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July 22, 2025

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July 22, 2025

Amedia Hotel in Linz sold: Will become Dormero DeHo Linz from 2026

Jan Gruber July 22, 2025 11:17

The Soravia real estate group, a leading market player in the DACH region, has sold the Amedia Hotel on Prinz-Eugen-Straße in Linz. The buyer of the property is the investor Ben Dahlheim. This change of ownership ushers in a new development phase for the established hotel location: Starting in January 2026, the internationally active Dormero Group will take over operations and operate the hotel under the name Dormero DeHo Linz. With this sale, Soravia is continuing its long-term strategy of developing properties with strong partners and positioning them for the future. The hotel property in Linz will not only remain as a location but will also become part of Dormero's growing brand portfolio. The Dormero Group is known for modern city hotels, a clear brand identity, and distinctive design. This indicates a realignment of the hotel that could target a specific guest segmentation. Soravia, with a realized project volume of over €7,6 billion, is one of the leading players in Austria and Germany. The company has over 140 years of experience in the construction and real estate business and covers the entire life cycle of a property, from project development to investment and asset management, hospitality, property, and facility management. Soravia's portfolio is complemented by corporate investments such as numa, Ruby Hotels, and LOISIUM. The sale of the Amedia Hotel and its acquisition by the Dormero Group underscore the dynamism in the hotel market, particularly in the city hotel sector. Such transactions enable owners to focus on core competencies and operators to expand their brand presence. For Linz, the conversion to a Dormero Hotel enriches the hotel offering, which is based on modern

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Schauinsland-Reisen reaffirms its loyalty to stationary travel agency sales

Amely Mizzi July 22, 2025 11:06

The tour operator Schauinsland-Reisen has reaffirmed its clear commitment to brick-and-mortar travel agency sales for the upcoming 2025/26 financial year. Despite renewed and significant sales growth, the company is maintaining its existing commission policy. This includes both the tiered commission levels and the level of compensation for travel agencies, demonstrating consistency in a dynamic market environment. Travel agencies will continue to receive a commission of 10 percent from the first booking and can achieve up to 13 percent with corresponding performance. Those belonging to a franchise system or cooperative can also benefit from special agreements. Schauinsland-Reisen sees this commission policy as a central promise of quality and an expression of appreciation for its sales partners. The operator continues to consciously refrain from sales incentives such as vouchers, which could reduce the travel agencies' earnings. Even discounted offers will continue to be paid at the full commission rate. A key component of the commission structure is the complete integration of the modular specialist Explorer, which is experiencing strong sales growth. Schauinsland-Reisen's sales partners benefit from this in two ways: They gain access to an expanded product range and can simultaneously rely on a stable commission basis. This strategy aims to further strengthen the partnership with travel agencies and secure them a reliable source of income. Anja Dammann, Head of Partner Sales at Schauinsland-Reisen, emphasized the core message to travel agencies: "You can rely on us. Even in a constantly changing market environment, we rely on reliability, stability, and fairness." She emphasized that, thanks to continuous sales growth and significantly rising average sales, more and more partners are achieving the top commission. The company is happy to invest in this.

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Air India 171: India calls in 787 experts and refutes suicide theory

Stephen Steiner July 22, 2025 10:30

The investigation into the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171, which killed 260 people, is taking a new turn. India has brought in an experienced Boeing 787 expert to determine the cause of the crash, while strongly warning against jumping to conclusions, particularly the suicide theory favored by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Air Accident Investigation Board of India (AAIB) is emphasizing that it is investigating "significant clues" on the aircraft wreckage that could point to a technical malfunction, possibly an electrical fire in the tail section. The case is dividing the international community of aviation accident investigators and underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the search for the truth. The Air India 171 tragedy: A case with many questions. On the day of the crash of Air India Flight 171, the exact circumstances of which are still the subject of intensive investigation, an unprecedented tragedy occurred that claimed the lives of 260 people. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8, crashed after takeoff, leaving behind a field of debris that raises countless questions. Such events deeply shock not only the families of the victims, but also the entire aviation community, which always strives to learn from mistakes and continuously improve air traffic safety. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) faces the daunting task of determining the exact cause of this accident. In a step that underscores the seriousness of the Indian investigation, Captain RS Sandhu has now been called in. Sandhu, who worked for Air India for 39 years and, among other things, worked as an inspector on the 787 fleet, is considered a recognized expert on this aircraft type. His expertise should help to clarify technical aspects

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Artificial intelligence is changing German travel habits: trend towards AI-supported vacation planning

