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Amely Mizzi

Pilatus presents the PC-12 PRO: New cockpit and enhanced safety features

Amely Mizzi March 17, 2025 09:41

Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft has unveiled the PC-12 PRO, a comprehensively modernized version of its successful single-engine turboprop aircraft. The model features a newly developed cockpit, enhanced safety features, and a revised interior and exterior design. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The heart of the PC-12 PRO is the new Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), based on the Garmin G3000 Prime. Three 14-inch displays and two 7-inch touchscreens give the pilot comprehensive control of all phases of flight. Ergonomically adapted control horns, inspired by the PC-24 business jet, and the elimination of the direct-view window frame ensure improved visibility and an optimized user interface. A special safety feature is the Autoland function, which will be standard on all PC-2026 PRO aircraft from 12. This system enables automatic landing without pilot intervention in the event of an emergency. Further technical improvements include an enhanced stall warning system, a stability support system for attitude control, and an optimized weather radar with a larger antenna for better detection of meteorological conditions. The PC-12 PRO is powered by the latest version of the proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, which has already completed over 400 million flight hours worldwide. The new autothrottle system provides automatic thrust control and reduces pilot workload. Delivery of the PC-12 PRO is expected to begin in late 2025.

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Unions sue the US Department of Homeland Security: Dispute over termination of the TSA collective agreement

Amely Mizzi March 17, 2025 09:33

A coalition of labor unions has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking to stop the unilateral termination of the collective bargaining agreement for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees. The contract, which took effect in May 2024 and protects approximately 47.000 TSA employees, was terminated by DHS on March 7, 2025. The department argues that terminating the contract will help "remove red tape that improves productivity and reduce passenger wait times in security lines." The unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), filed the lawsuit on March 13, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle. They describe the termination of the negotiated collective agreement as "unlawful" and argue that it "violates the constitutional rights of federal employees and undermines collective bargaining protections." Background to the dispute: The seven-year collective bargaining agreement between the TSA and AFGE employees, which took effect in May 2024, was intended to last until 2031 and guaranteed certain rights and protections for TSA employees. The DHS terminated the contract on the grounds that it would increase TSA efficiency and reduce passenger wait times. A DHS spokesperson stated that the measure would ensure that Americans have a more effective and modern workforce in the nation's transportation networks, which would lead to shorter wait times at airport security. Union arguments: The unions view the termination of the collective agreement as an attack on workers' rights. Everett Kelley, National President

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Lufthansa Group focuses on diversification: Expansion in Asia, Africa and South America

Amely Mizzi March 17, 2025 08:34

The Lufthansa Group has intensified its strategic efforts to diversify its revenue sources and reduce its dependence on the North American market. As part of this strategy, the company plans to expand its route network in Asia, Africa, and South America. Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airline, emphasized the need to enter new markets to achieve a more balanced distribution of revenue at an internal staff meeting on March 10, 2025. In the 2024 financial year, the Lufthansa Group's passenger airlines generated revenue of €27,8 billion. The regional distribution was as follows: These figures illustrate the importance of the European and American markets for the Lufthansa Group. Nevertheless, the company recognizes the potential in the Asian, African, and South American markets and is therefore striving for a stronger presence in these regions. Strategic Investments and Partnerships A key step in the diversification strategy was the investment in ITA Airways, the Italian state airline. In January 2025, the Lufthansa Group acquired a 41% stake in ITA Airways through a capital contribution of 325 million euros. This investment will enable Lufthansa to strengthen its position in the Southern European market and benefit from Rome's geographical location as a hub for connections to Africa and Latin America. Furthermore, the Lufthansa Group is interested in acquiring a stake in the Spanish airline Air Europa. This venture aims to expand its presence in South America, as Air Europa has an extensive route network in this region. According to reports, Air France-KLM has made a 300 million euro offer for 51% of Air Europa, while

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Campaign calls for investigation into FAA dealings with SpaceX

