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February 20, 2025

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February 20, 2025

Jet2 expects profit growth, but also sees challenges

Amely Mizzi February 20, 2025 10:49

Jet2, the UK's second-largest airline by passenger traffic, has raised its 2025 profit forecasts but warned that rising costs and delays in the delivery of new aircraft could affect the company's future profitability. Jet2 Group, which includes holiday airline Jet2.com and associated tour operator Jet2 Holidays, said in a financial statement dated February 19, 2025 that the trend towards last-minute bookings for summer 2025, as well as upward pressure on certain cost parameters, are causing concern. Jet2, the UK's largest package tour operator, has raised its 2025 profit forecasts by as much as 10%, to between £560 million and £570 million ($711 million to $724 million) for the financial year ending March 2025. This increase is partly due to the opening of two new hubs in the past twelve months, in Bournemouth and London-Luton. With the new hubs and the delivery of new aircraft to the fleet, summer capacity for 2025 will increase by 8,5% compared to 2023, with 18,6 million seats. Despite these positive figures, the company sees some challenges for the coming months. While deliveries of the new Airbus A321neo aircraft continue, 2025 of which will already be in the fleet by the peak of summer 23, there are delays in the delivery of 14 of these aircraft. These delays are expected to result in additional operating costs to cover the aircraft gaps in the summer schedule. At the same time, the company stresses the strategic importance of the A321neo aircraft in terms of economics, emissions reduction and customer experience. The company expects the ongoing strain on UK households

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MTU posts record profit again after year of losses

Jan Gruber February 20, 2025 10:34

After the first annual loss in its history, Munich-based engine manufacturer MTU has again had a record year in 2023. Despite the ongoing engine recall of thousands of Airbus jet engines, the DAX group returned clearly to the black in 2024 and earned more than one billion euros for the first time in day-to-day business before interest, taxes and special items. Last year, MTU increased sales by 18 percent to just under 7,5 billion euros, if the effects of the engine recall in both years are excluded. Operating profit adjusted for these and other special items rose by 28 percent to 1,05 billion euros. The bottom line was a profit of 764 million euros after a loss of almost 100 million euros in the previous year. At that time, MTU had set aside almost one billion euros for the engine recall. For 2025, MTU CEO Lars Wagner now expects sales of 8,7 to 8,9 billion euros and an adjusted operating profit that is expected to increase by around 15 percent. However, Wagner will leave the company during the course of the year and move to the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus. His successor at MTU will be former Lufthansa Technik boss Johannes Bussmann. MTU CFO Peter Kameritsch will also leave the group. On the stock market, MTU shares initially reacted with losses after analysts criticized the outflow of funds in the fourth quarter. CFO Peter Kameritsch explained this with the expenses for the engine recall. Since mid-2023, the MTU Group and its US partner "Pratt & Whitney" have had to repair around 3000 geared turbofan engines, which are mainly used in the Airbus jets from the A320 Neo model family. These Airbus machines are the most

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German travel passion: Spain and Turkey top the hit list

Belinda Borg February 20, 2025 10:05

Around 107,9 million people will set off on holiday from Germany in 2024. A recent analysis by travel tech company AirHelp shows that Germans prefer to travel within their own country. This is followed by European destinations such as Spain, Italy and Great Britain. In Africa, most holidaymakers are drawn to Morocco, while Turkey is the most popular destination in Asia. Within Europe, Germany tops the list of most popular travel destinations, followed by Spain and Italy. However, travelers to Italy and Great Britain had to expect more frequent flight disruptions than on flights within Germany. In Africa, Morocco is the most popular destination, followed by Tunisia and South Africa. However, flight disruptions in these countries are comparatively high. In Asia, Turkey dominates the travel market, followed by the United Arab Emirates and China. Flight delays and cancellations are also a problem here. In North America, the USA is the most popular travel destination, followed by Canada and Mexico. In South America, Brazil tops the list, followed by Argentina. AirHelp's analysis shows that European destinations have the fewest flight disruptions compared to other continents. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement. The company points out that many reasons for flight delays are beyond the control of airlines, such as weather conditions or medical emergencies. Passengers are only entitled to compensation if the airlines are responsible for the disruptions.

