Français »
German "
Search
April 30, 2025

More articles from the category

April 30, 2025

New brewery opens at Cologne/Bonn Airport

Stephen Steiner 30 April 2025 15:09

Cologne/Bonn Airport has expanded its dining options. The "Früh bis spät" brewery opened in Terminal 1, primarily serving beer from the renowned traditional Cologne brewery Früh Kölsch. According to the airport, the restaurant also offers a diverse selection of regional food and drinks for travelers and visitors. The opening of "Früh bis spät" is intended to improve the quality of stay in Terminal 1 and offer passengers another opportunity to enjoy regional specialties before or after their flight. The concept of establishing a local brewery in an airport is not new and is often very popular with travelers looking to gain a first or last impression of the regional culture and gastronomy. Früh Kölsch is one of the most traditional and well-known Kölsch brands and is deeply rooted in Cologne's beer culture. In addition to the top-fermented beer from Cologne, guests at "Früh bis spät" can also expect a selection of dishes typical of the region. This could include, for example, Rhenish classics such as Himmel un Ääd, Halve Hahn, or Sauerbraten. Other beverages are also offered to cater to the diverse tastes of international passengers. The operators promise a combination of traditional brewery flair and a modern airport ambience. The opening of the new brewery is part of Cologne/Bonn Airport's efforts to continuously improve its service offering and meet the needs of travelers. Dining facilities play an important role in the well-being of passengers and contribute significantly to the overall experience at the airport. The "Early to Late" complements the existing offering and offers an attractive point of contact for all those who

Continue reading "

Austrian Airlines deploys Boeing 777s on Vienna-Frankfurt route

Stephen Steiner 30 April 2025 14:35

Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, will operate wide-body Boeing 7-8ER aircraft on its route between Vienna and Frankfurt from May 2025 to June 777, 200. This was according to information from the aviation information service Aeroroutes. The aircraft, normally used on long-haul flights, will operate on this short-haul connection every Wednesday and Sunday. The temporary change in aircraft on the busy route between the two important European hubs could be due to various factors. One possible cause is capacity bottlenecks due to maintenance work on other aircraft in the Austrian Airlines fleet or unexpectedly high demand on this route during the specified period. The use of the Boeing 777 offers Austrian Airlines the opportunity to transport significantly more passengers per flight than with the Airbus A320 family aircraft types normally used on this route. The Boeing 777-200ER is a twin-engine long-haul aircraft that typically seats several hundred passengers in a three-class configuration. The use of these aircraft on the approximately one-hour flight between Vienna and Frankfurt is unusual and could offer passengers a special travel experience with more comfort and amenities than are usual on short-haul flights. It remains to be seen whether Austrian Airlines will provide further details on the reasons for this temporary aircraft deployment. The Vienna-Frankfurt route is an important connection in the European air transport network, heavily used by both business travelers and tourists. Both cities are important economic and cultural centers with major international airports that serve as important transfer hubs. The temporary use of the Boeing 777 underscores the importance of this connection in the Austrian Airlines route network.

Continue reading "

New Zeppelin takes off in Friedrichshafen

Belinda Borg 30 April 2025 14:03

A new airship from the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei (DZR) has taken off on its maiden flight in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance. This, the ninth model from the DZR, will be part of a fleet of three zeppelins flying over Germany, according to DZR Managing Director Eckhard Breuer. The new zeppelin is currently flying with a provisional certificate, which prohibits passenger service until final approval from the Federal Aviation Office. Production of the approximately 16 million euro airship took three years and involved over 100 suppliers. The DZR expects the new zeppelin to have a service life of approximately 25 years. A special feature is the partnership with Europa-Park, whose logo is emblazoned on both sides of the airship. The zeppelin will be visible above the amusement park from July 11 to 14. The helium-filled New Technology (NT) Zeppelins have been transporting passengers on Lake Constance since 2001 and are also in operation in other German regions such as the Ruhr area, Munich, and Frankfurt. The new Zeppelin is intended to replace an older Lake Constance airship, which will be permanently stationed at the new Zeppelin base in Essen/Mühlheim. With this fleet expansion, the DZR is aiming to strengthen its presence in tourism and promotional air traffic over Germany.

