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March 27, 2025

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March 27, 2025

Tui wants to make airlines more profitable and expand single-seat business

Amely Mizzi March 27, 2025 11:04

The Tui Group is planning a realignment of its airlines to increase the division's profitability. While the group's airlines will continue to contribute to the occupancy of Tui hotels, they are to generate more profits as independent business units in the future. This was explained by David Ciomperlik, head of the Tui airline division, to analysts at the Capital Markets Day in Madrid. The group currently operates 106 short- and medium-haul aircraft and 19 long-haul aircraft, making Tui one of the ten largest airlines in Europe. The stated goal is to become the market leader in the so-called "leisure carrier" sector - airlines that focus on holiday travel. A central element of the new strategy is the expansion of the single-seat business. In the future, individual flight tickets will increasingly be sold independently of package tours. This will primarily be achieved through partnerships with other companies (B2B business). Connections from holiday destinations to the home markets of the Tui airlines are also to be expanded. To increase efficiency, TUI plans to further standardize its operations across the Group's various airlines. This includes the introduction of a common website, which will not only facilitate the sale of ancillary services but also optimize capacity utilization on long-haul flights from multiple source markets. Furthermore, the division of labor within the fleet will be improved to better balance seasonal fluctuations and ensure year-round capacity utilization. TUI's fleet strategy will continue to focus exclusively on aircraft manufacturer Boeing. However, in light of current delivery problems at Boeing, the procurement strategy will be regularly adjusted to ensure the demand for new aircraft.

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Pilatus cooperates with Lockheed Martin on next-generation pilot training system

Stephen Steiner March 27, 2025 10:06

Pilatus and Lockheed Martin will collaborate on an offset project to develop an advanced pilot training system. The goal is to develop avionics technologies and training functions for modern fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Through the technology transfer, Pilatus will be able to offer customized training solutions for air forces operating the F-35 or similar modern military jets. The collaboration takes place within the context of the Swiss F-35A procurement program. In 2022, Switzerland signed a contract to purchase 36 F-35A fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin. This contract obligates Lockheed Martin to reinvest 60 percent of the contract value in the Swiss economy through offset projects. The goal is to strengthen the domestic aerospace industry and promote technological innovation. The project received pre-approval from the Federal Office for Armaments (armasuisse) in early 2024. The contractual details between Lockheed Martin and Pilatus were finalized in the summer of 2023. The focus of the cooperation is on the further development of the PC-21 training system from Pilatus. This single-engine turboprop aircraft is designed to train jet pilots cost-effectively. The avionics and system integration of the PC-21 are already adapted to modern fighter jets to provide realistic training for pilots. The technology transfer from Lockheed Martin is intended to further expand training options, particularly with regard to training for the F-35 and other latest-generation fighter aircraft. Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher described the collaboration as a "win-win situation" for all parties involved, while JR McDonald, Vice President at Lockheed Martin, underlined the importance of the partnership for the F-35 program. armasuisse Director Urs Loher also emphasized that the project will strengthen the security-relevant technology and industrial base of the

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New digital parking system at Nuremberg Airport from April 2025

Belinda Borg March 27, 2025 09:03

Starting April 1, 2025, Nuremberg Airport will introduce a digital parking system for the terminal driveway. The goal of the new system is more efficient traffic management and simpler processing for pick-up and arrival passengers and visitors. The so-called "Kiss & Fly" zone along the departure and arrival areas will in future be monitored by an automatic system with license plate recognition. Vehicles that remain in this area for more than eight minutes will be charged a parking fee. The new system automatically records vehicles upon entry and exit. Payment is only made upon exit, either at the machine or online. The elimination of the existing barriers also eliminates the need to take a ticket directly upon entry. There are no changes for users of the regular parking garages and gated parking areas. Automatic license plate recognition is already used in the parking garages and is now being extended to the terminal driveway. According to Klaus Dotzauer, Managing Director of Flughafen Nürnberg Service GmbH, the system offers several advantages. It enables smoother traffic flow, especially during peak times, and prevents traffic jams. The solution from provider Peter Park System GmbH also impressed with its flexibility. Mobility Hub Parkservice GmbH is responsible for managing the parking area and also for customer inquiries. By introducing the digital system, the airport is also responding to increasing problems caused by illegally parked vehicles during peak times. In the past, these problems disrupted traffic flow for cars, buses, and pedestrians. The new regulation also abolishes the previous maximum parking time of two hours in the terminal driveway area, creating more flexibility for pick-up drivers and visitors.

