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May 19

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May 19

Edelweiss takes off with Airbus A350 for its long-haul premiere to Las Vegas

Stephen Steiner 19 May 2025 15:04

On May 15, 2025, the Swiss airline Edelweiss operated its first long-haul flight with the new Airbus A350. The aircraft took off from Zurich to Las Vegas with 200 passengers on board, marking a significant step in the airline's history. The use of this modern aircraft type represents advanced technology and is intended to offer travelers a more comfortable and quieter flight experience. To celebrate this inaugural flight, all passengers received a special souvenir: a specially designed "Remove before 1st Flight" pendant engraved with a plaque and their individual seat number. This personalized souvenir is intended to make this first long-haul flight with the Airbus A350 unforgettable for passengers. The introduction of the Airbus A350 marks the beginning of a new era in long-haul flights for Edelweiss. The aircraft will gradually replace the Airbus A340s previously in use. The new wide-body jet sets standards in several areas, consuming around 25 percent less fuel, emitting correspondingly less carbon dioxide, and being up to 50 percent quieter than its predecessor. Edelweiss will now serve the Zurich-Las Vegas route three times a week with the Airbus A350. The second of a total of six Airbus A350s on order is expected by the end of June and will be deployed daily on the Zurich-Vancouver route starting July 1.

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Belgian consumer group sues Ryanair for alleged misleading practices

Jan Gruber 19 May 2025 14:35

The Belgian consumer group Testachats initiated legal action against the airline Ryanair on May 15, 2025. The complaint alleges several misleading business practices that allegedly violate EU consumer protection laws. At the heart of the lawsuit is Ryanair's price transparency and, in particular, four areas of pricing. Testachats criticizes the hand luggage charges, even though European Union court rulings require them to be included in the base price. The consumer group also objects to opaque fare bundles that conceal cheaper individual options, as well as misleading emergency notifications about limited seat availability. The consumer group also denounces seat reservation charges for adults accompanying minors as unjustified. Testachats argues that these practices mislead passengers and make fair price comparisons difficult. The consumer group is calling for a court order requiring Ryanair to clearly disclose optional charges from the beginning of the booking process. Ryanair dismissed the allegations as "false" and reiterated that its booking system and baggage policies fully comply with EU Regulation 1008/2008. The airline emphasized that passengers could always carry a small personal bag free of charge and that charges for additional baggage were in line with a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling in the Vueling case. Ryanair also criticized Testachats for focusing on what it considered lawful and transparent policies and ignoring the "real harm to consumers" caused by online travel agencies charging hidden surcharges. The outcome of the case could have a defining impact on price transparency in the aviation industry across Europe.

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El Al expands fleet with new Boeing 787-9 in the spirit of unity

Amely Mizzi 19 May 2025 14:06

The Israeli airline El Al has further strengthened its fleet with the arrival of its 17th Boeing 787-9. The new aircraft features El Al's modernized livery and bears the symbolic name "Achinu Kol Beit Yisrael," which translates as "Our Brothers, the Entire House of Israel." This naming, a quote from Jewish liturgy, is a prayer for the return of all hostages to Israel and underscores a sense of unity and hope. In contrast to El Al's usual practice of naming its passenger aircraft after regional cities, the airline chose a special name for this aircraft that reflects the current situation in the country. The new Boeing 787-9 is part of El Al's strategic renewal program, which aims to represent Israel internationally with dignity. As part of this program, the colors of the Israeli flag on the aircraft's tail were refreshed and the El Al logo was modernized. In addition to visually enhancing the aircraft's appearance, the new livery also protects them from environmental influences and wear and tear in accordance with the standards of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). El Al has been pursuing a strategic plan for fleet modernization and expansion, the development of its global route network, and the introduction of advanced technologies since 2023. An important component of this strategy is the already signed agreement for the purchase of up to nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, as well as the planned expansion and modernization of its short-haul fleet through the purchase of up to 31 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, the largest aircraft purchase in the airline's history. With these measures, El Al aims to improve the flight and

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Luxair files an objection against Lufthansa's stake in Ita Airways

