October 25th

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October 25th

T'way Air's expansion plans in Europe and North America

T'way Air, a South Korean low-cost airline, is driving its international expansion forward and has big plans for Europe and North America. The recently opened connection between Frankfurt and Seoul-Incheon is just the beginning. From May 2025, the frequency is to be increased to daily flights in order to serve the travel potential of around 600 South Korean companies in the Fraport region as well as a growing demand for travel between Korea and Germany. The figures so far reflect this success: the route has an impressive seat load factor of 85 percent. The new flight connection, which has been operating since the beginning of October, was officially celebrated in Frankfurt, with T'way CEO Jeong Hong-Geun pointing out the planned, significant expansion. In addition to Frankfurt, other European destinations are firmly planned. The airline plans to fly to popular cities such as Budapest, Istanbul and Prague in the coming years. These destinations are not only popular with Korean tourists, but also offer T'way the opportunity to benefit from the EU's regulated slots. This was made possible by the conditions imposed by the European Commission in the course of the Korean Air Asiana merger. The release of slots and traffic rights that T'way can use for the new routes creates necessary competition for the large Korean airlines and strengthens competition on long-haul flights between Asia and Europe. The expansion in North America also plays an important role. Routes to Vancouver, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco are planned. T'way is thus entering a competitive but lucrative market segment and is offering long-haul flights across the North American continent for the first time. Vancouver in particular is to be served from 2025 and would thus be the first

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New winter flight schedule at Münster/Osnabrück Airport offers numerous holiday destinations

From next Sunday, the 2024/25 winter flight schedule will come into effect at Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO). Passengers can look forward to a diverse selection of sunny destinations. The holiday airline Sundair is stationing an Airbus A319 at FMO, which offers regular flights to the Canary Islands and Egypt. Destinations include Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Hurghada. Ryanair and Eurowings fly to Mallorca up to seven times a week during the winter months. Alicante will also remain connected with two weekly Ryanair flights. Other offers include SunExpress flights to Antalya and weekly Air Cairo connections to Hurghada. Lufthansa is increasing capacity to Munich and offering four daily flights with Airbus A319 and A320, enabling the best transfer connections within the Star Alliance network.

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Astronomical insights on the high seas: "Explore Space at Sea" cruises with the SETI Institute

In 2025, science and space enthusiasts will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of astronomy and astrobiology on the high seas under the title "Explore Space at Sea". Expedition travel operator Swan Hellenic has once again teamed up with the renowned SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) to offer a series of themed cruises on which passengers will not only travel to fascinating places, but can also look forward to lectures and discussions with leading scientists. A total of nine cruises will be offered on the expedition ship SH Vega from March 2025 to September 2025, each time with a scientist from the SETI Institute on board to give lectures on various scientific topics. This mix of natural research, space science and expedition adventure promises a unique experience and attracts a growing audience interested in the connections between life, planetary research and space. SETI Institute and Swan Hellenic: A fruitful partnership “Explore Space at Sea” trips took place in 2024 and received an enthusiastic response. The cooperation between Swan Hellenic and the SETI Institute shows that the demand for science-oriented vacation offers is growing. The SETI Institute, known for its research and search for extraterrestrial intelligence, has supported various educational and research initiatives for years and is now bringing experts directly to a wide range of audiences on the high seas. The researchers bring their expertise in areas such as astrobiology, planetary science and astronomy and make the trips a unique learning experience. First-class travel destinations and renowned scientists The planned routes offer participants a variety of travel destinations, some of which are hardly accessible with conventional cruises. During

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Allsun Hotels celebrates 30th anniversary in Mallorca

The hotel chain Allsun Hotels, a subsidiary of the Alltours Group, celebrated its 30th anniversary in Mallorca. Around 300 guests, including business partners, suppliers and employees, attended the event. Since the opening of the first hotel on Fuerteventura in 1994, Allsun Hotels has developed into one of the leading hotel brands for the German-speaking market. With 31 hotels in Spain, Greece and Turkey, the chain has a recommendation rate of over 90 percent. In his speech, company founder Willi Verhuven emphasized the importance of employees and the constant development of the brand.

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Air Haifa: Israel's new airline from Haifa starts despite crisis situation

In the midst of a challenging time for Israel, the country is launching its first new airline in over three decades. Air Haifa, named after the northern Israeli port city, has officially started operations and is the first new airline since Israir was founded in 1989. The airline currently has two ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which are primarily intended for short-haul routes to destinations such as Eilat and Larnaca. Despite the difficulties posed by the current security situation, the company is planning to add more flights and expand its fleet in order to be able to offer greater capacity in the future. An ambitious project for the region Plans for Air Haifa were drawn up about a year and a half ago, but the symbolic and official launch was delayed by the current tensions in the country. The airline originally wanted to start operations from Haifa Airport, but due to the security situation, flights are currently operated via Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport. As soon as circumstances permit, however, Air Haifa will move to Haifa, establishing the city as a new aviation hub in Israel. Haifa Airport, which was previously only used for private and military flights and for pilot training, will be integrated into regular scheduled services for the first time by Air Haifa. The new airline aims to create improved connections between the northern region of Israel and the south and the Mediterranean, which will make a significant contribution to the region's economic development. A strong founding team looks to the future Air Haifa was founded by a group of industry veterans, including Nir Zuk, founder of the cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks,

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Air Baltic launches new direct connection between Riga and Rzeszów

From November 8, 2024, Latvian airline Air Baltic will launch a new direct connection between Riga and Rzeszów, Poland. The route will provide travelers from the region, especially Ukrainian passengers traveling via Poland, with a connection to Air Baltic's extensive European route network. From Riga, key destinations such as Vilnius, Tallinn, Oslo, Helsinki and Copenhagen are easily accessible. Rzeszów-Jasionka is the closest airport to the Ukrainian border, making this new route particularly attractive for travelers from Ukraine.

