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February 21, 2025

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February 21, 2025

Smartwings Poland launches new connection to Tivat

Amely Mizzi 21. February 2025 14:31

Smartwings Poland is expanding its route network and will offer a new connection to Tivat in Montenegro in the coming summer season. From May 29 to September 25, 2025, the airline will fly from Warsaw to the coastal city once a week, using a Boeing 737-800. This new connection is Smartwings Poland's third to Montenegro since the airline began operations on the Montenegrin market last year. It complements the existing connections from Katowice and Gdansk to Podgorica, which were launched in 2024. Tivat is a popular holiday resort on the Montenegrin coast and is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal clear waters and lively promenade. Smartwings Poland's new connection will enable Polish tourists to reach this attractive holiday resort conveniently and directly. The inclusion of Tivat in Smartwings Poland's flight schedule underlines the growing importance of tourism for Montenegro. The new connections will help strengthen the country's tourism infrastructure and promote the region's economic development.

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Air Greenland expands fleet and plans new international routes

Belinda Borg 21. February 2025 14:01

Air Greenland has announced that it will add an Airbus A2026neo to its fleet in 320. This expansion is part of the airline's strategy to expand its international activities. The new Nuuk International Airport plays a crucial role in this, as it will enable direct flights abroad instead of having to transfer via Kangerlussuaq as before. Air Greenland is currently focusing on connections to Copenhagen and Reykjavik. However, with the A320neo, the airline plans to expand its route network to London and Germany. This move is a response to the increasing demand for travel to Greenland, which is further boosted by new connections from United Airlines (New York-Newark) and SAS (Copenhagen). The addition of the A320neo to the fleet will enable Air Greenland to offer more efficient flights on the new routes while meeting the growing demand for air travel in the region. The new airport in Nuuk also provides the necessary infrastructure to handle international flights. The increased attention that Greenland has received in recent years, especially following statements by former US President Trump, is leading to an increase in tourism. Air Greenland stresses that the development of infrastructure must be carried out in harmony with the protection of the environment and the local population.

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Cologne/Bonn Airport and Bundeswehr University develop digital twin

Amely Mizzi 21. February 2025 13:47

Cologne/Bonn Airport and Professor Michael Schultz from the Institute of Flight Systems at the University of the German Armed Forces Munich (UniBw M) have started a cooperation to develop a digital twin of the airport. This virtual replica is intended to serve as a test environment for new technologies and accelerate their use in real airport operations. The digital twin is being built by Professor Schultz and his team. First, the airport infrastructure and operational processes are modeled on both the airside (apron and runway system) and the landside (passenger terminal). The aim is to create a realistic image of the airport that makes it possible to test and evaluate various technologies and processes under realistic conditions. "Innovative technologies solve current challenges in air traffic. A digital twin not only makes it possible to test different approaches, but also to combine them with one another. Synergies can thus be used in a targeted manner and potential conflicts can be identified at an early stage," explains Professor Schultz. One example of the application of the digital twin is the optimization of aircraft handling at the gate. Sensors will be used to record the current status of the handling processes and link them to real-time data. By analyzing this data and developing predictive models, the processes will be made more efficient. The cooperation between Cologne/Bonn Airport and Professor Schultz has existed since 2018 and is based on joint projects. Since 2022, the partners have been working on topics such as digital passenger management, data-based aircraft handling, and capacity and performance assessments. The long-term collaboration is intended to create synergies through the continuous exchange between research and practice and to develop a deeper understanding of the possibilities and restrictions on both sides.

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Bright light over Belgium and the Netherlands: SpaceX rocket parts identified as cause

Belinda Borg 21. February 2025 13:39

A bright light phenomenon that lit up the skies over Belgium and the Netherlands on the morning of February 19, 2025, has sparked much speculation. Initially, it was thought to be a meteorite or other celestial event. However, it has since been revealed that the cause of the bright light struck Poland and was identified as SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket debris entering the Earth's atmosphere. According to the Royal Observatory of Belgium, the flare was likely caused by a piece of decommissioned space equipment that burned up during re-entry into the atmosphere. Such events are not uncommon, as thousands of decommissioned satellites, rocket stages and other fragments orbit the Earth and occasionally re-enter the atmosphere and burn up due to friction. The European Space Agency (ESA) and other monitoring organizations regularly track space debris to assess potential risks. While larger objects can survive re-entry and reach the ground, most burn up before impact. Authorities confirmed that this event did not pose a threat. Observers in Belgium and neighboring regions reported a bright trail of light followed by a brief but intense illumination of the sky. The spectacle serves as a reminder of the growing presence of space debris and the challenges it poses to space activities and security on Earth.

