Français »
German "
Search
February 18, 2025

More articles from the category

February 18, 2025

Mass layoffs at the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after fatal aircraft accident

Amely Mizzi 18. February 2025 14:08

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has laid off several hundred employees, just weeks after a devastating air crash in Washington, DC, in which 67 people lost their lives. The terminations were made by email and mainly affected employees on probation. The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union sharply criticized the measure, complaining that there were no performance or behavioral reasons for the dismissals. The tragic accident occurred when an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to investigations, only a single air traffic controller was on duty at the time of the accident, indicating severe staff shortages at the FAA. Nevertheless, the Trump administration, supported by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk, has pushed ahead with the layoffs. In a statement, President Donald Trump blamed the government's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for the accident and announced his intention to improve safety in US air traffic. At the same time, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to introduce a new, advanced air traffic control system. However, industry experts have expressed concerns that the staff cuts could further exacerbate the already strained staffing situation and affect air traffic safety. The layoffs at the FAA are part of comprehensive public sector cuts initiated by the Trump administration and the DOGE. These measures affect several federal agencies and have already led to considerable discussion about the impact on public safety and the efficiency of government work.

Continue reading "

Baby Fanta is born on board a Brussels Airlines flight

Amely Mizzi 18. February 2025 13:35

During a flight from Dakar to Brussels, a woman gave birth to a healthy baby girl on board a Brussels Airlines aircraft. Despite the unusual circumstances, the birth proceeded without complications, thanks to the courageous intervention of the cabin crew and helpful passengers, including a nurse and a doctor. The mother, who was 32 weeks pregnant, went into labor shortly after the flight took off. The crew reacted immediately and sought medical assistance on board. The nurse, who had just completed her exams, took over the care of the expectant mother together with the doctor. Despite initial concerns that the birth would take place on the plane, everything went well. The mother gave birth to the little girl, who was named Fanta, on the floor of the plane. The airline published a photo of the happy flight attendant with the newborn in her arms and wished little Fanta all the best for her future.

Continue reading "

Namibia introduces visa requirement for German tourists

Belinda Borg 18. February 2025 13:01

From April 1, 2025, German citizens must apply for a visa to enter Namibia. This was announced by the Federal Foreign Office in its updated travel advice. Until now, German tourists could enter the southwest African country visa-free for up to 90 days per year. Travelers can apply for the visa online or at the Namibian embassy in Berlin. It is currently unclear whether and how a visa on arrival will be available. The Namibian Ministry of the Interior only announced that the introduction of such a visa is planned and that further information will follow shortly. Namibia is a popular travel destination for nature lovers and adventurers. The vast landscapes, wildlife and national parks such as Etosha National Park attract numerous tourists every year. The new visa requirement could make travel planning a little more complicated for German vacationers. The airline Discover Airlines currently offers direct flights from Frankfurt to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

Continue reading "

Drug and alcohol tests force Samoa Airways to cancel all flights

Jan Gruber 18. February 2025 12:39

Samoa Airways, the national airline of the Pacific island nation of Samoa, was forced to cancel all scheduled flights at short notice on February 12. The reason for this was a massive shortage of staff after an internal drug and alcohol test revealed several positive test results among employees. The airline then had to charter aircraft from a competitor in order to maintain operations. According to the airline, around ten percent of the employees tested failed the drug test. Three employees tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and cannabis and were subsequently provisionally suspended. Six other employees had elevated alcohol levels and received official warnings. They were tested again, but the results were still pending at the time of publication. In addition, a pilot tested positive for prescription sleeping pills. However, after a second test with a negative result, he was allowed to return to work. The tests were carried out by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) and are part of the airline's internal safety guidelines, which require regular drug and alcohol tests for staff. Effects on flight operations The suspension of the affected employees resulted in an acute shortage of personnel, which led to the suspension of all flight operations for a day. Samoa Airways CEO Fauo'o Fatu Tielu explained to the Samoa Observer newspaper that in addition to the absence of one pilot due to the drug test, two other pilots were unavailable due to illness, another pilot was on vacation and another did not have the necessary flight hours. In order to be able to carry out the canceled flights, Samoa Airways had to contact Talofa Airways, a regional competitor, at short notice.

Continue reading "

ITA Airways expands route network in Spain through cooperation with Iryo

Amely Mizzi 18. February 2025 12:35

The Italian airline ITA Airways has entered into a new intermodal partnership with the Spanish high-speed train operator Iryo to expand its route network in Spain. Passengers will now be able to combine ITA Airways flights with Iryo train connections on a "single ticket" and thus travel seamlessly to destinations that ITA Airways does not fly directly to. The cooperation now enables travelers to reach the cities of Córdoba, Valencia, Alicante, Seville and Málaga by flight and train from Madrid. Iryo is a Spanish high-speed train company that belongs to the Italian state railway FS Group. ITA Airways already works closely with the FS Group in the area of ​​rail transport in Italy. With the new partnership, ITA Airways is significantly expanding its offering in Spain and offering travelers more flexibility and comfort. The combination of flight and train connections makes it possible to reach cities that do not have an airport or are only accessible with difficulty. This strategic decision underlines ITA Airways' commitment to intermodal travel and strengthens the airline's position in the Spanish market.

