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April 28, 2025

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April 28, 2025

Trade conflict puts strain on tourism and aviation

Belinda Borg 28 April 2025 15:00

The ongoing trade conflict with the United States is leaving a significant mark on the global economy, with the tourism and aviation sectors particularly suffering. A recent analysis by credit insurer ACREDIA in collaboration with Allianz Trade warns of negative consequences such as rising costs for airlines, aircraft production bottlenecks, and a declining desire to travel, triggered by new US tariffs and political uncertainty. The analysis shows a significant decline in tourist numbers from Western Europe to the USA. In March 2025, the number of travelers from this region fell by 17 percent compared to the previous year. Tourists from Germany were particularly hard hit, with a decline of 28 percent, followed by Spain with 25 percent, according to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). The United States has traditionally been an important destination for international tourism, underscoring the dependence of many airlines on US business. Here, too, weaker demand is making itself felt, with average load factors on transatlantic flights declining from 84 percent at the beginning of the year to just 78 percent. Despite these challenges, European airlines appear to be comparatively well positioned, according to ACREDIA CEO Michael Kolb. Lower kerosene prices and more stable margins suggest average revenue growth of ten percent for 2025. However, rising aircraft prices and limited production capacities are weighing on airlines. The global aircraft order backlog reached a historic high of around 2024 aircraft at the end of 17.000, leading to extended delivery times and projected price increases of up to 20 percent by 2030. Kolb emphasizes that current economic developments are abruptly slowing the aviation industry's post-pandemic recovery.

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Bike Aid starts at the Tour of Türkiye

Stephen Steiner 28 April 2025 14:38

The German cycling team Bike Aid, sponsored by Corendon Airlines, will once again participate in the 60th edition of the Tour of Türkiye, which will take place from April 27 to May 4, 2025. The challenging tour spans eight stages and more than 1.100 kilometers, starting in Antalya and ending in Izmir. For Bike Aid, it is another opportunity to prove itself in international cycling. Corendon Airlines has been the main sponsor of the Bike Aid team since 2020 and supports the club not only in its sporting ambitions but also in its social projects. With over 1.250 active members, Bike Aid is the largest cycling club in Germany and is committed to equal opportunities in competitive sports. A special focus is on supporting African athletes, offering them platforms to establish themselves in international races and thus contributing to greater diversity in cycling. In addition to its partnership with Bike Aid, Corendon Airlines is involved in various other sports and supports several teams and events. These include the Turkish football club Alanyaspor, the English club Hull City, the running event Cappadocia Ultra-Trail, and the Turkish basketball team Anadolu Efes. Furthermore, the airline is active in sports such as tennis, rowing, and sailing, and operates its own tennis and football training centers in Antalya. Bike Aid's participation in the Tour of Türkiye underlines the team's sporting orientation and the ongoing support of Corendon Airlines. For the riders, the tour represents a significant challenge and an opportunity to compete with international competitors. The route runs from the Mediterranean coast to the

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Citizens research whales in the Mediterranean with scientists

Amely Mizzi 28 April 2025 14:01

For 38 years, the Tethys Research Institute has been enabling interested citizens to actively participate in scientific research in the Mediterranean. Expeditions allow people of all ages to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat and contribute to data collection alongside experienced researchers. No prior scientific knowledge or sailing experience is required to participate in the six-day trips in Italy's southwestern Mediterranean region. The motor-sailing boat Pelagos departs every Monday from Portosole Sanremo and accommodates a maximum of eleven participants, along with the skipper and the research team. The onboard language is English. Short information sessions are held daily to explain scientific methods and aspects of marine conservation. According to Nicolas Entrup, Director of International Relations at OceanCare, the data collected, including that from citizen researchers, is of great value for conservation measures for whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, for example, to prevent ship collisions. To make this experience possible for as many people as possible, the Tethys Research Institute is offering a 15 percent discount on all expeditions between the end of May and October 2025 for bookings received by mid-May. This initiative underscores the institute's approach to making science accessible to a broad audience while simultaneously obtaining important data for marine conservation. The opportunity to experience fin whales, sperm whales, and various dolphin species in the wild while contributing to research is a special experience. Since its inception, the Tethys Research Institute has pursued a participatory research approach and has gained valuable insights into marine fauna in the Mediterranean through the involvement of citizen scientists. The discount now offered is intended to attract even more

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Ryanair's departure from Billund: Significant price increase for European flights

