April 16, 2025

More articles from the category

April 16, 2025

Hotelplan Suisse significantly expands flight offerings from Bern

Tour operator Hotelplan Suisse is significantly expanding its range of holiday flights from Bern Airport for the coming summer. Flight capacity has increased by 23 percent compared to the previous year. A new addition to the program is a direct connection to Monastir in Tunisia, which will be operated by the airline Helvetic Airways from the end of May and is currently the only direct connection of its kind from Switzerland. In total, Hotelplan Suisse now offers ten weekly flights to seven destinations in Greece, Cyprus, Tunisia, and Spain, thus consolidating its position as the market leader for holiday flights from the Swiss capital. The most popular destinations from Bern continue to be Heraklion on Crete, Palma de Mallorca, and Larnaca on Cyprus. Hotelplan Suisse's customers for these flights come primarily from western and central Switzerland. In 2025, the company will sell a total of 45 percent of the available seats on flights operated by Helvetic Airways from Bern. The expansion of the flight offering by Hotelplan Suisse underscores the importance of Bern Airport for the regional travel industry. The new direct connection to Monastir expands the range of accessible holiday destinations and offers travelers from Switzerland an additional option for their summer holidays. The significant increase in capacity compared to the previous year indicates a positive trend in travel from Bern. In addition to Hotelplan Suisse, other tour operators and airlines also offer connections from Bern. However, the presence of Hotelplan Suisse as the largest provider of holiday flights from the Swiss capital contributes significantly to the attractiveness of the regional airport and offers a convenient travel option for vacationers from the surrounding region.

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SAS introduces new Business Class for Europe

The Scandinavian airline SAS will introduce a new Business Class on its European routes starting in May 2025. According to SAS, this step is being taken to meet the growing demand for a clearly defined premium service. Compared to the previous premium product "Plus," the new travel class will offer significantly more comfort, flexibility, and improved service that better meets the expectations of international business travelers. Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen explained that many quality-conscious customers expect a Business Class product that meets international standards. With the new European Business Class, SAS is positioning itself as a premium provider in the European market. The new class will be available on all international SAS European flights, including connections within Scandinavia. Sales are scheduled to start on May 6, 2025. Key features of the new Business Class include an exclusive area at the front of the aircraft, separated by a curtain and a partition. An empty middle seat is intended to offer passengers more space and comfort. In addition, the improved ground service includes priority check-in, priority boarding, and access to SAS lounges. A newly developed catering concept promises high-quality meals served on reusable china. The introduction of the new European Business Class is part of SAS's long-term strategy to strengthen its Copenhagen hub and better integrate into international airline alliances. SAS is responding to competitive pressure in European air travel and attempting to regain a stronger foothold in the premium segment. Other European airlines also offer differentiated business class products on short- and medium-haul routes to meet the needs of business travelers.

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Centrum Air postpones or cancels flights to Frankfurt

The young Uzbek airline Centrum Air, which was only founded in early 2023, had planned to launch its first Western European connection to Frankfurt in the summer of 2025. The airline intended to operate the route between the Uzbek capital Tashkent and Frankfurt twice a week. Now, all indications suggest that the launch of this connection has been postponed or even canceled altogether, as the "Aero Routes" portal reports. Frankfurt is also no longer listed as a destination in Centrum Air's booking form. Originally, the launch of flights to Frankfurt was a significant step for the state-supported airline, which wanted to expand its international route network. As one of Europe's most important air transport hubs, Frankfurt would have offered Centrum Air the opportunity to attract passengers from Western Europe and offer connecting flights. The reasons for the alleged cancellation or postponement have not yet been officially announced. There were reports in March of this year that Centrum Air had removed the flight schedules for the Tashkent-Frankfurt route from its reservation systems, even though the route was previously listed with two weekly flights starting on March 30, 2025. Now, the uncertainty surrounding the launch of the connection seems to be confirmed. This is a setback for the airline's expansion plans in the Western European market. It remains to be seen whether Centrum Air will resume plans for a connection to Frankfurt at a later date. The airline had previously announced an ambitious expansion of its route network and wanted to significantly increase its fleet in order to offer new destinations in Europe and Asia. Developments surrounding the planned Frankfurt connection will be reported in the

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ÖHV Forum in Lech deals with financing in tourism

