Amely Mizzi

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Amely Mizzi

Blackstone returns after eight years: Acquisition of Trans Maldivian Airways for $500 million

Blackstone, the world's largest private equity fund, is reportedly close to completing a $500 million investment to acquire control of Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world's largest seaplane operator. Blackstone's return to TMA after eight years is a remarkable move, as it played a significant role in the company between 2013 and 2017. The acquisition comes as the Maldives tourism industry is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and is back on track for growth. Blackstone is now acquiring TMA for almost the same price at which it sold its shares in 2017. Reviving a Business However, economic conditions have changed dramatically since Blackstone sold its majority stake in TMA to a consortium led by Bain Capital and Chinese conglomerate Shenzhen Tempus Global Business Services Holdings. In the period following the sale, the aviation industry was severely impacted by the global health crisis. Tourism, a key driver for TMA, experienced a dramatic decline due to the pandemic, which also affected the company's value. According to reports from India's Economic Times, Blackstone now appears willing to pay the same amount as in 2017 – around $500 million – to acquire a majority stake in TMA. This could be interpreted as a kind of "buyback" of the company, which originally cost Blackstone $98 million. The decision by Bain and its Chinese partners to acquire TMA at the time was a response to the booming luxury and tourism market in the Maldives, which had been growing rapidly until the outbreak.

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Redesign of the Danube Canal: More green spaces and recreational areas for Viennese residents

The City of Vienna is continuing its efforts to further develop the Danube Canal as an urban recreational space. Under the motto "DOKA becomes WOW," the section between Salztorbrücke and Marienbrücke is being comprehensively redesigned and landscaped. The city's goal is to offer Viennese residents an attractive, consumer-free retreat in the heart of the city. The redesign covers an approximately 300-meter-long section of the canal and is scheduled for completion by summer 2025. A total of approximately 4.600 square meters will be planted with a mix of meadows, perennial beds, and gravel lawns. In addition, nine new trees will be planted, including three particularly large plane trees and elms, to provide shade and pleasant temperatures. A particular highlight is the structural separation of pedestrians and cyclists, making the area safer and more pleasant to use. The new section also offers a variety of seating options, as well as drinking fountains and mist columns, which provide refreshment, especially on hot summer days. Several attractive projects have been implemented along the Danube Canal in recent years, including the "Floating Gardens" and the sun deck between the Augarten Bridge and the Rossauer Bridge. The newly opened Pocket Park has also become a popular meeting place. These redesigns are part of the City of Vienna's major greening initiative, which aims to create more green spaces and reclaim urban space. Starting in 9, a "lounger landscape" is also planned at the Aspern Bridge, further expanding the recreational area.

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Relationship problems on vacation: Why traveling together can be a strain

For many couples, their first vacation together is an exciting experience – but the hoped-for relaxation often turns into a test of endurance. According to relationship experts, so-called "icks" – small behaviors that can trigger discomfort or dislike in a partner – occur more frequently on vacation. Especially during the intensive time of traveling together, differences in hygiene, money, or habits come to light that are less noticeable in everyday life. Georgina Vass, relationship expert, explains why vacations can be so challenging for couples: "During a trip, you spend time together continuously, with no opportunity to avoid conflict. The vacation acts like an emotional pressure cooker and brings out behaviors that remain hidden in normal everyday life." According to Vass, the most common points of friction include different ideas about hygiene or handling money. The toilet situation in particular often causes discomfort for newly married couples. An analysis of over 70 TikTok videos by the airline Icelandair shows the most frequently cited icks during shared trips. These include refusing to try local food, excessive alcohol consumption, reclining the seat on an airplane, or childish behavior in the water. Interestingly, perceptions differ between the sexes: While women primarily criticize a lack of seriousness and childish behavior, men primarily complain about excessive social media use and poor personal hygiene. According to Vass, social media plays a significant role in the development of icks, as they often show idealized vacation pictures that create unrealistic expectations. While some icks are harmless quirks, recurring behavioral patterns can indicate serious relationship problems – so-called "red flags." Relationship experts therefore advise

