November 9, 2024

More articles from the category

November 9, 2024

Incident on Ryanair flight: Urinating passenger taken away by police

An alarming incident occurred on a Ryanair flight from East Midlands Airport to Tenerife on Monday, November 4, 2024: Several passengers behaved so disruptively that the crew requested police assistance. Flight FR3152 took off on schedule, but the atmosphere on board soon became uneasy when some passengers took their misbehavior to extremes. One of the passengers reportedly urinated in the middle of the aisle of the aircraft, causing outrage and discomfort among fellow passengers. Ryanair later spoke of a "small number of disruptive passengers" and was cautious about the nature of the incidents. However, such an escalation requires a serious review of security procedures and raises questions about the frequency of such events in the recent past. The incident on this flight is not an isolated case. In fact, incidents involving disruptive passengers have become more frequent on low-cost airline flights, as Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary recently noted. He attributes the increase in these incidents to, among other things, longer waiting times and alcohol consumption at airports, which has increased significantly, especially in the summer months. The British press reported that the flight crew had requested a prioritization of the approach before landing in Tenerife to ensure the safety of all passengers. The Spanish police were on hand during the approach and the people involved were escorted by officers from the aircraft after landing at around 11:00 a.m. This shows how seriously the airline and local authorities took the situation to prevent further escalation. An increasing number of reports of rowdiness and misconduct on flights points to a

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Swan Hellenic expands expedition cruises until 2026

The British shipping company Swan Hellenic has presented its program of expedition cruises until autumn 2026, focusing on exclusive routes with destinations that no cruise ship has ever visited before. The new destinations include nine locations worldwide, including Hermana in South Africa and several remote regions in Gabon, Angola and Norway. The two modern ships SH Diana and SH Vega, which only accommodate 152 to 192 passengers, are characterized by their high maneuverability and their ability to reach remote locations, even in ice zones. A highlight will be the first call at Hermana in November 2025, where passengers can expect nature and animal observations, including whales and penguins. Seldom visited destinations such as the Italian island of Pantelleria, Nosy Vao in Madagascar and river regions in the Amazon will also be included in the offer. Swan Hellenic focuses on exploration and nature experiences, off the beaten track and with special ecological and cultural insights for travelers.

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New cosmetic brand in Swiss First Class: Sisley products expand offer

Swiss International Air Lines is now offering its first-class passengers exclusive care products from the French luxury brand Sisley. The exquisite cosmetic items complement the premium experience on board and can now be found both in the washrooms and in the so-called "amenity kits". These kits include the "Crème Réparatrice Mains" hand cream, the "Hydra-Global" face cream and the "Baume Efficace" eye and lip balm. A hand cream and a face lotion from the Sisley range are available in the washroom. All products are part of the regular Sisley portfolio and are intended to underline the luxurious ambience in Swiss's first class. Sisley, a Parisian family business, is known for innovative recipes with high-quality ingredients and is internationally regarded as a respected brand in the cosmetics sector. The introduction of these products is intended to underline Swiss's high standards of service and quality in the premium segment.

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Romanian Aviation Authority temporarily suspends Aeroitalia Regional's AOC

The Romanian Civil Aviation Authority (AACR) has provisionally suspended Aeroitalia Regional's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Continuing Airworthiness Organization (CAMO) on November 6, 2024. This means that the airline, which previously operated under the name Air Connect, is not allowed to operate commercial flights until further notice. The reasons for the license suspension are currently unclear. As a result of this decision, Aeroitalia Regional had to cancel several flights within Italy on November 7, which particularly affected passengers on domestic routes. The Romanian Aviation Authority has not yet provided any further details on the cause of the suspension. However, industry observers speculate that regulatory or operational concerns may play a role, as such measures are usually taken in connection with safety or compliance issues.

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Tus Airways gets new majority investor with purchase option on remaining shares

The Cypriot airline Tus Airways has gained two new majority investors, Israeli entrepreneurs Ami Cohen and Arnon Englander. The two investors recently acquired a combined 41,6 percent of the airline's shares through their company Logo Jet, bringing their total stake in Tus Airways to 75 percent. The remaining shares will continue to be held by Global Knafaim Leasing and US entrepreneur Kenneth Woolley, who now each own 12,5 percent. According to Global Knafaim, Cohen and Englander also have the right to acquire the remaining shares in Tus Airways by March 2028 at the latest. The investors' entry was approved by the Cypriot competition authority in October 2023. Tus Airways is relying on this capital expansion to further drive its expansion and increase market share in the Mediterranean region.