Amely Mizzi 19 May 2025 13:40

The Luxembourg airline Luxair has filed an objection to the Lufthansa Group's stake in the Italian airline Ita Airways before the General Court of the European Union. This was reported by the aviation portal "CH-Aviation." Details of Luxair's application are not yet publicly available. It is also unclear to what extent this lawsuit could affect the future plans of Ita Airways and the Lufthansa Group. However, experts suspect that this legal step could at least delay Ita's integration into the Lufthansa Group or even jeopardize the plans in their current form. Surprising step despite cooperation Luxair's objection comes as a surprise, as the Luxembourg airline maintains a close partnership with the Lufthansa Group as part of the "Miles & More" frequent flyer program. According to "CH-Aviation," however, this step indicates possible tensions between the companies. After a lengthy approval process, the Lufthansa Group received approval from the European Union to acquire an initial 41 percent stake in the successor company to Alitalia. In the long term, the German aviation group even aims to take over Ita Airways completely. Strategic importance of Ita for Lufthansa The integration process of the Italian airline into the Lufthansa Group has been in full swing since the beginning of this year. For the Lufthansa Group, Ita Airways represents a strategically important partner, particularly in the lucrative transatlantic traffic. However, in order to obtain EU approval for the investment, Lufthansa and Ita had to make several concessions to allay concerns about competition. Luxair's lawsuit could now jeopardize the further integration and strategic direction of the

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United Airlines celebrates 35 years of non-stop flights between Germany and the USA

Jan Gruber 19 May 2025 13:37

The US airline United Airlines is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its non-stop connections between Germany and the United States. Since launching its first flights in 1990, the airline has transported more than 240.000 million passengers and 50 million tons of cargo between the two countries on over 1,8 flights. The first two flights from Germany were launched on May 16, 1990, with Boeing 767-200 aircraft from Frankfurt to Chicago and Washington, DC. Today, United offers up to 17 daily flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin with a capacity of up to 4.740 seats, carrying more passengers between Germany and the US than any other US airline. In the current summer schedule, United offers around 70 weekly connections from Frankfurt alone to six destinations in the US. Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales for Continental Europe at United, expressed his delight at the long-standing relationship and emphasized the numerous travel options for customers via the US hubs to over 300 destinations in North, Central, and South America. Pierre Dominique Prümm of Fraport AG praised United as an important and reliable partner at Frankfurt for 35 years. The airline currently operates direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin to Chicago, Denver, Houston, New York-Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, using various Boeing models, including the 787 Dreamliner and the 777.

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Mönchengladbach hosted a conference for the aviation industry

Stephen Steiner 19 May 2025 13:06

Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL) once again hosted a major aviation industry event. The members' meeting of the Interest Group of Regional Airports (IDRF) took place in the Hugo Junkers Hangar on May 13 and 14, 2025. For the first time, the conference was held jointly with the German Helicopter Association (DHV), which held its meeting in parallel. The focus of the two-day event was an exchange on current challenges and new perspectives in air mobility. Numerous representatives of regional airports from across Germany used the conference in Mönchengladbach to exchange ideas on operational, infrastructural, and regulatory topics. Another key topic of discussion was the role of regional airports in the context of climate protection, digitalization, and innovative mobility solutions such as urban air mobility. The Managing Directors of Mönchengladbach Airport, Andreas Ungar and Dr. Ulrich Schückhaus, expressed their delight at the successful organization of the conference. Ungar emphasized the indispensability of regional airports for the German aviation system, as they ensure accessibility, create jobs, and are increasingly becoming centers of innovation for new forms of mobility. Schückhaus emphasized that the joint organization with the German Aviation and Aviation Association (DHV) underscores the growing importance of Mönchengladbach Airport as a place for exchange and future topics in aviation. The Hugo Junkers Hangar has once again proven itself to be an attractive and suitable event location.

