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March 20, 2025

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March 20, 2025

New owner of T'way Air plans fleet expansion and leadership change

Stephen Steiner March 20, 2025 14:06

The South Korean airline T'way Air is facing a comprehensive restructuring. The Daemyung Sono Group is acquiring a majority stake in the low-cost airline and plans to significantly expand its fleet and implement structural changes in management. The number of Boeing 2027-737s is to be increased from the current two to 8 aircraft by the end of 20. In addition, the airline will lease five Airbus A330-900neos next year. The Daemyung Sono Group is paying the equivalent of 172 million US dollars (250 billion won) for the majority stake, which was previously held by YeaRimDang Publishing Co. Ltd. Ninety percent of the purchase price has already been paid, and the remaining 90 billion won (25 million US dollars) is to be transferred by March 17,2, 31. As part of the takeover, the new owner plans to invest more heavily in operational safety, hire additional engineers, and build its own maintenance hangar at Seoul Incheon Airport. With the acquisition scheduled to close at the end of March, the Daemyung Sono Group is expected to appoint nine new directors to the board and appoint Lee Sang-yun as its new managing director. Current CEO Jeong Hong-geun has announced his resignation. Final approval from the South Korean competition authority is still pending, but no objections are expected. T'way Air currently operates 2025 aircraft, including various models of the Airbus A38 and Boeing 330 series, and serves 737 airports in 44 countries. According to industry insiders, the Daemyung Sono Group could pursue a merger with Air Premia, another airline in which it holds a stake, following the acquisition to further strengthen its market position.

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Austrians spend more on holidays and travel longer

Stephen Steiner March 20, 2025 13:36

Spending on vacation travel in Austria rose significantly at the beginning of 2025. According to a recent analysis by the comparison portal Durchblicker, travelers are investing an average of €2.244 per trip – an increase of 18 percent compared to the previous year. Families and couples are spending more, in particular: families pay an average of €600 more, couples €500. At the same time, the average trip length is increasing from 18 to 23 days. The most popular travel destinations include Austria, Thailand, Greece, the USA, and Italy. As the desire to travel increases, so does demand for travel insurance. In the first two months of 2025, the number of insurance comparisons at durchblicker increased by 26 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the comparison portal, the increase is due, among other things, to insurance policies for winter vacations and semester breaks taken out at short notice. At the same time, there is a strong early booking trend for summer trips, which is justified by discounts and greater planning security. However, experts warn of the risks of late booking of insurance. Many providers require a waiting period of about ten days before cancellation coverage kicks in. Additionally, some insurers require that the policy be purchased at least 28 or 30 days before departure. Events that occur between booking and the purchase of the insurance are often not covered. For people who travel several times a year, an annual contract may be more financially advantageous. These policies cover all trips within a year and start at around €50, depending on the scope and deductible. Especially when traveling multiple times, significant savings can be achieved by comparing prices.

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Lufthansa renews the flight experience with new “Allegris” cabin interior

Belinda Borg March 20, 2025 13:34

Deutsche Lufthansa AG is comprehensively modernizing its long-haul cabins with its new "Allegris" product generation. This innovation affects all travel classes and is intended to offer passengers an even more comfortable and personalized flight experience. The new First Class "Suite Plus" is at the center of this innovation. This exclusive double cabin features floor-to-ceiling walls and a lockable door, allowing passengers maximum privacy. Two wide seats can be converted into a comfortable double bed if required. The suite also offers a large table, individual seat temperature control, and the option to connect personal mobile devices to the entertainment system. A personal wardrobe ensures ample storage space and comfort during the flight. Business Class: Seven different seating options for personalized comfort. Business Class has also been fundamentally redesigned. Passengers can now choose between seven different seating options, including seats with an extra-long 2,20-meter reclining surface, additional work space, or special seats with a baby seat. A special highlight are the new Business Class Suites in the first rows, which offer even more privacy thanks to chest-high walls and sliding doors. Each suite features a monitor up to 27 inches in size, ample storage space, a private wardrobe, and a personal minibar. All seats can be converted into a bed at least two meters long and offer high-resolution 4K screens, spacious dining tables, wireless charging, noise-cancelling headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. The seats are also equipped with heating and cooling functions to ensure individual comfort. In Premium Economy Class, Lufthansa is using new hard-shell seats that allow passengers to adjust their seats without