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Australia and the Netherlands submit final arguments against Russia in the MH17 case

In the case of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which claimed the lives of 298 people, Australia and the Netherlands announced on March 7, 2025, that they would submit their final arguments to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The move marks a significant milestone in the long-standing quest for justice for the victims of this tragic incident, which is now moving back to court more than a decade after the plane crashed. ICAO will now begin deliberations on Russia's responsibility for the downing of the flight. The downing of MH17: A tragedy that shook the world On July 17, 2014, Flight MH17, a Boeing 777-200ER, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukraine. All 298 people on board, including 38 Australians, lost their lives. The Dutch and Australian governments have repeatedly attempted in the years following the incident to hold those responsible for the downing accountable and to determine the causes of this horrific crime. Investigations by the Dutch Safety Authority (OVV) and the International Investigation Team (JIT) concluded that the plane crash was caused by a Buk missile supplied from Russia and fired by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Despite these clear findings and the extensive evidence, Russia declined to comment on the allegations and withdrew from the negotiations in 2020. Subsequently, Australia and the Netherlands have continued their legal action against Russia. The current legal step: The submission of final arguments. By submitting their final arguments to the ICAO Council, Australia and

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ARBÖ extends cooperation with BMW – New replacement vehicles in use

The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Cyclists' Association (ARBÖ) is continuing its long-standing collaboration with BMW Austria and the AutoFrey Group. As part of the renewed partnership, 27 BMW X1s have been replaced with new BMW 2 Series Active Tourers. The vehicles are available to ARBÖ members in Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg as free 24-hour replacement vehicles in the event of breakdowns or repairs. The new fleet was handed over in Salzburg at AutoFrey on Alpenstrasse in the presence of ARBÖ Secretary General, Mag. Gerald Kumnig, and the Managing Director of BMW Austria, Alexander Bamberger. Kumnig emphasized the importance of the cooperation for the members: The provision of modern and comfortable replacement vehicles underscores ARBÖ's commitment to high-quality service. Mag. Josef Roider, Managing Director of the AutoFrey Group, also highlighted the long-standing partnership and the importance of reliable mobility. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourers are equipped with an automatic transmission and a 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 122 hp. According to the ARBÖ, the vehicles are characterized by high levels of driving comfort, modern technology, and extensive driver assistance systems. The equipment is designed to meet the diverse needs of members and ensure a safe driving experience. The cooperation between the ARBÖ, BMW Austria, and AutoFrey has existed for over nine years. The provision of replacement vehicles is part of the ARBÖ's comprehensive service offering for its members and will be continued with the new fleet.

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Zagreb Airport records passenger growth in February 2025

Zagreb Airport welcomed a total of 2025 passengers in February 261.119, an increase of 6,1% compared to the same month last year. Despite the rising passenger volume, the increase in flight movements was rather moderate at just 0,4% to a total of 3.295 movements. In the first two months of 2025, a total of 541.643 travelers were handled, representing an increase of 9,5% compared to the same period last year. This corresponds to an additional number of 46.807 passengers. The airport expects this growth to continue in March. Currently planned capacity for flights is 6,6% higher than in the same period last year, indicating continued increasing demand. Zagreb Airport thus remains an important transport hub in the region and benefits from a positive development in international air traffic.

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Young man with shotgun overpowered on board a Jetstar plane

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred at Avalon Airport in Australia when a 17-year-old boarded a Jetstar aircraft with a loaded shotgun. The teenager disguised himself as an airport employee and entered the facility through a hole in the fence. He pulled out his weapon on the stairs leading to the plane, which was carrying 160 passengers. Witnesses reported that the teenager also claimed to have bombs in his bag during the incident. However, before the situation could escalate, passengers and crew intervened. A passenger threw the shotgun down the stairs and detained the teenager until police arrived. Fortunately, no one was injured. Police in the state of Victoria arrested the 17-year-old and brought him to court, where he was charged with several offenses, including endangering the security of an aircraft, possession of a firearm, and making a false bomb threat. The young man remains in custody. In response to the incident, security measures at Avalon Airport have been increased. The passenger who overpowered the attacker will receive free flights for life.