Continue reading "

Study reveals Europe's most time-saving destinations and airports for holidaymakers

Stephen Steiner 30 April 2025 13:49

In a recent study, the car rental company Avis examined European cities and airports to provide vacationers with valuable information on time efficiency when planning their trips. The analysis sheds light on which cities travelers lose the least time waiting at the airport or at tourist attractions, and which airports have the shortest wait times. The results of the study therefore offer useful guidance for travelers looking to make the most of their vacation time. The study identified the most time-efficient airports in Europe. Rome Fiumicino Airport tops the list with a rating of 4,25 out of 5 points. This is mainly due to the fast connection to the city center via the Leonardo Express. The airports of Ankara and Budapest follow closely behind with 4 out of 5 points each. A key factor in the high rating of these airports appears to be the lower passenger volume of fewer than 15 million passengers per year compared to major hubs. This enables smoother processes and shorter wait times for travelers. At the other end of the scale are the airports of Athens, Nice, and Krakow, which perform the worst in terms of time efficiency. Athens ranks last with a score of just 2,25 out of 5. One possible reason cited for this is the significantly higher passenger volume, which can lead to longer wait times at baggage claim, security checks, and other procedures. Luxembourg, Vilnius, and Stuttgart are top cities for time savers. The study also examined which European cities offer travelers the opportunity to use their vacation time most efficiently. Luxembourg, Vilnius, and Stuttgart performed best in this regard.

Continue reading "

US fighter jet lost in the Red Sea

Belinda Borg 30 April 2025 13:38

The US military has suffered another loss of one of its expensive fighter jets in its operations against the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. According to media reports, a US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on Monday during a drone and missile attack by Houthi rebels. The incident reportedly occurred as the aircraft carrier initiated evasive maneuvers. The fighter jet reportedly rolled off the deck during a towing operation and crashed into the sea. The towing vehicle also fell overboard in the incident, and a sailor suffered minor injuries. It is currently unclear whether the F/A-18E can be recovered. This loss comes just months after a similar incident in December, in which a US missile cruiser accidentally shot down one of its own F/A-18E aircraft. This aircraft had also launched from the USS Harry S. Truman. In this case, the pilots were able to eject. Recent events have once again raised questions about the risks and challenges of military operations in the Red Sea in light of the threat posed by the Houthi rebels. The Houthi rebels, who are active in Yemen and supported by Iran, have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea in recent months, significantly disrupting shipping in one of the world's most important trade routes. The US Navy maintains a presence in the region to protect commercial shipping and respond to rebel attacks. The loss of another fighter jet represents a significant material loss for the US armed forces and underscores the intensity of the conflict in the region.

Continue reading "

Friedrichshafen plans further million-euro support for Lake Constance Airport

Stephen Steiner 30 April 2025 13:04

The city of Friedrichshafen intends to continue providing significant support to the financially struggling Lake Constance Airport. The city council passed a corresponding resolution at its meeting on Monday evening, as a city spokesperson announced. However, some of the support is subject to conditions and still requires the approval of the EU Commission. Specifically, an already approved investment grant of up to €2,5 million is to be redirected into an operating cost subsidy for the airport to cushion its current financial difficulties. This redirection is still subject to approval by the EU Commission. In addition, the city of Friedrichshafen plans to grant Lake Constance Airport an annual investment grant of €2026 million between 2030 and 1,5. This payment is subject to one condition, however: the airport must increase its annual passenger numbers to at least 290.000. Last year, around 227.000 passengers used Friedrichshafen Airport. In 2023, this number was still over 300.000. The financial strain on Lake Constance Airport is attributed to various factors, including rising energy prices, inflation, and capacity bottlenecks at airlines, which led to the cancellation of routes. Another significant factor was Lufthansa's withdrawal from Friedrichshafen. Lake Constance Airport is Germany's southernmost commercial airport and offers connections to destinations such as Palma de Mallorca and Antalya. The planned financial aid is intended to ensure the continued existence of this regionally important airport.

Continue reading "

Swiss achieves positive result in the first quarter of 2025 despite Easter effect and cost increase

Belinda Borg 30 April 2025 12:41

The Swiss airline Swiss has started 2025 with a positive operating result. The company announced that it generated a profit of 3 million Swiss francs in the first quarter. However, this figure is lower than the result for the same quarter last year, which was 31 million Swiss francs. Swiss cites the so-called Easter effect as the main reason for this decline, as the traditionally busy Easter holiday fell in the second quarter this year. Increased costs also weighed on the result. On the other hand, strong cargo business and lower fuel prices compared to the previous year had a positive impact. Swiss emphasizes its intensive preparations for the upcoming peak travel season in summer, with stability and customer satisfaction as its top priority. Decline in results due to calendar effect and rising expenses Swiss's operating income for the period January to March amounted to 1,22 billion Swiss francs, an increase of two percent compared to the same quarter last year (1,19 billion Swiss francs). Chief Financial Officer Dennis Weber stated that the result was in line with the company's expectations. The main factor for the decline in earnings was the calendar effect, as Easter fell in the first quarter last year, thus leading to increased demand. The postponement of the Easter weekend to April this year shifted travel volumes accordingly to the second quarter, thus having a significant impact on the current figures. Although demand remained high overall in the first quarter, the expansion of flight offerings led to an average lower aircraft utilization. Furthermore, various cost increases weighed on the result. For example, personnel expenses were up due to new hires.