The Austrian Hotel Association's (ÖHV) recent forum, entitled "Financing in Tourism," attracted 120 participants to Lech am Arlberg. The event focused on the current challenges and opportunities in financing tourism businesses. Experts and insiders examined the impact of new regulations such as Basel IV, the changing risk assessment of tourism real estate, as well as alternative forms of financing and funding opportunities. Walter Veit, President of the ÖHV, opened the forum and emphasized the need for investment flexibility for the future of tourism companies. He called for a reduction in high taxes and bureaucracy, the expansion and simplification of funding instruments, and greater use of alternative financing models such as crowdfunding and vouchers. He also advocated for a reduction in bureaucracy in lending. The program included practical presentations and discussions. Bernhard Freudenthaler from the Austrian Banking Association explained the effects of Basel IV. Representatives from Raiffeisen-Landesbank Tirol, Raiffeisen Landesbank Vorarlberg, and the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank presented their institutions' requirements for borrowers and grant recipients. Other experts provided insights into financial metrics, identifying imbalances, tax optimization, and experiences with alternative financing and innovative business models. In addition to the exchange of ideas, the forum also offered participants opportunities for networking and informal discussions. A special highlight was a ski trip with Olympic and World Champion Benni Raich on the Arlberg. The forum concluded with a culinary evening. The event was made possible with the support of various partners from the financial and tourism industries.

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Air Astana receives multiple awards for onboard service

The Kazakh airline Air Astana received several international awards for its outstanding in-flight service at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025 in Hamburg. The airline was honored with the Travel Plus Gold Award for its Economy Class amenity kits, bedding collection, and baby kit. Air Astana also received top marks from the Onboard Hospitality Award for its baby kit and Economy Class amenity kits. Air Astana also impressed in various categories at the PAX International Readership Awards. The airline was recognized for Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Onboard Catering, Best Economy and Premium Economy Amenity Kits, and Best Children's Kit. These awards are considered important quality benchmarks in the aviation industry, as experienced travelers evaluate airline products for functionality, design, and comfort. Yelena Obukhova, Vice President of Inflight Services at Air Astana, expressed her delight at the recognition, emphasizing that the airline succeeds in meeting global standards while delivering Kazakh hospitality. The awards underscore Air Astana's ongoing commitment to providing high service standards and focusing on passenger needs. Air Astana has received awards for its in-flight service in previous years, highlighting the continued quality of its products and services. These renewed awards at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025 further cement the Kazakh airline's position as one of Central Asia's leading airlines in passenger comfort.

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Lower Austria's museums start spring with a diverse program

Lower Austria's museum landscape will present itself in spring 2025 with a diverse range of new exhibitions and innovative educational formats. From established foundations to modern art galleries throughout the state, exhibition venues will open their doors and invite visitors to engage with art, history, and culture. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized the vibrancy and diversity of Lower Austria's museum landscape. A central attraction is the Schallaburg Castle with the exhibition "Dreams... Dream," dedicated to the theme of the imaginary. The Kunsthalle Krems is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a retrospective of the American painter Susan Rothenberg. The Lower Austria State Gallery is honoring the artist Christa Hauer on the occasion of her 100th birthday with a comprehensive exhibition. The Museum Gugging will focus on the Art Brut artist Magalí Herrera, while the Nitsch Museum in Mistelbach will present a retrospective of Hermann Nitsch's work. The museum town of St. Pölten also offers a diverse program. The Museum am Dom is opening the exhibition "Born in Fire" on religious cultural history. The House of History is exploring the experiences of the younger generation during the war and post-war period with its exhibition "Children of War – Growing Up between 1938 and 1955." The Former St. Pölten Synagogue is presenting a photo exhibition on the life of Kurt Bardos, born in 1922. Special attention is also being paid to cultural education for young visitors. The MAMUZ Mistelbach invites you on a journey to the "Ice Age," the St. Pölten Children's Art Laboratory explores artistic processes in "Paper, Rock, Scissors," and the House of Nature is dedicated to nocturnal animals. Museums outside the major cities also offer new inspiration, such as the Niedersulz Museum Village, Seitenstetten Abbey, Leiben Castle, and

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European companies are increasingly critical of business trips to the USA

