Français »
German "
Search
May 26

More articles from the category

May 26

Amadeus and Google cooperate for cloud and AI innovations in the travel industry

Stephen Steiner 26 May 2025 15:00

Travel technology companies Amadeus and Google have announced a far-reaching partnership that will leverage Google Cloud technology. The collaboration aims to strengthen Amadeus' cloud strategy and drive innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). Under the agreement, Amadeus will migrate parts of its technical platform to Google Cloud and leverage its infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and resilience. The partnership will also enable Amadeus to develop new services based on generative AI and other Google Cloud solutions. In particular, Google's expertise in data analytics will help Amadeus harmonize data across various customer systems, making it more agile and efficient. With Google Cloud's AI technology, including Vertex AI, Amadeus aims to drive future AI-powered innovations and is already testing the use of so-called "Agentic AI" for potential integration into its own solutions. Another key aspect of the collaboration is the joint exploration of opportunities to improve the accuracy of flight search results and offer management for airlines. Here, Amadeus MetaConnect and Nevio will be integrated with Google Flights and the Google Offer Management System (QPX) to optimize the user experience and strengthen the market presence of airlines.

Continue reading "

Threatening restrictions on passenger rights planned in the EU

Belinda Borg 26 May 2025 14:31

A new proposal at EU level could significantly curtail existing air passenger rights, which have been enshrined in Regulation (EC) No. 20 for over 261 years. According to the proposal, compensation for flight delays will only be paid after a waiting time of five, nine, or twelve hours, depending on the flight distance. According to information from AirHelp, the Polish EU Council Presidency is aiming for an agreement by the beginning of June. The Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) and the air passenger rights portal AirHelp are strongly warning against these planned changes. They fear that this could reduce the number of passengers entitled to compensation by up to 85 percent. Currently, only less than two percent of all EU passengers are entitled to compensation for flight disruptions. The organizations also argue that such a regulation would reduce the incentive for airlines to avoid delays, which could lead to more unregulated disruptions in the future. The actions of the European Council, under Polish leadership, are also being criticized. They want to accelerate the reform process and possibly bypass the usual negotiations with the European Parliament. Tomasz Pawliszyn, President of APRA and CEO of AirHelp, criticizes this approach as undermining democratic co-legislation and lacking transparency for consumers. He calls for the retention of the existing three-hour rule for compensation claims.

Continue reading "

Weeze Airport expands power generation with new solar plant

Amely Mizzi 26 May 2025 14:03

Weeze Airport has commissioned another photovoltaic system on its premises, thereby strengthening its role as a producer of renewable energy. The new system, with a capacity of 4,4 megawatts, is expected to generate up to 4,4 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. This amount of energy could theoretically cover the needs of approximately 1.000 households. According to the airport, the approximately 11.000 solar modules will save approximately 2.500 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The Managing Director of Weeze Airport, Dr. Sebastian Papst, emphasized that this investment demonstrates how modern airport infrastructure and the expansion of renewable energies are compatible. The Mayor of Weeze, Georg Koenen, welcomed the commissioning of the system and emphasized the airport's exemplary role for the region. Weeze Airport already operates a solar system on the carports of its parking lots. The new system will increase the total annual electricity production from solar energy on the airport premises to approximately 8,4 million kilowatt hours. The airport now generates more electricity than it consumes and feeds the surplus into the public grid. In addition, there is another independent photovoltaic system on site with a capacity of 14 megawatts.

Continue reading "

Aida Cruises releases 2027 summer program – Swedish Baltic Sea destinations new to the offer

