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July 18

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July 18

Thailand extends the length of stay for visa-free entries and introduces a new long-term visa

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 13:24

The Thai government has decided to permanently extend the length of stay for visa-free entry. As of July 15, 2024, travelers from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and other countries entitled to visa-free entry are now allowed to stay in the country for 60 days. Previously, the length of stay was limited to 30 days. In addition, a new long-term visa, the so-called Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), is being introduced. This visa allows a stay of 180 days and is aimed at freelancers, digital nomads and travelers who want to attend special events or medical treatments in Thailand, among others. The DTV is valid for five years and costs a one-time fee of 10.000 Thai Baht, which is about 255 euros. The new regulations are intended to promote both tourism and business travel and make staying in Thailand more attractive for longer periods of time.

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Lot includes Larnaka in its flight schedule

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 13:21

Lot, a member of the Star Alliance, will reinstate Larnaca in its flight schedule from October 28, 2024. The Polish airline connects its hub at Chopin Airport in Warsaw with the Cypriot port city four times a week. The flights depart from Warsaw on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:40 a.m. and reach Larnaca at 15:10 p.m. local time after a three-and-a-half hour flight. The return flights depart from Larnaca at 16:10 p.m. and arrive in Warsaw at 18:50 p.m. The connection offers attractive transfer options for travelers from Germany. The total travel time from Berlin to Larnaca is around six and a half hours, including a 90-minute stopover in Warsaw. Other connections exist from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, among others, with similar total travel times. Modern Boeing 737 aircraft are used. In summer 2025, LOT Polish Airlines plans to increase the frequency of flights on the route and fly to Larnaca every day except Tuesdays. Amit Ray, Director DACH Markets, Italy and India and Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales at LOT Polish Airlines, emphasizes the attractiveness of the route, which is being resumed after a two-year break. The connection is particularly interesting for holidaymakers and groups from German-speaking countries due to the quick and stress-free transfer options in Warsaw.

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Ryanair and Expedia announce distribution partnership

Jan Gruber July 18, 2024 13:13

Irish low-cost airline Ryanair and American online travel company Expedia Group have announced a new partnership that will enable Expedia to offer Ryanair flights directly on its platform. This collaboration aims to offer travelers an expanded range and an improved user experience. The cooperation will enable Expedia Group customers to book Ryanair flights directly through the Expedia website from the coming months. This includes both individual bookings and holiday packages that include Ryanair flights. The integration allows users to access their myRyanair account and flight updates without having to go through Ryanair's verification process again. Dara Brady, Chief Marketing Officer of Ryanair, spoke positively about the partnership and highlighted that Expedia Group travelers will benefit from complete price transparency and full access to their bookings. Susan Spinney, Senior Vice President for Trips Partnerships at Expedia, emphasized the importance of the partnership and referred to the existing collaboration on "Ryanair Rooms", which allows Ryanair customers to book hotels with their flights. This strategic alliance combines Ryanair's extensive network of low-cost flight connections with Expedia Group's comprehensive travel offering, offering an attractive option for price-conscious and convenience-oriented travelers.

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Aviation after Corona: challenges and future prospects

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 13:10

The Corona pandemic has hit the aviation industry hard. But after an unprecedented slump, the industry is showing initial signs of recovery. A recent study by global management consultancy Kearney examines the current situation at 35 major airlines and shows that, despite positive developments, significant challenges remain. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are gaining market share, there is an acute shortage of pilots, and the industry could face a revenue dilemma. This article analyzes the results of the study and discusses the future challenges and opportunities for the aviation industry. With a value added share of around one percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) and an annual market volume of more than 800 billion US dollars (approx. 735 billion euros), aviation is a significant economic sector. According to the Kearney study, spending on air travel recovered to 2023 percent of global GDP in 0,8 after falling sharply due to the pandemic. Leisure travel in particular saw a sharp increase in 2021 and 2022. Global available seat kilometers (ASK) rose to 2023 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 95. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) such as Ryanair and Wizz Air benefited most from this recovery, while traditional airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Air France/KLM had greater difficulty returning to their pre-crisis production. Low-cost carriers on the rise Low-cost carriers have expanded their ASK faster after the pandemic than legacy carriers. Wizz Air recorded an increase in available seat kilometers of over 2023 percent in 17 compared to 2019, while Austrian Airlines and Air France/KLM were about 10 percent behind their pre-pandemic levels. Philipp Bensel, partner at Kearney, emphasizes that the recovery in Europe has been uneven.

