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March 19, 2025

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March 19, 2025

Discover Airlines introduces free messaging for all travel classes

Belinda Borg March 19, 2025 14:08

Starting in summer 2025, Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will offer free and unlimited messaging to all passengers in all travel classes. This innovation follows Lufthansa's decision and will also be available on selected long-haul flights operated by Austrian Airlines and Swiss. With this measure, the airline aims to enable its guests to communicate better during their flight and further enhance the travel experience. Previously, sending and receiving text and picture messages during the flight was subject to a fee, but in the future, travelers will be able to send messages completely free of charge via their mobile devices. The service is available on both short- and long-haul flights and is available regardless of travel class. This innovation not only benefits passengers but also underscores Discover Airlines' goal of optimizing flight comfort in conjunction with Lufthansa and offering passengers a seamless travel experience. The new messaging service represents an evolution of the existing FlyNet internet packages, which will continue to be available for the use of internet services on board. Marco Götz, Chief Commercial Officer of Discover Airlines, emphasized the importance of this upgrade and the role it plays in the broader passenger experience. The combination of Discover Airlines and Lufthansa is intended to offer passengers greater convenience and flexibility.

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Plane crash off Honduras claims many lives

Jan Gruber March 19, 2025 13:45

A plane belonging to the Honduran airline Lanhsa crashed off the coast of Roatán on Monday. At least twelve people were killed in the accident, and one person is still missing. The Jetstream 31 aircraft was en route to La Ceiba when it crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane made a right turn after takeoff and then crashed. The Coast Guard was able to rescue five survivors from the water. The exact cause of the crash is still unclear and is under investigation. Lanhsa operates a small domestic network in Honduras. The airline has not yet commented on the crash. Roatán Airport is an important transport hub for tourists visiting the island.

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Reinstatement of 132 FAA employees following court ruling

Stephen Steiner March 19, 2025 13:35

In February 2025, the Trump administration laid off a large number of workers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including numerous employees during their probationary periods. This move was met with fierce criticism, particularly from labor unions. Now, just weeks later, a Maryland court ruled that these layoffs were unlawful. As a result, the FAA recently announced that 132 employees who were originally laid off would be reinstated. This move was hailed by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union as "a victory for public safety and the critical workforce." Legal Battles and the Court Ruling On March 17, 2025, David Spero, national president of the PASS union, issued a statement welcoming the reinstatement of the affected employees. This decision was compelled by a Maryland court ruling that deemed the layoffs unlawful. The court found that the layoffs were based on an unjustifiable basis and voided the terminations. The affected group of 132 employees will now receive back pay, effective February 15, 2025, and are expected to return to work on March 20, 2025. Spero noted in his statement that the reinstatement is "a win for public safety," as these employees play a critical role in maintaining safe air traffic in the United States. At the same time, he criticized the fact that the FAA's layoffs and requests for voluntary resignation have left a demoralized impression on the remaining employees. "Such decisions

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Small plane crash in Graubünden claims lives

Stephen Steiner March 19, 2025 13:09

A small plane crashed on Monday evening in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. All passengers were killed. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Engadin Airport near the ski resort of St. Moritz. Eyewitnesses reported an explosion. Rescue workers rushed to the scene but could only confirm the deaths of the passengers. The exact number of victims and their identities were initially unclear. There were unconfirmed reports that a family of three was on board. The cause of the crash is the subject of ongoing investigations. Engadin Airport, also known as Samedan Airport, is a regional airport in Switzerland, used primarily by private jets and small charter aircraft. The region around St. Moritz is a popular destination for tourists and winter sports enthusiasts. Aircraft accidents in the Swiss Alps are not uncommon due to the topographical conditions and often changeable weather.