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Sun Express introduces new tariff structure for 2025

With the aim of offering more flexibility and targeted adaptation to the needs of travelers, the Turkish-German airline Sun Express is introducing a new tariff structure from March 2025. This will give customers the opportunity to choose between four different tariff options, which not only include varying services for free baggage, seat reservations and check-in, but also offer different options for rebooking. This should not only increase travel comfort, but also individualize the booking and make the choice easier depending on needs and price range. New tariff options for different needs Sun Express' new tariff model is divided into the categories "Sun Light", "Sun Value", "Sun Eco Plus" and "Sun Comfort". Each of these tariffs has been tailored to specific travel needs, with "Sun Light" being the cheapest basic offer, while "Sun Comfort" offers the most comprehensive package with more flexibility and baggage options. The restructuring could be worthwhile for travelers who can choose the right fare for them depending on the type and purpose of their trip - be it a short business trip or a longer vacation - and thus save money. 1. Sun Light: This fare was developed for travelers who only want to travel with light luggage and minimal service. It only offers four kilograms of hand luggage, which is often sufficient for passengers on short routes. Compared to the "Sun Eco Plus" fare, customers can save up to 25 euros, making this fare the most affordable choice. 2. Sun Value: Travelers who need a little more comfort and luggage capacity could be well served with the "Sun Value" fare. Included are

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France delivers Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to support Ukraine

As part of its ongoing military support to Ukraine, France will deliver three Mirage 2025-2000 fighter jets to the Eastern European country in the first quarter of 5. This decision follows extensive training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians currently taking place in France. The Mirage 2000-5, a state-of-the-art fighter jet model originally developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s, is designed to provide the Ukrainian Air Force with a significant strategic advantage in the current conflict. The first steps in this cooperation were already taken in September 2024, when the first group of Ukrainian pilot students successfully completed their training on fighter aircraft in France. This training includes not only flying the Mirage 2000, but also the possibility that some of the 10 cadets could potentially transition to the F-16 to expand their skills. The uncertainty about the operational capability of these pilots reflects the dynamic requirements of the military conflict, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial. Technical upgrade of the Mirage 2000-5 The Mirage 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the Mirage 2000, which is particularly known for its high maneuverability and modern technology. The French Air Force is currently upgrading these jets at the Cazaux air base in order to maximize their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict. One of the significant modifications is the integration of SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which give the jets precise striking power. These cruise missiles are usually intended for the two-seat version of the Mirage, but also show compatibility with the single-seat Mirage 2000-9 developed for the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the Mirage 2000-5 will be equipped with MICA air-to-air missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. These armaments are

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Pegasus: First flight of the Bundeswehr's new surveillance aircraft successfully completed

The first German Airborne Forces aircraft modified for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (Pegasus) program has completed its successful maiden flight at the Bombardier plant in Wichita, USA. The specially adapted Bombardier Global 6000 jet will be equipped with Hensoldt's Kalætron Integral electronic signals intelligence system and will be used by the German Air Force for aerial surveillance. The next steps include further testing and system integration, which will be carried out by Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg. The Pegasus program marks an important step forward in the technological development of the German Air Force and demonstrates the close cooperation between Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier. After the tests have been completed, a total of three modified aircraft will be delivered to the German Armed Forces. The project is intended to significantly improve the reconnaissance capabilities of the German armed forces.

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American Airlines receives $50 million fine

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines a record $50 million. This action follows a comprehensive investigation that uncovered serious violations of the rights of passengers with disabilities. In particular, inadequate handling of wheelchairs and mobility aids was found, resulting in injuries and inappropriate treatment of passengers. The DOT's decision not only signals increased scrutiny of the airline industry, but also a clear message: disregard for the rights of passengers with disabilities will no longer be tolerated. Investigation and Findings The DOT's October 23, 2024 press release found that American Airlines was among the "worst performing U.S. airlines" in terms of assisting passengers with mobility impairments. During the period from 2019 to 2023, numerous complaints were received about the airline, including formal reports from organizations such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America, which denounced similar problems. According to the results of the investigation, many passengers with disabilities were not assisted in a timely manner, resulting in unsafe conditions. In addition, several cases were documented in which wheelchairs were damaged or returned late, meaning travelers were left without their necessary aids. A particularly alarming incident recorded in November 2023 at Miami International Airport (MIA) shows American Airlines employees dropping a wheelchair from a baggage ramp, highlighting the dangers of inadequate handling. Punishment and responsibility Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated in the press release that the time of poor treatment of passengers with disabilities is over. "With this penalty, we are setting a

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