzbühel opens with a big celebration

Belinda Borg 3. February 2025 10:56

The Henri Country House Kitzbühel was officially opened last Friday. Just a few weeks after the opening, the ceremonial inauguration took place in the midst of prominent guests such as former Olympic champion Maria Riesch, Sandra Abt from the AlpenHerz traditional costume manufacturer and many other personalities. With Tyrolean delicacies, fine wines and music, the hotel was transformed into a convivial meeting place that offered a lively atmosphere until the early hours of the morning. The opening was a complete success and attracted not only the prominent guest list, but also numerous guests who enjoyed the special flair of the house. The Henri Country House, a new boutique hotel, relies on a visionary concept that combines tradition with innovation. In his speech, Managing Director Eckart Buss emphasized the importance of further developing existing properties using a sustainable approach. The focus is on redesigning historic buildings for the future while preserving their regional character. Together with JP Hospitality, the hotel was extensively renovated and now shines in new splendor. The concept behind the hotel renovation aims to revitalize aging buildings in exclusive travel destinations with potential. With 77 individually designed rooms, a modern spa area and a unique mix of alpine cosiness and contemporary design, the Henri Country House offers its guests a special experience in the heart of Kitzbühel. Hotel director Susanne Grill emphasizes that the hotel fills a gap in the market in the region and offers a perfect combination of boutique style and warm hospitality.

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