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May 15

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May 15

Air India resumes non-stop flights to North America despite airspace closure

Belinda Borg 15 May 2025 19:37

Air India has resumed non-stop flights on some of its North American routes from Delhi and Mumbai, thus avoiding the costly and logistically complex stopovers in Europe. These adjustments were necessary because Pakistani airspace remains closed to the airline, as an analysis by ch-aviation has shown. The resumption of non-stop connections is a significant step for the Indian airline, which had been struggling with considerable additional costs due to the diversions. Diversion costs force route change The analysis of ADS-B data shows that Air India has restored non-stop connections from Delhi (since May 12, 2025) and Mumbai (since May 4, 2025) to New York JFK and New York Newark. The previously necessary refueling stop in Vienna is therefore no longer necessary. Flights from Delhi, operated by Airbus A350-900s, now take well over 15 hours, about two hours longer than before the closure of Pakistani airspace. Connections from Mumbai are operated by Boeing 777-300ERs. Flights from Delhi to Chicago O'Hare, Toronto Pearson, and Washington Dulles will continue to operate with a stopover in Vienna. Connections to destinations on the west coast of North America, such as San Francisco and Vancouver International, were less affected. Westbound flights across the Pacific Ocean have remained non-stop since the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines. However, Air India operated some return flights from these destinations via Vienna. The Press Trust of India reported that the airline recently began overflying Mongolian airspace, which, combined with the option of a refueling stop in Kolkata, has allowed it to also operate on

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Disgust alert above the clouds: Passenger films cockroach infestation on board Spirit Airlines

Stephen Steiner 15 May 2025 19:05

A recent flight with the American budget airline Spirit Airlines turned into a nightmare for a passenger when she reportedly witnessed a cockroach infestation on board. The traveler, who had made herself comfortable in one of the "Big Front Seats," used her camera to document several cockroaches crawling up the bulkhead in the plane. The video she shared on social media went viral and sparked a wave of outrage, coupled with questions about hygiene standards on commercial aircraft. The affected passenger announced that she would avoid the airline in the future. Discovery in the premium seating area and the airline's response Footage posted by user @symonebeez on the platform X clearly shows at least two cockroaches moving along the bulkhead of the aircraft during the flight. The passenger, who had booked one of the more expensive "Big Front Seats" for this flight, was horrified by the unexpected company. Her video quickly garnered millions of views. In her post on X, she wrote: "I will never fly @SpiritAirlines again. I have flown over 800.000 kilometers with Delta and have never seen cockroaches on a plane in my life. This is crazy." In a supplementary video on TikTok, the passenger described how she was initially hesitant to inform the staff, but decided to do so when a second cockroach appeared. According to her, the flight attendant who was informed showed little concern and took no direct action. Spirit Airlines commented on the incident to the portal Simple Flying, stating: "We maintain high cleaning standards across our entire fleet and

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ITA Airways plans new long-haul routes with a focus on North America and Asia

Jan Gruber 15 May 2025 18:31

The Italian airline ITA Airways is making plans to expand its long-haul network in order to achieve its goal of profitability by 2027. As CEO Joerg Eberhart announced in an interview with the newspaper Corriere della Sera, the airline is currently evaluating five new long-haul routes, with a primary focus on North America. ITA Airways is also showing great interest in launching new connections to Asia. However, these plans are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing closure of Russian airspace. Eberhart explained that a reopening of Russian airspace would bring several interesting destinations in Asia within reach. The airline is currently focusing on strengthening its long-haul network from its Rome Fiumicino hub. Eberhart does not currently consider the launch of long-haul flights from Milan Malpensa to be economically viable. He explained that ITA Airways would need to offer a robust feeder network in Milan to compete in the long-haul market there, which is currently unfeasible for an airline with a fleet of around XNUMX aircraft. Better fleet utilization and new aircraft planned. Another goal of ITA Airways is to improve fleet utilization, particularly for the short-haul aircraft that had been affected by engine problems. Eberhart emphasized that ITA Airways would need to increase the frequency of its daily flight waves in Rome Fiumicino by offering more long-haul connections. However, significant growth in this market segment would require additional wide-body aircraft. By offering more flights to East or South Africa, the airline could strengthen its position in the second and third flight waves, which would in turn make the feeder network more efficient. According to ch-aviation, ITA Airways currently operates a fleet module.

