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September 2, 2024

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September 2, 2024

MSC Cruises may be planning new mega cruise ships at Meyer Turku

Amely Mizzi September 2, 2024 09:01

According to reports from the website Shipping Italy, MSC Cruises and the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland are in advanced negotiations to build cruise ships of the supposed new "Ultimate Class". These ships could become the largest cruise ships in the world and take over Royal Caribbean's current top position. The new ships could reach a tonnage of around 270.000 gross tonnage, making them around eight percent larger than Royal Caribbean's "Icon of the Seas", which currently holds the largest cruise ship title. This would be a significant achievement for Meyer Turku, as it would mark the first collaboration with MSC Cruises. Until now, MSC Cruises had its ships built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France or Fincantieri in Italy. With this order, Meyer Turku would have the opportunity to establish itself as a provider of mega cruise ships, especially since Royal Caribbean recently ordered another Icon Class ship from Meyer Turku. MSC Cruises, currently one of the largest cruise ships in the world with the "MSC World Europa", could take over the leading position in the cruise ship market with the new ship class. Official confirmations from MSC Cruises and Meyer Turku are still pending.

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Alliance Airlines and Qantas: Strategic fleet expansion in partnership

Amely Mizzi September 2, 2024 08:36

In a rapidly evolving global aviation market, Alliance Airlines, an Australian airline specializing in charter and wet lease services, has positioned itself as a major player. With a significant expansion of its Embraer E190 fleet and an intensive collaboration with Qantas Airways, the company is strengthening its market position and responding to the increasing demand for capacity in the aviation industry. Fleet growth as a key strategy Alliance Airlines' decision to exercise the last four E2024 options with Qantas by the end of 190 underscores the strategic importance of this aircraft type for the airline. These steps follow a commitment made last year to purchase a total of 30 E190s from AerCap. As of June 30, 2024, Alliance had already taken delivery of ten of these aircraft and expects full delivery of all ordered units by June 2026. According to Alliance Managing Director Scott McMillan, this decision proves to be extremely forward-looking in retrospect, as demand for capacity in global air traffic continues to grow. Alliance Airlines had previously also secured four E190s from Azorra Aviation, which have now been fully delivered and put into operation. In addition, the airline acquired a tranche of 33 E190s from Jetran and Azorra, which further increased the company's fleet strength. At the end of the 2024 financial year, Alliance Airlines had 72 aircraft, including 47 E190s and a fleet of Fokker 70s and Fokker 100s. Qantas as a strategic partner A key factor in Alliance Airlines' success is its close partnership with Qantas. The Australian airline holds a 19,73% stake in Alliance and has already wet-leased 26 E190s from Alliance.

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Hamburg Airport awards “Moving. Neighbourhood Prize” 2024

Amely Mizzi September 2, 2024 08:07

Non-profit associations and initiatives from the Hamburg metropolitan region can apply for the sixth "Hamburg Airport. Moving. Neighborhood Prize" until October 18, 2024. The prize, which is endowed with a total of 13.500 euros, supports projects that contribute to improving neighborhood coexistence. Applications can be submitted in the categories of society & social affairs, culture & sport, and sustainability & environment. The three best projects in each category will be honored. The first places will each receive 2.000 euros, the second places 1.500 euros, and the third places 1.000 euros. The winners will be selected by an independent jury, which includes Hamburg's Senator for Economic Affairs Dr. Melanie Leonhard and representatives from Hamburg Airport and AviAlliance. The awards ceremony will take place on November 20, 2024 at the Bugenhagenschule in Alsterdorf. To participate, applications must be submitted online at www.hamburg-airport-bewegt.de by October 18, 2024. In addition to convincing texts, pictures and videos are also welcome.

