Français »
German "
Search
July 9, 2025

More articles from the category

July 9, 2025

The E-Card as a travel companion and the importance of comprehensive health care on vacation

Jan Gruber July 9, 2025 10:43

Summertime heralds the most wonderful time of the year for millions of Austrians – vacation time. Whether on sunny coasts, in majestic mountain landscapes, or on cultural city tours: to ensure that relaxation is not spoiled by unexpected health problems, forward-looking planning is essential. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) reminds us that the Austrian E-Card is a valuable tool for medical assistance abroad. However, not only health insurance, but also a well-stocked first-aid kit and up-to-date vaccinations are crucial for dealing with medical emergencies while traveling easily and reliably. Young adults after graduating from high school, in particular, should carefully review their insurance coverage to ensure they are fully protected during transitional phases. The E-Card: More than just a national health passport For around 7,6 million Austrians, the E-Card is the gateway to the domestic healthcare system. What many travelers don't know, however, or forget in the rush of vacation planning, is that the back of the e-card contains an important international document – ​​the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card is the key to medical care in many countries and ensures that necessary treatment abroad can usually be obtained more easily and reliably. The EHIC is valid in all member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), i.e., the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. It is also valid in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The EHIC is also recognized in some Balkan countries, including Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. It enables travelers to receive direct medical treatment in an emergency.

Continue reading "

Condor becomes strategic partner of Eintracht Frankfurt

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 10:08

The German airline Condor and the football club Eintracht Frankfurt have announced a strategic partnership for the next three years, until the 2027/28 season. This collaboration extends to the men's and women's professional teams as well as the club's recreational sports. Condor will organize travel for the teams in the future and offer special offers for Eintracht Frankfurt members, the airline announced. The agreement stipulates that club members can benefit from special flight conditions, adapted regulations for sports luggage, and exclusive travel packages through Condor Holidays. Furthermore, an expanded cooperation is planned within the framework of the so-called Condor Card. Such partnerships between airlines and sports clubs are common in professional football and offer advantages for both sides by simplifying logistics for the teams while simultaneously creating marketing opportunities for the airlines. Condor has recently increasingly operated special flights for football clubs to their away games. The international successes of both Eintracht teams and Condor's expanded European route network are expected to create new opportunities for joint travel. Eintracht Frankfurt had previously entered into a partnership with the joint venture SunExpress. This contract was terminated by both parties on time, paving the way for the new cooperation with Condor. Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG, based in Frankfurt am Main, is one of the best-known and most member-strong sports clubs in Germany. The men's team plays in the top German league, the Bundesliga, and has also established itself internationally in recent years. The women's team is also successful in the Women's Bundesliga. Such a partnership is intended to improve the travel structure of the

Continue reading "

Portugal's TAP before partial sale: Hidden debts and the value of coveted flight slots

Jan Gruber July 9, 2025 09:41

The Portuguese national airline, TAP Air Portugal, is facing a crucial chapter in its history: its privatization. The government plans to sell a 49 percent stake in the airline, a move that experts have criticized as inadequate. The focus of the discussion is not only the political motives for this partial privatization, but above all the complex maneuvers surrounding the airline's debt relief. In particular, the outsourcing of "toxic assets" to the renamed company Siavilo SGPS raises questions and draws attention to TAP's true assets, above all the coveted takeoff and landing rights at the congested Lisbon Airport. While the government promises transparency, critics point to the failure to establish a monitoring committee, which is further fueling the debate surrounding the sale. The necessity of privatization: A politically sensitive undertaking The privatization of TAP Air Portugal is not a voluntary decision of the Portuguese government, but the result of years of financial difficulties and the associated massive state aid. This aid, approved by the European Commission, is subject to strict conditions, including the sale of the state's shares. Originally, full privatization was sought, but under pressure from various political forces, the government has now decided to market only 49 percent of the airline. This would mean that the state would retain a majority stake and thus control over TAP—a position criticized by many, particularly by business and aviation experts, as a compromise that could hinder the airline's full economic performance. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz

Continue reading "

