May 16

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May 16

Lightning start on the stock market: High demand for Flynas shares at IPO in Riyadh

The Saudi Arabian low-cost airline Flynas had a brilliant start on the stock market. Within minutes of the opening of the subscription books for its IPO on May 12, 2025, 30 percent of the offered shares had already been subscribed. The airline is offering a total of 51,26 million shares at a price between 76 and 80 Saudi riyals (equivalent to 20,30 to 21,33 US dollars) on the Tadāwul Exchange in Riyadh, aiming to raise approximately 4,1 billion Saudi riyals (1,1 billion US dollars). The initial public offering (IPO) includes both newly issued shares and shares from existing investors, including billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Kingdom Holding Co. and National Flight Services Co. The proceeds from the sale of the new shares will be used to finance the airline's fleet expansion and network growth, while the proceeds from the sale will be returned to existing shareholders. This IPO is the first by a Gulf airline in nearly two decades and implies a market capitalization upon listing of 13 to 13,7 billion Saudi riyals ($3,47 to $3,65 billion). The newly issued shares will represent 10,2 percent of the airline's total share capital upon completion of the IPO. Focus on growth plans and market positioning When announcing the IPO last week, Flynas CEO Bander Almohanna described this step as a "strategic move that will accelerate the implementation of our growth ambitions and consolidate our position as the leading low-cost airline for short and medium-haul flights throughout the Middle East and North Africa by 2030." Flynas, which began operations in 2007 as nasair (Saudi Arabia), currently operates a fleet of 71 aircraft to 74 airports in

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“MQ Tunes” launches: New music series for young talents in Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier

Vienna's MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is launching a new music series called "MQ Tunes," focusing on young, up-and-coming Austrian bands. The Viennese dream pop trio "Lucy Dreams" will kick things off on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 19.30:4 p.m. on the MQ Summer Stage. Starting June 19.30, further live performances by various bands will follow every Wednesday at 320:XNUMX p.m. on the same stage. Admission to all events in the series is free. The "MQ Tunes" music series was launched in cooperation with the Austrian music information center mica – music austria. A previous open call resulted in over XNUMX applications from bands of various genres. A panel of experts selected thirteen promising acts, who will now present their music as part of "MQ Tunes." The opening act, Lucy Dreams, a dream pop trio from Vienna, has demonstrated a unique, sonically and visually innovative approach to pop music with their previous singles and has already attracted attention at festivals such as Waves Vienna. The concert series offers a diverse musical program until the beginning of September. In addition to Lucy Dreams, bands such as Dschungeljade, Onk Lou, Edna Million and many more will be appearing on the MQ Summer Stage. The MQ Summer Stage itself, designed by Open Fields, serves as a freely accessible gathering place in the MQ's main courtyard during the day and transforms into a lively open-air stage for concerts and other performances in the evening. With this new series, the MuseumsQuartier and mica – music austria aim to provide a platform for young Austrian musicians and give visitors the opportunity to discover new sounds and talents.

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Dertour reports significant increase in guests for the coming winter – long-distance travel continues to be a trend

Tour operator Dertour is optimistic about the coming winter and is currently recording a significant 22 percent increase in guests compared to the previous year. Product Director Sven Schikarsky announced that demand for long-haul travel remains very strong. Egypt, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates are particularly popular. This trend continues from the previous winter season, in which Dertour already recorded an increase in guests of over 30 percent. According to Sven Schikarsky, the trend towards early bookings is continuing, which is reflected in the current bookings for the coming winter. The ongoing desire for planning security is cited as a key factor behind this behavior. As early as winter 2024/25, vacationers booked their stays an average of 104 days before departure. The popularity of long-haul travel in winter is underscored by figures from last season, in which 38 percent of Dertour guests traveled to faraway countries. Thailand, the Indian Ocean, and the United Arab Emirates were the top destinations. Demand for travel to the Gulf States was particularly strong, with Dertour's guest numbers doubling year-on-year. The Caribbean maintained its level but experienced supply bottlenecks in Cuba. Despite strong interest in long-haul travel, short- and medium-haul flights remained dominant last winter, accounting for 62 percent of the total. Spain defended its leading position with a 24 percent increase in guests. Egypt and Turkey recorded significant increases, with increases of 119 percent and 56 percent, respectively, pushing Germany, which suffered a 15 percent decline due to the mild winter, into fourth place.