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China Airlines order: Boeing and Airbus vie for long-haul order

China Airlines, the leading Taiwanese airline, is about to make a billion-dollar decision to expand its fleet, including a major order from both Airbus and Boeing. According to information disclosed to Reuters by industry insiders, the airline plans to purchase around 20 new long-haul aircraft. This major order could significantly boost the airline's fleet modernization and future growth, while reigniting competition between the two aviation giants Airbus and Boeing. The order is estimated to be worth around four billion US dollars, with exact figures depending on the negotiating position and discounts granted. Decision in a politically tense situation The timing of the decision is particularly noteworthy: China Airlines probably does not want to finalize the order until after the presidential elections in the USA. Taiwan is in a sensitive geopolitical situation, as the USA is a key supporter of the country despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations. Taiwan's political situation also indirectly influences the economic decisions of large companies such as China Airlines. Although China Airlines insists that its decision is independent of political influences, the dynamics between the US, Taiwan and China could well play a role in the background. The airline is majority owned by the Taiwanese state, which further increases possible geopolitical implications. Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X in the running China Airlines is considering the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X models to modernise its fleet. Both aircraft are considered to be advanced long-haul jets with a long range and efficiency that could meet the airline's requirements, especially as a replacement for the existing fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The decision between

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Bulgaria Air and Air Serbia extend wet lease

The airlines Air Serbia and Bulgaria Air are continuing their cooperation under an ACMI agreement and plan to expand it. Bulgaria Air is currently providing Air Serbia with two Embraer E190 aircraft under a so-called wet lease agreement. In addition to the aircraft, the Bulgarian airline is also responsible for providing crew, maintenance and insurance. This agreement enables Air Serbia to increase capacity in the short term and respond to growing demand, while Bulgaria Air benefits from better utilization of its aircraft. The cooperation began in April 2024 and will be continuously adapted to needs. Air Serbia also plans to expand its fleet in the long term and currently has several wet lease partners to ensure flexibility. In the future, the airline also wants to increase its own aircraft fleet in order to gradually reduce its dependence on wet lease agreements.

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New opening in Dresden: The Spanish Barcelo Hotel Group expands in Germany

The renowned Barcelo Hotel Group, one of Spain's leading hotel chains, has opened its second hotel in Germany, expanding its presence in Central Europe. The group's latest project is located in the heart of the historic city of Dresden and is called Occidental Dresden Newa. It is the Spanish group's second hotel in Germany, after the Barcelo Hamburg has been operating successfully for years. This takeover and new opening is a strategic step by the group to establish its Occidental brand on the German market and to appeal to an increasingly international clientele. A new era for the former Pullman Dresden Newa The Occidental Dresden Newa emerged from the former Pullman Dresden Newa and thus already has a long tradition in the Dresden hotel market. The building, a striking 14-story high-rise, offers 319 rooms and promises guests a unique experience in a prime city center location, not far from sights such as the famous Frauenkirche and the Dresden Zwinger. For the takeover, the Barcelo Hotel Group renovated the four-star hotel and partially redesigned the interior. The comprehensive redesign of the hotel is to continue in the coming year, with the hotel being adapted even more to the design and style of the Occidental brand. The hotel complex is equipped with two restaurants and two bars, which offer guests a wide range of gastronomic options, including both local and international cuisine. In addition to the gastronomic area, the hotel has seven event rooms, which offer a wide range of options for business travelers and event planners. With modern technology and space for events of all kinds, the

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French pilots' union calls for strike against tax increase

The French pilots' union SNPL has called on its members to go on a one-day strike on November 14, 2024, to protest against a planned increase in the tax on airline tickets. The French government plans to triple the air traffic tax in order to generate additional revenue for the state budget. The measure is expected to bring in around one billion euros annually into the state coffers and is part of the austerity budget that aims to save around 2027 billion euros by 60. However, the union fears significant disadvantages for the country's aviation industry, especially for French airlines such as Air France. Air France has reacted cautiously to the call for a strike, pointing out that a strike could affect both the company and passengers. Many pilots view the call for a strike critically, as the tax costs would be passed on to passengers anyway. Similar developments are also taking place in Germany, where the air traffic tax was recently increased by 25%. German airlines, including Ryanair, also criticise the burden of taxes and fees and demand that they be reduced.

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Croatia Airlines plans significant expansion for summer 2025

The Croatian airline Croatia Airlines plans to expand its route network and increase its flight frequencies in 2025. From the summer, eight new international routes are to be introduced and the offer of 28 existing summer routes will be maintained. This growth is closely linked to the timely delivery of the new Airbus A220 aircraft, the use of which should enable Croatia Airlines to offer more efficient connections. The airline expects to deliver several Airbus A220-300 aircraft by the peak travel season in summer and plans to increase its capacity by a total of 57 percent with the new aircraft. The planned new connections include routes from Zagreb to Tirana, Berlin and Stockholm and from Split to Istanbul. Connections from Split to Oslo and Skopje are also to be resumed in order to make Croatia's tourist destinations more accessible internationally. In addition, an extension of the operating hours of the summer flights is planned, which will allow flights to start at the end of March and continue until the end of October. The Croatian Tourist Board welcomes these measures as they could significantly improve accessibility to Croatia in the pre- and post-season and thus enable sustainable growth in tourism. Croatia Airlines is planning over 17.200 flights with a total of more than 2 million available seats in the coming high season and expects to gain additional market share in Europe through the new routes and aircraft.

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