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Emirates SkyCargo strengthens trade routes in Africa

Stephen Steiner 21. February 2025 13:01

Emirates SkyCargo has continued to expand its importance to the African air cargo market. In 2024, the cargo airline transported an average of 3.820 tonnes per week to and from 20 airports in Africa, strengthening trade routes for manufacturers, traders and exporters on the continent. At the Air Cargo Africa logistics trade fair, Emirates reaffirmed its almost 40-year commitment to Africa. Since its first flight to Africa in 1986, Emirates SkyCargo has continuously expanded its network and capacities on the continent. It now serves 20 destinations in Africa with eight cargo aircraft and 172 passenger aircraft per week. Emirates' global network of over 145 destinations enables the fast and efficient transport of goods and supports African companies with imports and exports. A particular focus is on the transport of fresh produce and perishable goods. In 2024, Emirates SkyCargo exported over 91.930 tonnes of these goods from Africa, making it the largest transporter of goods from the region. These include strawberries from Egypt, seafood from South Africa, chilled meat from Tanzania, fresh fruit from Ghana and bananas from Uganda. The transport of cut flowers, especially from Kenya, also plays an important role. Emirates SkyCargo sees great potential in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its impact on the continent's economic development. The company is ready to support African companies with tailor-made logistics solutions, thus further promoting trade within Africa and with the world.

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Airbus significantly postpones plans for hydrogen aircraft

Jan Gruber 21. February 2025 12:40

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has postponed plans for a hydrogen aircraft significantly. The development of the hydrogen economy is five to ten years behind what Airbus assumed when it announced its hydrogen strategy in 2020, the manager explained at the presentation of its financial statements on Thursday in Toulouse. This makes it unrealistic for a hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft to go into scheduled service in 2035 as originally planned. Airbus is continuing to work on it, but it will take a few years longer, said Faury. For the Airbus boss, there is no question that a hydrogen aircraft is technically feasible. However, there is no point in developing an aircraft that no one buys because the infrastructure is not available or it is too expensive to operate. Technically, according to Faury, Airbus is one step ahead. The company is relying on a fuel cell that uses hydrogen to generate electricity. This in turn powers the aircraft. The alternative, in which a gas turbine burns hydrogen in a similar way to conventional jet aircraft with kerosene, was rejected. In order to bring the hydrogen aircraft to market by 2035, Airbus would have had to push the concrete development in 2027 or 2028, according to earlier statements. So far, the manufacturer is still working on the technical basics - as is the Munich-based engine manufacturer MTU, which is also relying on a fuel cell. In order to make a hydrogen-powered aircraft a success, a hydrogen supply at the airports is needed. The technology is considered expensive and complex. In order to achieve the actual goal of CO2 neutrality, the hydrogen would also have to be produced using

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“Pratersauna” in Vienna: New start with new management and innovative concept

Jan Gruber 21. February 2025 12:33

The legendary “Pratersauna” in Vienna, an icon of the electronic dance music scene, is about to make a fresh start. The entrepreneur Martin Ho and the Dots Group are stepping down as active operators and handing over management to Sebastian Müller-Klasz, an experienced expert on the Viennese club scene. Müller-Klasz plans to lead the “Pratersauna” into the future with an innovative concept that both respects the club's history and is tailored to the needs of a new generation of partygoers. A central component of the new concept is the integration of artist and musician collectives into the “Pratersauna”. They are to be given participation opportunities in the form of a flexible capital company (Flexco) and thus a kind of home base in the club. The spacious roof terrace is also to be used again as a sauna and wellness oasis. Müller-Klasz emphasizes that the club scene has changed in recent years and the demands for a modern nightlife experience have increased. He wants to reinvent the "Pratersauna" with a curated cultural concept that emerges from within the scene, while respecting the institution's past. The new concept envisages a holistic use of the "Pratersauna", which extends the club's operations to the whole day. Particular attention is paid to mindfulness, safety and bringing together different target groups. A detailed awareness concept is intended to further improve the experience of club visitors and make the "Pratersauna" an oasis of well-being for guests.