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Experts warn of billions spent on remodeling Trump jet

Belinda Borg 15 May 2025 18:08

The planned conversion of a Qatari-owned Boeing 747 into a future Air Force One for former US President Donald Trump could cost over $13 billion and take several years to complete, according to aviation experts. The 400-year-old aircraft, valued at approximately $2029 million, would have to be completely disassembled, extensively upgraded, and equipped with classified defense systems, significantly exceeding its value. Experts caution that the project may not be completed by 5,3, when the aircraft is scheduled to be donated to Trump's presidential library foundation. Key upgrades include secure communications systems, missile defense, EMP shielding, and in-flight refueling, a process described as "tremendously time-consuming." Although Boeing is already working on two new Air Force One aircraft as part of a $747 billion program plagued by delays and cost overruns, retrofitting the Qatari 25 could provide financial relief for Boeing if the company wins a new contract. However, analysts question the logic and economics of converting an older airliner, especially given the ongoing delays in the official VC-XNUMXB replacement program. The White House has not yet confirmed the plan, and Qatari officials say the aircraft's delivery is still under review.

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Asiana Airlines strengthens subsidiaries through capital increases and share consolidation

Belinda Borg 15 May 2025 17:45

South Korean airline Asiana Airlines is taking steps to financially strengthen its subsidiaries Air Seoul and Air Busan. According to an announcement dated May 13, 2025, Asiana increased its stake in its subsidiary Air Seoul to 100 percent by acquiring an additional 36 million shares for 180 billion won (approximately 128 million US dollars). According to Asiana, this move is aimed at improving Air Seoul's financial structure. At the same time, Asiana Airlines announced it would restructure Air Seoul's registered share capital through a reverse stock split. Eight existing shares will be combined into one new share with the same nominal value of 5.000 won (approximately 3,57 US dollars). This measure is intended to offset Air Seoul's deficit and will reduce the number of shares outstanding from 39,5 million to 4.937.500. An Asiana spokesperson told the Chosun Ilbo newspaper that the parent company decided to conduct this capital increase to stabilize Air Seoul's financial base and ensure stable business operations, particularly in light of the capital erosion of the past three years, despite increasing revenues since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial support also for Air Busan. In addition to Air Seoul, Asiana's other low-cost airline subsidiary, Air Busan, is also receiving financial support. Asiana Airlines plans to purchase 100 billion won (approximately 71 million US dollars) of convertible bonds issued by Air Busan. According to an Asiana spokesperson, this step is intended to prepare Air Busan for internal and external uncertainties and to support the improvement of its financial structure. The bonds have

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Falkensteiner takes over renowned Camping Grubhof in Lofer

Amely Mizzi 15 May 2025 17:36

The Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group (FMTG) today acquired the award-winning 4-star-plus Grubhof campsite in St. Martin bei Lofer. The campsite will be operated by the renowned Austrian tourism group under the "managed by Falkensteiner" banner. This is already the third premium campsite in the FMTG portfolio, which also includes Camping Zadar in Croatia and Camping Lake Blagus in Slovenia. Since 1998, Robert and Maria Stainer have managed the Grubhof campsite with great commitment and have developed into one of the most popular campsites in German-speaking countries. Otmar Michaeler, CEO of FMTG, expressed his gratitude for the Stainer family's trust and announced that he will continue the successful concept with respect for what has been achieved. The previous owner, Robert Stainer, also expressed his conviction that the Grubhof is in the best hands with Falkensteiner. For the municipality of St. Martin bei Lofer, the acquisition strengthens the tourism location. Mayor Michael Lackner thanked the Stainer family for their many years of service and emphasized the positive impact Falkensteiner is expected to have on the entire region. Grubhof Camping was most recently honored as "Overall Winner 2025" at the Overseas Campsite Awards in February 2024, receiving praise for its location, infrastructure, and hospitality. Until the official launch of the new Falkensteiner camping brand in fall 2025, Grubhof Camping will operate under an interim solution. FMTG plans gradual further developments in harmony with nature and regional ties.