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Sick on vacation: What employees need to know

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 13:05

The summer holiday wave is in full swing and many employees are treating themselves to a well-deserved break. But sometimes things don't go as planned: Illness forces thousands to stay in bed instead of enjoying the beach. This situation raises numerous questions, especially in relation to holidays and how to deal with sick days. The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) and the unions are currently receiving numerous inquiries from concerned employees. ÖGB labor law expert Michael Trinko provides information and explains the most important regulations. If you get sick on vacation, you should see a doctor immediately. "Not only to get treatment, but also to be able to provide the employer with confirmation in the event of incapacity to work," explains Michael Trinko. This medical confirmation is important to secure the vacation days. It must be presented to the employer when you return from vacation. According to Trinko, “If you fall ill during your vacation and the sick leave lasts more than three calendar days, no vacation days are used.” This means that the days you were sick are credited back to your vacation account if the illness lasts more than three days. A practical example illustrates the rule: If an employee falls ill during a two-week vacation from Friday to Monday inclusive, this is four calendar days of illness. In a normal 5-day week (Monday to Friday), Friday and Monday are not counted as vacation days. No automatic vacation extension It is also important to know that vacation days are not automatically extended by sick days. “You can’t just add the sick days to the

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ACMI: FlyAir41 flies for Cyprus Airways

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 13:01

Croatian airline Fly Air 41, a sister company of Sundair, will fly on behalf of Cyprus Airways. This cooperation, brokered by Zela Aviation, promises not only an expansion of Cyprus Airways' fleet capacity, but also an improved travel experience for passengers during the summer season. This move underlines Zela Aviation's significant role in the ACMI sector and its commitment to providing dynamic and efficient aviation solutions. Zela Aviation has established itself as a key player in the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) sector. This agreement with Cyprus Airways highlights the company's continuous commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the diverse needs of airlines worldwide. Zela Aviation Chairman Andreas Christodoulides expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and stressed the importance of supporting airlines in Cyprus, Greece and the UK, as well as international partners such as Fly Air 41. The A319 aircraft model, known for its comfort and reliability, will expand Cyprus Airways' existing fleet and thus significantly improve its capacity during the busy summer season. This strategic partnership has been specifically designed to provide Cyprus Airways passengers with an optimal travel experience while increasing the airline's efficiency and flexibility. The importance of ACMI leasing ACMI leasing is an essential part of the modern aviation industry. It offers airlines the opportunity to expand their fleet capacity at short notice without having to invest in the direct purchase of new aircraft. Especially during peak periods such as the summer season or in the event of unexpected bottlenecks, ACMI leasing enables a quick and flexible adaptation to demand. Zela Aviation has

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Wetlease: Austrian Airlines announces Linz-Frankfurt

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 12:55

With the start of the winter flight schedule from October 27, 2024, Austrian Airlines will return to Linz and take over the Linz-Frankfurt route. This marks a significant milestone for Linz Airport and the state of Upper Austria, as the connection is of great importance for both business travelers and tourism. The flights will initially be operated three times a day with an ATR 72-600 aircraft, which offers 72 seats and is operated by Austrian Airlines' partner Braathens Regional Airlines. Michael Trestl, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Austrian Airlines, emphasized the importance of this connection: "As a red-white-red airline, it is very important to us that Upper Austria is reconnected with Europe and the world. Efficient business trips are made possible via the Frankfurt hub. In addition, Upper Austrians can now easily reach many holiday destinations in European and long-distance traffic." This statement underlines the strategic importance of Linz Airport for Austrian Airlines and the Upper Austria region. Support from regional representatives Mayor Klaus Luger, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Flughafen Linz GesmbH, welcomes Austrian Airlines' decision to resume the connection to Frankfurt: "The connection to Frankfurt is extremely positive news for our passengers, and especially for our economy. It is also of great importance for Linz Airport as a company." He stresses that the Linz-Frankfurt connection has played a key role in the airport's scheduled flight segment for years and that Austrian Airlines' decision underlines the importance of this route. State Councillor for Economic Affairs Markus Achleitner, Deputy Chairman of the Airport's Supervisory Board, emphasised the importance of the connection to a global hub for Upper Austria as a business location: "Many of our local companies