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Air Belgium: Creditors to vote on reorganisation plan

Jan Gruber September 2, 2024 07:30

Amid economic turmoil and operational challenges, Belgian airline Air Belgium is facing a crucial vote by its creditors that could determine the company's fate. September 4, 2024 marks a critical moment when creditors must decide on a comprehensive reorganisation plan. This plan, drawn up as part of a judicial reorganisation procedure (procédure de réorganisation judiciaire - PRJ), could be the last lifeline for the ailing airline. Otherwise, Air Belgium faces insolvency, which could have serious consequences for creditors and the airline's future. A plan to save it: the key points of the reorganisation plan Air Belgium's reorganisation plan, finalised on August 14, 2024, was drawn up in collaboration with independent restructuring expert Bernard Vanham and aims to restore the company's financial stability. The plan provides for a clear prioritisation of passengers, classified as "Class H" creditors, who are to receive a full refund of their funds by April 2025. This measure is notable because it shows that Air Belgium attaches great importance to regaining the trust of its customers, even if this means placing a greater burden on other creditors. Other groups of creditors, on the other hand, will have to accept significant financial losses. Banks, which are considered to be creditors in the higher classes, will have to face a 40% reduction in their claims. The cuts are even more drastic for lenders and shareholders, who could lose up to 95% of their claims. These harsh measures illustrate the severity of the financial crisis facing Air Belgium and the determination of management to save the company at all costs.

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Ryanair criticises Boeing for continued delivery delays

Amely Mizzi September 2, 2024 06:31

In the dynamic and competitive aviation industry, delays in aircraft deliveries can have serious consequences. Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, is currently facing exactly this problem. Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair Holdings, recently expressed strong criticism of Boeing, speaking of repeated disappointments regarding the delivery of new aircraft. This situation could have far-reaching effects on the airline's expansion plans and capacity planning for the coming years. O'Leary made it clear in an interview that Ryanair will only receive five aircraft from Boeing in August 2023 instead of the originally planned ten. This announcement follows similar delays in July, when Boeing was supposed to deliver seven jets but only handed over five to Ryanair. These repeated delays are forcing Ryanair to rethink its capacity planning and possibly slow down its planned expansion. For an airline like Ryanair, which relies heavily on the availability of new and efficient aircraft to maintain its low-fare policy, such delivery delays are not only annoying but potentially damaging to business. The expected reduction to 20 to 25 new aircraft by summer 2025 – compared to the 29 originally planned – means that Ryanair may not be able to meet the increasing demand for low-cost flights in Europe and beyond. Background to the delays The ongoing delays in Boeing's aircraft deliveries are not a new phenomenon. The US aircraft manufacturer has struggled with a number of problems in recent years, including production errors, technical defects and challenges in certifying new models. A particularly serious incident occurred earlier this year when

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Project “Trails of Love” starts the fall season with new events

Amely Mizzi September 2, 2024 06:03

The Trails of Love project, dedicated to the repair of hiking trails and tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, will begin its autumn season on August 31, 2024. The initiative, supported by the Czech Tourist Club, Kofola and RegioJet, is entering its second year. In the first event after the summer break, volunteers will be active in the Giant Mountains to clean hiking trails around Brádlerův boudy. The event will be accompanied by Jiří Cupák from KRNAP and Petr Bárta. Ladislav Macka, deputy chairman of the Czech Tourist Club, emphasizes the importance of the upcoming events until November, which are organized via the website www.stezkyzlasky.cz. The project has already set records this year, including the largest brigade in Nelahozeves and the most difficult event in the Giant Mountains. Since the project began in May last year, 543 volunteers have participated in 26 events and repaired 22 hiking trails and 30 kilometers of hiking route. Other planned events include the construction of trails in the Bohemian Central Mountains on October 5, improvements in the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy on October 12 and 26. Participants can look forward to communal activities in nature, accommodation in hiking huts and evening entertainment around the campfire.

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Serbia wants Rafale fighter jets: A signal for European integration or strategic calculation?

Jan Gruber September 2, 2024 05:33

Serbia has taken a step towards closer military cooperation with France and, by extension, with the European Union. The Balkan country has decided to buy twelve Rafale fighter jets from the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This deal, valued at a total of 2,7 billion euros, not only marks a modernization of the Serbian air force, but could also have far-reaching geopolitical implications. The agreement was signed during a meeting between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and French President Emmanuel Macron in Belgrade. The two heads of state highlighted the strategic importance of this arms deal for relations between Serbia and France. Modernisation of the Serbian Air Force Serbia's decision to replace the outdated Soviet MiG fighters with the modern French Rafale jets represents a significant change in the country's military orientation. Until now, the Serbian Air Force was based predominantly on Soviet-designed aircraft, which are increasingly difficult to maintain and no longer meet modern requirements. The acquisition of the Rafale jets, which are among the most advanced combat aircraft in the world, will not only significantly increase Serbia's operational capacity, but also reduce its dependence on Russia, a traditional ally. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, has established itself as a major player in the global defence market in recent years, particularly through successful sales to countries such as India, Qatar and Greece. For Serbia, the purchase of the Rafale means not only the acquisition of modern technology, but also integration into a network of maintenance, logistics and possibly training provided by France and its partners.

