Français »
German "
Search
July 29

More articles from the category

July 29

Increasing flight numbers and challenges for the Swiss air traffic control Skyguide

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 18:56

Swiss air traffic control provider Skyguide has recorded a remarkable increase in flight movements in the first half of 2024. With 628 monitored flights under instrument flight rules (IFR), the volume is just below the 205 level. This development reflects a recovery in air traffic that is urgently needed after the pandemic-related restrictions. At the same time, Skyguide and the aviation industry are facing new challenges, particularly in terms of punctuality and the integration of sustainable practices. This article highlights the current developments, challenges and future prospects for Skyguide and air traffic in Switzerland. Compared to the previous year, the number of flights monitored by Skyguide increased by 2019%. Although the 12,8 level has not yet been fully reached, traffic volumes in June 2019 are already at 2024% of pre-crisis levels. This increase is mainly due to increased passenger demand and improved airline capacity. In addition, the French air traffic control strike between January and June 99,5 diverted many flights to routes via Switzerland, which led to a further increase in air traffic. The different market segments show different developments. The increase is particularly striking for low-cost and mainline airlines, with increases of 2023% and 18,4% respectively compared to the previous year. In contrast, cargo and charter flights recorded declines. Cargo flights fell by 11,8%, but are still 6,2% above the 17,5 level. Charter flights fell by 2019% compared to 2023 and are 6,6% below the 14,4 level. Despite the growing air traffic, Skyguide was unable to fully restore the punctuality of flights.

Continue reading "

Vienna: Wizz Air celebrates nine million passengers

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 18:24

Wizz Air, has reached another milestone in Austria: Since its launch in 2018, the airline has carried an impressive nine million passengers on its Vienna flights. Since its arrival at Vienna Airport, Wizz Air has had an impressive record of passengers carried. With the nine millionth passenger on a flight from Corfu to Vienna, the airline sent a clear signal of its success. The connection between Vienna and 32 attractive destinations in 23 countries shows the strategic importance of the city as a hub for Wizz Air and highlights the versatility of the airline's offer. Wizz Air's expansion in Vienna is not only a sign of the airline's success, but also of the airport's growing importance as an international hub. The airline offers flights to popular European destinations such as Barcelona and also to less frequented destinations such as Yerevan in Armenia. This wide range of options has helped Wizz Air to gain a broad customer base and strengthen its influence in the European aviation market. Wizz Air has positioned itself as one of the most sustainable airlines in the world. The airline consistently pursues a strategy to reduce environmental impact and relies on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to minimize its CO2 emissions. The new generation of aircraft used by Wizz Air helps to reduce operating costs while being more environmentally friendly. However, pretty much all airlines claim the same thing about themselves. Wizz Air's philosophy of offering affordable air travel without neglecting passenger comfort is

Continue reading "

Hamburg: Planned SAF mass production has failed

Jan Gruber July 29, 2024 12:37

The vision of more environmentally friendly aviation through the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) has suffered a major setback. An ambitious large-scale project in Hamburg to produce SAF has been discontinued, according to a response from the Hamburg Senate to a minor inquiry from the Left Party. The private consortium that wanted to build the plant in the Billbrook and Rothenburgsort industrial area has decided not to pursue the project any further. This development raises considerable questions about the future of sustainable aviation, especially in view of tightened EU regulations designed to promote the use of SAF. In Austria, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce warned just a few days ago that overregulation could deter potential investors. In June 2022, the "Green Fuels Hamburg" project was announced by a consortium consisting of the energy group Uniper, Siemens Energy, Airbus and the chemical company Sasol Eco FT. The aim was to produce at least 2026 tons of green kerosene per year in an initial expansion phase from 10.000. This amount should contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in aviation, a sector that is responsible for around 2-3% of total CO₂ emissions worldwide. Hamburg Airport should need around 2025 tonnes of SAF from 7.000 onwards to meet the requirements of the new EU regulation, which is intended to facilitate access to aviation fuels containing SAF. Reasons for the failure The exact reason for the failure of the project was not publicly announced. The Hamburg Senate only stated that the consortium had decided not to pursue the project any further. This indicates possible economic, technical or political hurdles that make implementation impractical or unprofitable. The environmental policy

Continue reading "

Kassel-Calden Airport with new bypass road

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 12:32

After a construction period of eight years, the Calden bypass in the Kassel district was fully put into operation. The last construction phase of the federal highway 7 was completed on Friday. The opening took place by Martin Weber, Head of the Roads and Transport Department, and Gerhard Rühmkorf from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. The northern part of the bypass was already opened in December 2022. The new route will relieve the towns of Grebenstein-Burguffeln and Calden of through traffic, and Kassel-Calden Airport will have better connections to the city of Kassel and the surrounding areas.

Continue reading "

Schauinsland-Reisen opens bookings for summer 2025

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 12:30

Schauinsland-Reisen has already activated its offer for summer 2025 and is offering attractive discounts to early bookers. Destinations such as Turkey and Egypt, where the company has expanded its portfolio, are particularly popular. In Turkey, hotels from the Hane, Eftalia and Barut groups can be booked, while in Egypt, facilities such as the Sheraton Miramar El Gouna and the SUNRISE Garden Beach Resort are on offer. Bookings are also already possible for other popular destinations such as the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Greece and long-distance destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius. The building block specialist Explorer, which belongs to the group, also offers a wide selection of trips for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Continue reading "

