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April 4, 2025

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April 4, 2025

SkyUp MT receives IOSA certification for highest safety standards

Amely Mizzi 4 April 2025 11:02

The European airline SkyUp MT Limited has successfully completed the IOSA audit conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The certification confirms compliance with the highest safety and quality standards in air transport. The audit, which is considered an internationally recognized benchmark for safety management, is based on industry best practices as well as requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). SkyUp MT Limited, which belongs to the international SkyUp™ brand with Ukrainian roots, received its European Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) in May 2023 and has since operated flights for international partners in the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) segment. Inclusion in the IOSA register is considered proof of the airline's reliability for both passengers and business partners. Dmytro Sieroukhov, Accountable Manager of SkyUp MT, emphasized that this certification will strengthen the airline's competitiveness and enable new strategic partnerships. The parent company, SkyUp Airlines from Ukraine, had already successfully completed the IOSA audit in 2023. To maintain their status in the IOSA register, airlines must undergo a re-audit every two years. IOSA certification is considered a crucial criterion for airlines that want to position themselves internationally as safe and reliable providers.

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Saudia launches direct flights from Jeddah to Vienna

Belinda Borg 4 April 2025 10:06

The Saudi Arabian airline Saudia has launched a new seasonal flight between Jeddah and Vienna. Since April 1, 2025, the route has been served three times a week with an Airbus A320. With the introduction of this connection, the national airline is expanding its international route network to over 100 destinations on four continents. Vienna is one of the newest destinations of particular interest to tourists and business travelers from Saudi Arabia. The inaugural flight, number SV151, departed at 10:00 a.m. local time from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and arrived at Vienna Airport at 14:25 p.m. Return flights to Saudi Arabia will depart the same day at 15:45 p.m. In addition to the connection from Jeddah, Saudia plans to launch flights from Riyadh to Vienna starting in June 2025. The route is scheduled to be offered until September 6, 2025, with weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. By launching the Vienna route, Saudia is responding to the growing demand for direct connections between the Middle East and Central Europe. Austria has seen growing interest from Saudi Arabian tourists for years, particularly due to Vienna's cultural attractions and shopping opportunities. The Saudi airline is focusing on expanded flight offerings to further strengthen connections between the two regions and expand its international reach.

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Dortmund Airport records passenger growth despite upcoming challenges

Belinda Borg 4 April 2025 09:09

Dortmund Airport recorded an increase in passenger numbers in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 676.987 travelers used the Ruhr region airport, representing an increase of 6,5 percent compared to the same period last year. The number of takeoffs and landings also increased by more than ten percent to 8163 flight movements. Despite weather-related cancellations and a one-day warning strike by the ver.di union, the airport reached its busiest month of the year to date in March, with almost 237.000 passengers. Airport Managing Director Ludger van Bebber assesses the development as positive but points to challenges ahead. Since the start of the summer flight schedule, Ryanair has withdrawn from the Dortmund base, and Eurowings has reduced its range of destinations. This could slow growth in the coming months. Nevertheless, van Bebber remains optimistic that new connections and higher frequencies from Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines, and Condor will help keep the route network attractive and stabilize passenger levels. The air traffic trend at Dortmund Airport reflects the general trend of rising passenger numbers at German regional airports. Growing demand for direct European connections and increasing tourism traffic are key factors driving this development. The long-term impact of the loss of Ryanair and the reduced presence of Eurowings on the airport remains to be seen. The airport operators are committed to quickly compensating for lost volume through new partnerships with other airlines.

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Tanzania: Precision Air on the road to recovery