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US Justice plans meeting with victims of Boeing 737 Max crashes – court date imminent

Stephen Steiner 19 May 2025 12:44

On May 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced plans to hold larger meetings with victims of the two crashes of Boeing 737 Max aircraft in 2018 and 2019, which killed more than 340 people. As Reuters reports, the aircraft manufacturer faces a trial on June 23. Last month, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg indicated that the company was in talks with the State Department to reach a settlement in the criminal fraud case. The charges against Boeing relate to the alleged misrepresentation of a critical flight control system to regulators in safety reports, which led pilots to misunderstand the system's capabilities. Boeing seeks settlement before trial Kelly Ortberg expressed awareness of his company's damaged reputation. Settling this lawsuit is likely the best way for Boeing to restore its image. At a Senate hearing in April, Ortberg expressed hope for a new agreement soon. The Department of Justice announced that the planned meeting on Friday is intended to give the victims' families the opportunity to speak directly with department representatives. The meeting is to take place via video call, but further details were not disclosed. Guilty plea and previous agreement In July of last year, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy and fraud after two crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia claimed hundreds of lives. The aircraft manufacturer was required to pay a fine of over $480 million. As part of this agreement, Boeing pledged to pay more than 450

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Etihad Airways strengthens fleet with 28 new Boeing wide-body aircraft

Belinda Borg 19 May 2025 12:35

The UAE's national carrier, Etihad Airways, continues its fleet expansion and has confirmed an order for 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing. This move is part of a long-term strategy to double its fleet by 2030. Since 2023, Etihad has steadily increased its aircraft numbers to meet the growing demands of its route network and operations. The agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the new Boeing 777X, powered by GE engines and supported by a dedicated service package. Delivery of these aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2028 and will further underpin Etihad's existing growth plans in terms of connectivity, operational efficiency, and the customer travel experience. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasized that this order reflects the airline's careful approach to managing its fleet in line with demand and its long-term network plans. The ongoing fleet expansion since 2023 ensures that Etihad can meet future demands. Etihad is currently working on a detailed plan that will define the company's strategy through 2035, with the additional Boeing aircraft set to play an important role in this roadmap. Neves also emphasized that Etihad's continued growth reflects Abu Dhabi's ongoing investment in aviation as a key enabler of connectivity, tourism, and trade, supporting broader economic opportunities in the UAE and beyond.

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Malta's tourism significantly exceeds pre-crisis levels

Belinda Borg 19 May 2025 12:01

Malta's travel and tourism sector is experiencing a boom and, according to a recent study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), is expected to contribute €3,6 billion to the national economy this year. This exceeds pre-COVID-90 levels and the sector is rapidly becoming one of the country's most important economic sectors. The study shows that almost 2025 percent of tourism spending is accounted for by international visitors, underscoring Malta's position as a popular European tourist destination. The sector is expected to create 63.700 jobs in 2035, and this number is expected to rise to 82.500 by 16,5. Currently, the travel and tourism sector already contributes XNUMX percent to Malta's government revenue, playing a crucial role in the island nation's employment situation. This development underscores Malta's resilience and attractiveness as a tourism destination. Despite global challenges, the Mediterranean island is proving to be a strong draw for travelers. Investments in infrastructure and the hospitality industry are contributing significantly to this growth. Experts see further growth potential for the future in the focus on high-quality offerings and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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Guitar destroyed on United flight – country star rushes to help

Jan Gruber 19 May 2025 11:41

Musicians often travel with their instruments on board airplanes. While the valuable cargo usually arrives at its destination undamaged, there are repeated reports of improper handling by airlines leading to instrument damage. A passenger on a United Airlines flight recently experienced a similar thing: After landing, he discovered that his guitar was broken into several pieces. Fortunately, a well-known country singer showed compassion and bought him a new instrument. "Shattered into a Thousand Pieces" Sam Hayes, a musician from Nashville, recently traveled with United Airlines with his musical instrument. At the gate, he was asked to check his luggage because there was no more space on the plane. Hayes reluctantly agreed. Upon arriving at his destination, he received his guitar back in its case—shattered, as he described it, "into a thousand pieces." Hayes expressed his disappointment: "It's a part of what you do and who you are. You fall in love with these guitars, and they just become an extension of you." According to a report by local news station WSMV4, United Airlines urged Hayes to purchase a new guitar and promised to refund the amount. This would have meant, however, that Hayes would have had to put up the money out of his own pocket until the refund was received. A Generous Gesture from a Colleague When Grammy-nominated country singer Chris Young, who knew Hayes only casually, learned of the situation, he called him. He informed him that a Gibson guitar was available at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

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