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Fraport with record figures in fiscal year 2024

Amely Mizzi March 19, 2025 12:46

The Fraport Group concluded the 2024 fiscal year with significant growth. The airport operator increased revenue and profit thanks to higher passenger numbers and increased prices. Group revenue reached a new record high of €4,43 billion, and Group profit rose to €501,9 million. Despite challenges such as aircraft shortages and high site costs, Fraport recorded an increase in passenger numbers. 61,6 million passengers were handled in Frankfurt, an increase of 3,7 percent. The international airport portfolio companies in Lima, Ljubljana, Antalya, and Greece performed particularly strongly. Cargo volumes also increased. Fraport is pushing ahead with important expansion projects. New terminals are being opened in Lima and Antalya, and construction of Terminal 3 is progressing in Frankfurt. For the current fiscal year, Fraport expects further growth in passenger numbers and a moderate increase in profit.

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Investigations against Skyalps: Maintenance deficiencies and allegations of corruption burden South Tyrolean airline

Amely Mizzi March 19, 2025 12:33

The South Tyrolean airline Skyalps is currently the focus of extensive investigations by the Italian judiciary. In addition to technical irregularities in the maintenance of its aircraft, allegations of corruption and construction speculation are also attracting the attention of the authorities. These developments highlight the challenges and risks facing the regional aviation industry. At the end of February 2025, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) conducted an extraordinary inspection at Skyalps. Significant deficiencies in the maintenance documentation were identified. In particular, maintenance work was certified as having been carried out even though it had not taken place. There were also indications of the use of outdated or incorrectly registered components. These irregularities led to the temporary grounding of seven of the airline's eight De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 aircraft. An external technician of Portuguese nationality was targeted by investigators. He is accused of certifying services not provided for months. As a result of these findings, he was denied access to all airports where Skyalps operates. Reaction from Skyalps Skyalps emphasized in an initial statement that the accused technician was not an employee of the company. Managing Director Josef Gostner stated that they are working closely with the authorities to correct the documentation and return the affected aircraft to service as quickly as possible. Allegations of corruption and construction speculation Parallel to the technical investigations, another scandal is shaking the region: The Trento public prosecutor's office is investigating a total of 77 people for alleged corruption, construction speculation, and criminal activities. Among the suspects are prominent entrepreneurs, civil servants, and public administrators. Particularly explosive is the involvement of Josef Gostner, the head of Skyalps, and René Benko, one of the best known

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Another warning strike at the BVG: Berlin's public transport system at a standstill

Stephen Steiner March 19, 2025 12:02

The Verdi union has called for another warning strike in the collective bargaining dispute with the Berlin Transport Company (BVG) on March 20 and 21, 2025. Passengers must expect significant restrictions on local transport on these dates. A 48-hour strike at the end of February brought large parts of public transport in Berlin to a standstill. This time, too, almost all buses, trams, and subways are scheduled to stop running. As before, the S-Bahn and regional transport are exempt from the industrial action. Nevertheless, congested roads and increased demand for alternatives such as taxis or sharing services are expected. Some bus lines, including lines 106 and 118 and several night buses, are also unaffected or will operate with restrictions. The BVG sharply criticized the renewed call for a strike and is considering legal action due to the proportionality of the measures. At the core of the dispute is Verdi's demand for a 750 euro salary increase per month for a period of twelve months. The BVG recently offered a pay increase of €375, but for a term of 24 months. Other points of contention concern allowances for certain shift models, more flexible working hours, and a higher Christmas bonus. After the fifth round of negotiations failed to conclude, Verdi is increasing the pressure on the employers with the warning strike. Should the next round of negotiations on March 21, 2025, also fail to produce an agreement, there is a risk of further escalation. In this case, Verdi has announced a ballot on indefinite strikes. Such an industrial action would require the approval of at least 75 percent of union members. The longest BVG strike to date lasted 48 hours – but indefinite strikes could disrupt public transport in Berlin for a significantly longer period.