Amely Mizzi 26 May 2025 13:48

The cruise line AIDA Cruises has opened bookings for its 2027 summer season itineraries. According to the shipping company, the program, which includes voyages from March to October 2027, includes over 470 cruises of varying durations. While the majority of the offerings are based on tried-and-tested routes, Ystad and Lysekil are two new Swedish ports of call in the Northern Europe program. Focus on proven routes and new Baltic Sea destinations. The 2027 summer program continues to focus on popular classics such as Nordic cruises from/to Hamburg, Mediterranean cruises starting and ending in Palma de Mallorca, and Baltic Sea itineraries calling at ports such as Riga (Latvia), Klaipeda (Lithuania), and Gdansk (Poland). Destinations in Great Britain, Greenland, and the North Cape will also remain an integral part of the AIDA program, as will cruises to Istanbul and the Greek islands. A new addition to the Northern Europe program are the two Swedish cities of Ystad and Lysekil. Ystad is known as the setting for the popular Wallander crime novels, while Lysekil is a seaside resort with historical sights. These two destinations expand the spectrum of Aida's Baltic Sea cruises with interesting cultural and scenic aspects. Early bird discounts for Aida Premium fares For travelers who plan their vacation early, Aida Cruises offers attractive conditions. When booking the "Aida Premium" fare by October 31, 2026, early bird discounts of up to €300 per person are available. This fare generally includes additional services such as the choice of cabin number and included beverage packages. With the launch of the 2027 summer program, Aida Cruises is underscoring its position as one of the largest cruise providers in Europe. The combination of tried-and-tested routes and new destinations is intended to offer a broad

Continue reading "

Ryanair again criticizes strict night flight ban at Berlin Airport

Jan Gruber 26 May 2025 13:31

Ryanair has once again criticized the rigid enforcement of the night flight ban at Berlin Airport (BER). The reason for this was the diversion of flight FR1571 from Vilnius to Berlin to Hanover Airport yesterday, Thursday. Although the flight was only delayed by seven minutes, which Ryanair attributes to minor weather-related circumstances, the responsible aviation authority Berlin-Brandenburg (LuBB) refused to allow the flight to land in Berlin. After landing in Hanover, passengers on the delayed flight had to take a bus ride lasting several hours back to Berlin. Ryanair complains that LuBB's inflexible stance repeatedly leads to such unnecessary disruptions for passengers. Marcel Pouchain Meyer, Head of Communications for Ryanair DACH, described it as unacceptable that passengers were being exposed to such circumstances due to the authority's refusal to grant even minor exceptions to the night flight ban. Ryanair calls on the responsible authorities, especially Carsten Diekmann, to work together to find a solution to stop further compromising Berlin's competitiveness as an aviation location. The airline argues that it would be more sensible and also more resource-efficient to allow airlines some flexibility in landing after the night flight ban begins in the event of minor delays, rather than diverting aircraft to Hanover.

Continue reading "

Wizz Air resumes non-stop flights from Dortmund to Olsztyn-Mazury

Stephen Steiner 26 May 2025 13:04

Dortmund Airport announces the resumption of the popular flight connection to the Polish airport Olsztyn-Mazury in Szymany starting in autumn 2025. The Hungarian airline Wizz Air will operate the route twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting October 28. The flight time for the approximately 100-minute connection will remain the same. The non-stop flight route from Dortmund to Szymany had been included in Dortmund Airport's timetable since 2018, but was temporarily suspended in the spring of last year due to maintenance work on the engines of some Wizz Air aircraft. Guido Miletic, Head of Airport Services + Marketing & Sales, expressed his delight at the return of the connection, as demand was high during the suspension. The resumption of flights to Olsztyn-Mazury expands the range of direct connections to Poland from Dortmund. Szymany is located in the Warmia-Masuria region in northeastern Poland, known for its unspoiled landscape and the Masurian Lake District with its approximately 3.000 lakes. The region offers a wide range of opportunities for nature experiences, hiking, cycling, and water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing. The reactivated flight connection is intended to make it easier for travelers from Germany to explore this area.

Continue reading "

Air Belgium's bankruptcy highlights lack of insolvency protection for airlines

Jan Gruber 26 May 2025 12:40

The final end of the Belgian airline Air Belgium, which officially filed for insolvency on April 30, 2025, has sparked concern in the European travel industry about inadequate protection in airline insolvency proceedings. The collapse of the once ambitious airline leaves behind unpaid refund claims totaling almost eight million euros, of which over five million euros must be borne by travel agencies and tour operators. Air Belgium, founded with the goal of connecting Belgium to long-haul destinations, never found a stable business foundation. Initially focused on scheduled flights to Asia and the Caribbean, the airline frequently shifted its strategy—from passenger flights to charter business and eventually to cargo and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing. In September 2023, it announced its complete withdrawal from scheduled passenger services to focus on cargo and leasing. This change of course proved insufficient. Travel agents demand better protection against airline bankruptcies The bankruptcy of Air Belgium not only left passengers stranded, but also revealed significant weaknesses in the European travel ecosystem. According to the European Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ECTAA), the insolvency is another painful reminder of the systemic risk borne by travel agents. These small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 98 percent of the sector, are legally obliged to offer customers alternative transportation options in the event of an airline bankruptcy – often without any prospect of reimbursement from the insolvent airline. Frank Oostdam, President of the ECTAA, described the situation as "unacceptable" and emphasized that airlines must be legally obliged to provide financial guarantees in the event of insolvency. "The bankruptcy of Air Belgium is further clear evidence that the

