November 4, 2024

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November 4, 2024

Austrian Army: Eurofighter pilots train supersonic flights

From November 4 to 15, 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces' Eurofighter pilots will conduct intensive training flights in the supersonic range in Austria. Two supersonic flights are planned on each training day between 08:00 a.m. and 16:00 p.m. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasizes the importance of these exercises for the country's security, especially in view of the current geopolitical situation and the war in Ukraine. The training is essential for airspace surveillance and the operational readiness of the air force. The exercises are carried out under realistic conditions to simulate the stresses and challenges in the supersonic range. To minimize the noise level, the flights are carried out at high altitudes and outside of urban areas. In addition, measures have been implemented to reduce the propagation of sound, such as the short duration of the acceleration phases and the documentation of the sound distribution. The supersonic speed, which begins at around 1.200 km/h, can be perceived on the ground in the form of shock waves as a sonic boom. The noise depends on various factors such as flight altitude and weather.

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Turkish Airlines expands flight offer to Zagreb and Ljubljana

Turkish Airlines will increase its flight frequencies from Istanbul to Zagreb and Ljubljana in summer 2025, while it will reduce the number of flights to Podgorica. From March 30, 2025, the airline plans to increase flights to Zagreb to 21 weekly connections, which means three daily flights. Demand between Istanbul and the Croatian capital has increased, as reflected in an increase in passenger numbers of 6,3% year-on-year and 32,1% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Flight connections between Istanbul and Ljubljana will also be increased. From June 11, 2025, 18 flights per week are planned, compared to the current 14 flights. This decision comes after a meeting between Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eski and Slovenian Infrastructure Minister Alenka Bratušek, who discussed the expansion of air connections. Turkish Airlines carried over 2024 passengers on the route in the first half of 93.000, an increase of 15,1% year-on-year. In contrast, the Istanbul-Podgorica route will be reduced to 16 flights per week next summer. Three daily flights are planned only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and two on the other days. The new schedules are expected to come into force at the start of the 2025 summer season.

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Abu Dhabi Airport puts new US border control station fully into operation

Abu Dhabi Airport has announced the full commissioning of the new preclearance facility for flights to the United States. Passengers can now complete all immigration and customs formalities for the USA in Abu Dhabi before departure. This avoids long waiting times on arrival and significantly speeds up entry into the United States. The facility, which was built in close cooperation with the US authorities, includes biometric technologies such as facial recognition and modern security checks. After an extensive test phase in which technology, equipment and personnel were tested, the system is now fully operational and is intended to increase security standards and efficiency for travelers to the USA.

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Antwerp Airport announces plans for new direction

Antwerp Airport, which will be renamed Antwerp City Airport, has announced plans for a sustainable rebrand. One of the most important measures is a ten-hectare solar plant that will supply the airport with electricity. This initiative is intended to provide clean energy for new forms of air mobility, such as electric aircraft, short-distance air taxis and drones. Bruno De Saegher, the new CEO since September 1, emphasized the goal of positioning the airport as a pioneer in modern and environmentally friendly mobility through its proximity to the city center and the use of renewable energy. The planned rebranding is intended to highlight the airport's proximity to the city and its contribution to the economy in the Flanders region.

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CommuteAir: Passenger injured by interior panel

In aviation, few things can shake passenger confidence as much as in-flight safety incidents. One such incident recently occurred on a flight operated by CommuteAir, a regional airline that operates flights for United Airlines' United Express brand. The incident, in which an interior panel on the aircraft came loose and struck a passenger in the head, has raised questions about both safety and the airline's responsibility. Flight UA4305 took off from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on October 30, 2024, at 14:49 p.m. local time, bound for Huntsville International Airport (HSV). Just three minutes after takeoff, the incident occurred when a plastic panel attached to two cords came loose and struck passenger Christian Cooper in the head. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Cooper showed a picture of the damaged area and expressed his incomprehension about the safety of the cabin equipment. The interior panel also covered the emergency exit, raising additional concerns about evacuation safety. CommuteAir, the aircraft's operator, confirmed the incident in a statement and apologized to Cooper for the inconvenience. A spokesperson for the airline stated that the flight was normal and that the cabin equipment was repaired after landing. CommuteAir stressed that it had contacted the affected passenger directly to address his concerns. This incident shows how important it is for airlines to pay attention not only to the safety of the fleet, but also to the quality of the cabin equipment. The aircraft involved was a

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Croatia Airlines reports losses due to rising costs and fleet restructuring

