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January 29, 2025

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January 29, 2025

Japan's Autumn Magic: Photographic Highlights Between Tradition and Modernity

Amely Mizzi 29 January 2025 07:04

In autumn, Japan fascinates with an impressive play of colours that emphasises the country's cultural and scenic contrasts. Renowned landscape photographer Albert Dros travelled from Kyoto to Osaka in November 2024 and captured breathtaking images. From the reflections of Mount Fuji in the Five Lakes region to the glowing maple trees of Kyoto, Dros shows how diverse Japan is in the autumn season. The photographs from the Five Lakes region in Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji dominates as an imposing motif, are particularly impressive. The reflection of Japan's highest mountain on the surface of Lake Shoji - known as "upside down Fuji" - offers extraordinary perspectives. With the help of modern image processing such as the Luminar Neo software, colour and light accents were highlighted. Historic places such as Narai-juku in the Kiso Valley, known as the "Narai of a Thousand Houses", are also among the highlights. The close connection between traditional wooden architecture and autumnal shadow play gives the images a special depth. Equally impressive is the "Crow Castle" of Matsumoto, which, with its red bridges and mountain backdrops, offers an attractive backdrop for playing with contrasts. Kyoto, with its UNESCO World Heritage sites and its brilliant autumn splendor, is particularly attractive to photographers. Whether the Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari-Taisha or the mystical bamboo forest of Arahiyama - the interplay of nature and architecture is unique. The spiritual Koyasan, with the Okunoin tomb and its countless cedars, also offers an unforgettable motif through the combination of history and mysticism.

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Airbus puts development of the CityAirbus NextGen on hold for the time being

Belinda Borg 29 January 2025 06:38

The development of the CityAirbus NextGen, a promising project in the field of urban air mobility, is paused for the time being. As the European aviation group Airbus announced on January 27, 2025, technological uncertainties are at the heart of the decision. This development could have far-reaching consequences for the European aviation industry, which is already struggling with the financial difficulties of its competitors. The CityAirbus NextGen, developed by Airbus Helicopters, was supposed to revolutionize the future of urban mobility. The fully electric aircraft was designed to transport up to four people - three passengers and a pilot - over a distance of 80 kilometers. With a cruising speed of around 120 kilometers per hour and the ability to take off and land vertically, it was considered a groundbreaking concept in the field of electric aviation. Since the project was presented, Airbus had emphasized that safety and technological feasibility were the top priority. This was another reason why the manufacturer avoided making concrete promises about a possible market entry. As recently as June 2024, a CityAirbus representative pointed out at an aviation conference in London that it was crucial to make realistic assessments of the technological challenges rather than being driven by unrealistic timelines. First test flights and the surprising stop It was only in November 2024 that an unmanned CityAirbus NextGen demonstration model completed its maiden flight in Donauwörth, Bavaria. The successful test was celebrated by Airbus as a milestone in development, but just a few weeks later the announcement followed that further development of the project would be halted for the time being. According to Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even, the current technological limits of batteries are the decisive factor in the decision. "We

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Safe transport of ski equipment: ARBÖ gives tips for drivers

Belinda Borg 29 January 2025 06:01

With the start of the semester break in Vienna and Lower Austria, many winter sports enthusiasts head to the mountains. In this context, the ARBÖ motorists' club points out the correct and safe transport of skis and snowboards in order to avoid risks and possible fines. The ARBÖ recommends roof boxes or ski racks as safe transport systems. Roof boxes not only offer protection from the weather, but also additional storage space. Ski racks, on the other hand, save space and are easier to stow, but do not offer storage space for additional luggage. Both systems increase the vehicle's air resistance, which leads to higher fuel consumption. In addition, the additional load shifts the car's center of gravity, which is why an adapted driving style and an increase in tire pressure are necessary. Transporting winter sports equipment in the vehicle interior is also possible, but should be done with particular care. Skis and snowboards must be stored low and secured with straps to minimize the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking maneuvers. The ARBÖ also advises covering sharp edges with blankets. Anyone who does not secure the load sufficiently risks fines of up to 10.000 euros, a note on the driver's license register and problems with the comprehensive insurance in the event of damage, says ARBÖ legal expert Johann Kopinits. The club also advises checking the load securing several times, especially after the first 20 kilometers of driving.

