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July 9, 2025

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July 9, 2025

SMBC Aviation Capital leases five Airbus A320neo to Ajet

Belinda Borg July 9, 2025 12:37

SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading aircraft leasing company, has signed lease agreements with Ajet, the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, for five additional Airbus A320neo aircraft. Delivery of these aircraft is scheduled for the period between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026. The new jets will be operated exclusively by Ajet to strengthen and modernize its fleet. This agreement is part of an existing collaboration between SMBC Aviation Capital and Turkish Airlines. Since 2022, SMBC has leased a total of 25 aircraft to the Turkish airline and its subsidiaries. The continuous provision of modern aircraft by leasing companies such as SMBC Aviation Capital is a common practice in the aviation industry, allowing airlines to flexibly adapt their fleet capacity to market demands without the high investment costs of outright purchase. The new Airbus A320neo aircraft are an integral part of Ajet's strategic efforts to modernize its fleet and increase efficiency. The A320neo is known for its advanced technology and is designed to help optimize the airline's operating costs. Ajet, originally founded as AnadoluJet, was transformed into an independent subsidiary of Turkish Airlines in early 2024 to become more competitive in the low-cost segment. This restructuring aims to expand the Turkish Airlines Group's presence in the growing low-cost air travel market. This fleet expansion is intended to enable Ajet to further expand its route network and consolidate its competitive position in the low-cost segment. The strategic partnership with lessors such as SMBC Aviation Capital is a key element for growth and operational efficiency.

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Tunisair expands fleet for summer traffic

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 12:01

Tunisia's national airline, Tunisair, has expanded its fleet at short notice with two additional Airbus A320 aircraft under a wet lease agreement. This measure is intended to stabilize operations during the upcoming peak travel season and alleviate bottlenecks in the flight schedule. One aircraft is from the Lithuanian leasing provider Avion Express, from which Tunisair already operates several aircraft. The second Airbus A320 comes from Germany and bears the registration D-ANDI. According to the portal News Aero, it arrived at Tunis-Carthage Airport on July 2nd and is owned by the Cologne-based company Leav Aviation. The wet lease agreement means that the lessor provides not only the aircraft but also the crew, maintenance, and insurance, which offers airlines a quick and flexible solution for temporary capacity needs. The reason for this fleet expansion is an acute shortage of operational aircraft at Tunisair. At the start of the summer season, only eight of the fleet's more than 20 aircraft were actually operational – seven of which were Airbus A320s and one Airbus A330. This shortage has recently led to significant disruptions to schedule stability and irregular operations, affecting both passengers and the airline's reputation. The addition of the additional jets is intended to help improve flight punctuality and reliability and accommodate the increased passenger volume during peak travel season. Tunisia is a popular destination, especially for tourists from Europe, and stable air connectivity is crucial for the country's tourism industry.

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A new era for Warsaw Modlin Airport: Ryanair invests $400 million

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 11:54

In a watershed moment for Polish air travel, Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, has announced a far-reaching agreement with Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI). Signed on July 8, 2025, this multi-year partnership represents an investment of $400 million and aims to triple the airport's annual passenger traffic to over five million travelers by 2030. This alliance marks a turning point in the often strained relationship between the Irish airline and the airport, which has experienced a significant decline in passenger numbers in recent years. Historical Challenges and Reorientation The relationship between Ryanair and Warsaw Modlin Airport has been characterized by recurring differences in the past, particularly regarding fee structures. These disagreements have led to a decline in passenger traffic of more than 2023 percent since 50. After years of operating under what Modlin described as an "unfavorable contract," new airport charges in 2023 prompted Ryanair to scale back its operations, cancel routes, and reduce the number of aircraft based at the airport. In 2024, Modlin Airport handled just 2,8 million passengers, ranking seventh among Poland's busiest airports. Its main competitor, Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), handled over 21,2 million passengers in the same year. The agreement now reached therefore represents not only a financial injection, but also a strategic new beginning for both parties, which has the potential to reposition Warsaw-Modlin. Scope of investment and infrastructure expansion Under the agreement, Ryanair has committed to reducing the number of aircraft based at the airport from the current four

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Wizz Air accelerates resumption of flights between UK and Israel