Continue reading "

Air Baltic launches non-stop service between Vilnius and Prague

Belinda Borg 26 May 2025 12:37

Last Thursday, Latvian airline Air Baltic launched a new non-stop flight between Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and Prague in the Czech Republic. The flight time for the route is just under two hours. The service will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, from May 22 to September 27, 2025. Mantas Vrubliauskas, VP Network Management at Air Baltic, emphasized that Vilnius has been an important base for the airline for over 20 years and that the airline remains committed to strengthening connections from Lithuania. The new direct connection to Prague restores a long-dormant route and facilitates travel for the estimated 20.000 passengers per year who previously relied on connecting flights. The new service is intended to promote both leisure and business travel and contribute to the economic development of Lithuania and the entire Baltic region. The Vilnius-Prague route is Air Baltic's second connection to the Czech Republic, complementing the existing service between Riga and Prague. During the current summer season, Air Baltic offers a total of 16 direct connections from Vilnius to various destinations in Europe and beyond. On the new route, Air Baltic will operate Airbus A220-300 aircraft, the company's current fleet and plans to double. Business Class passengers benefit from additional amenities such as priority check-in and a gourmet menu. Air Baltic also offers free high-speed internet via Starlink across its entire fleet.

Continue reading "

Air Baltic opens new cargo hub in Riga

Amely Mizzi 26 May 2025 12:01

Latvian airline Air Baltic has opened its new Baltic Cargo Hub at Riga Airport (RIX). The ceremonial opening of the approximately 6.900 square meter facility took place in the presence of Transport Minister Tālis Linkaits and other high-ranking guests. The Baltic Cargo Hub is considered one of the largest and most modern air cargo handling facilities in the Baltics and is designed to meet the growing demand for efficient cargo services at Riga Airport. The new facility is located directly on the cargo apron and is equipped with semi-automated material handling systems, enabling rapid handling. Special areas include temperature-controlled rooms for sensitive goods such as medicines, dedicated areas for dangerous goods, live animals, and valuables, as well as integrated food and veterinary services and a customs inspection point. According to Air Baltic, the Cargo Hub will have a cargo handling capacity of up to 45.000 tons per year and is open to all airlines wishing to expand in the Baltics. Pauls Cālītis, Interim CEO of Air Baltic, described the opening as an important milestone for strengthening the region's air cargo infrastructure and for the further development of Air Baltic's cargo services. Arvīds Maurāns, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baltic Cargo Center, emphasized the investment's future viability and its focus on the needs of global cargo companies. Modern methods such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) were used during the construction process, and the facility meets BREEAM sustainability standards.

Continue reading "

Passenger sues United Airlines after injury from falling suitcase

Stephen Steiner 26 May 2025 11:49

In an unusual case, a passenger has sued United Airlines, even though the underlying incident was not a serious safety-related incident. Eugenia Lyashenko, the plaintiff's name, sustained injuries on a flight from Boston to London Heathrow in June 2023 when a heavy rolling suitcase fell from an open overhead compartment and struck her. She alleges that the airline's cabin crew was responsible for failing to properly stow the suitcase. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Massachusetts, accuses United Airlines of failing to adequately ensure the safety of the passenger cabin, particularly with regard to the proper loading and securing of luggage in the overhead compartments. Lyashenko argues that the flight attendants should have intervened and ensured that the heavy suitcase was safely stowed, rather than leaving the passengers to handle it themselves. She claims that the crew's negligence directly led to serious injuries to her head, neck, and back. Invoking the Montreal Convention Lyashenko cites the Montreal Convention, a treaty that governs the liability of international airlines for injuries to passengers during flight, boarding, or disembarkation, as the legal basis for her lawsuit. This convention stipulates that airlines are automatically liable for all damages unless they can prove that they took all reasonable steps to prevent such an injury. In her lawsuit, Lyashenko is seeking unspecified damages that include her medical expenses, lost earnings, and additional non-pecuniary damages such as pain and suffering.

Continue reading "