Français »
German "
Search
December 5, 2025

More articles from the category

December 5, 2025

Leadership change at Hamburg Airport: Three new department heads appointed

Stephen Steiner 5 December 2025 19:02

Hamburg Airport is undergoing significant changes at the management level. At the end of 2025, the airport appointed three experienced executives to new positions of responsibility. These personnel restructurings affect the key areas of Aviation, Real Estate Management, and Corporate Development, and are intended to strengthen the management structure of the North German hub for the coming years. The appointments underscore the airport's commitment to leveraging internal expertise and comprehensive industry knowledge. Effective December 1, 2025, David Liebert succeeded Dirk Behrens as Head of the Aviation division. Liebert, who began his career over 20 years ago with a dual study program at Hamburg Airport, brings a deep understanding of operational processes. He most recently served for ten years as Head of Real Estate Management. André Wegmann will succeed him in this role, also effective December 1. Wegmann previously spent six years at Hamburg Airport as Head of Building Construction, where his responsibilities included managing extensive major projects. He has 14 years of experience in engineering firms and was already involved in construction projects on the airport grounds during that time. A month earlier, on November 1, 2025, Johannes Weidisch took over the position of Head of Corporate Development from Petra Wulff. Weidisch is an independent consultant for organizational and market development and previously worked for Lufthansa Technik AG in Hamburg for two decades. There, he led major transformation programs focused on organizational development, cultural change, and process digitization. This expertise in strategic realignment will now benefit the further development of Hamburg Airport, one of Germany's most important airports with a passenger volume of approximately 17 million.

Continue reading "

Lufthansa Group inspects A320 aircraft due to faulty fuselage fairings

Belinda Borg 5 December 2025 18:01

The Lufthansa Group has immediately ordered inspections of eleven recently delivered Airbus A320 family aircraft after manufacturer Airbus warned of defects in the fuselage panels. A total of 628 aircraft of the popular short- and medium-haul jet worldwide are affected by this inspection. A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that the group will carry out the manufacturer's recommended checks without delay. The defects in the metal panels originate from an external supplier and were communicated by Airbus earlier this week. Eleven aircraft already in service within the Lufthansa Group are affected, as well as two further production aircraft scheduled for delivery this week after successful inspection. Airbus has stated that it has identified and contained the source of the problem and assured that all newly manufactured components meet the required standards. Following a presentation by Airbus to airlines, 628 A320 family jets worldwide must be inspected for faulty fuselage panels. Of this total, 168 aircraft are already in service with airlines, 245 are on final assembly lines, and 215 are in earlier stages of production. According to industry sources, around 100 of the jets currently being assembled are scheduled for delivery this year. The affected components have an incorrect thickness, which is attributed to a faulty stretching and milling process at the Spanish supplier Sofitec Aero in Seville. Although the number of potentially affected aircraft is high, an Airbus spokesperson emphasized to the press that this does not mean that all aircraft actually have defects. The Lufthansa Group, which operates a large A320 fleet and regularly receives new aircraft, must now ensure that

Continue reading "

Porter Airlines is considering joining the Oneworld airline alliance

Stephen Steiner 5 December 2025 17:05

Canadian airline Porter Airlines is considering a strategic move to strengthen its international position and is exploring a potential membership in the global airline alliance Oneworld. President Kevin Jackson confirmed this to the industry publication Skift, but emphasized that a final decision is still pending. The airline is currently evaluating both traditional bilateral partnerships and the benefits of full alliance membership. Porter Airlines, which has significantly modernized its fleet and expanded its route network beyond its core Canadian markets in recent years, already maintains close partnerships with several Oneworld members, including well-known carriers such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. Official alliance membership would deepen these existing partnerships and offer Porter Airlines passengers a globally expanded route network and seamless travel experiences. President Jackson highlighted that Oneworld currently has no Canadian partners. Given Porter Airlines' recent expansion and positioning in Canada, he believes the airline would be "an obvious choice" for the alliance. This would help Oneworld improve its coverage in the important North American market. However, Jackson noted that formal alliance membership would entail higher costs than the current bilateral agreements. The potential move to an alliance like Oneworld reflects Porter Airlines' ambitions to expand beyond its regional role. The airline, which recently transitioned from turboprops to modern Embraer E2 jets to serve routes to the US and the Caribbean, is increasingly positioning itself as a major competitor to established Canadian carriers.