Continue reading "

Anton Corbijn presents retrospective at the Bank Austria Kunstforum Vienna

Stephen Steiner 18. February 2025 12:06

The Dutch photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn is celebrating his 70th birthday with a comprehensive retrospective at the Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien. The exhibition "Anton Corbijn - Favourite Darkness" will show almost 15 of the artist's works from February 29 to June 2025, 200, including iconic portraits of personalities from music, film, literature and fashion. Curated by Lisa Ortner-Kreil, the show offers a comprehensive insight into Corbijn's work and his formative contributions to pop culture since the 1970s. For the exhibition, Corbijn interrupted filming of his new thriller "Switzerland" in Rome, in which Helen Mirren plays the author Patricia Highsmith. For the opening in the Palais Ferstel, the German actor Lars Eidinger traveled directly from the Berlinale to give a laudatory speech for the anniversary artist. Eidinger previously opened the international film festival with Tom Tykwer's feature film "The Light" and is himself known as a photo artist with two published illustrated books. The exhibition not only highlights Corbijn's photographic work, but also his work as a music video director, album designer and filmmaker. Particular attention is paid to his formative visual contributions for bands such as Depeche Mode and U2. Parallel to the exhibition, the Vienna Gartenbaukino is showing a retrospective of Corbijn's film work, including his directorial debut "Control" (2007) and other feature films such as "The American" (2010), "A Most Wanted Man" (2014) and "Life" (2015). The director of the Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien, Ingried Brugger, emphasises the significance of the exhibition: “Anton Corbijn has created iconic works that have shaped the public image of pop culture since the 1970s.” The exhibition “Favourite Darkness” is more than a presentation of his

Continue reading "

Gatwick: British Airways takes over Boeing hangars

Belinda Borg 18. February 2025 11:37

British Airways plans to take over Boeing's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at London Gatwick Airport. With this move, the airline not only secures a strategically important facility, but also creates new jobs and strengthens its technical infrastructure. The acquisition of Boeing's maintenance base in Gatwick is an essential part of British Airways' expansion strategy in the technical field. The purchase will provide the airline with a modern hangar facility that will enable it to carry out maintenance and servicing of part of its fleet directly on site. The existing workforce at the Boeing maintenance facility will be transferred to the newly established subsidiary British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG). This unit complements the company's already established maintenance locations in South Wales (British Airways Engineering Wales, BAEW) and Glasgow (British Airways Maintenance Glasgow, BAMG). According to British Airways, the transfer of employees will take place in the second quarter of 2025, subject to a consultation process with employees. British Airways also plans to recruit additional staff for the Gatwick site in the future. Andy Best, Chief Technical Officer of British Airways, was positive about the development: "This investment helps us to be the best in the industry by integrating the skills and expertise of former Boeing employees into our company." Benefits for flight operations By taking over the Boeing site, British Airways can carry out minor maintenance on its Boeing 777s directly at Gatwick, while also taking on heavier maintenance for the Airbus A320 and A321 fleet in-house. This reduces the need to move aircraft to other sites for maintenance and improves operational efficiency. In addition, the increased

Continue reading "

“Kleinod am Ring” opens – New meeting place for night owls in Vienna

Stephen Steiner 18. February 2025 11:32

The Viennese bar scene is getting a new hotspot with the opening of the "Kleinod am Ring" on Wednesday evening. The operators of the "Kleinod" group, who have already received several awards for their cocktail creations and hospitality, are expanding their offering with a concept that combines a bar, dance floor and gastronomy. The new location is located at a traditional address, which was previously home to the "Comida y Ron" and the "Red Room". The upper area of ​​the "Kleinod am Ring" offers a classic American bar with upscale bar cuisine and a sharing dinner concept. The lower area is designed as a cocktail club with a dance floor. The design, inspired by luxury yachts, was created by Ben Julian Toth, who has already designed several of the group's restaurants. In the warmer months, a spacious guest garden also invites you to linger. The opening attracted numerous prominent guests from business, culture and the media, including representatives from ORF, ProSiebenSat.1 PULS 4 and well-known restaurateurs and artists. State Secretary for Tourism Susanne Kraus-Winkler was also among the visitors. With the new location, the "Kleinod" group is further expanding its position in the Viennese bar scene and is focusing on an expanded gastronomic offering under the direction of head chef Felix Albiez.

Continue reading "

Eviation lays off most of its workforce and seeks financing

Stephen Steiner 18. February 2025 11:00

Eviation, known for developing an all-electric nine-seat aircraft, has laid off most of its employees. This decision was made while the company is looking for additional funding to continue the development of its aircraft. According to two sources familiar with the situation, the measure was necessary to secure financial resources for the project. Eviation CEO Andre Stein said in a statement that the company is proud of the progress it has made so far in the development of electric aviation. He stressed that the layoffs are a necessary step to focus on the right opportunities and drive developments more efficiently. Details of the company's financial situation and future direction have not yet been disclosed. However, the layoffs and the search for further funding raise questions about the future of Eviation and its ambitious project. The electric aircraft industry is competitive, and many companies face the challenge of developing innovative technologies while remaining financially sustainable.

Continue reading "

More solo travelers on United Airlines – trend continues

Jan Gruber 18. February 2025 10:38

The number of solo travelers on United Airlines increased by around five percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. This continues a trend that has been ongoing for years, with more and more people flying unaccompanied - be it for professional or personal reasons. According to the airline, interest in solo travel has increased sharply in the last ten years. Google searches on this topic have increased by 223 percent. According to United Airlines, members of Generation Z are particularly well represented among solo travelers: around 70 percent of this age group fly unaccompanied. Among millennials, the proportion is 65 percent, while among baby boomers it is 57 percent. The most popular travel times for solo travelers are between January and May and between September and November. Preferred long-haul destinations include China, South Korea, Brazil, India and Nigeria. United Airlines also notes that passengers traveling alone are increasingly using the airline's digital services. These include the AI-powered travel inspiration of the United inflight magazine as well as various digital services such as the Terminal Guide, seat selection and live updates for iPhone and Apple Watch. The airline is thus increasingly relying on technology-supported offers to improve comfort for solo travelers.

Continue reading "

Navigation

Visit us on

Facebook f X-twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Telegram rss Threads Google Hm-mail-open Wordpress
login logo

Aviation.Direct is published with love in and