Stephen Steiner July 22, 2025 10:10

The way Germans plan and book their summer trips is undergoing a profound change. A new report by the financial technology platform Adyen reveals a sharp increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel booking. Almost a third of German travelers (32 percent) now rely on AI for vacation planning – a jump of 72 percent over the previous year. Particularly noteworthy is that not only younger generations such as Gen Z and Millennials are adopting the technology, but baby boomers are also experiencing extraordinary growth of 106 percent compared to 2024. This trend indicates that AI is not only revolutionizing booking behavior but is also forcing the hospitality industry to adapt its business strategies and invest in new technologies to meet changing customer expectations. The triumph of AI in travel planning The results of the "Adyen Index: Hospitality & Travel Report 2025," based on a survey of 40.000 consumers and over 8.000 hoteliers worldwide, clearly demonstrate how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel industry. Almost a third of Germans (32 percent) are already using AI for vacation planning, representing a remarkable growth of 72 percent within a single year. This development underscores how quickly the technology is penetrating consumers' everyday lives and influencing their decisions. A surprising detail of the report is its broad acceptance across all age groups. While Gen Z (62 percent) and Millennials (46 percent) remain, as expected, the most active AI users, Baby Boomers recorded an increase of 106 percent and Generation X 95 percent.

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Investigation report into Jeju Air crash suggests operator error after bird strike

Belinda Borg July 22, 2025 10:02

An interim report by the South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Bureau (ARAIB) has revealed new, shocking details about the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport (MWX) on December 29, 2024, in which 179 people lost their lives. The findings, presented to the victims' families on July 19, 2025, indicate that the disaster may have been triggered by pilot error, who accidentally shut down the wrong, still-functioning engine after a bird strike. However, these findings, based on flight data and cockpit voice recordings, have met with fierce opposition from the victims' families and the pilots' association, who criticize an overly one-sided focus on human error and demand further investigations. The Crash and Initial Investigation Results On December 29, 2024, a Boeing 737-800 belonging to the South Korean airline Jeju Air crashed on approach to Muan International Airport (MWX). The aircraft, carrying 179 people, crash-landed and collided with a concrete embankment beyond the runway, killing all occupants. The incident caused worldwide shock and led to an immediate and comprehensive investigation by South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB). A preliminary report, published in January 2025, had identified bird strikes as the probable cause of the accident. At that time, DNA from pintails, a species of duck common in East Asia, was found in both engines. The original interpretation was that damage to both engines had led to extensive electrical and hydraulic failures, causing the crash. Bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation and

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Wizz Air flight makes emergency landing in Amsterdam after smoke in the cockpit

Amely Mizzi July 22, 2025 10:01

A Wizz Air flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Sunday after smoke began to spread from the cockpit. Flight W9-5390, an Airbus A321neo (registration G-WUKP), was en route from Poznań, Poland, to London Luton. The quick actions of the crew and emergency services prevented a worse situation. The aircraft crew immediately issued a Mayday call, triggering a comprehensive emergency response at Amsterdam Airport. Numerous emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire engines, and a medical helicopter, were on standby. The more than 200 passengers on board the aircraft were safely evacuated; no injuries were reported. The pilots were examined by medical personnel as a precautionary measure but did not require further treatment. The exact cause of the smoke in the cockpit is currently unknown and will be subject to further investigation. Wizz Air responded quickly to the incident, dispatching a replacement aircraft from London to transport the stranded passengers to London Luton. The airline also offered Wizz Air vouchers as compensation to the affected passengers. Such incidents, although rare, require precise coordination between flight crew, air traffic control, and airport emergency services to ensure the safety of all involved. Aviation safety is a top priority, and responding quickly to smoke in the cockpit is standard protocol. Such incidents are closely analyzed by aviation authorities, such as the Dutch and Polish Aviation Safety Authorities, to determine the causes and, if necessary, take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. It remains to be seen what the results of the technical investigations into the affected Airbus A321neo will reveal.

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Budget debate on air transport tax: Federal government considers reversing the increase

Jan Gruber July 22, 2025 09:50

The German government intends to reverse the increase in the air transport tax, which was enacted by the previous government in May 2024, in 2026. This intention, which is already anchored in the coalition agreement, is now being addressed in the deliberations on the 2026 budget, as reported by "Bild" (Tuesday edition). While politicians emphasize the need for financial viability, industry representatives and opposition politicians are urgently warning of the negative consequences of the tax increase for the competitiveness of German air transport and citizens' freedom of travel. The decision on the so-called "ticket tax" is expected at the end of July with the adoption of the draft budget by the cabinet and could have far-reaching effects on airlines, airports, and the tourism sector. The background: Increase in the air transport tax in May 2024 The discussion about the reversal of the air transport tax has its origins in a decision by the previous federal government, which enacted a significant increase in this levy in May 2024. The air transport tax is levied per passenger and flight ticket and varies depending on the distance of the destination. The increase at that time led to noticeable price increases for travelers: at its peak, this meant a price increase of up to 12,77 euros per ticket. This measure was justified at the time with fiscal reasons and often also with political goals aimed at generating revenue for the federal budget. Shortly after its introduction, the tax increase sparked sharp criticism from the aviation industry, trade associations, and the tourism industry. These stakeholders warned that the higher costs would impair the international competitiveness of German airports and airlines. They feared a shift of flight connections to neighboring