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German aviation lags behind recovery – Ryanair criticises high costs

Jan Gruber February 20, 2025 09:45

While the aviation industry worldwide is recovering from the challenges of the pandemic and in many places has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, Germany is lagging behind. According to Ryanair, passenger volume in January 2025 was only 77 percent of pre-pandemic levels. This makes Germany the worst-performing aviation market in Europe. Ryanair primarily blames the high costs for airlines in Germany for the sluggish recovery. These costs arise from government taxes and airport fees. Ryanair says it has to pay an average of 15,53 euros per passenger in taxes in Germany. In comparison, countries such as Hungary, Ireland and Poland, which have abolished such taxes, have already been able to increase their passenger volumes well above pre-crisis levels. The Irish low-cost airline has recently reduced its capacity at some German airports, such as Dresden, Hamburg and Leipzig/Halle. These airports would apparently have performed worse than others without Ryanair. Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson stressed that German air traffic is collapsing due to high costs, especially at the airports where Ryanair has cancelled flights for summer 2025. At the same time, Ryanair is growing at other German regional airports, where lower costs and fees allow the company to attract more traffic. The German aviation industry has experienced a slower recovery compared to other European markets. As early as April 2023, Simple Flying reported that Germany was the only major market that had not yet recovered. Ryanair's capacity in Germany was also already significantly lower in 2022 than before the pandemic, while it had already increased again in other markets. For 2025

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Air France-KLM and Amadeus revolutionize airline sales

Jan Gruber February 20, 2025 09:32

Air France-KLM and Amadeus have signed an agreement to take airline distribution into a new era with the pioneering Amadeus Nevio solution for native offer-order functionality. At the heart of this transformation is the application of the IATA ONE Order standard, which will improve the customer experience to meet the evolving needs of digital-savvy consumers. Typically, each booking generates multiple records and documents such as the Passenger Name Record (PNR), Electronic Ticket (ETK) and Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs). The partnership with Amadeus, based on the principles of modern airline retailing, will simplify operations and the customer experience by introducing a single, unified record (Order) - similar to what is done in e-commerce. With this transformation, Air France-KLM customers will benefit from: a unified travel record containing all their travel data including services provided by third parties; improved service capabilities that allow customers to more easily modify their travel and ancillary services; and more personalized offers that better meet their preferences and needs. “The move to modern airline retailing is a key pillar of our commercial strategy, which is also reflected in our broad commitment to the MOON program. With the power of the resulting sophisticated retailing systems, we will improve the customer experience. This will enable our customers to track their entire journey in a single, easily accessible record, receive more personalized offers that meet their various needs, and manage services themselves. I am confident that we will be able to realize this vision in the coming years in close collaboration with Amadeus, a long-standing and reliable technology partner.

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Samarkand International Airport records fastest growth in Europe and Central Asia

Stephen Steiner February 20, 2025 09:03

Samarkand International Airport has recorded the fastest growth in the Europe and Central Asia region in 2024, according to official figures from the Airports Council International (ACI). With 1,38 million passengers using the state-of-the-art terminal, the airport recorded a growth of 36,6 percent compared to 2023. Samarkand thus significantly outperformed the growth of second-placed Olbia Airport in Sardinia. While airports in Europe/Central Asia as a whole exceeded pre-pandemic passenger numbers in 2019, Samarkand grew by a remarkable 186 percent during the same period, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in the world. Ulugbek Shamsikulov, CEO of Air Marakanda, Samarkand's airport management company, attributes this growth to visionary investments in the modern terminal during the pandemic. The airport's expansion was largely driven by Uzbek entrepreneur and investor Bakhityor Fazilov, who entered into a key public-private partnership with the Uzbek government. The new terminal opened in early 2022 and has experienced record growth since then. Fazilov stresses that the airport's development is part of a comprehensive strategy to promote tourism in Samarkand, combining new infrastructure with the city's historical and traditional features. Samarkand's passenger traffic growth in 2024 was driven primarily by international flights. The most popular connections were to Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Jeddah, Moscow and St. Petersburg. The number of aircraft movements increased by 23 percent to 11.000 takeoffs and landings. At the end of 2024, the airport expanded its route network to three domestic and 23 international destinations.

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Oskar Werner and the “Silent Majority”: Theater meets pub culture

Jan Gruber February 20, 2025 08:36

The last performances of the play "Oskar Werner / Uncompromising in Rebirth" set a striking accent in the Viennese cultural scene. After celebrating over 50 sold-out performances at the Spitzer/Odeon Theater and the award of the Nestroy Special Prize 2024, the artist collective "The Silent Majority" is embarking on a unique tour through 23 historic inns and guesthouses in Vienna. Under the direction of Bernhard Dechant, Sophie Resch and Stefan Sterzinger, the unforgettable actor Oskar Werner and his relationship with alcohol will be illuminated in a new dimension. In the coming weeks, the Viennese theater landscape will be shaped by a special event that combines theater and inn culture. The play will be performed in 23 different locations, many of which have been run for over 100 years, with the atmosphere of each individual house providing the special setting for the dramatic exploration of the actor Oskar Werner. The decision to hold this tour in historic restaurants rather than in classic theater buildings is a conscious sign of the cultural roots in Viennese tradition. Who better to reflect on Werner's life and work than in the corners of old Viennese restaurants, where the actor himself might have been found? The title of the play, "Oskar Werner / Uncompromising in Rebirth," refers to a radical confrontation with one of the most important actors of the 20th century. Werner, whose name is associated with theater and film classics such as "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Marriage of Maria Braun," is shown in this production not only as an artist, but also as a human being in all his complexity and radicalness.