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Nuremberg Airport celebrates its 70th anniversary with a big party

Nuremberg Airport cordially invites all aviation enthusiasts and friends of the airport to a grand celebration to mark its 70th anniversary. On Sunday, May 25, 2025, visitors can experience the fascination of aviation firsthand on the airport grounds from 11 a.m. to 17 p.m. A comprehensive exhibition of aircraft and apron vehicles is planned, inviting visitors to marvel at them. Those who would like to take to the skies themselves have the opportunity to take part in sightseeing flights in small aircraft. There will be a diverse program for children, with numerous activity areas and face painting. Around 50 exhibitors will participate in the festival. The organizers recommend traveling by public transport. A highlight of the festival will be the aircraft exhibition, which will showcase not only commercial aircraft and helicopters, but also special aircraft such as a German Armed Forces Eurofighter and a US Army Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter. In addition, exciting bus tours of the apron will be offered throughout the day; seats can be reserved online. The Aero Club offers sightseeing flights in small aircraft, which can be booked directly on-site. In addition to aviation technology, other aspects of the airport are also covered. In a "discovery area," the environmental department provides insights into local biodiversity and the airport's energy concept. The airport fire department, police, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, and the Red Cross will present their vehicles and equipment, and customs dogs will demonstrate their skills. Those who would like to climb into the cockpit themselves can do so in flight simulators provided by the IVAO and the Aero Club. The ADAC will also present a rollover simulator. Regional sports partners, various airlines, and tour operators will also have booths.

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Renewed industrial action in Helsinki paralyzes air traffic: Finnair cancels dozens of flights

Finnair travelers must once again prepare for significant disruptions to their flight schedules. The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has announced industrial action at its home airport in Helsinki for Friday, May 16, 2025. This step will force the airline to cancel around 60 flights, which is expected to affect around 6.000 passengers. The union's measures are similar to those that led to flight cancellations at the beginning of May and once again affect key areas of flight operations such as ground handling and catering. Finnair is endeavoring to offer affected customers alternative flight connections. Union once again strikes key airport functions The XNUMX-minute industrial action announced by the IAU will span various shifts throughout the day and thus impact key operations at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. In addition to baggage handling and catering, other key functions essential for smooth flight operations may also be affected. Finnair regrets the changes to its customers' travel plans caused by this situation and assures that it will do everything possible to find alternative travel options as quickly as possible. Finnair informs passengers and offers rebookings. Customers whose flights have been canceled due to the strike will be informed promptly by Finnair. They will receive a message with an offer for an alternative flight connection, which they can view via the booking management on the Finnair website or in the Finnair app. The airline requests that customers ensure their contact details in their reservation are up to date to ensure smooth information flow. The offered rebooking can be changed, subject to availability, under the "Manage Booking" menu item or via Customer Service. Alternatively, customers have the option to cancel their reservation.

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Folding bikes tested: ÖAMTC tests eight models without electric drive

Bicycles enjoy great popularity as environmentally friendly and health-promoting means of transportation. However, one drawback is their bulkiness, which makes transport difficult. Those who want to use their bike on vacation or take it on public transport often face problems. Folding or collapsible bicycles promise a solution with their reduced pack size. The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC), together with partner organizations, examined eight models without electric motors in detail, testing criteria such as ride quality, handling, safety, and durability. In the ÖAMTC test, four of the eight folding and collapsible bicycles tested received a "good" rating. Three models received a "satisfactory" rating, while one brand received only a "sufficient" rating. ÖAMTC technician Dominik Darnhofer emphasized that, in addition to the practical transportability of a folding bicycle, safety must not be neglected. Therefore, all bicycles were subjected to a road test and examined for their handling, safety, and durability. An additional pollutant test revealed no complaints. The choice of the right model depends largely on the intended usage profile. According to ÖAMTC expert Darnhofer, those who use the bike primarily for daily commuting and frequently combine it with car or train travel should choose a compact and easily foldable model. Bikes from Riese und Müller or Dahon, which were rated "good," are suitable for this. For those who want to use the folding bike like a conventional bicycle and occasionally venture off-road, the ÖAMTC recommends the test winner, the Brompton G Line, which also received a "good" rating. This model is also suitable for longer distances and, according to ÖAMTC expert Darnhofer, is ideal for

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