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Qantas postpones the start of “Project Sunrise” non-stop flights to 2027

Amely Mizzi March 27, 2025 08:30

The Australian airline Qantas has announced further delays to its ambitious "Project Sunrise." Originally planned for 2025, the non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York are now scheduled to begin in 2027 at the earliest. This postponement is primarily due to delays in the delivery of the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which were specially designed for these ultra-long-haul flights. Qantas launched "Project Sunrise" in 2017 with the goal of offering the world's longest non-stop passenger flights. After intensive negotiations, the airline ordered twelve Airbus A2022-350 ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft in 1000, specially equipped for this mission. Delivery of the first aircraft was scheduled for the end of 2025, with commercial operations beginning in 2026. However, due to delays in production and interior fit-out, this schedule was missed. Vanessa Hudson, CEO of the Qantas Group, recently announced that the first A350-1000 is now expected by the end of 2026. Since at least three of these aircraft are needed for daily operations on the ultra-long-haul routes, and the third is not expected to be delivered until spring 2027, the start of the non-stop flights will be postponed accordingly. Hudson emphasized that the additional months will be used to ensure that all operational aspects, including crew training and maintenance, are optimally prepared. Interestingly, Qantas plans to initially operate the first A350-1000s on the comparatively short route between Sydney and Auckland. This decision may seem unusual at first glance, but it serves several purposes. Short-haul flights allow pilots and cabin crew to familiarize themselves with the new aircraft type and optimize operational procedures. In addition, maintenance teams can gain valuable experience.

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Extended 2025 summer flight schedule at Munich Airport: More long-haul and European connections

Amely Mizzi March 27, 2025 08:01

The summer flight schedule comes into effect at Munich Airport on March 30, 2025. In the 30 weeks up to October 26, 2025, 73 airlines will offer over 214.000 flights to 216 destinations in 68 countries. The new flight schedule includes numerous new destinations, increased frequency on existing routes, and the stationing of all eight Lufthansa Airbus A380 aircraft in Munich. A focus of the expanded service is long-haul connections. Cathay Pacific will commence four weekly flights to Hong Kong using the Airbus A350. Discover Airlines will open a new long-haul base and serve Orlando (USA), Windhoek (Namibia), and Calgary (Canada) three times a week from Munich. Lufthansa will fly the Airbus A380 daily to cities such as Boston, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Washington, and Delhi. Denver will be added to the service from the end of April. Other long-haul connections include Vietnam Airlines with additional flights to Hanoi, Etihad Airways with two daily flights to Abu Dhabi, and EVA Air with non-stop flights to Taipei. The European route network is also expanding. EasyJet will fly twice daily to Rome, while ITA will offer the same frequency to Milan-Linate. SkyAlps will connect Munich with Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina twice a week starting in May. Pegasus Airlines will increase its flights to Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen to up to 25 weekly connections. New charter flights will operate to Foggia and Rimini in Italy. SAS will also expand its flights to Copenhagen to two daily connections. Condor will offer additional flexibility with daily morning and evening flights between Munich and Frankfurt starting March 30. In total, the airline will operate up to 120 flights per week.

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Airbus presents visions of the future: New aircraft concepts and hydrogen technology in focus of the 2025 summit

Stephen Steiner March 27, 2025 07:36

The aviation industry is facing a number of challenges and opportunities that could shape the future of commercial aviation. At the Airbus Summit 2025, which took place in Toulouse from March 24 to 25, the European aircraft manufacturer presented a variety of innovative projects that are intended not only to advance the efficiency and sustainability of aviation, but also to send a clear signal about the industry's vision for the coming decades. Particular focus was placed on concepts for a new generation of aircraft that could enter service as early as the 2030s, as well as advances in hydrogen propulsion, considered one of the key technologies of the future. A key feature of the event was the presentation of Airbus' concepts for a future aircraft that could enter service in the second half of the 2030s, provided the green light is given. These aircraft are expected to offer a significant improvement in fuel efficiency of 20 to 30 percent compared to the current A320neo models. With these concepts, Airbus is pursuing an evolution of existing aircraft architectures, which will be enhanced by a series of technological innovations. The design of this future aircraft could feature numerous notable features, including so-called "open fan designs" and long, thin wings with retractable wingtips. These features are distinguished by their aerodynamic advantages and would enable further increases in efficiency on long-haul flights. In addition, the new model will be equipped with new lightweight materials that reduce weight while increasing performance. Another striking feature of the planned aircraft is the possibility of equipping them with a

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Air Serbia launches direct flights between Belgrade and Tbilisi from June 2025

