October 17th

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October 17th

Smartwings lets CSA take off with A22 from November 2024, 220

Czech airline Smartwings plans to take a significant step in its fleet modernization. On November 22, 2024, the first Airbus A220 is scheduled to enter service, flying on the Prague-Paris-Charles de Gaulle route. This decision marks a turning point in the company's strategy and is part of a comprehensive adaptation of the fleet, which has evolved in recent years in terms of both technology and sustainability. Smartwings has so far limited itself to a Boeing fleet consisting mainly of Boeing 737-800 and 737 Max 8. These aircraft are known for their efficiency and reliability. However, the A220 represents a new dimension in the fleet strategy. Originally developed as the Bombardier CSeries, the Airbus A220 is known for its fuel efficiency, comfort and flexibility on short and medium-haul flights. With a capacity of up to 160 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, it is ideal for Smartwings' planned routes. According to a press release from Smartwings, the A220 will play an important role in the expansion and diversification of the route network. "We are pleased to add the first A220s to our fleet as they will help us to offer our customers a modern and comfortable travel experience," said the CEO of Smartwings in an interview. Use of the A220: More than just a new aircraft type The decision to introduce the Airbus A220 is also in the context of the planned realignment of the parent company and its subsidiary, CSA Czech Airlines. The four A220s ordered were originally intended for CSA. However, after a restructuring, it was decided to use the

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Emirates postpones first flight of the Airbus A350 again

Emirates airline is once again facing delivery delays affecting the long-awaited maiden flight of its first Airbus A350. The premiere of the new long-haul aircraft was originally scheduled to take place earlier, but the new date has now been set: The first commercial scheduled flight with the A350 will be to Edinburgh on December 16, 2024. These delays raise questions about the planning security and strategic expansion plans of the airline, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Background to the delivery delays The reasons for the delays are complex. European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has struggled with various production problems in recent years, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated disruptions in the supply chain. According to a September 2024 report by Airbus, the airline, which has ordered a total of 65 A350-900s, has repeatedly struggled with production bottlenecks and schedule delays since the original order in 2013. Adel Alredha, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, said in an interview with Gulf News that the airline was due to receive a total of five A350 aircraft by the end of December. However, this hope has now been dashed and a new company statement does not provide any precise information on future delivery dates. This uncertainty is particularly problematic for Emirates as the airline is looking to diversify and modernise its fleet to offer its customers a contemporary travel experience. The flight schedule and impact on passengers Despite the delays, the existing frequencies on the A350 routes will be maintained for the time being. The airline plans to operate the flights with other aircraft types, which will be more cost-effective for the airline.

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Cost trap for rental cars: Consumer advocates warn of clutch damage

In recent months, consumer advocates have issued urgent warnings about cost traps that can affect rental car holidaymakers, particularly in popular holiday destinations such as the Portuguese island of Madeira. Reports from the European Consumer Centre (ECC) indicate that there has been an increase in disputes between rental car customers and car rental companies, particularly regarding clutch damage. This issue is not limited to Madeira, but also affects other mountainous holiday islands such as Tenerife, Mallorca and Crete, where steep roads place great strain on rental car clutches. The problem of clutch damage According to the ECC, clutch damage to rental cars in these regions is "not uncommon". Since many holidaymakers take to the roads of these stunning landscapes without any prior knowledge, the strain of tight bends and steep climbs can lead to significant problems. If the clutch breaks, this can be expensive for the affected travellers. Car rental companies in these holiday areas often consider demanding reimbursement of repair costs from customers. The argument of "improper use" is often brought into play, which further reduces the chances of an accommodating solution. Insurance cover and liability A central aspect that leads to problems is insurance cover. Fully comprehensive insurance does not apply in many cases, which is confirmed by the large car rental companies such as Sixt or Europcar. These companies point out that damage to the clutch is often seen as negligent behavior on the part of the renter, which means that the costs of the repair must be borne in full or in part by the renter. One example of this is the Dertour Group, whose holiday car department has a general

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New pier in Prerow: A landmark for the Baltic Sea region