Belinda Borg 4 April 2025 08:37

Precision Air, a leading regional airline in Tanzania, is showing signs of financial recovery after the significant challenges of recent years. Through targeted measures in the areas of operational optimization, fleet management, and market expansion, the company is aiming for sustainable stabilization. In 2023, Precision Air recorded an operating loss of 2,9 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately 1,1 million US dollars), a significant reduction from the loss of 28,9 billion shillings in 2020. This positive development is attributed to improvements in operational efficiency, cost optimization, and an increased focus on customer service. Passenger numbers increased from 470.624 in 2018 to 481.981 in 2023, with load factor increasing from 53% to 65%. Revenue grew by 38% from 97,9 billion shillings to 134,7 billion shillings over the same period. Fleet Strategy and Technology Investments Precision Air's current fleet comprises five ATR 72-500s, three ATR 42-500s, and one ATR 42-600. The company plans to maximize fleet utilization and introduce jets for specific routes in the future to further increase operational efficiency. Investments are also being made in technological solutions to optimize processes and increase productivity. Another focus is on expanding into underserved markets, as demonstrated by the recently launched route to Iringa. This strategy aims to increase market presence and tap into new revenue streams. Support from government infrastructure projects plays a crucial role in this. Challenges and Future Outlook Despite these positive developments, Precision Air's financial situation remains strained. In 2023, a net loss of 57,38 billion shillings (approximately XNUMX billion U.S. dollars) was reported.

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Interim report on the plane crash in Lithuania published

Belinda Borg 4 April 2025 08:01

More than four months after the crash of a cargo plane from Germany in Lithuania, authorities there have published a 30-page interim report. According to the report, there is no evidence of sabotage or terrorist activity. This was stated by Justice Minister Rimantas Mockus at a press conference in Vilnius. However, the investigation is ongoing, with the aim of presenting a final report as soon as possible. The plane, belonging to the Spanish company Swiftair, was en route from Leipzig to Vilnius on November 25, 2024, when it crashed into a residential area near the airport shortly before landing. One crew member was killed, and three others – a Spaniard, a German, and a Lithuanian – survived with injuries. According to Lithuanian authorities, this is one of the worst air crashes in the country's history since independence in 1990. The report by the Lithuanian investigators is based on initial investigations by the security authorities and largely confirms the assessments of the Lithuanian Prosecutor General's Office. Human error is suspected to be the most likely cause of the crash. Apparently, the hydraulic system responsible for extending the landing flaps was deactivated, leading to loss of control and the crash. The investigation is now underway to determine how this momentous decision could have occurred in the cockpit.

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Embraer intensifies international cooperation with Türkiye and Poland

Stephen Steiner 4 April 2025 07:39

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is intensifying its international cooperation efforts to expand its production capacities and enter new markets. Recent agreements with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and Polish partners underscore this strategic direction. On April 1, 2025, Embraer and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the LAAD Defense & Security trade fair in Rio de Janeiro. This agreement aims to explore opportunities for a comprehensive industrial partnership, particularly in the area of ​​research and development. A key aspect of the collaboration could be the establishment of a final assembly line for Embraer's E2 jet family in Turkey. Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "Embraer is excited about these significant opportunities with Turkish Aerospace. Their expertise in aerospace production and assembly perfectly matches our strategic objectives." Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace, emphasized the relevance of the cooperation for the Turkish defense and aviation industry: "This memorandum marks a significant milestone for the Turkish defense and aviation industry. Through our collaboration with Embraer, we aim to further enhance our technological capabilities and shape the future of aviation." Expanding cooperation with Poland At the same time, Embraer is intensifying its relations with Poland. In March 2025, CEO Francisco Gomes Neto visited Warsaw to explore potential partnerships in aircraft production and maintenance. A key focus is the establishment of a final assembly line for the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in Poland. This project could generate economic value of approximately one billion US dollars and create around 600 local jobs. Embraer is also considering

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Debate over night flight ban at BER: Ryanair calls for relaxation

Amely Mizzi 4 April 2025 07:02

The debate surrounding the night flight ban at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is gaining momentum again. A recent study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), concludes that the strict night flight ban is limiting the competitiveness of Berlin Airport. The study highlights that capacity restrictions are weakening Berlin as a location internationally and are causing airlines to prefer to base their aircraft at more flexible airports outside Germany. Ryanair sees the study's findings as vindication and is calling for a relaxation of the nighttime operating restrictions. According to the Irish airline, the current regulations are leading to economic disadvantages, as diversions and restrictions incur high additional costs. The airline argues that a moderate adjustment of the night flight ban, particularly for unforeseeable events such as weather-related delays, is necessary to ensure smoother flight operations. Ryanair is receiving support from the Berlin Aviation Initiative, an alliance of chambers of commerce, industry representatives, and airport operators. The initiative is calling for an adjustment of existing regulations to make Berlin more competitive as an international aviation location. The debate comes at a time of economic challenges, when industry experts and companies are increasingly pushing for deregulation. Critics of the proposed relaxations, however, point out that the night flight ban also serves to protect local residents and was politically decided for noise protection reasons. Whether the regulations will be changed remains to be seen. In any case, Ryanair is demanding a swift response and an adjustment of the existing regulations from the head of the Berlin-Brandenburg Aviation Authority (LuBB), Carsten Diekmann.