Continue reading "

EU Commission approves state aid for Condor after re-examination

Amely Mizzi 30 April 2025 12:35

The European Commission has re-approved €321,2 million in state restructuring aid for the German charter airline Condor following an in-depth review. This decision follows the annulment of an earlier Commission decision from July 2024 by the General Court in May 2021. The re-examination concluded that the support was justified under EU state aid rules. Condor itself had experienced financial difficulties and had to file for insolvency in September 2019 following the insolvency of its parent company, the Thomas Cook Group. The restructuring aid subsequently granted by Germany was intended to enable the airline to restore its viability. The original approval by the European Commission in 2021 included, among other things, a debt write-off and an adjustment of the repayment terms of a state-guaranteed loan. The EU General Court had annulled the Commission's initial decision because it criticized the Commission for not having sufficiently examined whether Germany had received appropriate compensation for the debt relief granted and whether the restructuring costs had been adequately shared among the former shareholders and subordinated creditors. Following the in-depth investigation subsequently launched, the Commission concluded that Condor was implementing comprehensive restructuring measures and that both Condor and the new private investor, Attestor, were making a significant contribution to the restructuring costs. Furthermore, the existing shareholders had completely lost the value of their investments, thus achieving an appropriate burden-sharing and ensuring that Germany received a sufficient share of any potential future value increases. The Commission concluded that the aid contained appropriate safeguards to limit

Continue reading "

Recommendation for settlement reached in the ground handling services wage dispute

Stephen Steiner 30 April 2025 12:07

In the collective bargaining dispute for ground handling employees at German airports, the collective bargaining parties have reached a settlement recommendation in the arbitration process. As the parties involved announced, a "solution acceptable to both sides" has been found. Arbitrator Yvonne Sachtje explained that the collective bargaining parties still have to approve the recommendation, which is planned for early next week. The settlement recommendation provides for the transfer of the collective bargaining agreement for the federal and local government public sector to the approximately 30.000 ground handling employees. This agreement is valid until the end of March 2027. Wages are to increase in two stages: by three percent starting in April 2025, but by at least €110, and by a further 2026 percent starting in May 2,8. In addition, shift work allowances are to be introduced, and two special payments of €200 each are planned for this year and the next, as well as an additional vacation day. The Verdi union had previously demanded the adoption of this collective bargaining agreement and called for warning strikes at 13 German airports in March, which led to significant disruptions to air traffic. The settlement recommendation now reached could prevent further strikes by ground handling services in the next two years, provided both parties agree. Arbitrator Sachtje emphasized that, if accepted, air travelers could expect smooth flight operations. Yvonne Sachtje, who has served as a state arbitrator in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2018, assumed the role of mediator in this deadlocked collective bargaining dispute. Her role as a neutral mediator between employers and unions is intended to contribute to the resolution of collective bargaining disputes. Prior to her role as state arbitrator, Sachtje worked for many years for the Food, Beverage and Catering Union. The position of state arbitrator

Continue reading "

Airspace closure over Pakistan turns Vienna into an Air India gas station

Stephen Steiner 30 April 2025 11:45

The recent escalation of tensions in Kashmir, which culminated in a mass shooting, has far-reaching consequences that now also affect international air traffic. In response to the events, Pakistan has revoked Indian airlines' overflight rights over its territory with immediate effect and provisionally until May 23, 2025. This measure forces the affected airlines to take costly and time-consuming detours, resulting in longer flight times, increased fuel consumption, rising operating costs, and additional logistical challenges. Foreign airlines are not affected by this ban and thus enjoy a temporary competitive advantage through faster and potentially cheaper flight connections. Air India particularly affected - stopovers in Europe necessary The Indian airline Air India, which operates numerous long-haul routes to the United States and Canada, is particularly hard hit by the Pakistani airspace closure. Due to the extended flight routes, many of these routes must make unscheduled stopovers in European cities such as Copenhagen or Vienna to refuel and, if necessary, change the flight crew. Air India already uses the hubs in these two cities as they are members of the Star Alliance. The company has free capacity (slots) there to handle the additional flights, but must offer competitive landing fees. The closure affects some of the longest non-stop passenger flights in the world, which usually fly directly between India and North America. Implementing the diversions is complex and leads to a confusing situation for passengers. Not all flights on the same routes make stopovers. This appears to depend on factors such as the direction of flight and the current weight of the aircraft. For example, it can happen that on the same route

Continue reading "

Navigation

Visit us on

Facebook f X-twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Telegram rss Threads Google Hm-mail-open Wordpress
login logo

Aviation.Direct is published with love in and