With an impressive length of 720 meters, the newest pier in the Baltic Sea region opens on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula. This striking construction, which extends into the sea from Prerow, is not only an architectural highlight, but is also intended to make a decisive contribution to the region's tourist attractiveness. In addition to the pier, a new harbor with 50 berths has been created, offering a wide range of options for water sports enthusiasts and tourists. The opening of the pier marks a significant step in the development of the coastal region. Prerow, once a tranquil fishing village, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for vacationers who appreciate the region's nature, beaches and diverse leisure activities. The bridge not only offers access to the water, but also a roof terrace that gives visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. This makes it an ideal place for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers. A new port for the region: attractions and functions The new port, which is equipped with 50 berths, is a valuable addition to the tourist infrastructure. It was designed primarily as a rescue port, which is why the stay is limited to a maximum of 24 hours. This means that the port cannot be used for permanent berths, but primarily serves as a port of call for ships and pleasure boats. The decision to design the port in this form was made to ensure maritime safety in the region and at the same time to meet the need for short-term berthing options. The new pier and port are intended to further promote the tourist development of the peninsula. Holidaymakers can now

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Etihad Airways expands capacity on Düsseldorf-Abu Dhabi route

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in Abu Dhabi, announces a significant expansion of its flight connections between Düsseldorf and Abu Dhabi. From October 1, 2025, the route will be served daily, more than double the current frequencies. The airline currently offers three weekly flights from Düsseldorf to Abu Dhabi. With the planned expansion to daily flights, Etihad is responding to the increasing demand in both business and leisure travel and is continuing to pursue its strategy of global expansion. Significant increase in capacity and more flexible travel planning The decision to increase connections from Düsseldorf comes at a time when international air traffic from Europe to the Middle East is gaining momentum again. Abu Dhabi is an important hub airport, especially for business travelers and vacationers looking for connections to Asia or Australia. Thanks to the increased frequency, Etihad will offer its passengers more flexibility in travel planning and a larger choice of connecting flights to numerous international destinations. Another important aspect of the new strategy is the announcement that the connection will be offered all year round. This represents a significant change, as the route was previously partially restricted to certain seasons. For travelers, this means more reliability when booking and a continuous connection to Abu Dhabi, regardless of the time of year. Why Düsseldorf? The importance of the Rhine-Ruhr region The choice of Düsseldorf as one of the important German departure points for Etihad Airways is strategically well thought out. Düsseldorf is located in the center of the economically strong Rhine-Ruhr region, which is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe. Here you will find

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“Expedition AI 3.0”: AI conference at Vienna Airport focuses on innovation

At the third DACH Congress "Expedition AI 3.0" in the Vienna Airport Conference & Innovation Center at Vienna Airport, over 800 guests and 200 companies from the DACH region exchanged ideas on the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Top-class experts such as Sepp Hochreiter from Johannes Kepler University and representatives from the business world, including Amelie Groß from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of AI for competitiveness and the future economy. In addition to keynotes and workshops, the two-day event also offered space for practical applications and award-winning innovative startup pitches.

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Austrian Airlines offers personalized check-in for private individuals

Austrian Airlines is expanding its service and is now offering all passengers the opportunity to book an exclusive, personalized check-in counter at Vienna Airport. This service, which was previously only available to corporate customers, is now also aimed at private travelers, for example for family vacations, weddings or bachelor parties. The counter can be customized, for example with a personal message or logo. Reservations are available from 99 euros for 30 minutes and must be made at least eight days before departure.

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Pilatus focuses on sustainability in aircraft construction

The Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus is stepping up its sustainability efforts. The cabin interior of the PC-24 business jet now uses environmentally friendly materials, including natural oils instead of synthetic paints and 100 percent natural wool carpets. These environmentally friendly materials reduce the release of harmful substances and improve recyclability. Pilatus is also investing in "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" (SAF) to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet. From 2027, the company will purchase 200 tons of solar fuel annually in collaboration with Synhelion to further promote the use of sustainable fuels.

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Clear victory for trade unions at Discover Airlines

The workforce of Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, voted by a clear majority for the trade union candidates in the most recent works council election. Ten of the 17 seats on the works council went to representatives of the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) and the Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation (UFO). The workforce is thus showing clear trust in the trade unions, which want to campaign for fair and reliable working conditions. Ver.di only received the fourth most votes, which indicates a declining trust in the large union.

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Wizz Air opens new flight connections to Moldova

Just in time for Christmas, Wizz Air is expanding its route network to include four connections to Chişinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova. From December 19, 2024, a new route will start from Nuremberg Airport to Chişinău, which will be served twice a week. In addition, from December 16, Dortmund and Memmingen airports will again be connected to the Moldovan capital, with three weekly flights. The route from Berlin to Chişinău will also return on December 17, with two weekly connections. Tickets for all routes can already be booked.

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