August 16, 2024

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August 16, 2024

A celebration of the senses: Tequila, rum and gin in Vienna

On September 20 and 21, 2024, Vienna's Ottakringer Brewery will be transformed into a true paradise for lovers of spirits and culinary delights. Three top-class festivals that bring together the best of Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Under the motto "Tequila, Taco & Mariachi", "Vienna Rum Festival" and "Ginmarkt meets Aperitivo", guests can immerse themselves deeply in the world of tequila, rum and gin, accompanied by excellent music and a wide range of culinary delicacies. Tequila, Taco & Mariachi: A tribute to Mexico The "Tequila, Taco & Mariachi" festival, which is taking place in Vienna for the first time and celebrates Mexican culture in a unique way, will kick things off. Nicolas Hold, managing director of the organizer HSG Events, has set himself the goal of introducing Austrians to the multifaceted world of tequila. "Tequila is one of the most exciting spirits in the world and is becoming increasingly popular internationally. Unfortunately, only a few products are known in this country, but there is so much exciting to discover," explains Hold. Tequila, made from the core of the blue agave, is more than just a liquor - it is a cultural heritage of Mexico. The festival offers the unique opportunity to discover the diversity of this spirit: from Blanco, the clear and unaged variant, to Extra Añejo, which is aged for a long time and is characterized by intense aromas. But the festival offers much more than just tequila. Visitors can look forward to the best tacos in Vienna, which, together with traditional Mariachi music, bring the Mexican lifestyle to Vienna. For many, it is

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Lufthansa opens new lounge at Newark Airport

Lufthansa has opened a new premium lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey. The 600 square meter lounge in Terminal B has space for around 170 guests and is designed to offer both business and private travelers a comfortable ambience before departure. The center of the lounge is the Skyline Bar, which presents a wide selection of drinks, including craft beer from New Jersey, as well as regional culinary offerings. Special amenities are available to First Class passengers and HON Circle members, including a private dining area with à la carte menus. In total, Lufthansa has invested around ten million euros in the new facility, which underlines the airline's premium claim and is intended to set standards worldwide.

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Climate sticker campaigns on the backs of passengers

On the morning of August 15, 2024, climate activists from the "Last Generation" again staged protests at several German airports. While air traffic in Berlin and Stuttgart remained largely undisturbed, the actions at Nuremberg and Cologne-Bonn airports led to delays. According to the Air Passenger Rights Regulation EC 261, passengers affected by flight delays are entitled to compensation and replacement services under certain conditions. However, passenger rights expert Nina Staub from AirHelp explained that there is often no entitlement to compensation for protests that are not the fault of the airline. It is still recommended to keep receipts for additional expenses in order to receive possible refunds from the airlines.

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Airport Association ADV strongly condemns disruptive actions at German airports

The airport association ADV has sharply criticized yesterday's disruptive actions by the group "Last Generation" at the airports in Berlin-Brandenburg, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Cologne-Bonn. Members of the group had illegally entered the airport premises, which the ADV describes as a "concerted act of criminal extortion". The association's chief executive, Ralph Beisel, called for consistent prosecution and a swift adoption of the tightening of the Aviation Security Act by the Bundestag. Despite the incidents, Beisel emphasized that the airports' security concepts had worked effectively to prevent major dangers. At the same time, he criticized the media coverage, which gave too much attention to the actions of the "Last Generation" and thus indirectly supported the group.

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Tragic plane crash in France: Two Rafale fighter jets collide

On August 15, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in eastern France that rocked the French Air Force: two Rafale fighter jets crashed on the border between the Vosges and Meurthe-et-Moselle regions. Two pilots were killed in the accident, while a third managed to eject. This incident not only represents a heavy loss for the French armed forces, but also raises questions about safety and conditions during military training missions. According to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the two crashed aircraft were part of the Rafale Transition Squadron 3/4 Aquitaine, based at the BA 113 Saint-Dizier-Robinson air base. The two Rafale B jets involved in the accident were returning from a refueling mission in Germany during a combat maneuver when they were involved in a mid-air collision. Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens lost their lives in this tragic incident. Both pilots were on board the two-seater Rafale B jet that crashed in the accident. A third pilot, flying a single-seater Rafale C jet, was able to eject and was rescued with minor injuries. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his regret over the incident in an official statement: "We learned with sadness of the deaths of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens. The nation shares the grief of their families and brothers in arms at Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier." The President thus underlined the nation's deep shock and solidarity with the relatives of those who died. Emergency measures and investigations Immediately after the crash

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Düsseldorf Airport and Eurowings launch joint image campaign

Düsseldorf Airport and the airline Eurowings have launched the new image campaign "Your Wings. Because we love DUS". The aim of the campaign is to underline the close connection between the airline and the airport and to make travelers aware of the advantages of Düsseldorf Airport. The campaign uses six different motifs that focus on the topic of travel. The campaign is intended to highlight the importance of the airport as a central hub for Eurowings flights.