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Canadian charged with hijacking and terrorism

Belinda Borg July 22, 2025 09:02

A 39-year-old Canadian man, Shaheer Cassim, has been charged with the hijacking of a small Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP and an act classified as terrorism. Cassim allegedly took control of the aircraft from a flight instructor at Victoria International Airport and flew it to Vancouver. The incident led to the North American Air Traffic Control Agency (NORAD) scrambling F-15 fighter jets before the plane landed safely at Vancouver International Airport. Authorities allege that Cassim acted with an ideological motive to disrupt airspace. Social media posts associated with him describe apocalyptic warnings, religious visions, and claims that he is a "messenger of Allah" sent to save humanity. He also allegedly identified himself as "Sam Carana," a blogger behind the website Arctic News, which focuses on extreme scenarios. These ideological motives led to the act being classified as terrorism. Cassim previously worked as a pilot for a small airline and later reportedly began studying medicine. His former employers described him as intelligent and capable, but expressed surprise at the incident. The hijacking led to a brief suspension of flight operations at Vancouver Airport, diverting nine flights and grounding others for 39 minutes. Officials praised emergency responders for quickly and safely ending the situation, which resulted in no injuries or further disruption. The terrorism charge against Cassim demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities respond to such incidents, especially when ideological motivations are involved. This case underscores

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“Aunt Ju” finds new home: Junkers Ju 52 moves to the Lufthansa Group Visitor Center in Frankfurt

Jan Gruber July 22, 2025 08:31

A piece of aviation history is changing its location: The legendary Junkers Ju 52, affectionately known as "Aunt Ju," will be moving to the new Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center at Frankfurt Airport in the coming weeks. The historic aircraft, which has been under restoration in Paderborn-Lippstadt since 2020, will remain in the possession of the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Stiftung (DLBS) and will be on display as a central exhibit in Frankfurt from 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa. This new location underscores the Lufthansa Group's commitment to preserving its rich heritage while creating a modern place for collaboration and encounters that brings the history and future of aviation to life. A farewell to Paderborn: From restoration to a new home After several years of restoration work in Paderborn-Lippstadt, the iconic Junkers Ju 52, registration D-AQUI, is now leaving its current location. Since 2020, the aircraft had been in the care of the Quax Association, an association of aviation enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and operation of historic aircraft. The Quax Association has done outstanding work on "Aunt Ju" over the years and played a key role in preparing the aircraft for its future exhibition. At a celebratory farewell ceremony in Paderborn, the Lufthansa Group recognized the long-standing support of the Quax Association and Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport. This cooperation extended not only to the Ju 52, but also to the Lockheed Super Star, another significant historic aircraft in the DLBS collection. However, the departure from Paderborn does not represent a complete severance of relations: The Quax Association will also assume the care of two other DLBS aircraft, a Dornier

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LOT plans to resume flights to Ukraine quickly after the end of the war

Jan Gruber July 22, 2025 08:03

Poland's largest airline, LOT Polish Airlines, has announced plans to resume flights to Ukraine. The airline intends to launch regular passenger services to Kyiv and Lviv within six weeks of the restoration of peace and the reopening of Ukrainian airspace to civil aviation. This would be a significant step towards restoring Ukraine's international air connections. Kyiv and Lviv were important markets for LOT before the conflict in 2022. Industry sources cited by Avianews report that the airline is already drawing up an ambitious roadmap to reconnect Ukraine to the European air network. In later phases of the plan, LOT may expand its operations to other regional airports in Ukraine, depending on the restoration of infrastructure and regulatory approvals. For the initial routes, LOT plans to use four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, each capable of carrying 186 passengers. LOT estimates annual passenger traffic between Ukraine and Poland at up to 800.000 travelers. This forecast is largely supported by the large Ukrainian diaspora in Poland, which is likely to travel more frequently to their homeland once air connections resume. LOT's announcement comes amid growing efforts in the aviation sector to prepare for the post-war period and the reopening of Ukrainian airspace. Airports such as Lviv and Uzhhorod have already been mentioned as potential early reopening locations. Boryspil International Airport near Kyiv also stated that it would be able to resume commercial operations within a month of the airspace being reopened. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary had previously announced similar plans for a rapid return of

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