Amely Mizzi 28 April 2025 13:49

The decision by the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair to cease serving Billund Airport in Denmark effective April 1 of this year has far-reaching consequences for pricing on European air routes. As the current Danish Aviation Price Index shows, ticket prices for European destinations from Billund have increased by an average of 87 percent. Some routes have even seen price increases of up to 1.100 percent. While other Danish airports, such as Copenhagen and Aalborg, have seen only moderate price increases, Billund is experiencing an unprecedented price increase. An analysis of the background and effects of this development sheds light on the changing competitive situation in European air transport. Ryanair's Withdrawal and Its Consequences Ryanair, known as an aggressive low-cost airline with a dense route network in Europe, had offered numerous connections from Billund for years. Destinations such as London, Barcelona, ​​and Rome were particularly affordable and easily accessible for travelers from Jutland. The airline's abrupt withdrawal eliminates a significant portion of the low-cost flight offerings, which has a direct impact on the pricing of the remaining providers. In particular, the discontinued routes on which Ryanair previously operated have been hit by drastic price increases. According to the Danish Aviation Price Index, fares on some routes have increased by up to 1.100 percent. For example, a ticket from Billund to London cost an average of around 150 kroner before Ryanair's withdrawal; today, travelers often have to pay more than 1.800 kroner – and this often includes a transfer. Lufthansa benefits: Transfers are the new normal. The direct connections that Ryanair previously offered have hardly been replaced. Instead, flights with at least one stopover now dominate, mostly via major European hubs such as

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Waris Dirie presents painting exhibition in Vienna

Belinda Borg 28 April 2025 13:33

The well-known activist and author Waris Dirie celebrated her debut as a visual artist on Wednesday evening at the Bank Austria Kunstforum Vienna with the opening of her exhibition "Mogadishu Blues." The five-day show offers a deep insight into Dirie's eventful life story, from her childhood in Somalia and her escape to personal emotions and the pain of loss, expressed in 29 powerful acrylic paintings. Dirie's self-taught works impress with their clear composition and decisive brushstrokes. Ö1 presenter Christine Scheucher emphasized that Dirie's paintings move impressively between figuration and abstraction, with each painting telling a story of survival, identity, and self-assertion. Dirie herself explained that the work on canvas is the result of her life, which she wanted to share with visitors. The exhibited works are not for regular sale but can be purchased as part of a donation to the Desert Flower Foundation, founded by Waris Dirie. This foundation campaigns against female genital mutilation worldwide and supports educational projects. Walter Lutschinger, Director of the Desert Flower Foundation, emphasized the shocking figure of approximately 250 million women affected worldwide and the eight schools the Foundation has already established. The opening event attracted numerous personalities from the arts, culture, and business worlds. The exhibition "Mogadishu Blues" will be on display at the Bank Austria Kunstforum Vienna until April 27, 2025, before embarking on an international tour, with planned stops in Paris and several German cities. Waris Dirie, who gained international acclaim through her autobiography "Desert Flower" and has been campaigning against female genital mutilation for decades,

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Vienna tourism records growth despite economic challenges

Amely Mizzi 28 April 2025 13:05

Vienna's tourism industry looks back on an overall positive 2024/2025 winter season, which saw increases in arrivals and overnight stays despite a difficult economic environment. After a strong start to the season and a slight slowdown in February and March, arrivals rose by 2,2 percent and overnight stays by 1,3 percent compared to the previous year. The months of November to January and April in particular contributed to this positive result. However, the economic situation in Germany also left its mark on Vienna's tourism industry, with a slight decline of 0,2 percent in overnight stays by German guests. The US market, on the other hand, performed well, recording significant growth of 12,7 percent and thus becoming one of the four most important source markets for Vienna, behind Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom. The average length of stay of guests in Vienna remained stable at 3,8 nights. Growth was particularly evident in Israel and Austria, while the United Kingdom suffered a slight loss of market share. It should be noted that the actual number of overnight stays may be even higher, as many stays in private accommodations are not statistically recorded. Vienna's tourism industry is cautiously optimistic about the coming summer season. The results of the winter season indicate that Vienna has maintained its attractiveness as a travel destination despite global economic fluctuations. The diversification of source markets, particularly strong growth from the United States, appears to have played an important role in stabilizing overnight stays. The cautious optimism for the summer suggests that the positive trend could continue.

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Free Wi-Fi above the clouds: New developments at international airlines

Amely Mizzi 28 April 2025 12:41

In the competition for passengers, international airlines are increasingly relying on free Wi-Fi on board. But despite promising announcements, not all passengers benefit equally from this new service. While some airlines promise general availability, others make free use dependent on certain memberships or booking classes. A closer look at recent developments reveals how diverse the strategies of the major airlines are – and the technological advances behind them. Delta Air Lines as a pioneer on transatlantic routes Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines in the United States, has already largely implemented the expansion of its Wi-Fi offering. Since the beginning of April of this year, passengers on most transatlantic routes, including connections to Europe, have had free access to high-speed internet. The service is marketed under the name "Delta Sync" and provided by T-Mobile. There is one condition, however: only members of the "Skymiles" frequent flyer program are permitted to use the free Wi-Fi. Registration for this program is free, but requires active registration, which may not be convenient for every passenger. Delta is also investing in the modernization of its regional fleet. Over 400 aircraft are to be equipped with Wi-Fi, with dual-network connectivity planned for the Boeing 717 fleet. This new technology allows simultaneous connection to two different satellite networks and should thus ensure a particularly stable and high-performance internet connection. From the end of 2026, newly delivered Airbus A350-1000 and A321neo aircraft will also have this technology as standard. American Airlines is following suit with its own plans. American Airlines also announced that it will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi starting in January 2026. The prerequisite for this

