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February 6, 2025

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February 6, 2025

Germany: Federal government uses Bundeswehr air force for 1.822 official flights

Jan Gruber 6. February 2025 11:24

Since Chancellor Olaf Scholz took office in December 2021, the federal government has used the Bundeswehr's aircraft and helicopters for official purposes a total of 1.822 times. This figure emerges from a response from the Ministry of Defense to a request from Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen (Die Linke) and highlights how intensively the Bundeswehr's air readiness has been used by the ministries in recent years. While the Chancellery requested the aircraft most frequently, use by other ministries was also not insignificant. The leader in official flights is the Chancellery, which carried out a total of 2021 flights between the swearing-in of the federal government in December 2024 and the end of 611. This figure shows the high frequency of trips that are necessary as part of the official business of the Chancellor and other members of the government. The Chancellor himself, in particular, regularly uses the Bundeswehr's aircraft for his trips abroad. As a rule, one of the three Airbus A350s provided for the Chancellor's international flights is used. These aircraft not only offer space for the Chancellor's extensive entourage, but are also equipped with the necessary technology to ensure secure communication at the highest level. The range of the Airbus A350 is 18.000 kilometers, which enables flights to distant destinations without a stopover. Other ministries in air traffic After the Chancellery, the Foreign Office follows with 363 flights, the Ministry of Defense with 168 and the Ministry of the Interior with 155 flights. The figures make it clear that the air readiness is an important factor not only for the Chancellor, but also for other ministries and their representatives.

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Bulgaria's decision for the F-16 Viper: A significant step for the air force

Jan Gruber 6. February 2025 11:15

On February 3, 2025, the first F-16 Viper built by Lockheed Martin was delivered to the Bulgarian Air Force in Greenville, South Carolina. This move marks an important milestone in the modernization of the Bulgarian Air Force, which plans to replace its existing fleet of 12 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29s with the modern Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70s. The deal is not only a sign of Bulgaria's growing military ambitions, but also of the strengthened strategic relations between Bulgaria and the United States. The purchase of the F-16 Viper is described by Bulgaria as "a determined effort" to improve the capabilities of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. As Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev stressed in a statement in January 2023, this is "a huge project that reflects a determined effort to strengthen our country's defense capability." The replacement of the older MiG-29s with the F-16 Block 70 represents a fundamental change in Bulgaria's military aviation. The F-16 Block 70: A top-of-the-range multirole fighter aircraft The F-16 Fighting Falcon, also known as the Viper, is one of the world's most recognizable and versatile combat aircraft. Since its launch, it has won more than 30 air forces around the world as customers, including the US military, which uses the F-16 as an aggressor aircraft. The Block 70 model, which Bulgaria is now integrating into its air force, represents the latest evolution of the F-16 series and offers a range of advanced technologies that significantly expand the aircraft's capabilities. The Block 70 model is specifically designed for long-term use and offers a number of improvements over previous versions, particularly in the area of

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Embraer and Flexjet conclude historic billion-dollar deal: fleet expansion by 182 jets

Belinda Borg 6. February 2025 11:02

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and US aviation company Flexjet recently signed a groundbreaking agreement, valued at up to $7 billion, which is considered the largest order in the history of both companies. Under the agreement, Flexjet will order a total of 182 Embraer business aircraft, including the Praetor 600, Praetor 500 and the improved version of the Phenom 300E, and Flexjet has also secured an option for 30 additional aircraft and comprehensive services. This contract agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Embraer and Flexjet, which has already existed for around 20 years. The order will almost double Flexjet's fleet over the next five years and underscores the company's commitment to further expand its global business travel and private aviation services. Most notably, Flexjet becomes the first fleet customer for Embraer's Praetor jets, which gives the agreement special significance. A decisive step for Flexjet Flexjet is one of the leading companies in the private aviation sector, offering tailor-made flight experiences to business travelers as well as private customers. With this record order, the company is ensuring that it can continue to operate a modern and high-performance fleet that meets the high demands of its international clientele. The expansion of the fleet will enable Flexjet to further expand its services in both the North American and European markets. Flexjet's fleet will include a variety of state-of-the-art Embraer jets, including the Praetor 600 and 500, as well as the latest version of the Phenom 300E. These aircraft are characterized by their high efficiency, range and luxurious interior