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Paraglider paralyzes air traffic in Mallorca

Belinda Borg March 20, 2025 13:09

An unknown paraglider pilot caused massive disruption to air traffic at Palma de Mallorca Airport (Son Sant Joan) last Sunday. The Spanish Guardia Civil is searching for the perpetrator, whose risky maneuver caused the diversion of four aircraft and significant delays. The incident occurred around 13:00 p.m., when air traffic controllers spotted a paraglider in the immediate vicinity of the airport. The Guardia Civil, the National Police, and the local police were alerted. Air traffic controllers reported delays of approximately 40 minutes before normal flight operations could resume. Four flights were diverted to alternative airports. The paraglider pilot faces a hefty fine under Spanish Air Safety Law 21/2003. Penalties for such violations can range from €45.000 to €250.000. The investigation by the Fiscal Section of the Guardia Civil at the airport is in full swing.

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Belgium relocates planned military base to Ursel

Amely Mizzi March 20, 2025 12:49

The Belgian Ministry of Defense has selected Ursel near Aalter as the site for a new military base. The government is thus abandoning previous plans to establish the base in Geraardsbergen. The change of location is due to difficulties in acquiring land and ongoing resistance from the local population. Ursel was the military's preferred location from the start, as it already houses defense-owned land and a small airfield. This strategic advantage led to the decision to realize the so-called "Northern Future Quarter" project in Ursel. The project is supported by, among others, Aalter's mayor and former Defense Minister Pieter De Crem. Both the Belgian Army and Air Force are interested in the new base. The Army sees the extensive land as a suitable location for new armored vehicles. The Air Force would like to use the existing runway for future air operations. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense will reverse the previously planned closure of Koksijde Air Base. Instead, an expansion of the site is planned, including new housing for military personnel. The NH90 search and rescue helicopters stationed there will remain at the location, and the army will also be represented in Koksijde in the future.

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Zurich Airport cancels announcements in French

Jan Gruber March 20, 2025 12:03

Zurich Airport will no longer make announcements in French from July 2025. In the future, announcements will be made exclusively in German and English. The airport is thus following the international trend of reducing the number of announcements in order to make traveler's stay more pleasant. The decision is based on an analysis of user data. According to the airport operator, only one percent of visitors select French on the official website. Due to this low demand, the decision was made to discontinue French announcements. The ground handling company Swissport will also do without French announcements from July 2025. Another reason for this step is the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in Switzerland. The reduction in language requirements is intended to make it easier to recruit new employees. Critics complain that the measure disadvantages French-speaking travelers. In Switzerland, French is one of the four official languages ​​​​along with German, Italian and Romansh. However, Zurich Airport emphasizes that important information will continue to be available on display boards in all relevant languages.

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Greek regional airports record moderate passenger growth

Stephen Steiner March 20, 2025 11:43

The 14 regional airports in Greece operated by Fraport Greece recorded moderate growth in passenger traffic in February 2025. Overall, the number of travelers increased by 3,7 percent compared to the same month last year. While international arrivals increased significantly, the number of domestic travelers declined slightly. International flight connections in particular contributed to this growth. In February, the number of international passengers rose by 13,5 percent to 254.000. In contrast, domestic traffic fell by 1,7 percent. Despite the decline in domestic traffic within Greece, strong demand from abroad enabled a positive overall result. Of the 14 regional airports, five reported growth in passenger traffic. Thessaloniki Airport led the way with 423.000 travelers, followed by Chania and Rhodes airports. The largest declines were at Zakynthos (-66,6 percent), Mykonos (-52,9 percent), and Aktion (-50,8 percent) airports. Between January and February 2025, the total number of passengers reached 1,3 million – an increase of 3,7 percent. Here, too, Thessaloniki led the way with 863.000 travelers, an increase of 8,8 percent. The number of flight movements fell slightly overall by 0,1 percent in February. While the number of domestic flights fell by 3,1 percent, the number of international flights rose by 8,3 percent. For the first two months of the year, total flight movements fell by 0,4 percent. The most important countries of origin for international travelers continue to be Germany, Cyprus, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

