March 28, 2025

Helvetic Airways lands for the first time with Embraer E195-E2 at London City Airport

Belinda Borg March 28, 2025 11:03

The Swiss airline Helvetic Airways made aviation history again on March 26, 2025. For the first time, an Embraer E195-E2 aircraft touched down on the short runway at London City Airport in regular scheduled service. The flight was operated under wet lease for Swiss International Air Lines and departed from Zurich. With a length of 41,5 meters and 134 seats, the E195-E2 is the largest aircraft to operate at London City Airport to date. The landing represents a technical challenge, as the airport is only approved for selected aircraft types and specially trained pilots due to its steep approach angle and limited space. Helvetic Airways had already achieved a similar milestone in 2021 with a smaller Embraer E190-E2. This makes the airline the first in the world to operate with three different Embraer models at London City Airport. London City Airport is currently served by numerous Embraer aircraft, which account for approximately 75 percent of flight movements. Embraer is also developing an enhanced takeoff system for its E2 series, which is expected to significantly increase the range of the E195-E2 from London City Airport. Once certified, destinations such as Istanbul, Athens, and Cairo could also be directly accessible in the future.

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Start of the Wachau boat trip season: apricot blossom as a special highlight

Amely Mizzi March 28, 2025 10:02

The DDSG Blue Danube will resume scheduled service in the Wachau region on March 29, 2025. This marks the beginning of the new season of boat trips through the Danube Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts numerous visitors. A special highlight in spring is the apricot blossom season, which immerses the region in a sea of flowers from late March to mid-April. The route between Krems and Melk is operated daily and offers passengers views of the picturesque landscape with historic castles, vineyard terraces, and blooming orchards. The DDSG Blue Danube fleet includes the MS Dürnstein, MS Wachau, and MS Austria, among others. Regional specialties are served on board, including Wachau wines and apricot products. Another event marking the start of the season is the Krems Apricot Blossom Market on April 5, 2025. There, regional producers will offer a variety of specialties, from jams and spirits to wine. The market is a regular fixture in the region's events calendar and can be easily combined with a boat trip.

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Ryanair reaches record 200 million passengers

Stephen Steiner March 28, 2025 09:07

The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair surpassed the 2024 million passenger mark for the first time in the 2025/200 financial year. This makes Ryanair the first European airline to reach this milestone within a single year. The symbolic 200 millionth passenger, 84-year-old Maria Cornelia Vos, traveled from Fuerteventura to Madrid on March 26. Ryanair has continuously expanded its route network and fleet size in recent years. Despite rising costs, the company continues to assert itself as one of the most profitable airlines in Europe. Its low-fare offerings, in particular, contribute to Ryanair's high passenger numbers and its ability to hold its own against the competition. According to Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, the 200 million passengers have saved a total of around five billion euros compared to the fares of other airlines. This record underscores the airline's continued growth, which has further consolidated its position as a leading provider of European air transport in recent years.

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Sunscreen tested: Which product offers the best protection?

Stephen Steiner March 28, 2025 08:32

Protection from ultraviolet radiation is an essential component of skin care, especially on the face, which is most exposed to the sun. The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) therefore tested 12 sunscreens specifically for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. The results show that almost all of the tested products offer reliable protection – with one exception. At the same time, the study revealed potential for improvement in other areas. When evaluating UV protection, the VKI considered both UV-A and UV-B protection. UV-A rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to skin aging and the development of skin cancer. UV-B rays, on the other hand, are the main cause of sunburn and also play a role in the development of cancer. Eleven of the tested products provided reliable protection in both categories. Only one product failed the test: The "Ultra Sensitive Sun Fluid" from Bipa's own brand "BiCareSun" demonstrated insufficient protection against UV-B rays and was therefore rated "unsatisfactory." However, this is a discontinued model that is rarely available in stores. Application and skin feel: Good results for all products. In addition to the protective effect, the usability of the creams was also examined. Compared to traditional sunscreens, facial sunscreens often have a lighter texture that absorbs more quickly and leaves less white residue. According to the test subjects, all tested products performed well in this area. However, the VKI emphasizes that conventional sunscreens can also be used on the face without any problems – often at a lower price. Inadequate results in environmental compatibility. One area in which all tested products showed room for improvement was