Amely Mizzi March 17, 2025 06:38

The US government watchdog group Campaign Legal Center (CLC) has requested that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) initiate an investigation into allegedly "unlawful" business dealings between the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Elon Musk's company, SpaceX. This is according to a letter made public on March 13, 2025. The Campaign Legal Center argues that there is evidence that Musk "manifestly and unlawfully influenced" the FAA's decision-making regarding its cooperation with SpaceX - and in particular with its satellite internet subsidiary Starlink. The organization suspects that this constitutes a violation of US criminal law regarding conflicts of interest and may have improperly influenced the business relationship between the FAA and Starlink. Background to the allegations The CLC's criticism is directed in particular at the possibility that SpaceX could replace an existing FAA contract with the telecommunications provider Verizon worth $2,4 billion. According to the CLC letter, the FAA is said to have considered entering into future contracts with SpaceX following direct inquiries from Musk. On March 5, 2025, SpaceX publicly denied the claim that the FAA was considering terminating the contract with Verizon. Nevertheless, the company stated in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that "Starlink represents a possible partial solution for an outdated system." This is consistent with previous statements by Musk, who had repeatedly described the FAA's communications infrastructure as inadequate. As early as February 25, 2025, Musk had publicly stated that "the Verizon system is not

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Edelweiss launches its own travel podcast “Edelweiss Travel Tales”

Amely Mizzi March 17, 2025 05:06

The Swiss airline Edelweiss is expanding its offering with a new audio format. With the travel podcast "Edelweiss Travel Tales," the airline takes listeners on a journey of discovery to various destinations. The podcast is hosted by Erik Lorenz, founder of the well-known travel podcast "Weltwach." In each episode, he speaks with people who have a special connection to the featured travel destinations. The podcast not only covers well-known sights but also offers insights into everyday life there and shares personal stories. Guests include locals, authors, adventurers, and documentary filmmakers. The focus is on individual experiences and practical travel tips. The first episode takes listeners to Morocco, where Erik Lorenz meets author Muriel Brunswig, who has lived in the North African country for many years. She shares her experiences, provides insights into Moroccan culture, and reports on the best surfing spots. The second episode takes us to Seattle, USA. There, Lorenz explores iconic locations like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle and speaks with representatives of the indigenous population about preserving their culture. The first episode of the podcast is available now on all major platforms. Further episodes will be released every two weeks. Planned destinations for the first season include Oman, Corsica, the Lofoten Islands, the Azores, Jamaica, and Nova Scotia.

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European airports reach passenger numbers above pre-crisis levels for the first time

Amely Mizzi March 14, 2025 11:49

In 2024, European airports exceeded their 19 passenger numbers for the first time since the COVID-2019 pandemic. According to ACI Europe, the umbrella organization of European airports, passenger traffic increased by 7,4% year-on-year, averaging 1,8% above the 2019 level. Growth is particularly notable in countries such as Turkey (+23,1%), Italy (+17,0%), and Spain (+13,0%), which significantly increased their passenger numbers compared to 2019. In Finland, however, the recovery in air traffic is slower. The airports operated by Finavia recorded a total of 2024 million passengers in 19,6, a decrease of 25% compared to 2019. In comparison, Avinor's Norwegian airports, and Swedavia's Swedish airports, achieved 95% of their 81 passenger traffic, and 2019% of their 2,5 passenger traffic. Reasons for Finland's slower growth are cited as the geopolitical situation and the closure of Russian airspace, which particularly impact the number of flights to Asia and transfer passengers. Another trend is the increase in international travel, while growth in domestic air traffic is more moderate. In Finland, international passenger traffic increased, while domestic traffic grew by only 6,3%, remaining 2019% below the 29 level. This trend is also reflected in other European countries, where cross-border travel is increasing. There is also an increase in leisure travel. In Finland, airports in tourist-oriented regions such as Rovaniemi (+12,8%), Ivalo (+9,9%), Kittilä (+4,8%), and Kuusamo (+2024%), in particular, recorded a significant increase in passenger numbers in XNUMX. This trend is in line with developments in other European countries where tourism is driving the recovery of the

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Increasing cases of disruptive passenger behavior: An incident on American Airlines and the growing problem

Amely Mizzi March 14, 2025 11:40

On March 10, 2025, American Airlines experienced a shocking incident on a flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami, Florida. A passenger exhibited unusual and aggressive behavior, ultimately resulting in a physical assault against a flight attendant. The incident is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the growing problem of disruptive and violent passenger behavior in the airline industry. The incident occurred on an American Eagle flight operating an Embraer E175 from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to Miami International Airport (MIA). According to an FBI report published by WPLG Local 10, the passenger, who was traveling with his sister, began exhibiting unusual behavior once on board the plane. The man told his sister to "close her eyes and pray because the disciples of Satan had accompanied her on the flight." The situation escalated around takeoff. Several passengers reported becoming concerned when the man appeared to be having an epileptic seizure. According to witnesses, he was "screaming, stomping, and shaking"—behaviors that alarmed the crew. A flight attendant then approached the passenger to check him. Instead of cooperating, the passenger turned around and kicked the flight attendant in the chest with full force. The man then began kicking and punching the seatback in front of him, causing the passenger sitting in the seat to get up to safety. Flight diversion to Savannah required. The situation escalated further, and the pilots