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US approves multi-billion dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines

Amely Mizzi 4 April 2025 06:31

The United States has approved the sale of 20 state-of-the-art F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, valued at $5,58 billion. This decision follows US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's visit to the region, during which he met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., among others. The planned upgrade of the Philippine Air Force is a further sign of deepening security cooperation between Washington and Manila. China, however, views the arms transfer critically and warns of an escalation of tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the Philippine government has officially requested 16 F-16C Block 70/72 and four F-16D Block 70/72 fighter jets. In addition to the aircraft, the deal also includes associated engines and technical equipment. The US State Department emphasized that the sale not only strengthens the Philippines' defense capabilities but also promotes the strategic partnership between the two countries. "The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enhancing the security posture of a strategic partner that continues to be a major force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia," the US State Department said in a statement. The Philippines is considered one of the US's most important allies in Asia and occupies a key geopolitical position in the Indo-Pacific. The delivery of modern fighter jets is intended to improve the island nation's defense capabilities, particularly in light of growing tensions in the South China Sea, where conflicts with China over maritime territorial claims repeatedly arise. Background: Rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The territorial disputes

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Croatia strengthens international flight connections for summer 2025

Belinda Borg 4 April 2025 06:08

Croatia expects a significant expansion of its international flight offerings in summer 2025. According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, the country will be connected to 122 foreign cities. The summer flight schedule, which runs from the end of March to the end of October, includes around 485 domestic and international flights. This is expected to represent an increase in flight movements of around two percent compared to the previous year. Connections to London, Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna are particularly strong. The Croatian government and the tourism authority are specifically committed to improving air connectivity, particularly for the southern regions of the country, which rely on international tourism. A strategic goal is to boost tourism outside of peak season. Over three million euros are available for this purpose to promote new connections and expand existing routes. Around 40 new flight connections are planned to be introduced, including long-haul flights to the USA, Canada, Korea, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Particularly high passenger numbers are expected at the airports in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Most flights to Croatia depart from German, British, French, Italian, and Polish airports. Among the airports with the highest frequency on Croatian routes are Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, and London Gatwick. With a total of 54 airlines flying to Croatia in summer 2025, the offering will be diversified. Ryanair plans to connect over 60 European cities with Croatian airports, while Croatia Airlines will serve more than 30 destinations. EasyJet, Eurowings, and Lufthansa are also among the largest providers. The Croatian authorities expect this development to further boost tourism and

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Dispute over passenger rights: Airlines for Europe criticizes compensation regulations

Stephen Steiner 4 April 2025 05:37

The debate about airline passenger rights has reached a new level of escalation. At the recent summit of Airlines for Europe (A4E), a lobby group representing European airlines, several high-ranking representatives expressed criticism of existing passenger rights within the European Union. At the center of the debate is EU Regulation 261/2004, which grants passengers compensation for delays and cancellations under certain circumstances. Consumer protection organizations view the airlines' demands as an attempt to undermine existing protection mechanisms, while airlines, for their part, emphasize that the regulations in their current form are financially burdensome and are being exploited. Strong criticism from the airlines The CEOs of Air France-KLM and Ryanair were particularly outspoken. Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, criticized the fact that it is currently possible to purchase a plane ticket for 100 euros and receive several hundred euros in compensation in the event of a delay. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary went even further, calling the existing regulation a "damned scam." He argued that the system primarily favored law firms specializing in compensation claims. Such statements caused outrage among consumer advocates. The Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) accused airline bosses of ignoring passengers' interests. According to APRA, delays and cancellations are far more than just inconveniences—they can have significant consequences for those affected, such as missed business meetings, missed family celebrations, or significant psychological distress. EU Regulation 261/2004: A fair compromise? Current European legislation stipulates that airlines must pay compensation under certain circumstances when flights are delayed or canceled. At the same time, the regulation protects airlines.

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