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New destinations and more flights: Summer flight schedule for Leipzig/Halle and Dresden

Stephen Steiner March 28, 2025 08:03

The new summer flight schedule will come into effect at Leipzig/Halle and Dresden Airports on March 30, 2025. It will bring numerous additional connections to popular holiday destinations and expand the route network with new airlines. The schedule is valid until October 25, 2025. At Leipzig/Halle Airport, Marabu Airlines is adding a new connection to Chania on Crete. Freebird is adding Skopje to its schedule for the first time. Wizz Air is expanding its service with flights to Varna, in addition to the existing connections to Tirana and Bucharest. Turkish Airlines is increasing the frequency to Istanbul to daily flights. Universal Air is also launching a new route to Debrecen in Hungary. In total, the summer flight schedule from Leipzig/Halle includes 29 destinations in 13 countries, served by 27 airlines. Dresden Airport is also expanding its offerings. The number of flights to Antalya, Heraklion, Hurghada, Burgas, and Varna is growing particularly strongly. Antalya is becoming the leader with more than 100 additional flights. In addition, "momento" by sz-Reisen is offering new special flights to Barcelona, Rome, and Chalkidiki. Air Cairo is launching flights to Hurghada, and Corendon Europe is now serving Heraklion. Swiss will continue to connect Dresden with Zurich, and Lufthansa will fly up to four times a day to Frankfurt and Munich. These expansions will further improve connections between both airports. Up to 222 weekly departures are planned for Leipzig/Halle, and up to 111 flights per week for Dresden.

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US Army awards Boeing multi-million dollar contract for MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopter

Belinda Borg March 28, 2025 07:34

The U.S. Army has awarded Boeing a $240 million contract to remanufacture five additional MH-47G Block II Chinook special operations helicopters. This decision underscores the U.S. military's ongoing commitment to modernizing and expanding its special operations capabilities. The MH-47G Chinook is an advanced heavy-lift helicopter specifically designed to meet the needs of special operations. It will be operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), also known as the "Night Stalkers." This unit specializes in conducting covert and complex missions worldwide. The MH-47G offers enhanced capabilities for transporting troops and equipment under challenging conditions. Technological Improvements The Block II version of the MH-47G features several significant improvements, including a reinforced fuselage, redesigned fuel tanks, and modernized avionics systems. These upgrades significantly increase the helicopter's carrying capacity, range, and operational flexibility. The MH-47G is also equipped with in-flight refueling capabilities, enabling longer missions without a stopover. Strategic Importance This latest order brings the total number of MH-47G Block II Chinooks ordered by the U.S. Army to 51. Delivery of the five additional helicopters is scheduled to begin in 2027. Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager for cargo programs at Boeing, emphasized the importance of this expansion: "Supporting the needs of our special operations forces remains critical." The ongoing modernization of the helicopter fleet demonstrates the U.S. Army's commitment to equipping its special operations forces with the latest technologies. The MH-47G Block II Chinook is expected to play a central role in special operations forces operations for decades to come.

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Tui relocates Austrian headquarters to Vienna Airport

Stephen Steiner March 28, 2025 07:03

Tui, one of Austria's largest tour operators, has relocated its headquarters to Vienna Airport. The new office space at AirportCity was officially inaugurated on March 27, 2025. 1.600 employees now work in the approximately 4 m² modern Office Park 120. The proximity to Vienna Airport and the good connections to the transport network were highlighted as key advantages of the new location. Tui's decision to locate at Vienna Airport is seen as a strategic step that strengthens its cooperation with the airport and Austrian Airlines. Office Park 4 offers modern office and conference space and is part of AirportCity, a location with a comprehensive range of services and good infrastructure. Tui is a major player in the Austrian travel market and employs a total of 500 people in the country. The relocation of the headquarters to Vienna Airport is intended to increase efficiency and improve collaboration with partners. AirportCity at Vienna Airport is considered an attractive location for companies due to its good connections and modern facilities.