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A look at the highlights of the Wels Autumn Fair and AgroTier 2024

Jan Gruber September 2, 2024 05:08

From August 30th to September 8th, 2024, Wels will be transformed into a vibrant center for enjoyment and innovation. The city is not only characterized by the Wels Autumn Fair, but also by AgroTier, the most important trade fair for domestic economy and grassland management in Austria. Both events offer a varied program that includes both culinary delights and technological innovations in agriculture. The Wels Autumn Fair scores with a successful mix of regional cuisine and modern lifestyle. Particularly noteworthy is the "Total regional" gourmet market, which offers visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of regional specialties. Here, guests can enjoy freshly baked bread, delicious biscuits, organic tea, and many other delicacies directly on site. The offer also includes organic products and gift items provided by the OÖGenussland and the partners of the OÖ Genussland. A special highlight of the gourmet market is the opportunity to get to know regional meat specialties. The rural youth of Upper Austria and StadtLandTier offer informative stations that give an insight into local agriculture and the origin of meat products. Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable and animal-friendly production methods. The gourmet market also offers plenty of entertainment for families. The small but fine **Wels Autumn Fair** presents numerous ideas for interior design, kitchens, sleeping systems and wellness in Hall 20 and on the outdoor area. Attractions such as the show kitchen "Meat & More" with star chefs such as Elfriede Schachinger and Markus Grillenberger and the Goaßcafé with goat's milk ice cream round off the culinary offering. In the bee shop, visitors can learn about the variety of bee products and try them on site. A special part of the autumn fair is the area

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Ryanair apologizes for delays and calls for air traffic control reform

Jan Gruber September 2, 2024 05:01

Ryanair apologized to its passengers on 28 August 2024 for the ongoing flight delays caused by staff shortages in European air traffic control and an equipment failure at the Dutch air traffic control centre. The problems affected all airlines flying to or from Eindhoven and Amsterdam. Despite a 5% drop in the number of flights in the EU in 2024 compared to 2019 and a decrease in strikes in French air traffic control, delays in Europe are reaching record levels. Over the past three years, air traffic control fees have increased by 21%, while staffing and service levels have been reduced. Ryanair is calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take urgent action to reform the air traffic control system. Ryanair Chief Operations Officer Neal McMahon called the situation "unacceptable" and asked passengers to visit the website atcruinedourholiday.com to urge the EU Commission to improve the air traffic control system in Europe.

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Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules: A look at 70 years in service with the US Air Force

Amely Mizzi September 2, 2024 04:30

On August 23, 1954, a new chapter in aviation history began when the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules made its first flight. Today, 70 years later, the Hercules has established itself as one of the U.S. Air Force's longest-lasting and most versatile aircraft. Over the decades, the C-130 has proven itself to be an indispensable tool for the U.S. military, serving in a variety of missions around the world. From the harsh tundras of the Antarctic to the hot deserts of the Middle East to the tropical islands of the Pacific, the C-130 has proven its worth in every theater of operations. A success story of versatility Known for its ruggedness and versatility, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules has taken on numerous roles over the course of its 70-year history. Originally designed as a tactical transport aircraft, the C-130 has evolved into a platform for many different missions. In addition to being used as a troop transport, it is also used as a combat helicopter, intelligence reconnaissance aircraft (ISR), special operations platform, tanker and electronic warfare aircraft. According to a report by the US Air Force's Air Mobility Command, there are currently 436 C-130s active in the fleet, distributed across seven major commands and the Air National Guard. This shows the continued importance of this aircraft to the US armed forces. "We absolutely must rely on our C-130s to survive and operate in the demanding environment of the Pacific theater," emphasizes Michael Beasley, senior material manager of the C-130 Hercules division of the Mobility Directorate. The C-130's ability to efficiently transport troops and supplies from island to island is a critical factor in the "Agile Combat Employment" (ACE) concept.

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