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Graz Airport converts apron fleet to HVO100

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 07:35

From the beginning of August 2024, the entire diesel vehicle fleet at Graz Airport will be fueled with the synthetic diesel fuel HVO 100, which saves up to 90 percent CO2 compared to conventional diesel. This decision follows a successful three-month test phase that confirmed the effectiveness and efficiency of the new fuel. The measure is an important part of the airport's strategy to become CO2030-neutral by 2. Wolfgang Grimus and Jürgen Löschnig, the two managing directors of Graz Airport, agree: "The introduction of HVO 100 brings us another big step closer to the goal of becoming CO2030-neutral by 2." HVO 100 is a synthetic diesel fuel made from renewable raw materials such as oils and fats from waste and residues as well as vegetable oils. Switching to this fuel means a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, especially for large vehicles such as snow blowers and system tractors, for which there are currently no electromobility alternatives. Positive test results and practical reports Norman Gass, head of the vehicle workshop at Graz Airport, explains how the decision for HVO 100 came about: "We contacted comparable companies that already had experience with the new fuel. In personal discussions on site, we were finally able to convince ourselves of the ease of introducing HVO 100." The impetus for the trial operation came from the airport's employees, who have been closely and critically observing developments in this sector. Flughafen Graz Betriebs GmbH operates a total of around 165 vehicles, 26% of which are electric. Six vehicles are hybrids, while the rest have previously been diesel-powered. From now on

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Virgin Atlantic discontinues flights to Shanghai: End of an era

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 07:30

After 25 years, Virgin Atlantic will discontinue its only route to mainland China. This decision marks the end of an era for the British airline, which will no longer operate its route between London Heathrow (LHR) and Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) from the end of the 2024 summer season. The last flight on this route is scheduled to depart on October 25, 2024, operated by a Boeing 787-9. Virgin Atlantic cited several reasons for discontinuing the route, including high operating costs and geopolitical tensions. In particular, the inability to fly over Russia contributed to this decision. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Council imposed sanctions on Russia, banning Russian airlines from accessing US airports as well as flying over European Union (EU) airspace. These sanctions resulted in extended flight times: flights from London to Shanghai now take an hour longer, while the return journey is extended by around two hours. These additional flight times require more aircraft and crew time, resulting in higher operating costs. Competitive disadvantages compared to Chinese airlines While European airlines such as Virgin Atlantic struggle with the increased costs and flight times, Chinese airlines continue to use Russian airspace. This gives them a significant competitive advantage on routes between Europe and Asia. Despite these challenges, Virgin Atlantic had signed a codeshare agreement with China Eastern Airlines in January 2024, offering travellers easier connections between the UK and East Asia. This partnership was intended to improve access to both markets and provide passengers with a seamless travel experience. Historical connection and future plans The decision to extend the route to Shanghai

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Saudi Arabia cuts budget for NEOM projects: Future of NEOM Airlines uncertain

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2024 07:28

Saudi Arabia, known for its ambitious development projects, has been forced to cut its budget for the futuristic NEOM Bay development project by 20%. This decision comes amid multi-billion dollar cuts to some of the kingdom's largest development projects. NEOM Airlines, a planned state-owned airline that was to start operations in NEOM Bay, could be significantly affected by these cuts. According to a report by Bloomberg, a government committee headed by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has almost completed a comprehensive review of these mega projects. The cuts affect not only NEOM Bay, but also other major projects such as the Qiddiya Coast tourism and entertainment project in Jeddah, whose budget was originally estimated at $50 billion. The reasons behind this decision are varied. Falling oil prices, weaker than expected foreign investment and a forecast of another three years of budget deficit are forcing Saudi Arabia to reorder its priorities under Vision 2030. This vision, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, aims to diversify the Saudi economy and make it less dependent on oil. NEOM Airlines: A project in limbo NEOM Airlines, which was originally planned to start operations in late 2024 or the first quarter of 2025, was to serve as Saudi Arabia's third state-owned airline. The project aimed to connect the emerging NEOM Bay location with key global and regional destinations. The airline was to operate in close cooperation with NEOM stakeholders and complement, not compete with, the existing state-owned airlines Saudia and Riyadh Air. However, the budget cuts cast a shadow over the planned start of operations of

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