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Barig appeals to the new federal government: Strengthen air traffic

Stephen Steiner February 20, 2025 08:06

The Barig Association of Airlines (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany) is calling on the federal government to be formed after the federal election next Sunday to improve the framework conditions for air traffic in Germany. Michael Hoppe, Barig Chairman and Executive Director, emphasizes the importance of air traffic for the German economy and calls for a noticeable reduction in fees and costs. Hoppe refers to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, which show that almost 2024 million passengers will use German airports in 200. The aviation industry is facing major challenges and urgently needs political support to stimulate the ailing economy. The Barig Chairman criticizes the high fees and costs imposed on the industry by the federal government. These would massively damage the development of Germany as an export location. Hoppe also calls for a "level playing field" at EU level and fair framework conditions for air traffic. One-sided disadvantages such as those caused by the current version of the "ReFuel Aviation Initiative" must be revised quickly. The Barig Appeal underlines the importance of air transport for the German economy and the need for constructive cooperation between politics and the industry. The new federal government is called upon to set the course for a successful future for air transport.

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Road safety during carnival celebrations: Important information for drivers

Amely Mizzi February 20, 2025 07:35

Carnival time is a highlight of the year for many people. Colorful parades, exuberant celebrations and creative costumes characterize the streets and squares. However, anyone driving a car during this time should not lose sight of some important aspects of road safety. In particular, wearing elaborate costumes, consuming alcohol and possible damage during the parades pose particular challenges for road users. It is not uncommon for carnival enthusiasts to dress up for the festivities in imaginative costumes. While the costumes are a lot of fun, they also pose potential dangers in road traffic. Masks, wigs or bulky costumes can be particularly problematic if they restrict all-round visibility. "Anyone who gets behind the wheel in costume must ensure that visibility is guaranteed in all directions," explains Johann Kopinits, legal expert at ARBÖ. Costumes that restrict mobility or block legroom can lead to dangerous situations. In particular, clothing that gets caught on the pedals can have serious consequences in an emergency. In addition to visibility and freedom of movement, the correct handling of the vehicle also plays a role. The feet must be able to operate the pedals freely and unhindered at all times. Carelessly catching on the pedals or catching capes or costumes can prevent quick reactions in traffic. "Safe handling of the vehicle must always be guaranteed," Kopinits continues. Drinking and driving: A major risk As with many celebrations and festivities, the consumption of alcohol is also widespread at Carnival. However, all participants should remember that

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Cultural Events in Lower Austria

Amely Mizzi February 20, 2025 07:05

In the coming days, Lower Austria is offering a diverse cultural program for every taste. From classical to pop to cabaret, there is something for everyone. For families with small children, there is a "Baby in the Concert" special with German pop-rock by Amon at the Cinema Paradiso St. Pölten on Wednesday, February 19. Music lovers can look forward to "Blasmusik Goes Hollywood" with Thomas Gansch and the Blasmusik Supergroup at the Festspielhaus St. Pölten on Thursday, February 20. Christoph & Lollo will present their music cabaret "alles gut" at the Kulturwerkstatt Tischlerei Melk on the same day. Jazz fans will get their money's worth at the "Jazz Café Project" at the Theater am Steg in Baden. On Friday, February 21, "Italia mia carnevale" will be performed in the refectory of the Mauerbach Charterhouse as part of the Early Music concert series. Domo Emigrantes invite you on a musical journey through the Mediterranean at the Weinviertel Concert Hall in Ziersdorf on the same evening. The Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria, conducted by Jakob Lehmann, will be giving concerts with works by Mendelssohn and Bruckner in Baden and Wiener Neustadt. hauk will be presenting his new album “Alles Liebe” in Kottingbrunn on Friday, where Austropop fans will be treated to Ulli Bäer, Matthias Kempf and Andy Baum on Sunday. On Saturday, February 22, there will be Spanish music by Miriam Luna in Wolkersdorf and jazz by Jazzaznah! at Wolkersdorf Castle. The Mistelbach Symphonic Wind Orchestra will be presenting “Colors” of symphonic wind music on the same evening. Classical music lovers can look forward to a piano concert by Andreas Stockinger in Stift Seitenstetten on Sunday, February 23. Jimmy Schlager and Chris Heller will be bringing “Lästerlieder” to the TWW stage on the same day.

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