Croatia Airlines reported a net loss of EUR 2024 million for the first nine months of 206,1, while revenues stagnated at the previous year's level at EUR 220 million. A main reason for the losses is the high costs of switching to Airbus A9 aircraft, combined with inflationary pressure and increased operating costs. Total expenses increased by 215,1% to EUR 33,9 million. Maintenance costs in particular rose to EUR 5,5 million, mainly due to the parallel use of two aircraft types. The airline also took out additional leasing contracts to ensure fleet availability, which further increased costs. Despite the financial losses, passenger numbers increased by 1,42% to around 220 million passengers compared to the previous year. Croatia Airlines expects that the ongoing fleet renewal will lead to a reduction in operating costs in the medium term and improve profitability once the AXNUMX aircraft are fully operational.

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Air India first with A350 on transatlantic flights

Air India has reached an important milestone: With the Airbus A350-900, the airline is now operating direct transatlantic flights from Delhi to New York City for the first time. The maiden flight landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on November 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for Air India in international air traffic. This development underscores the airline's ambitious expansion course, which is modernizing itself in order to keep up with global competition. The Airbus A350-900 used for the flight to New York is one of six A350s that Air India has received since the beginning of 2024. Originally intended for the Russian Aeroflot, these aircraft were diverted to Air India due to international sanctions. The first aircraft to be put into service therefore have an interior that is only slightly modified to do justice to the Air India brand. The airline's A350 fleet is configured in three classes: Business Class with 28 private suites, Premium Economy with 24 seats and Economy with 264 seats, which is designed to increase comfort for passengers. Modern in-flight entertainment technology from Panasonic is also installed, offering over 2.200 hours of entertainment. Another first for the airline is the introduction of Premium Economy, which is available for the first time on A350 flights. With a 2-4-2 seating layout, Premium Economy not only offers increased legroom, but also an enclosed cabin for more comfort and peace. Business Class also features a 1-2-1 seating concept, which offers passengers direct access to the aisle and more privacy through sliding doors. These cabin improvements

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Airport employee fatally injured in Helsinki-Vantaa accident

On Saturday morning, an Aviator Finland employee was killed in an accident at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The accident occurred at around 5:00 a.m. on a closed apron area when the worker was trapped between an aircraft and a service vehicle during maintenance work. The vehicle was being used to empty the aircraft toilet. Police and airport operators are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident and are assessing it as a possible case of fatality and endangerment of traffic safety, although no criminal negligence is suspected. Finnair confirmed that the aircraft involved was one that had previously arrived in Helsinki from Tokyo and was moved to another location for maintenance.

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Dallas Love Field opens renovated runway

After three months of extensive renovations, Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) has reached a major milestone: Runway 13L/31R has been partially reopened. This action not only represents a return to regular flight operations, but is also part of a comprehensive initiative to improve the airport's safety and operational efficiency. In the past, the airport has struggled with the need to modernize its infrastructure and ensure that it meets the requirements of aviation authorities. Renovations and Safety Improvements The closure of Runway 13L/31R in August was necessary to make critical safety improvements. These included regrading and the installation of a modern drainage system along Taxiway A, which is critical to operations. The improvements are a direct result of reports from Airport Operations and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calling for a comprehensive review of the airport's safety standards. The runway was reopened for restricted operations on Monday, meaning smaller aircraft with a wingspan of less than 79 feet can now use the improved runway. Larger commercial aircraft have continued to land and take off from Runway 13R/31L during this transition period. On Wednesday evening, after a thorough inspection by the FAA, the runway was finally approved for unrestricted operations, which is seen as a major sign of progress in the airport's infrastructure. Long-term improvements and challenges The renovation of Runway 13L/31R is part of a broader initiative to address deficiencies in the Runway Safety Area (RSA) and improve infrastructure

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Name change and new passenger policy: Viva Aerobus becomes “Viva”

The Mexican low-cost airline Viva Aerobus has renamed itself "Viva" shortly before its 18th anniversary and at the same time introduced a more flexible passenger policy. This allows travelers to make various changes such as adjusting ticket names, routes or travel dates depending on the fare selected. Viva also offers an option for ticket transfer and cancellation and allows refunds up to 24 hours after purchase. In addition, Viva plans to introduce a ticket marketplace where passengers can offer their tickets for sale themselves. This digital marketplace will allow passengers to either sell the tickets directly back to the airline if their travel plans change or offer them to other customers at the price of their choice. The proceeds will be credited to "Viva Cash", which can be used for future bookings.

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