European companies are increasingly concerned about business trips to the United States. A recent survey by the business travel network BT4Europe reveals growing concerns about entry denials, rejections, and discrimination at the US border. Travel managers report increased problems among their employees upon entry, leading to adjustments to travel strategies in the affected companies. The survey, conducted at the beginning of April among member associations of the European Network of Business Travel Associations in various European countries, revealed a consistent picture of uncertainty. Short-term business trips to the USA are perceived as increasingly risky by both companies and travelers themselves. 88 percent of respondents see an increased risk of being rejected, detained, or deported upon entry to the USA. According to the survey, people with dual citizenship, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and travelers who have made public political statements, for example on social media, appear to be particularly at risk. BT4Europe warns of the consequences of this development, which is leading to a systematic reassessment of business travel planning to the USA. In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Italy, entry into the USA has already become a strategic issue for companies. Many European companies have already implemented protective measures for their employees to minimize potential problems when entering the USA. These measures include, for example, issuing accompanying letters that explain the purpose of the business trip in detail, extended travel insurance, and the provision of legal support. Furthermore, warnings are being integrated into booking systems and travel advisories for the USA are being updated. In some cases, it is already recommended that

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Flynas launches new flight connection from Riyadh to Geneva

The Saudi Arabian low-cost airline Flynas is planning to expand its European route network from its base in Riyadh. According to the portal "Aeroroutes," Flynas will offer a new seasonal flight connection to Geneva, Switzerland, from June 24 to August 30, 2025. The route will be operated three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with Airbus A320neo aircraft. This new connection complements Flynas' existing European offering and could be of interest to both leisure and business travelers between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. Geneva is a major international center with a variety of organizations and companies, as well as a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer months. The launch of the Geneva route underscores Flynas' expansion efforts to expand its network internationally. The use of the Airbus A320 Neo, a modern and efficient aircraft type, indicates the airline's commitment to offering competitive prices on the new route. The seasonal limitation of the service until the end of August suggests that Flynas will initially test demand on this route. It remains to be seen whether Flynas will continue its service to Geneva beyond summer 2025 or potentially add additional European destinations from Riyadh to its network in the future. The announcement of this new route follows a period of growth for the Saudi Arabian aviation sector, which is increasingly opening up to international airlines.

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Air travel: rights, restrictions and challenges for incontinence and other chronic conditions

Carrying medical supplies and medication on flights is a necessity for many passengers with chronic illnesses or health restrictions – but it is also associated with numerous uncertainties. Between security checks, restrictive baggage regulations, and inconsistent airline regulations, misunderstandings often arise that become a strain for those affected. This is particularly true for illnesses such as diabetes, incontinence, or mental health problems, which are sometimes invisible but involve considerable organizational effort. Just in time for the increase in Easter travel, the low-cost airline Wizz Air is setting an example for greater health awareness in civil aviation with its "Fit to Fly – Medically Well Prepared" initiative. With around 4.000 flights planned over the long Easter weekend alone, the airline sees itself as having a special responsibility to its passengers – especially those with health restrictions. The new campaign aims to raise awareness of preventative health measures before air travel and reduce the number of medical incidents on board. Increasing health risks in air travel In recent years, the number of medical incidents during air travel has increased worldwide. According to a study by the "New England Journal of Medicine," a serious medical incident occurs on approximately one in 600 flights. The causes are as diverse as the passengers themselves: from circulatory weakness and allergic reactions to acute illnesses such as thrombosis or even heart attacks. The limited availability of medical care in the aircraft cabin makes prevention all the more important. Vivien Peto, company spokesperson and ambassador for Wizz Air, explains: "As already announced in our Customer First Compass program, our goal is to provide all passengers with a safe and

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New fashion stores from “Brandin by Setur” open at Hamburg Airport

Hamburg Airport has expanded its retail offerings. On Tuesday, a new "Brandin by Setur" branch opened, bringing the well-known fashion brands Armani Exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein to the airport for the first time. The store is located between Gates A17 and A18 and covers an area of ​​150 square meters. With this new opening, the airport is responding to its passengers' demand for high-quality fashion and accessories. The Armani Exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein brands are internationally renowned and appeal to a broad audience. The central location of the new branch in Departures Area A is intended to appeal to both travelers before their flight and those transferring between flights. SETUR Duty Free GmbH already operates several stores at German airports and is an established provider in the travel retail sector. The "Brandin by Setur" concept brings together various fashion brands under one roof, thus enabling a diverse shopping experience. The opening in Hamburg underscores the airport's importance as a key location for retail and gastronomy. In addition to the new fashion store, Hamburg Airport already offers a variety of other shopping options in various areas of the terminal. The offering ranges from duty-free shops to bookstores and souvenir shops to stores selling regional specialties. The addition of "Brandin by Setur" complements the existing portfolio with an attractive selection of fashion and accessories.

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