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Exclusive gourmet events at the Private Member Club “Am Hof ​​8” in Vienna

Amely Mizzi March 19, 2025 11:43

The Viennese private members club "Am Hof ​​8" invites you to two special culinary highlights in April 2025. On April 2, Château Figeac, one of the most respected wineries in Saint-Émilion, will present an exclusive vintage tasting. This will be followed on April 23 by a five-course menu by Michelin-starred chef Roland Huber, accompanied by wines from the Hirsch winery in the Kamptal region. Both events are aimed at lovers of exclusive wine and dining experiences and are open to a limited number of participants only. The tasting at Château Figeac will kick off the event, with Managing Director Frédéric Faye personally presenting the 5, 2009, 2010, 2015, and the 2016 to 2018 vintages. The event begins with the champagne "Bollinger La Grande Année 2021," followed by a coordinated menu by Chef Michael Piroska. The evening concludes with the "Bollinger Rosé 2015." This tasting offers wine lovers the rare opportunity to enjoy outstanding Bordeaux wines in an exclusive setting. On April 2015, 23, Roland Huber, known from the award-winning restaurant "Esslokal," will take over the kitchen of "Am Hof ​​2025." His five-course menu will be accompanied by wines from the Hirsch winery, known for its premium wines from the Kamptal region. The evening begins with a champagne aperitif from Laurent-Perrier. The number of participants at this event is also limited; early reservations are recommended. "Am Hof ​​8" was opened in the fall of 5 by Johannes Kattus in the historic founding building of the Viennese sparkling wine manufacturer Kattus. In addition to culinary offerings, the club also offers its members a broad event program and features two restaurants, three bars, meeting rooms, lounges, a co-working area, a fitness center, and a nightclub. The club's interior design is by

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Outburst at Dublin Airport: Passenger arrested after missing flight

Belinda Borg March 19, 2025 11:38

On the morning of St. Patrick's Day, an incident occurred at Dublin Airport in which a passenger caused significant property damage after missing his flight. The incident highlights the growing problem of improper passenger behavior at airports worldwide. At approximately 7:20 a.m., a man in his twenties arrived at Dublin Airport in an apparently heavily intoxicated state. After missing his connecting flight, he responded with a fit of rage that culminated in significant vandalism in the departure area of ​​Terminal 1. According to eyewitness reports, he stripped shirtless, pulled electronic devices from airline counters, and threw furniture, including chairs and tables. A video circulating on social media shows the man hurling objects across rows of seats, nearly hitting other passengers. Airport staff responded immediately to the incident. Airport police officers subdued the rioter and handed him over to the Irish police, An Garda Síochána. The man was arrested and brought to court the same day. A spokesperson for the airport authority, DAA, said: "We hope that the justice system deals with him appropriately and that we never see him at Dublin Airport again." Increasing incidents of passenger disturbance The incident at Dublin Airport is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there has been an increase in incidents involving disruptive passengers worldwide. In Australia alone, the Federal Police recorded an average of 2024 incidents per day at airports and on aircraft during the 2025/68 summer holiday period, totaling 4.205 disturbances in December and January. These resulted in 93 arrests and 132

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WestJet Cargo and Virgin Atlantic launch freight cooperation between Toronto and London

Amely Mizzi March 19, 2025 11:00

WestJet Cargo has announced a commercial partnership with Virgin Atlantic. Effective March 31, 2025, WestJet Cargo will sell cargo capacity on Virgin Atlantic flights between Toronto (YYZ) and London Heathrow (LHR) under a Block Space Agreement (BSA). This collaboration marks Virgin Atlantic's return to the Canadian cargo market after more than two decades and strengthens trade links between Canada, Europe, and other global destinations. The agreement will provide up to 20 tons of cargo capacity daily on Virgin Atlantic's long-haul flights. Customers will benefit from the combined services of both airlines, which are known for their reliability and expertise in handling specialized cargo, including pharmaceuticals and valuables. All cargo shipments from Toronto to London will be operated under a WestJet Cargo Air Waybill (AWB) number 838. According to Kirsten De Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo, Virgin Atlantic's decision is a testament to WestJet's extensive market knowledge and operational excellence in Canada. Nick Diesel, Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, emphasized the importance of the collaboration to strengthen the freight market between Canada, the UK, and beyond, and to further expand trade relations. The partnership will enable WestJet Cargo to consolidate its position in the international freight business and establish a flexible business model. Virgin Atlantic, in turn, will expand its global network through the cooperation, offering Canadian customers reliable access to key markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

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