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AUVA and the Federal Army agree on closer cooperation in acute medical care

Belinda Borg 28 April 2025 12:31

The Austrian General Accident Insurance Institution (AUVA) and the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMLV) have signed a memorandum of understanding for closer cooperation in the area of ​​acute medical care in crisis and disaster situations. The goal of the cooperation is to provide comprehensive care in such situations through closer integration of military and civilian resources. Federal Minister Klaudia Tanner and AUVA Director General Alexander Bernart reaffirmed the importance of this strategic partnership on Thursday. The cooperation is intended not only to improve acute medical care in emergencies, but also to facilitate the care of members of the Austrian Armed Forces. Another focus is on pooling the strengths of both institutions, for example through joint training and continuing education measures. Defense Minister Tanner emphasized that the Austrian Armed Forces' medical expertise will increase the efficiency of the AUVA. AUVA Director General Bernart emphasized that the exchange of knowledge and experience strengthens medical care and contributes to the sustainable development of both institutions. In the interest of efficient use of state structures, AUVA and BMLV strive to increase efficiency and reduce costs. To implement these joint goals, a task force will be established to develop a detailed concept by summer 2025. AUVA Chairman Mario Watz emphasized that the cooperation makes a significant contribution to strengthening trauma care and creates synergies that increase both efficiency and improve the security of care. This strategic partnership between AUVA and the Austrian Armed Forces demonstrates an approach to strengthening central care and security structures in Austria through targeted cooperation. The pooling of resources and expertise is intended to increase the country's resilience in crisis situations in the long term and improve care for the population.

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Air Astana launches direct flight Atyrau-Baku

Stephen Steiner 28 April 2025 12:08

The Kazakh airline Air Astana is further expanding its route network and will offer a new non-stop service between Atyrau in western Kazakhstan and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, starting May 31, 2025. The airline will operate the route three times a week with Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, complementing the existing connections between Almaty and Baku. The new flight is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. According to the schedule, flight KC277 departs Atyrau at 18:30 p.m. on Mondays and Saturdays and arrives in Baku at 18:55 p.m. local time after a flight duration of one hour and 25 minutes. On Wednesdays, the flight departs Atyrau at 21:35 p.m. and arrives in Baku at 22:00 p.m. The return flight KC278 departs Baku on Mondays and Saturdays at 19:55 PM and arrives in Atyrau at 22:30 PM. The Wednesday connection departs Baku at 23:00 PM and arrives in Atyrau the following day at 01:35 AM. The launch of this new direct connection underlines Air Astana's commitment to improving connectivity between Kazakhstan and its neighboring countries in the region. Atyrau is a major industrial city in Kazakhstan, particularly in the oil and gas sector, while Baku is an important political, economic, and cultural center of Azerbaijan. The new route is therefore expected to be important for both business travelers and tourism exchanges. Air Astana already offers existing flights from Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, to Baku, which also operate three times a week during the summer months. The new direct connection from Atyrau expands the offering for

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Chinese airlines on the rise: shift in the air transport market between Europe and China

Belinda Borg 28 April 2025 11:43

The geopolitical tensions of recent years, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and the deteriorating relations between the United States and China, have had a profound impact on the international aviation industry. This is particularly noticeable on routes between Europe and China, where Chinese airlines are increasingly gaining the upper hand. Due to the restricted use of Russian airspace and rising operating costs, European airlines are being forced to reduce capacity. In turn, Chinese providers are seizing the opportunity to massively expand their offerings to Europe. This development could permanently shift the balance of power in international air traffic. Extended flight times weaken European airlines. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, direct overflights over Russian territory have become impossible for many Western airlines. This is forcing European airlines to make significant detours on their flights to China and Asia, which significantly increases both flight times and operating costs. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), these detours increase fuel costs by an average of 15 to 20 percent per flight. For European airlines, this represents a significant reduction in their competitiveness. Additional costs can only be passed on to customers to a limited extent, as Chinese providers can offer their tickets at cheaper prices. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Finnair, which traditionally operate strong networks between Europe and Asia, are particularly affected. Chinese airlines are seizing the opportunity. Chinese airlines have quickly filled the gaps created by limited competition. Data from aviation analysis firm Cirium shows that the number of flights between China and Europe will increase by around 2025 percent in the second quarter of 17.

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