Amely Mizzi July 9, 2025 11:47

Wizz Air, a leading European airline, has announced that it will resume flights between the UK and Israel as early as August 8, 2025 – four weeks earlier than originally planned. This decision follows the recent lifting of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel warning, which was issued following the recent conflicts. The easing of the recommendations and the restoration of full operational capacity at Israel's Ben Gurion and Haifa airports pave the way for a normalization of travel to Israel's key tourism destinations and offer more flexibility for UK travelers. Early resumption: A sign of normalization Wizz Air's announcement that it will resume flights between the UK and Israel earlier than expected is a clear signal of the normalization of travel relations between the two countries. The resumption of flights was originally planned for a later date, but the first aircraft are now scheduled to take off on August 8. This acceleration is a direct response to recent developments and underlines confidence in the restored security and stability in the region. The main basis for this decision is the lifting of the travel warning issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO had previously advised against all or any non-essential travel – a recommendation issued following the recent hostilities. The current relaxation of the guidelines allows for a gradual return to regular travel and will make it easier for tourists and business travelers to visit Israel again. A travel warning often has far-reaching consequences for the travel industry.

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KLM pilots as F-35 reservists for strengthened national security

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 11:46

The Dutch airline KLM and the Dutch Ministry of Defence have signed a groundbreaking agreement that enables deeper civil-military cooperation. This agreement allows KLM pilots, especially those starting their careers, to voluntarily serve as reservists in the armed forces, including on the state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets. Five full-time equivalents (FTE) are earmarked for this specific role. The partnership builds on long-standing cooperation in areas such as repatriation flights and knowledge exchange and is now to be expanded to include personnel recruitment, technical training, aircraft maintenance and general air transport. This initiative is seen by both sides as an important contribution to national resilience and KLM's attractiveness as an employer. A historic cooperation is deepened: The new agreement The relationship between Dutch civil aviation and the armed forces has traditionally been close and mutually beneficial. However, the recently signed agreement between Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (KLM) and the Dutch Ministry of Defense represents a new dimension in this cooperation. Essentially, the agreement allows KLM pilots – especially those at the beginning of their careers – to volunteer as reservists for the Dutch Air Force. A prominent feature of this cooperation is the possibility of being deployed on the advanced F-35 fighter jets. Initially, five full-time equivalents (FTE) are planned for this purpose. This pilot program is a first in its direct form and demonstrates the willingness of both parties to utilize synergies in times of growing security challenges. KLM and the Ministry of Defense have already successfully cooperated in various areas in the past, for example, repatriation flights in times of crisis or the exchange of knowledge in technical and

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Alltours focuses on growth in long-haul travel: Massive expansion of offerings for winter 2025/26

Belinda Borg July 9, 2025 11:44

The tour operator Alltours is massively expanding its long-haul travel program for the coming winter season. With new destinations such as Jamaica and Los Cabos in Mexico, a significant increase in flight and hotel quotas, and attractive early bird discounts, Alltours is positioning itself for further growth after an already successful previous year. The company, which looks back on 50 years in the German travel market, is banking on the continued popularity of long-haul destinations in Asia, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Despite a strong early booking trend, a brisk last-minute business is expected in summer 2025, while the importance of winter sports is declining in favor of sunny destinations. Long-haul travel as a growth driver: New destinations in focus Long-haul travel is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments for Alltours. The tour operator is taking this as an opportunity to significantly expand its program for the coming 2025/26 winter season. Of particular note is the new addition of the Caribbean island of Jamaica to the offering. Alltours guests can fly twice weekly from Frankfurt with Condor to Montego Bay and choose from selected hotel partners, including renowned brands such as Iberostar, RIU, and Grand Palladium. Another new addition and an "insider tip for German vacationers" is Los Cabos in the south of the Mexican peninsula of Baja California. This vacation paradise, with its spectacular backdrop of mountains, desert landscapes, and wild coastlines, is featured for the first time in Alltours' new, 280-page 2025/26 long-haul travel catalog. Flights to Los Cabos will be offered twice weekly with Condor direct from Frankfurt starting November 3. In addition, daily scheduled flights with Lufthansa from Frankfurt with a transfer are available in autumn 2025 (until October 25, 2025) and spring 2026 (from March 29, 2026).

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Aviation industry resists new global tax: threat to economy and connectivity feared