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Dramatic decline in flight bookings from Canada to the USA

Belinda Borg March 28, 2025 06:31

A recent report by travel information company OAG reveals a massive drop in flight bookings from Canada to the United States. According to the available data, advance bookings for the coming months have fallen by up to 75%. This development raises questions about the reasons behind this and its potential economic consequences. An analysis of the booking figures reveals a worrying trend. Compared to the previous year, reservations for flights from Canada to the USA between April and September 2025 have fallen drastically. While there were over 2024 million bookings in April 1,2, this year the number has fallen to just 295.982. This negative trend has continued in the following months, with the summer months being particularly affected. Airlines and travel experts attribute this development to several factors. On the one hand, the uncertain economic situation is causing hesitancy in travel planning, and on the other, the recent trade dispute between the USA and Canada is playing a central role. Impact of trade policy As early as the beginning of 2025, a study by the market research firm Leger had shown that almost half of Canadians (48%) were less inclined to travel to the USA. This reluctance may have been further exacerbated by the political tensions between the two countries. The CEO of the Canadian airline WestJet, Alexis von Hoensbroech, expressed his disappointment with the situation: "I am personally very disappointed with the development. A trade war is the last thing this country, this continent, or the world needs right now." The United States government had recently threatened to impose new, extensive tariffs on Canada and the European Union. Experts warn that such measures

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Aletta von Massenbach takes over the presidency of the airport association ADV

Belinda Borg March 28, 2025 06:03

Aletta von Massenbach has taken over the presidency of the German Airports Association (ADV) and presented a clear agenda for the next two years. The handover took place at an ADV reception, where von Massenbach received the chain of office from her vice presidents Lars Redeligx and Ludger van Bebber. As the new president of Germany's oldest aviation association, she sees the industry facing significant challenges and emphasizes the importance of air transport for global supply chains, trade, tourism, and diplomacy. Von Massenbach has formulated a six-point agenda aimed at increasing the competitiveness of airports, strengthening international connectivity, and securing user financing. The agenda includes, among other things, the reduction or elimination of taxes and fees to strengthen airports' international competition. Vice presidents Lars Redeligx and Ludger van Bebber support von Massenbach in her goals and emphasize the need for fair location conditions and strong connectivity for the German economy. Aletta von Massenbach has extensive experience in the aviation industry. Previously, she worked for Fraport AG, where she managed various airport projects worldwide, headed airports in Varna, Burgas, and Antalya, and most recently was responsible for Fraport's international operations at 6 airports. Her expertise and vision will help actively shape the future of German airports.

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Emergency landing in Tulsa: American Airlines flight diverted due to technical problems

Stephen Steiner March 28, 2025 05:33

An American Airlines flight en route from Milwaukee to Dallas/Fort Worth was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Tulsa on Monday, March 24, 2025. The diversion was necessary due to a technical issue. Although the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed, the incident highlights the challenges associated with aging aircraft fleets. The Airbus A320-200, registration N650AW, took off from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) at 11:22 a.m. local time, six minutes before its scheduled departure. After approximately two hours in the air, the crew elected to make an unscheduled landing at Tulsa International Airport (TUL), where the aircraft touched down safely at 13:27 p.m. According to American Airlines, there were no signs of external damage to the aircraft, and passengers were rebooked on alternate connections. A spokesperson for Tulsa Airport confirmed that the landing was uneventful. Aging fleets pose a challenge for airlines. At 26,8 years old, the aircraft in question is one of the oldest in the American Airlines fleet. The airline operates a total of 48 Airbus A320-200s, with an average age of 24 years. This makes them among the company's oldest aircraft. Aging aircraft increasingly pose economic and technical challenges for airlines. While regular maintenance ensures that aircraft remain operational even after decades, maintenance costs increase with age. Technical problems are not uncommon and can, as in the current case, lead to unforeseen diversions. Tulsa as a central maintenance center. Although Tulsa is not a primary hub for American Airlines, the maintenance location there is of great importance. The so-called Tech Ops

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More articles from the category

Helvetic Airways lands for the first time with Embraer E195-E2 at London City Airport

Start of the Wachau boat trip season: apricot blossom as a special highlight

Ryanair reaches record 200 million passengers

Sunscreen tested: Which product offers the best protection?

New destinations and more flights: Summer flight schedule for Leipzig/Halle and Dresden

US Army awards Boeing multi-million dollar contract for MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopter

Tui relocates Austrian headquarters to Vienna Airport

Dramatic decline in flight bookings from Canada to the USA

Aletta von Massenbach takes over the presidency of the airport association ADV

Emergency landing in Tulsa: American Airlines flight diverted due to technical problems

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