March 19, 2025

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March 19, 2025

RAF brings Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes back into the air

The aviation community worldwide has received some very exciting news: the Royal British Air Force (RAF) has announced that its historic fleet of Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes will return to air displays in 2025. Following the tragic accident in May 2024 that claimed the life of pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long, the two famous fighters were withdrawn from service as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). However, the decision has now been made to return the aircraft to flying status next year. The incident in May 2024, which resulted in the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Mark Long, led to the temporary grounding of the BBMF fleet. The experienced pilot was killed in the crash of his Mk IX Spitfire when the aircraft crashed into a field shortly after takeoff from RAF Coningsby, a base in Lincolnshire. The accident occurred while the pilot was en route to an air show. The crash resulted in severe head and neck injuries, from which Long died at the scene. The aircraft itself was significantly damaged in the accident. The UK Defence Accident Investigation Branch subsequently launched an investigation to determine the causes of the crash. Although the legendary Lancaster bomber, which is also powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, was declared ready to fly again in July 2024 following an initial investigation, the resumption of flight operations for Spitfires and Hurricanes was delayed. This was done to fully conclude internal investigations and implement all necessary safety precautions. Return to the 2025 air show season on

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Tui holiday trends for Easter: Hurghada and London at the top

The travel habits of TUI guests at Easter 2025 also show a clear preference for classic sunny destinations and city breaks. According to a recent survey by TUI, Hurghada, Antalya, and Mallorca are among the most popular holiday destinations. Egypt, in particular, is experiencing strong growth and leads the country rankings. In the city break category, London is clearly the leader for the first time, displacing last year's winner, Dubai. Due to high demand, TUI has expanded its flight offerings to Hurghada. On April 14, an additional flight from Vienna will depart for the popular holiday destination on the Red Sea. Antalya also saw a significant increase, climbing from ninth place last year to second place. Mallorca took third place, moving up three positions. In the long-haul category, the USA held its ground, ahead of the Maldives and Dubai. In the city break category, TUI recorded remarkable growth. London leads the rankings by a significant margin, ahead of Barcelona and Paris. Amsterdam and Istanbul follow in fourth and fifth place. Dubai, which was in first place last year, drops out of the top 5.

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Collaboration between Emirates and Seychelles Tourism promotes trade and tourism

The Seychelles, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is continuing its successful collaboration with Emirates Airlines to further strengthen tourism and trade in the archipelago. Austrian travelers in particular are increasingly offered opportunities to experience the beauty and diversity of this fascinating island nation. With a variety of flights and a wide range of local activities, the Seychelles remains an attractive destination for vacationers from all over the world. The partnership between Emirates and the Seychelles will celebrate its 2025th anniversary in 20. The renowned airline has been flying to the island group in the Indian Ocean since 2005, making the archipelago an increasingly important destination for international travel. Around 8.000 Austrians travel to the Seychelles annually, underscoring the success of this destination among travelers from German-speaking countries. The connection to the Seychelles, especially via Emirates' international hub in Dubai, offers vacationers not only convenient flight connections but also access to over 140 destinations worldwide. The options for traveling to the Seychelles have recently expanded: Since the beginning of 2025, Emirates has been offering a daily connection from Vienna to Dubai with a converted Boeing 777. This aircraft is equipped with the popular Premium Economy, offering passengers an additional level of comfort on their journeys. The flight continues directly from Dubai to the main island of Mahé, making the journey a pleasant experience. Discover the diversity of the Seychelles The main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue offer numerous opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The untouched

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Königsberg Health Resort: Culinary award for regional cuisine

The Königsberg Health Resort focuses on high-quality, regional products in its culinary offerings and has once again been recognized by Falstaff for this. The à la carte restaurant "Bucklige Welt" received two forks and 2024 points in the categories of food, service, wine, and ambience in 88, making it one of the best restaurants in Austria. Under the direction of head chef Markus Oelgarte, fresh ingredients from certified organic suppliers are used daily. The kitchen team regularly creates new dishes that focus on seasonal specialties. Resort guests can enjoy culinary delights in several restaurants, on a terrace, or in the café with homemade pastries. The "Bucklige Welt" restaurant is open not only to hotel guests but can also be visited by external visitors on certain dates. The Falstaff award is considered an important seal of quality in Austrian gastronomy. The restaurants are evaluated according to established criteria such as the quality of the food, service, wine selection, and ambience. With its current 88 points, the health resort has further solidified its position as a culinary attraction in the region. Head chef Markus Oelgarte expressed his delight at the recognition: "This result is a validation of our philosophy of focusing on top-quality regional products and perfect craftsmanship. A huge thank you goes to our entire team, who work with great dedication and creativity to ensure quality every day."

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BER Airport: More flight movements and the impact on residents

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) recorded an increase in flight movements of almost eight percent in February of this year compared to the previous year. Specifically, there were 13.410 takeoffs and landings. For airport operators and the aviation industry, this is a positive indicator of economic recovery and growing demand for air traffic. However, this increase has had a noticeable impact on many residents, particularly in the southern communities surrounding the airport – primarily in the form of increased aircraft noise. SPD state parliament members Tina Fischer and Ines Seiler recently submitted an inquiry to the Brandenburg Ministry of Transport regarding aircraft noise. The ministry's response, which has now also been reported in the media, sheds light not only on the current noise situation, but also on the technical background of the increased flight movements and the concerns of residents who feel increasingly disturbed by the noise. More Flight Movements and Shortened Runways A decisive factor in the increase in flight movements in February was the increased use of so-called "intersection takeoffs." This technology involves shortened runways, which allow aircraft to take off faster and thus handle more flight movements in a shorter time. This shortened takeoff distance means that, in many cases, the aircraft have a "significant excess" to the east over the A113 motorway after takeoff. This means that the aircraft fly more over the southern surrounding communities, which significantly increases noise pollution in these areas. The proportion of shortened takeoffs has increased significantly since the opening of BER Airport. According to the Ministry of Transport, almost every second takeoff movement is now on

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New special vehicles for the maintenance of the Mariazell Railway

The Lower Austrian Transport Organization Company (NÖVOG) has expanded its infrastructure fleet for the maintenance of the Mariazell Railway. A new motorized tower car was delivered yesterday to the Alpenbahnhof depot in St. Pölten. The special vehicle, which was ordered from the Austrian company Plasser & Theurer, is now being prepared for line approval. Another permanent way car is scheduled to follow in autumn 2024. With these two vehicles, NÖVOG aims to significantly increase the efficiency and independence of maintenance work along the 84-kilometer-long narrow-gauge line. According to Lower Austria's Minister of Transport, Udo Landbauer, the state is investing 7,2 million euros in the modernization of the more than 115-year-old single-track line. The goal is to secure and improve the Mariazell Railway as a central transport link in the Pielach Valley in the long term. The new vehicles are intended to enable faster and more autonomous maintenance work. The permanent way car, which will be delivered in autumn 2024, is already being used in the ongoing spring work. It is intended for track maintenance, lifting and loading activities, green waste removal, and snow removal in winter. Once approved, the new motorized tower car will primarily be used for the installation and maintenance of overhead lines. NÖVOG Managing Directors Wolfgang Schroll and Michael Hasenöhrl emphasize that the new vehicles represent a further step toward future-oriented infrastructure projects. By using domestic technology from Plasser & Theurer, they are committed to quality and efficiency in the maintenance of the historic railway line.

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