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Optimal booking strategies for air travel: A detailed analysis

Belinda Borg March 20, 2025 11:38

Booking flights often poses the question for travelers about the ideal time to purchase tickets to minimize costs. Various factors such as booking time, time of day, day of the week, and lead time play a crucial role in pricing. A comprehensive analysis of Opodo's 2024 booking data and other studies provide valuable insights into optimal booking strategies. Opodo's analysis shows that the time of day has a significant impact on flight prices. Night owls can benefit from particularly good deals. For example, flights to the USA are available for an average of €2 at 549 a.m., while they cost €10 at 721 a.m. The situation is similar for flights to Japan, which cost €906 at midnight and €15 at 1.482 p.m. Destinations in Thailand can be booked for €3 at 818 a.m., while they cost €5 at 1.047 a.m. Even within Germany, cheaper prices can be found at 2 a.m., averaging €223 compared to €282 at 3 a.m. Flights to Spain are available at 2 a.m. for €243, while at 6 a.m. they cost €280. Lead time: Early bird vs. last-minute bookings. The optimal lead time for flight bookings varies depending on the destination. For city breaks to London, Paris, or Lisbon, booking more than 91 days in advance is recommended. For example, a flight to London costs €196 if booked three months in advance, while it costs €286 two weeks before departure. For long-haul destinations like Phuket or New York

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Airbus and Japanese partners sign letter of intent for SAF production

Belinda Borg March 20, 2025 11:00

Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan Airlines and three other Japanese companies. The aim of the agreement is to jointly produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an alternative aviation fuel to be derived from Japanese wood. The partnership represents an important step towards the development and use of more sustainable fuels in the aviation industry. The five companies plan to establish a new production source for SAF by using Japanese wood as a raw material. This should not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in aviation. The collaboration will be jointly driven by the Japanese companies and Airbus to optimize the technology and production of SAF. The partnership comes at a time of increasing global interest in sustainable aviation fuels, as many airlines and aviation companies strive to reduce their emissions and align the aviation industry with more environmentally friendly technologies. The focus on using Japanese wood as a resource for SAF production demonstrates a commitment to incorporating local raw materials into the process, which could also help strengthen the regional economy.

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Trail running as a tourism opportunity: success factors for regions

Belinda Borg March 20, 2025 10:43

Trail running is increasingly becoming a significant factor in alpine tourism. What was once considered a niche sport for a small group of ambitious mountain runners is now an attractive offering for numerous tourist destinations. However, a successful trail running concept requires more than just hiking trails – well-thought-out routes, local support, and authentic experiences are crucial. Gerhard Gstettner, an experienced expert in alpine product development, emphasizes that the design of the trails must be adapted to the specific needs of trail runners. "Simply repurposing existing hiking trails isn't enough," explains Gstettner. Important criteria are the balance of elevation, terrain, and route variety. Runners are looking for a mix of technical challenges and smooth sections, combined with an intense nature experience. Another key element for success is the involvement of the local population and regional stakeholders. Without the support of mountain hut owners, mountain guides, and sports clubs, an offering cannot survive in the long term. Early cooperation creates acceptance and ensures close integration with regional structures. Gstettner points to his successful projects in Seefeld, Warth-Schröcken, and the Wilder Kaiser, where he focused on active community involvement and a practical approach. Communication also plays a crucial role. Trail runners value authenticity and a connection to nature – catchy advertising slogans don't cut it here. Instead, credible messages and genuine experiences are required. Gstettner, who has been working in alpine tourism development for over 17 years, emphasizes the importance of practical experience: "Only those who truly understand the needs of athletes, vacationers, and tourism professionals can develop sustainable concepts."

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