Continue reading "

Lufthansa introduces Sunflower program for travelers with invisible disabilities

Amely Mizzi 5 December 2025 16:04

Effective December 1, 2025, Lufthansa has joined the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The aim of this initiative is to give travelers with hidden disabilities the opportunity to discreetly draw attention to their specific needs. The yellow and green sunflower lanyard, which the airline offers its guests, serves as a symbol of participation. By joining the program, Lufthansa hopes to raise awareness and sensitivity throughout the entire travel chain. In preparation for the launch, Lufthansa's ground and cabin crews have been trained to correctly interpret the symbols and respond appropriately. The program is also being implemented at Lufthansa's home airports: The initiative is available immediately at Munich Airport, while its introduction at Frankfurt Airport is scheduled for January 2026. The sunflower lanyards are available at the airport information and special services counters, as well as directly from Lufthansa. It is emphasized that while the symbol does not replace formal assistance services, it is intended to create an additional layer of communication and consideration. The Lufthansa Group plans to roll out the program company-wide in the coming years. By the end of 2026, all Group companies are to be integrated into the Sunflower program. This step is part of a broader strategy to improve accessibility. In parallel, the Group is working on improvements for travelers with visible and invisible disabilities in a newly established advisory board, the "Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee." The focus is on creating a more inclusive travel experience that goes beyond the minimum legal requirements. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is internationally established and is already used at numerous airports, train stations, and tourist facilities worldwide. With its implementation by

Continue reading "

Taiwanese Tigerair expands fleet with Airbus A321neo

Stephen Steiner 5 December 2025 15:03

Taiwanese low-cost carrier Tigerair Taiwan has approved the acquisition of 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The airline's board of directors, whose majority shareholder is state-owned China Airlines, has authorized a total investment of approximately US$1,28 billion for this fleet expansion. The order includes the purchase of four aircraft and the lease of eleven more, enabling Tigerair to significantly increase capacity for its regional network. Delivery of the ordered jets will be phased in. The eleven leased A321neos are to be gradually integrated into the fleet by 2031. The four purchased aircraft are expected to enter service by 2035. In addition to the firm order, Tigerair secured an option to purchase four more A321neos. This strategic investment marks a significant step in the development of the airline, which currently operates exclusively smaller Airbus A320 aircraft. With the introduction of the A321neo, the largest member of the Airbus A320neo family, Tigerair will significantly increase its capacity per flight. This is particularly relevant for serving its existing route network in East Asia, which has a strong focus on connections to Japan. The A321neo's greater capacity will allow the low-cost carrier to carry more passengers on high-demand routes and increase operational efficiency. The decision to purchase the A321neo reinforces the expansion plans of China Airlines-controlled Tigerair Taiwan, which aims to play a larger role in the growing Asian low-cost market. By combining purchase and leasing, the airline secures both long-term fleet availability and financial flexibility. The new aircraft will

Continue reading "

DDSG: ​​The “Brunch on Danube Waves” between the Viennese skyline and culinary tradition

Jan Gruber 5 December 2025 14:38

The "Brunch on Danube Waves" offered by the shipping company DDSG Blue Danube is a well-established Sunday highlight among Vienna's excursions. It promises a harmonious combination of a lavish brunch buffet and a relaxing boat trip along Vienna's Danube landscapes, accompanied by unobtrusive live music. On board ships such as the MS Admiral Tegetthoff or the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, guests embark from the Reichsbrücke pier on a three-hour round trip that passes both urban architectural highlights like the Danube Tower and the DC Tower, as well as the unspoiled sections of the Danube wetlands. DDSG Blue Danube positions this brunch as an enjoyable Sunday outing that appeals to both tourists and Viennese residents looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. However, journalistic analysis of this offering reveals that the experience depends heavily on the balance between the scenic appeal of the route, the quality of the buffet, and the overall service, leading to a polarized public perception. While the concept of relaxation on the water is considered a success, the route through the Danube Canal and the gastronomic offerings are the subject of critical scrutiny. The backdrop: Vienna and the Danube as a flowing panorama. The route of the "Brunch on Danube Waves" in Vienna is a central component of the experience and marks an important distinction from similar cruises, such as the Wachau Brunch. The boat trip, which usually lasts three hours (boarding from 10:00 a.m., cruise from 11:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m.), generally starts at the Reichsbrücke (Imperial Bridge). From there, the journey continues along the so-called "Great Danube," downstream towards the Freudenau Lock.

Continue reading "

Zurich Airport upgrades security checkpoints with CT scanners

Stephen Steiner 5 December 2025 14:04

Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland's largest airport, will put the first modernized level of its security checkpoint into operation at the beginning of December following an intensive testing phase. The core components of the new infrastructure are state-of-the-art CT scanners and body scanners. This technological upgrade aims to make the process more comfortable and efficient for passengers. The investment is part of a comprehensive modernization program to optimize passenger flow and raise security standards. For travelers at Zurich Airport, the new technology means a significant improvement in hand luggage check-in. Thanks to the capabilities of the new CT scanners, passengers will now be allowed to keep liquids and electronic devices such as laptops or tablets in their hand luggage. The previously required removal of these items will no longer be necessary, resulting in a considerable speed-up of the screening process. The CT technology provides detailed three-dimensional images of hand luggage, enabling security personnel to analyze the contents more precisely and quickly. The modernization of security screening in the largest of the airport's three check-in areas is an important step towards improving service quality. The optimized infrastructure is expected to reduce waiting times at security checkpoints, especially during peak hours. This measure follows international examples where major airports such as London City and Helsinki have already successfully deployed similar CT scanners to improve passenger comfort while meeting security requirements. The complete modernization of the security checkpoint will take place in several phases over the coming months. The commissioning of the first modernized floor marks the start of the overall project. Zurich Airport is thus responding to increasing passenger numbers and the need for modern,