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Accidents on winter holidays: Which insurances really make sense

Amely Mizzi 6. February 2025 11:01

Winter sports are very popular, but they also carry considerable risks. Every year, thousands of skiers, snowboarders and tobogganers have accidents, often with serious injuries. While many accidents can be avoided by being careful and using suitable equipment, the question of suitable insurance cover is still raised. According to the Association for Consumer Information (VKI), some policies are essential, while others seem dispensable. Private liability insurance is particularly important, as winter sports enthusiasts can be liable for high damages if they cause an accident. In Austria, this insurance is usually included in household insurance and covers claims for damages. Experts recommend a high insurance sum of at least 1,5 million euros. In addition, private accident insurance is recommended, which covers permanent damage after a fall or collision in particular. Special attention is paid to rescue costs, especially for helicopter rescues, which are not covered by statutory health insurance. Private accident insurance, credit card insurance or memberships in alpine and motoring clubs can help here. Travel cancellation insurance can be useful for trips booked long-term, while separate ski insurance for the theft of sports equipment is not worthwhile in most cases. The VKI recommends an individual risk analysis in order to avoid unnecessary premium payments and to protect yourself against scenarios that threaten your existence.

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European transport sector warns of cuts in the EU transport budget

Amely Mizzi 6. February 2025 10:58

The European transport sector has urged the European Commission and EU member states to stick to a centrally managed European transport budget. The call comes against the backdrop of proposals to divert funds to national programmes, which the industry believes could jeopardise pan-European mobility. The European Union is facing a number of challenges - from geopolitical tensions to the impacts of climate change - that require a continued strong and well-coordinated transport structure. In an increasingly interconnected world, an efficient transport network operating across borders is essential. It plays a key role in economic growth, military mobility and the resilience of supply chains. A strong trans-European transport network not only enables the free movement of goods and people within the internal market, but also strengthens European competitiveness in a global context. The European transport sector stresses that investment in infrastructure is essential to ensure Europe's competitiveness. Especially at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing uncertainties, the EU must continue to develop and strengthen its transport strategy. Connecting member states via a modern and reliable transport network is one of the pillars that will stabilise Europe as an economic and political union in the long term. Threat posed by national programmes The call for a stable and centrally managed EU transport budget is the response to recent proposals to divert funds from this budget to national programmes. Industry officials are warning of the negative impact of these decisions. If such a shift in funds were to take place, it could jeopardise the coherence and efficiency of the entire European transport network.

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Tui Group withdraws Boeing 787-8 from Brussels – Strategic adjustment of long-haul flights

Amely Mizzi 6. February 2025 10:54

Tui Group, one of the largest international tour operators, has announced a significant change in its long-haul flight strategy. From the 2025/2026 winter season, the airline will withdraw its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet from Brussels and discontinue long-haul connections from there. This decision is part of a comprehensive adjustment of its fleet strategy, in which Tui aims to use its aircraft more efficiently. The decision to reduce long-haul flights to destinations in the Caribbean, such as Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Cancun (Mexico) and Curaçao, was taken due to declining demand and economic considerations. Declining demand and economic challenges Tui has faced steady pressure on the profitability of its long-haul flights from Belgium in recent years. Despite repeated adjustments in the flight schedule to meet the needs of the market, demand for long-haul destinations such as the Caribbean islands and Mexico remained below expectations. In particular, flights to Punta Cana, Cancun and Curaçao failed to reach the forecast passenger numbers. Economic uncertainty, competition with other providers and changing customer travel patterns are likely to have contributed to this negative trend. Tui had already invested in the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner years ago to expand its long-haul fleet and to open up new markets with the state-of-the-art aircraft. The Dreamliners are characterized by their efficiency and comfortable cabin, which makes them an attractive choice for long-haul flights. Nevertheless, the company has decided to focus more on medium-haul flights, as these have more stable demand and promise higher profitability. Consolidation of long-haul flights and restructuring of the fleet The decision to bring the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Brussels