Jan Gruber July 9, 2025 11:41

Leading European aviation associations, ACI EUROPE (airports) and A4E (airlines), today strongly opposed the recommendations of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force to impose new levies on air transport. The task force, which is chaired by the governments of France, Kenya, and Barbados, proposes taxing air travel—particularly premium passengers and private jets—to generate funds for international development. However, the aviation industry warns that such levies would be counterproductive, hinder socio-economic development, and undermine the industry's ability to make the necessary investments in its own modernization. The industry emphasizes the critical role of air connectivity for global growth and cohesion and fears that the proposed measures would ultimately affect all travelers and harm Europe's competitiveness. The controversial recommendation: A new source of revenue from aviation. The Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, an initiative launched in November 2023 at COP28 in Dubai, aims to identify innovative sources of financing for international development purposes. Led by the governments of France, Kenya, and Barbados, various options were examined, including levies on maritime and air transport, as well as financial transactions and wealth taxes. In February 2025, the Task Force published a consultation paper that proposed specific options for an aviation levy: a kerosene tax, a tax on private jets, a tiered ticket levy, and a frequent flyer levy. Recently, the introduction of a global solidarity levy on air travel has been increasingly discussed, targeting premium passengers, i.e., business and first class travelers and users of private jets. Proponents argue that

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Deutsche Aircraft strengthens sales for special aircraft

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 11:38

Deutsche Aircraft GmbH, a German aircraft manufacturer based in Oberpfaffenhofen, has appointed Markus Hahner as Sales Director Special Mission Solutions. With this appointment, the company strengthens its sales team in the field of special aircraft, particularly for defense and security applications. Hahner will bring his extensive experience in international business development to this position. Markus Hahner joins Deutsche Aircraft from Leonardo SpA, where he held a senior business development position since 2017. There, he played a key role in securing major defense contracts, including a multinational project valued at €100 million. Prior to joining Leonardo, Hahner held various consulting and management positions, including at the German Federal Ministry of Defense and a leading German drone company. His career demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the defense sector and complex procurement processes. Hahner's appointment underscores Deutsche Aircraft's efforts to expand its capabilities in the D328 Eco Multi-Role area. This aircraft model, a further development of the proven Dornier 328, is designed for a wide range of applications, from military missions to specialized civilian applications. Even years after its launch, the Dornier 328 remains highly popular, especially among military users worldwide, laying the foundation for the new sales direction. With the D328-Eco, Deutsche Aircraft aims to continue this tradition and open up new markets.

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Lufthansa's "Super Star" leaves Hamburg in parts

Jan Gruber July 9, 2025 11:36

The legendary Lockheed Super Star L-1649A, once the flagship of the Lufthansa fleet, left the Lufthansa Technik hangar in Hamburg last week in individual parts. The 23-meter-long wings were each transported on separate heavy-duty transporters to Münster/Osnabrück Airport, where the aircraft will be repainted. This step marks another milestone in the complex restoration of the historic long-haul aircraft. After its repainting in Münster/Osnabrück, the Super Star is expected to arrive in Frankfurt in October of this year. There, it will be the main attraction of the Lufthansa Group's new conference and visitor center from spring 2026. Just in time for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa, the L-1649A will be exhibited alongside the equally iconic Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI. The new visitor center will be built in the immediate vicinity of the Lufthansa Aviation Center at Frankfurt Airport and will have a glass facade that will make the historic exhibits visible from the outside as well. The Lockheed L-1649A, equipped with four piston engines, was Lufthansa's flagship aircraft in the late 1950s as the "Super Star." Its main area of ​​operation was the non-stop flights across the Atlantic to New York, which represented a remarkable technical achievement at the time. Lufthansa put several of these aircraft into service in 1957, thus underscoring its claim to modern long-haul flights. Even though the Super Star will never take off again, its static display serves as a testament to the golden era of aviation and the technical developments of that time. The restoration of the L-1649A has a long history. The original plan was to restore the aircraft to airworthiness, but this failed due to complex technical problems.

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Etihad Airways increases flights to Zurich

Belinda Borg July 9, 2025 11:06

Etihad Airways will significantly increase its flight frequencies on the Abu Dhabi-Zurich route in its upcoming 2025/2026 winter flight schedule. Starting November 1, 2025, there will be 16 weekly flights, up from the current 13. A further increase to 17 weekly flights is planned from February 3, 2026, as reported by the specialist portal Aeroroutes. This expansion of flight offerings underscores the growing importance of the connection between the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. Zurich, as a major financial and economic center in Europe, attracts both business travelers and tourists, while Abu Dhabi serves as a hub in the Middle East and offers access to a wide network of onward flights. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has steadily expanded its global presence in recent years. For the additional flights, Etihad Airways plans to use, among other aircraft, the new Airbus A321LR. This aircraft type is known for its efficiency and range, making it particularly suitable for medium- to long-haul flights, such as the connection to Zurich. The decision to increase frequency is also expected to meet growing demand on this route and strengthen Etihad Airways' position in the European market. Zurich Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe and is a major hub for international travel. Etihad Airways' increased flights will offer travelers more flexibility and choice for their connections between Switzerland and the Middle East and beyond.

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