Continue reading "

Legal proceedings in the MD-11 crash: Families sue UPS, Boeing and GE Aerospace for negligent homicide

Jan Gruber 5 December 2025 13:32

Following the devastating crash of a UPS Airlines MD-11 cargo plane last month, the victims' families are preparing to file wrongful death lawsuits against several parties responsible. The lawsuits are reportedly targeting UPS Airlines itself, engine manufacturer GE Aerospace, and aircraft manufacturer Boeing, as the successor to McDonnell Douglas, the original manufacturer of the MD-11. The tragic accident killed 14 people, including the three-member crew and 11 people on the ground, after the freighter's left engine broke off immediately after takeoff, causing the aircraft to crash into an industrial area. The National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) interim report has already revealed evidence of metal fatigue in the aircraft. The legal action underscores the critical debate surrounding the safety and end-of-life of older cargo planes and raises the question of whether profitability has been prioritized over public safety. The charges: Negligence against airline and manufacturer. The first involuntary manslaughter lawsuits are being filed by law firms representing the families of two victims of the November 4 crash. Specifically, Clifford Law Offices of Chicago and Sam Aguiar of Louisville are representing the families of Angela Anderson, a 45-year-old mother and customer of a business hit, and Trina Chavez, a 37-year-old mother and employee at Grade A Auto Parts. The lawsuit alleges negligence against UPS and UPS Air. Furthermore, GE Aerospace, as the manufacturer of the CFM 6 engine, and Boeing, as the successor to McDonnell Douglas, the original designer of the MD-11, are being held accountable. Another party involved

Continue reading "

Air Baltic is specifically targeting staff from its competitor Smart Lynx.

Belinda Borg 5 December 2025 13:08

On December 10, 2025, Latvian airline Air Baltic will host a virtual information day specifically aimed at employees of its competitor, Smart Lynx Airlines. This online open day will give aviation professionals the opportunity to speak directly with Air Baltic's HR team and receive detailed information about current job openings and the application process. This unusual, direct approach to recruiting staff from another company underscores the high demand for qualified personnel in the aviation industry. Air Baltic's initiative aims to attract employees from across Smart Lynx. Open positions will be presented in almost all of the airline's business areas. These include classic aviation-specific roles such as cockpit, cabin, engineering, and operations. In addition, Air Baltic is also seeking qualified personnel for various office positions in key departments such as IT, e-commerce, revenue management, HR, and finance. The company has been significantly expanding its capacity for some time and therefore requires correspondingly qualified specialists. Air Baltic has ambitious growth plans that include a substantial expansion of its fleet and the development of new routes. This growth trajectory is largely driven by the availability of skilled personnel, intensifying competition for qualified professionals in the Baltic region. Smart Lynx Airlines, also a Latvian-based airline, primarily operates in the charter and wet-lease sector and possesses experienced staff who represent an attractive target group for Air Baltic to quickly and efficiently meet its own personnel needs. Such targeted recruitment efforts in the aviation industry are an indicator of the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. Holding the online open day allows Air Baltic to discreetly and

Continue reading "

FAA orders mandatory inspections for Boeing 717s: Landing gear locks must be checked due to cracking.

Stephen Steiner 5 December 2025 12:31

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States' aviation authority, has issued a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Boeing 717. The directive mandates repeated inspections of the upper lock link assembly of the nose landing gear for cracking. This measure was prompted by the investigation of a serious incident in June 2023 in which a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 had to land with its nose landing gear down. The AD affects nearly 100 active Boeing 717s in the fleets of Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines. Given the age of the aircraft and their intensive use on short-haul routes, the additional maintenance burden represents a significant cost for the airlines, which could accelerate the already discussed retirement of these aircraft models. The AD will take effect on January 2, 2026. The Emergency That Led to the Inspection: The incident that triggered the FAA directive occurred on June 28, 2023, when a Delta Boeing 717 was on approach to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The nose landing gear failed to deploy. After unsuccessful attempts by the pilots to manually extend the landing gear, the aircraft ultimately landed on its main landing gear only, with the nose touching down unsupported. Thanks to the pilots' professional handling, none of the 104 people on board were injured. The passengers were safely evacuated via emergency slides after touchdown. The National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) final report identified the cause of the incident as a fatigue crack in the upper locking assembly of the landing gear. This crack prevented the landing gear from extending properly. The investigation determined that

Continue reading "