Threatening escalation: airlines suspend flights to Beirut

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 12:26

Hezbollah's recent rocket attack on the Golan Heights has further exacerbated the already tense situation in the Middle East. The Israeli government reacted immediately with announcements of retaliatory strikes, while airlines around the world are rethinking their route planning. Air traffic to Beirut has been particularly affected, with Lufthansa and its subsidiaries canceling all flights for the time being. This measure highlights the dramatic nature of the situation and the potential consequences for international aviation and regional stability. On July 29, 2024, a rocket that Israeli and US officials say was fired by Hezbollah hit the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights. This incident resulted in numerous deaths, including at least twelve children and young people. However, Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militia in Lebanon, denied responsibility and claimed that an Israeli anti-aircraft missile caused the incident. Iran, an ally of Hezbollah, supported this account and blamed Israel for the attack. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have a long history, dating back to the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights in 1981. This annexation was never internationally recognized and remains a central point of contention in the region. Impact on aviation The growing uncertainty has prompted airlines to react quickly. The Lufthansa Group, including its subsidiaries Swiss and Eurowings, suspended all flights to Beirut for July 29 and 30. Other airlines such as Sun Express, Aegean Airlines, Ethiopian Air and the Lebanese Middle Eastern Airlines (MEA) have also temporarily suspended their flights to Beirut. In the case of MEA, the reason for the suspension is not only

Continue reading "

Fairplane is now working with the ADAC

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 12:21

Passengers affected by delays, missed connecting flights or short-term flight cancellations are entitled to compensation under certain circumstances. The amount of compensation can be up to 600 euros, depending on the flight route and the length of the delay. The ADAC offers a free way to check these claims using the flight compensation calculator. ADAC members can turn to their partner FairPlane, which specializes in passenger rights, to enforce their rights. As a litigation funder, FairPlane covers the costs of legal representation and court costs. The success fee for ADAC members is reduced. In addition to compensation, passengers can make other claims, such as care services, alternative transport or reimbursement of ticket costs. Care services include food, drinks and hotel accommodation, which the airline must provide for delays of two hours or more. FairPlane managing director Michael Flandorfer stresses that many passengers are unaware of their rights and advises paying attention to the reasonable costs of alternative accommodation. Luxury offers are generally not refunded.

Continue reading "

ECJ: Approval of AUA state aid was lawful

Jan Gruber July 29, 2024 12:16

The European Court of Justice had to deal with a lawsuit brought by Laudamotion and Ryanair against the state aid that Austria had paid out to Austrian Airlines at the beginning of the Corona pandemic. The competitors' appeal was rejected. The "rescue package" consisted of a grant from the parent company Lufthansa, state-guaranteed loans that have since been repaid, and "non-repayable state aid" amounting to 150 million euros. Formally, Ryanair and its subsidiary Laudamotion, which is no longer active as an airline, have filed a lawsuit against the approval of this aid by the EU Commission. The lower court, the General Court of the European Union, has already ruled that the release of the state aid was lawful. Since Ryanair and Laudamotion took a completely different view, an appeal was lodged. This meant that the European Court of Justice had to deal with the matter. On Monday, July 29, 2024, the verdict was announced: The approval of the 150 million euro state aid for Austrian Airlines was found to be lawful. Since this is Europe's highest court, Ryanair and Laudamotion can no longer appeal. State-guaranteed loan was repaid The aid in question was only part of the "rescue package", as a further 150 million euros were made available by the parent company Lufthansa. Austrian Airlines took out 300 million euros in the form of a loan, but the government at the time entered into a state guarantee. This loan has since been repaid by Austrian Airlines. In contrast to Germany, Austria did not participate in the airline for which it was guaranteeing. This was financially expensive for the state. In the

Continue reading "

Smartwings downgrades CSA to wet lease provider

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 09:12

Czech Airlines (ČSA), one of the world's most traditional airlines, will no longer operate flights under its own code "OK" from autumn 2024. This decision marks the end of an era and reflects the profound changes in the aviation industry. From the winter flight schedule, all flights of ČSA and its sister company Smartwings will be operated under Smartwings' code "QS". This step is part of a comprehensive restructuring plan designed to increase efficiency and improve the group's competitiveness. In concrete terms, this means that ČSA will then no longer formally fly on its own account, but will act as a wet lease provider for Smartwings. The economic risk of the flights will then be borne by the formal client. At present, ČSA is only a shadow of its former self, as the once proud company has shrunk considerably. Several Airbus A220-300s were actually supposed to be added to the fleet long ago, but the project has been quiet for some time. According to the Smartwings Group's announcement, the last ČSA route served under OK flight numbers will then be switched to the QS code. Czech Airlines was founded on October 6, 1923, making it one of the oldest airlines in the world. The OK code has always been a symbol of Czech aviation and represents the international identity and tradition of ČSA. The abandonment of this code in favor of the Smartwings code QS is therefore a symbolic step that marks the end of ČSA's independent identity. Reasons for the restructuring The decision to abandon the OK code and integrate under the Smartwings code QS is the result of a strategic reorientation. In recent years, Smartwings has increasingly

Continue reading "

From October 2024: T'Way Air will fly to Frankfurt

Amely Mizzi July 29, 2024 06:31

South Korean airline T'Way Air will launch a new connection between Seoul and Frankfurt from October 3, 2024. The route will be served three times a week with an Airbus A330-200. This marks another European destination for the airline, after flights to Rome-Fiumicino in August and to Paris at the end of August, followed by Barcelona in September. T'Way Air is part of the agreements that Korean Air and Asiana had to reach in order to obtain approval for their merger from the European Union. This agreement includes, among other things, supporting T'Way Air in expanding its European routes to promote more competition in the market.

Continue reading "

Navigation

Visit us on

Facebook f X-twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Telegram rss Threads, Google Hm-mail-open Wordpress
login logo

Aviation.Direct is published with love in and