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Swiss reduces flight frequency to Chicago in late summer 2025

Stephen Steiner 15 May 2025 17:05

The Swiss airline Swiss has adjusted its current summer flight schedule from Zurich and will reduce the number of its flights to Chicago O'Hare in late summer. As the portal "Aeroroutes" reported, the Lufthansa subsidiary will only offer one daily flight to Chicago from September 1 to October 25, 2025, instead of the previous two. A Boeing 777-300ER will be used on this route. This halving of frequency will affect the period from the beginning of September to the end of October. Swiss did not initially officially state the reasons for this schedule adjustment. However, it is not uncommon for airlines to adjust their capacities depending on demand and the time of year. Chicago O'Hare is a major hub in the United States, and the connection from Zurich is important for both business and leisure travelers. In March of this year, there were reports of adjustments to Swiss's 2025 summer flight schedule, which also affected other long-haul destinations such as Shanghai. The now-announced reduction in Chicago flights could be part of a broader review of the route network. Passengers planning to travel between Zurich and Chicago during this period should check the schedule changes.

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Flight attendant protest mars United Airlines event on new premium cabin

Amely Mizzi 15 May 2025 16:41

An event hosted by United Airlines in New York City to celebrate its new premium cabin offerings took an unexpected turn when several of the airline's flight attendants staged a protest demanding a new labor contract. United Airlines has reportedly suspended the protesting crew members pending further investigation. This incident highlights the long-standing negotiations between the airline and its flight attendants over improved working conditions and pay. Demand for new contract has simmered for years United Airlines flight attendants have been demanding a new labor contract for some time, protesting the deadlock in negotiations at key airline hubs over the past year. While reports earlier this year indicated some progress, recent protests indicate that significant differences remain. The current contract for United's flight attendants came due for revision nearly four years ago, and despite efforts by management and the union that represents the flight attendants, no agreement has been reached. In March of this year, Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants, expressed cautious optimism, noting that United was beginning to take negotiations more seriously after management had previously used delaying tactics. Protest at Polaris Business Class Launch On May 13, 2025, United Airlines invited media representatives to an event in New York City to unveil its new Polaris Business Class product. Such events are typically used to generate attention for new offerings. In this case, however, some flight attendants took the stage to

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Wizz Air launches new connection from Nuremberg to Brașov

Belinda Borg 15 May 2025 16:37

Wizz Air is expanding its route network from Brașov (Romania) and will offer a new direct connection to Nuremberg, Germany, starting October 13, 2025. The route will be served three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the airline announced. Nuremberg will thus become the fifth regularly scheduled Wizz Air destination from Brașov. The airline previously flew to Budapest, Dortmund, London Luton, and Naples from the Romanian city. The new connection to Nuremberg is expected to be an attractive addition to the flight offering, especially for travelers from Franconia and the Brașov region, as direct flights significantly reduce travel times compared to connecting flights. Brașov, also known as Kronstadt, is located in the Transylvania region and is an important economic and tourist center in Romania. Brașov-Ghimbav Airport only opened in June 2023 and has since experienced a steady expansion of its flight offerings. The inclusion of Nuremberg in Wizz Air's flight schedule underlines the airport's growth and the region's increasing importance for international travel.

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Frankfurt-Hahn and Somon Air plan direct flights to Tajikistan

Belinda Borg 15 May 2025 16:08

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport and the Tajik airline Somon Air have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish passenger and cargo flight connections between Tajikistan and the airport in the Hunsrück region. The airport announced this. The signing of the memorandum of understanding took place in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. The aim of the cooperation is to expand the route network and open up new markets for both partners. Somon Air is the national airline of Tajikistan and has been active in international air transport since 2008. The airline is a member of IATA and operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 and -900 aircraft, as well as a Boeing 787. Somon Air has previously flown primarily to Munich in Germany. Hahn Airport hopes that the cooperation with Somon Air will strengthen its position in passenger and cargo traffic, particularly with regard to connections to Central Asia, through the cooperation with Somon Air. Details of the planned flight connections, such as the exact routes and frequency of flights, were not yet disclosed in the press release. Further information on this new strategic partnership is expected to be released in the coming months. With this letter of intent, Hahn Airport underlines its commitment to further expanding its international route network.

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