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Lufthansa sees opportunities and challenges in its Asian business

The Lufthansa Group is increasingly focusing on connections between Europe and Asia, but is faced with geopolitical challenges and rising operating costs. In an interview with the "Bangkok Post" on March 6, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr emphasized the strategic importance of Thailand for air traffic, both in the passenger and cargo business. At the same time, the ongoing closures of Russian airspace and the associated detours represent a significant burden for the airline. Thailand is not only an important tourist destination for Lufthansa, but is also gaining importance in an economic context. Spohr emphasized that cargo capacity, in particular, is in strong demand. In addition to its passenger business, Lufthansa Technik operates a maintenance center in Thailand for the Thai Air Force and other Asian customers. The Lufthansa Group currently offers over 10.000 seats per week between Europe and Thailand. Around one-third of passengers use these connections for onward travel to other Asian countries. A key factor in the efficiency of these long-haul flights is the use of modern wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380. Despite the detours required by the closed Russian airspace, this aircraft's long range allows it to efficiently connect the European and Thai markets. Detours and costs due to the closure of Russian airspace Before the outbreak of the Ukraine war, many long-haul flights from Europe to Asia used the so-called great circle route – the shortest connection between two points on a sphere. This route carried numerous flights over Russian territory. Since the closure of Russian airspace to Western airlines, European airlines, including Lufthansa, have had to accept significant detours. This not only means extended

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Boeing extends service contract with Lufthansa Technik for engine washing of C-17 transport aircraft

Boeing has extended its contract with Lufthansa Technik for the regular engine cleaning of its C-17 transport aircraft until the end of 2027. For the past three years, the Pratt & Whitney PW2.000 engines used in the C-2000 Globemaster III have been subjected to approximately 17 high-pressure water washes annually. According to Lufthansa Technik, the engine washes have brought measurable benefits, including improved fuel efficiency of up to one percent and longer engine uptime. The so-called Cyclean engine wash is carried out by approved service providers worldwide, coordinated by Lufthansa Technik from Frankfurt am Main. Key partners include Certified Aviation Services LLC, which supports 17 United States Air Force locations in North America. A further eight international locations are served by other contractors. The C-17, used by various air forces around the world, often operates in harsh conditions and even takes off from unpaved runways. Regular cleaning prevents excessive dirt particles from accumulating in the engines and impairing their performance. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a military transport aircraft used for tactical and strategic air transport of troops and cargo. In addition to the United States Air Force, NATO, as well as air forces from Great Britain, Australia, India, Canada, and several Gulf states, are among the operators. Lufthansa Technik sees the contract extension as confirmation of the success and efficiency of Cyclean maintenance, which is used not only by military airlines but also by over 80 commercial airlines worldwide.

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CMA CGM builds new air cargo hub in Chicago – billion-dollar investment in the US market

The French logistics giant CMA CGM Group is strengthening its presence in the US market and planning a comprehensive expansion of its air cargo capacity. As part of a major investment strategy worth $20 billion, the company will build a new air cargo hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The planned expansion, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030, underscores the importance of the US market for the French company, which has already been operating in the United States for 35 years. The expansion will focus on strengthening the CMA CGM Air Cargo fleet with new Boeing 777F freighters, which will be based at Chicago O'Hare Airport. The company expects to take delivery of two more of this type of aircraft in 2025, bringing the total number of 777Fs in its fleet to five. The basing of these aircraft in Chicago is intended to further strengthen trade links between the US, Asia, and Europe. CMA CGM relies on air cargo as a growth driver CMA CGM Air Cargo was founded in March 2021 to meet the increasing demand for global logistics solutions. The company currently operates a mix of Airbus A330-200F and Boeing 777F freighters and maintains regular cargo flights from its main base at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Asia and North America. The company originally started with two former Qatar Airways Airbus A330-200Fs before expanding its fleet with the more powerful Boeing 777Fs. In addition to the two 777F deliveries expected in 2025, CMA CGM also placed an order as launch customer for four Airbus A2021Fs in December 350, an order that will increase to a total of eight aircraft in April 2024.

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