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Helicopter crash in northern Italy claims three lives, including CEO of Rovagnati

Belinda Borg 6. February 2025 10:50

A tragic helicopter crash occurred on the evening of February 5, 2025 near Parma in northern Italy. Three people were killed, including the CEO of the renowned charcuterie company Rovagnati, Lorenzo Rovagnati. The accident occurred at around 19:00 p.m. local time on a private property belonging to the Rovagnati family. The exact cause of the accident is still unclear. The helicopter involved was an AgustaWestland AW109 SP Grand New (registration number I-CPFL), which was apparently confronted with thick fog in the region. According to reports from the Italian news agency ANSA and the newspaper La Stampa, Lorenzo Rovagnati, 41 years old, was one of the victims. He had run the family business together with his brother Ferruccio. The other two fatalities are said to have been the pilots of the helicopter. The responsible authorities have already launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Although reports point to thick fog as a possible weather condition, it is not yet confirmed whether the weather actually played a role in the accident. Further details on the accident are still awaited.

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DHL Group and Neste intensify cooperation to decarbonize the transport sector

Belinda Borg 6. February 2025 10:46

DHL Group and Neste have agreed on a deeper partnership to drive the decarbonization of the logistics sector. The aim is to use renewable solutions such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel in the air and road transport chain. In particular, the companies want to explore how Neste can provide its renewable fuels to DHL Group to reduce CO2 emissions in transport. As part of the cooperation, DHL Group plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By 2030, two-thirds of last-mile delivery vehicles are to be electrified and the share of sustainable fuels in transport is to increase to more than 30%. Neste will help DHL Group achieve these goals by supplying renewable diesel and SAF. In air transport in particular, a gradual delivery of around 300.000 tonnes of unblended SAF is to be made by 2030. The two companies have already been working together successfully for several years, including in the area of ​​SAF deliveries. As part of the new partnership, solutions for road transport will now also be developed. The cooperation aims to support the logistics industry with innovative, emission-reducing fuels and to support DHL Group in implementing its ambitious climate goals.

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Luxair specifies use of the Embraer E195-E2 for new routes

Stephen Steiner 6. February 2025 10:42

Luxair has further specified the flight schedule for its new Embraer E195-E2. From January 20, 2026, the Luxembourg airline will use the aircraft for the first time on the route from Luxembourg to Munich, followed by the connection to Vienna, which will be served from January 21, 2026. A connection to Berlin is also planned from February 13, 2026. The introduction of the Embraer E195-E2 is part of the modernization of the airline's aircraft fleet and is intended to offer a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to serve the routes. The new aircraft has space for up to 132 passengers and will primarily be used on shorter routes between Luxembourg and major European cities. With this expansion of the flight schedule, Luxair is strengthening its presence in the important German and Austrian markets and will offer its passengers even more flexibility and comfort on these routes in the future. The portal Aeroroutes.com was the first to report on the flight schedule data.

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Ryanair records passenger growth in January 2025

Stephen Steiner 6. February 2025 10:32

The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair carried around 2025 million passengers in January 12,4. This represents an increase of two percent compared to the same month last year, when 12,2 million passengers were counted. The load factor increased by two percentage points to 91 percent. Growth is also evident in the longer-term comparison: In the past twelve months, Ryanair carried a total of 197,4 million passengers, an increase of eight percent compared to the same period last year. The average load factor remained stable at 94 percent. The airline attributes the comparatively low growth in January to delays in the delivery of new Boeing aircraft. A total of 38 aircraft were not ready for use on time, which slowed down planned growth. Ryanair has nevertheless announced that it will continue to expand its route network and provide additional capacity in summer 2025.

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