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Austrian National Tourist Board continues image campaign “Austria is just a way of life”

Amely Mizzi March 14, 2025 09:00

At the beginning of March, the Austrian National Tourist Board launched its new image campaign, "Austria is just a way of life." With this campaign, the national tourism organization is building on the "Lifestyle Campaign" introduced last year. The aim of the initiative is to present Austria as a year-round destination and to highlight the country's diversity beyond traditional clichés. The campaign will be rolled out in a total of 15 international markets and aims to appeal to new target groups through a modern communications approach. The campaign's core idea is to eliminate the distinction between winter and summer tourism and position Austria as an attractive year-round travel destination. According to Sandra Stichauner, CMO of the Austrian National Tourist Board, the campaign pursues a comprehensive approach that showcases both traditional highlights and contemporary experiences. The aim is to convey the country's special way of life and to promote tourism offerings regardless of the season. By emphasizing a continuous travel experience, the Austrian National Tourist Board also aims to balance seasonal fluctuations and stabilize occupancy throughout the year. A key element of the campaign is an innovative media mix that combines both digital and traditional channels. Austria Tourist Board is increasingly relying on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Interactive formats such as augmented reality experiences and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising are being used specifically to create emotional brand loyalty. The campaign is also being supplemented by print ads and B2B events. Collaboration with 99 tourism partners enables a broad presence in international target markets. With this initiative, Austria Tourist Board aims to modernize Austria's image as a travel destination and appeal to a younger audience. The focus is on conveying the country's cultural and tourist diversity and creating an authentic

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National Park Ranking: Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are the most popular in Europe

Amely Mizzi March 14, 2025 05:05

A recent analysis by Tui Musement reveals the five most searched national parks in Europe. Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia leads the list, followed by Krka National Park, the Peak District in Great Britain, Thingvellir National Park in Iceland, and Ojców National Park in Poland. The survey was based on Google searches from January to December 2024. With more than 2,2 million searches last year, Plitvice Lakes National Park leads the ranking. Croatia's oldest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, impresses with 16 lakes connected by numerous waterfalls. Also located in Croatia is Krka National Park, which, in addition to its natural scenery, boasts cultural attractions such as Krka Monastery. The Peak District in Great Britain ranks third. As the country's first national park, it is particularly known for its rolling hills and historic villages. The area has also served as a setting for literary works such as "Pride and Prejudice." In fourth place is Thingvellir National Park in Iceland, considered a geological and historical landmark. The first Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 AD. Fifth place goes to Ojców National Park in Poland, which impresses with striking rock formations and historic buildings. In Austria, the Donau-Auen National Park and the Hohe Tauern National Park top the list of the most popular nature reserves. While the Donau-Auen offers a significant river landscape, the Hohe Tauern National Park attracts visitors with alpine landscapes and numerous hiking trails. The study is based on an analysis of over 400 national parks in Europe and considers both national and English search terms.

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Summer flight schedule 2025 at Vienna Airport: Expansion of services and new destinations

Amely Mizzi March 14, 2025 04:30

With the start of the new summer flight schedule on March 30, 2025, passengers at Vienna Airport can expect an even more diverse range of flights. For the travel season until October 26, 2025, 190 destinations worldwide will be directly accessible, with a focus on both popular European holiday destinations and fascinating long-haul destinations in Asia, North America and beyond. Vienna Airport, already one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe, is preparing for a busy summer and is offering a variety of new connections as well as expanding existing routes. Among the new additions, the direct connection to Singapore, which will be served for the first time from June 2025 with the airline Scoot, stands out. New destinations and increased frequencies Vienna Airport is committed to continuously expanding its routes and has added several new destinations to the new summer flight schedule. Particularly noteworthy is the expansion of the offering by Austrian Airlines, the largest airline serving Vienna Airport. Austrian Airlines will fly to 127 destinations worldwide, offering a mix of popular European destinations and long-haul connections. New to the summer schedule are Lofoten in Norway, Edinburgh in Scotland, Sylt in Germany, and Burgas in Bulgaria. In addition, long-haul flights to Los Angeles and Tokyo will resume, providing passengers with direct connections to important economic centers and holiday destinations. The airline relies on a modern fleet, which will be supplemented by two new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These aircraft not only offer an improved travel experience but also a greater range, allowing even long-haul destinations to be reached comfortably.

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