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El Al sets new record: Largest aircraft purchase in the history of the Israeli airline

On August 15, 2024, Israeli airline El Al took a historic step and completed the largest aircraft purchase in its 76-year history. The agreement reached with Boeing includes the acquisition of up to 31 Boeing 737 Max jets and marks a significant milestone for the airline. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize its fleet and ensure competitiveness in the global aviation market. The agreement between El Al and Boeing provides for the purchase of 20 Boeing 737 Max, with options for 11 more aircraft. The new jets are scheduled to be delivered starting in 2028. The cost of this order is $1,5 billion, with the price increasing to up to $2,5 billion if options for additional aircraft are exercised. This order represents the largest single aircraft purchase in El Al's history and underlines the airline's commitment to modernizing its fleet and improving service to its customers. Strategic importance and investment plan Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia, CEO of El Al, commented on the deal, calling it a "significant milestone" for the airline. "This contract allows us to offer our customers the most modern service and the most advanced technology in the industry," explained Ben-Tal Ganancia. The new order follows the purchase of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners earlier this year, which also came with options for six more aircraft. These investments are part of a long-term procurement plan aimed at expanding El Al's fleet, increasing capacity and increasing its capacity.

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Patrick Shanahan receives millions in compensation after Spirit Aerosystems merger with Boeing

Following the merger of aircraft supplier Spirit Aerosystems with Boeing, Spirit CEO Patrick Shanahan will receive a severance package of $28,5 million (approximately €26,07 million), according to a report published on Monday. Shanahan's severance package consists of a cash payment of $2,3 million, converted shares valued at $26,1 million and other benefits valued at $45.000. These payments are part of a so-called "golden parachute", which is common practice in the United States to offer executives incentives to sell companies, even if this means the end of their own employment. Boeing agreed in July to buy back Spirit Aerosystems for $4,7 billion in shares. Airbus, on the other hand, took over the supplier's European production, leading to the split of the world's largest independent aircraft supplier. Shanahan was previously considered a potential successor to the CEO position at Boeing.

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Alaska Airlines: Court victory for merger with Hawaiian Airlines

Alaska Airlines recently won a major legal victory that advances its proposed merger with Hawaiian Airlines. A U.S. District Court in Hawaii ruled on August 12, 2024, that the lawsuit opposing the acquisition would be dismissed, taking a significant step toward the proposed merger. The court's decision marks a pivotal moment in the merger process of the two airlines and could have far-reaching consequences for the airline industry. The lawsuit, filed by eight passengers and travel agents, sought to prevent the $1,9 billion merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The plaintiffs argued that the merger would further consolidate the industry, reduce competition, and lead to higher airfares. They requested judicial review to prevent these potential negative effects. However, the court dismissed the lawsuit because the plaintiffs lacked evidence that they suffered any "concrete or special harm" as a result of the merger. According to the statement from Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Group, they welcome the decision and emphasize that the merger will provide benefits to consumers in Hawaii, the mainland United States and around the world. The companies are confident that the merger will increase competition and expand choice for customers. The background to the merger The merger, which was announced on December 2, 2023, includes not only the combination of the two airlines, but also an assumption of $900 million of Hawaiian Airlines' debt by Alaska Airlines. Both airlines plan to retain their brands and align their operating systems

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Boeing keeps delivery pace stable in July 2024

The US aircraft manufacturer Boeing delivered a total of 2024 commercial aircraft to its customers in July 43, which is almost the same as the previous month, when 44 aircraft were delivered. Despite the stable delivery figures, Boeing also received orders for 72 new aircraft in July. This brings the number of aircraft delivered this year to 218. In comparison, European competitor Airbus is well ahead with 400 jets delivered so far.

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