Amely Mizzi March 27, 2025 07:06

Air Serbia is expanding its route network and will offer direct flights between Belgrade and the Georgian capital Tbilisi for the first time starting June 15, 2025. The Serbian airline will operate the new connection three times a week, directly connecting the Caucasus region with Serbia and other international destinations. Flights from Belgrade to Tbilisi will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Flights in the opposite direction will depart on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Travelers from Austria can already book tickets via Vienna with a transfer in Belgrade. With the new connection, Air Serbia particularly aims to appeal to the Georgian diaspora, who will benefit from better connections to Western Europe, the Western Balkans, and North America. According to Boško Rupić, General Manager for Commercial and Strategy at Air Serbia, Georgia is a growing market with high potential. In addition to passengers from Georgia, the airline also expects increased demand from travelers from Serbia and neighboring countries who want to discover Tbilisi as a culturally and historically significant travel destination. With the launch of this route, Air Serbia continues its expansion strategy and strengthens Belgrade Airport's position as an international hub. In addition to the new destination Tbilisi, the airline already offers numerous connections to Europe, North America, and the Western Balkans.

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Croatia off the beaten track: Discovering secret gems

Belinda Borg March 27, 2025 06:33

Croatia has been a popular destination for vacationers from all over the world for years. But while the coastal regions and large cities like Dubrovnik or Split are often flooded with tourists, this Mediterranean country is home to numerous hidden paradises, away from the hustle and bustle, beckoning with untouched nature, historical beauty, and authentic charm. Martina Hirzberger, a passionate travel expert, has made it her mission to show travelers these unknown sides of Croatia. With over 100 free travel guides, she wants to inspire people to discover the lesser-known corners of the country and venture off the beaten track. "Croatia has so many beautiful places, some of which are still far from the hotspots," explains Martina Hirzberger. "Many travelers today are looking for unique experiences and want to escape the crowds," she adds. In her article "Insider Tips in Croatia," she presents three particularly impressive places that have remained largely undiscovered until now. These destinations promise not only peace and relaxation, but also unforgettable experiences amidst a rich history and culture. Ugljan – The island pearl off Zadar. Just a short ferry ride from the city of Zadar lies the island of Ugljan. This true insider tip is a true paradise for all those seeking nature and tranquility away from the usual tourist destinations. Ugljan offers impressive diversity: hidden bays, idyllic fishing villages, and vast olive groves characterize the image of this island, which transports its visitors to another world. The nature on Ugljan is largely untouched, and the island offers numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead to secluded beaches.

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EuroAirport expands 2025 summer flight schedule with new destinations and more connections

Belinda Borg March 27, 2025 06:09

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg will offer around 2025 direct connections to destinations in Europe, North Africa, and North America in its 100 summer flight schedule. In addition to established destinations, several new routes will be introduced. Connections via international hubs of major airlines will also remain a key component of the offering. Among the new destinations are the Spanish city of Bilbao, the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, and the Greek island of Skiathos. These will be served several times a week by airlines such as easyJet. Frequencies will also be increased on existing routes. This includes connections to Barcelona, ​​Montreal, Djerba, and Palma de Mallorca. For travelers wishing to fly via major international hubs, EuroAirport offers numerous connection options. Key partners include Air France (Paris), Lufthansa (Frankfurt and Munich), KLM (Amsterdam), British Airways (London), and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul). These connections enable passengers to reach a variety of global destinations. In addition to expanding its flight offerings, EuroAirport is also modernizing its infrastructure. The redesign of its catering facilities is scheduled to be completed by mid-2025. During the renovation work, temporary retail outlets will provide food and beverages for travelers. In addition, the redesigned Sky Lounge, previously reserved primarily for business travelers, is now open to all passengers.

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Iran Air demands lifting of EU sanctions in court

Amely Mizzi March 27, 2025 05:37

In December 2024, the Iranian state airline IranAir filed a lawsuit against the Council of the European Union, demanding the lifting of the sanctions imposed in October 2024 that deny it access to European airspace. The accusation is that IranAir allegedly supports the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the Iranian airline argues that the sanctions violate its rights and calls on the EU to reconsider the measure. In October 2024, the European Union imposed sanctions against IranAir, denying the airline access to European airports and EU airspace. The sanctions were adopted in the context of international condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the grounds that IranAir has some kind of connection with Russia and thus indirectly supports Russia's military activities. The sanctions against IranAir are part of a broader package of EU measures targeting the geopolitical situation and relations between Iran and Russia. IranAir is accused of possibly providing logistical support to Russian troops or otherwise being involved in the Kremlin's military operations in recent years. However, IranAir denies these allegations, arguing that the sanctions are based on insufficient evidence and that the company is being unfairly punished collectively for the behavior of Iran and its leadership. IranAir's lawsuit and legal arguments IranAir filed a lawsuit with the General Court of the European Union on December 23, 2024. The case was registered with the number T-676/24, but the details of the proceedings were not made public until the end of February.

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