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Lufthansa ends flight connection Paderborn-Munich – Regional initiative secures replacement service

Amely Mizzi 29 January 2025 05:34

After a long history of direct connections between Paderborn and the Munich hub, this era will end on May 31st. Lufthansa justifies the discontinuation of the route with insufficient capacity utilization and high operating costs. But the East Westphalia-Lippe region is determined not to lose its connection to international air traffic. With the founding of the Skyhub PAD initiative, a solution was found within a few months that should seamlessly link up with the previous flights. Lufthansa's decision to discontinue the line between Paderborn and Munich caused disappointment in the region. For business travelers from East Westphalia-Lippe in particular, the connection was an important building block for reaching the intercontinental Munich hub. Despite the importance of the route for the region, capacity utilization did not meet expectations, according to a Lufthansa spokeswoman. At the same time, the increased operating costs due to personnel, fuel and airport fees were no longer economically viable. This development is part of Lufthansa's strategy to cancel unprofitable regional flights and focus on larger markets and more lucrative connections. In addition to Paderborn, other smaller airports in Germany were also affected by similar cuts, such as in Erfurt and Friedrichshafen. Skyhub PAD: Regional initiative takes responsibility In order to prevent the impending loss of the connection to Munich, the private initiative Skyhub PAD was launched in November 2024. Behind it are several companies from the region who recognize not only the economic but also the infrastructural value of the flight connection. The aim of Skyhub PAD is to seamlessly connect to the previous flight schedule from June 2025 and to provide the connection via an alternative provider.

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Dortmund Airport: Successful training completion and long-term prospects

Jan Gruber 29 January 2025 05:09

Dortmund Airport is delighted that three young employees have successfully completed their training. After two and a half years of intensive training, Celine Schäfers and Luis Prieto Gomez passed their exams as service clerks in air traffic. David Hauschild completed his training as an IT system electronics technician, which was carried out in cooperation with DOKOM21. Airport Managing Director Ludger van Bebber personally congratulated the graduates and, together with training coordinator Lara Brecht and works council chairman Dominik Möller, presented bouquets of flowers in recognition of their achievements. All three graduates will continue to work at the airport: Celine Schäfers will support the marketing team, while Luis Prieto Gomez will be employed as a ramp agent in the operations department. David Hauschild is strengthening the IT & Communication Management department. The service clerks' varied training covers operational processes such as check-in, boarding and traffic management as well as commercial tasks in accounting and marketing. Airport Managing Director van Bebber emphasized the importance of qualified specialists for the operation of a future-proof airport. The training at Dortmund Airport provides comprehensive knowledge that enables optimal cooperation between departments. The airport will continue to focus on promoting new talent in the coming years. The applicant portal will be reopened in time for the start of the summer holidays in order to attract interested parties for the 2026 training year.

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London City Airport applies for approval for Airbus A320neo

Jan Gruber 29 January 2025 04:30

London City Airport (LCY), the smallest airport in the British capital, has applied to the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for approval to operate Airbus A320neo aircraft. This initiative could significantly increase the airport's importance for both business and leisure traffic and open up new flight opportunities. London City Airport is known for its location in the heart of the metropolis and the short transfer times to the center. This urban integration makes the airport particularly attractive for business travelers. At the same time, the limited runway length of just 1.508 meters restricts the type of aircraft that can use the airport. The application for approval of the modern Airbus A320neo models could change this and open up new development opportunities for the airport. London City's Managing Director, Alison FitzGerald, explained that the use of the A320neo would enable the airport to offer a wider range of destinations without increasing the number of flight movements. Airlines such as easyJet and Wizz Air could then expand their routes to and from London City Airport, improving access to new holiday destinations. The role of the A320neo The Airbus A320neo is part of the latest generation of modern commercial aircraft and is valued by many airlines for its improved economic efficiency and reduced noise emissions. With a range of over 6.000 kilometers and space for up to 240 passengers, the A320neo is ideal for short and medium-haul flights. At London City Airport, the A320neo could make operations more efficient as it can transport larger numbers of passengers with the same number of flight movements. This would be particularly important,

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Munich Airport with strong growth in Asian traffic

Jan Gruber 29 January 2025 04:01

Munich Airport recorded strong growth in long-haul traffic to Asia in 2024. A total of 2,6 million passengers traveled from Munich to eleven Asian countries, an increase of 38,7 percent compared to the previous year. The most popular destinations included Bangkok, Singapore and Beijing. The growth is based on a combination of established flight connections and new offers. For example, Taiwanese EVA Air has been offering four weekly non-stop flights to Taipei for two years, while Vietnam Airlines has been operating flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City since October. From June 2025, Cathay Pacific will also fly to Munich Airport, meaning that ten Asian airlines will serve the Bavarian hub in addition to Lufthansa. Munich Airport also scored points in freight traffic in 2024: a third of intercontinental freight volume - a total of 105.000 tons - went to East Asia. This means that Munich remains a central hub for exports from the economically strong southern Germany to China, India and Japan. To mark the start of the Lunar New Year, the airport is offering a discount campaign in its eurotrade shops until the end of March 2025. Passengers can take advantage of discounts of up to 88 euros.

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