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Air New Zealand struggles with engine problems and falling demand

Belinda Borg 21. February 2025 11:43

Air New Zealand has reported a decline in pre-tax profits and net profit for the first half of its 2025 financial year. The company continues to struggle with subdued demand, economic factors and, in particular, problems with the engines of a significant portion of its core fleet. The Auckland-based airline reported pre-tax profits of NZ$31 million (US$2024 million) for the six months ended December 155, 88, a sharp decline from NZ$185 million (US$105 million) for the same period last year. Net profit also fell 22% to NZ$129 million (US$73 million) from NZ$106 million (US$60 million). However, underlying profit was near the top end of the range of 120 million to 160 million New Zealand dollars (US$68 million to US$91 million) forecast at the start of the financial year. Despite these figures, the airline is optimistic given the ongoing challenges. Chief Executive Dame Therese Walsh said the figures were a strong result considering the adversity the airline has faced for almost a year. "Air New Zealand's strong balance sheet, liquidity and financial discipline give us the flexibility to successfully navigate the near-term challenges we face while continuing to invest in our future and return capital to our shareholders," Walsh commented. The airline will reportedly pay a dividend of 1,25 New Zealand cents per share for the period, which is less than the interim dividend of 2 New Zealand cents per share

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Flight cancellations and delays due to snow: What passengers need to know

Stephen Steiner 21. February 2025 11:38

The sudden snowfall last weekend had a significant impact on air traffic at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Numerous flights were delayed, some had to be cancelled, and thousands of passengers were affected. In the coming days, warnings are also being issued of slippery conditions in various regions of Germany, which could lead to further delays and cancellations. Air passenger rights expert Nina Staub from AirHelp explains what rights passengers have in such cases. If flights are cancelled due to black ice or snow, passengers are entitled to alternative transport or a full refund of the flight price. Airlines usually offer rebooking to another flight, with domestic flights optionally being able to be rebooked to a train ticket. If the airline does not offer a suitable alternative, passengers can look for an alternative themselves and have the costs reimbursed by the airline afterwards. However, rebookings to buses, trains or other flights should not be made without consulting the airline. If there are delays of more than five hours or if the flight is rescheduled, the airline is obliged to refund the full price of the ticket. For delays of more than two hours, passengers must be provided with meals and drinks at the airport. In addition, two telephone calls or emails must be made possible. If necessary, the airline must also provide accommodation and arrange transport there. It is recommended that you keep all receipts in order to be able to get the costs of food, refreshments, alternative travel and accommodation reimbursed by the airline. Passengers may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros in the event of flight cancellations and delays. However, this does not apply to extraordinary circumstances such as

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Lufthansa with new business class menus

Amely Mizzi 21. February 2025 11:07

Lufthansa has announced that it will significantly upgrade the culinary offering in Business Class on short- and medium-haul flights from February 26, 2025. In collaboration with celebrity chef Johann Lafer and catering partner Gate Gourmet, a new concept has been developed to offer passengers a wider selection of high-quality dishes. The new catering concept includes a variety of cold and hot dishes, with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients from Europe. Passengers can look forward to new starters, main courses and desserts that combine elements of local cuisine as well as European influences. Particular attention is paid to the option of selecting an individual menu before the flight. With the "Pre-Select" service, Business Class passengers on flights of two hours or more can select up to nine hot dishes online in advance. This option not only offers a wider selection, but also helps to optimize food planning and thus reduce food waste. Lufthansa officials emphasize that the introduction of "Pre-Select" on short and medium-haul routes underlines the company's efforts to offer guests a consistently high-quality travel experience. Pre-ordering meals is already available on Swiss flights and is also planned for Austrian Airlines.

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