Paderborn/Lippstadt records record year with profit

Belinda Borg July 9, 2025 09:01

Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport concluded the 2024 financial year with remarkable success. For the first time in its history, the airport exceeded the 800.000 passenger mark and simultaneously achieved an annual surplus of €1,1 million. These positive figures were announced by the airport and reflect a continued positive development. The airport's passenger numbers have shown a continuous upward trend since 2022. After approximately 500.000 passengers in 2022 and almost 725.000 in 2023, traffic increased by a further thirteen percent to over 2024 travelers in 818.000. The airport's key business figures have also shown consistently positive results since 2022, underscoring the site's economic stability and growth. The airport's Supervisory Board and shareholders praised the airport's development under the leadership of Managing Director Roland Hüser. District Administrator Christoph Rüther, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized during the presentation of the annual financial statements that the airport's results were impressive, even when compared nationally. Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport is a regionally important commercial airport offering connections to European cities and holiday destinations. Its positive development contributes to strengthening the regional economy in East Westphalia-Lippe. The airport's shareholder structure is broad and includes, among others, the Paderborn district, the Soest district, and the city of Bielefeld, which further underscores the airport's regional importance.

Continue reading "

Air Asia focuses on long-haul low-cost flights: Billion-dollar deal with Airbus for 50 A321XLR jets paves the way for global expansion

Belinda Borg July 9, 2025 08:34

Malaysian airline Air Asia has signed a monumental deal with Airbus to purchase 50 A321XLR aircraft, with options for a further 20. The agreement, signed in Paris on July 4, 2025, is worth US$12,25 billion and marks a strategic move by Air Asia to establish itself as the first global low-cost network operator. With these new long-haul aircraft, the airline aims to more efficiently serve previously underserved routes to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Delivery of the aircraft, scheduled to begin in 2028, is expected to help Air Asia carry 2030 million passengers annually by 150 and support Malaysia's ambition to become a leading air transport hub in Asia. A vision of global connectivity: Air Asia's ambitions in the low-cost segment. Known as a pioneer of budget air travel in Asia, Air Asia is taking a significant step in its development with this latest investment. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for up to 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft is a clear commitment to an expansive strategy. As Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, the parent company of Air Asia, emphasized at the signing ceremony in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and French President Emmanuel Macron: "We are the leader in low-cost air travel in Asia – now we are taking it to the next level. Air Asia is on a transformative journey to become the world's first low-cost network operator." This vision encompasses exponential growth and the connecting of regions beyond ASEAN. Fernandes further explained: "This enables exponential growth, connects regions beyond ASEAN, and makes

Continue reading "

Svenja Bonnichsen takes over HR management at Hamburg Airport

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 08:00

Svenja Bonnichsen will take over as Head of Human Resources at Hamburg Airport on October 1, 2025. With this appointment, the airport is relying on an experienced leader who will drive the strategic development of the human resources department. Until she takes up her duties, an interim solution will be implemented in which Berit Schmitz, Managing Director of Hamburg Airport, will share responsibility for human resources together with an external consultant. Berit Schmitz spoke positively about the future collaboration with Svenja Bonnichsen. She emphasized that in Bonnichsen, the company has gained a committed leader who will enrich the company with her specialist knowledge and leadership skills. Schmitz expressed her conviction that Ms. Bonnichsen, with her many years of experience and strategic vision, will provide important impetus and contribute to the successful future of Hamburg Airport. Svenja Bonnichsen brings with her more than twenty years of experience in human resources. After completing her degree in business psychology with a focus on human resources and organization, she began her career as a human resources developer. In her professional career, she assumed management responsibilities and successfully managed complex HR and transformation projects for well-known companies, particularly in the energy sector. Most recently, she served as Head of Human Resources for Gas Operations at Hamburger Energienetze GmbH. Hamburger Energienetze GmbH is a subsidiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and is responsible for the operation and expansion of the electricity and gas networks in the Hanseatic City. The new appointment of HR management is an important step for Hamburg Airport, which, as a major employer in the region, must constantly face the challenges of the labor market. The airport, a partially privatized company with

Continue reading "

German summer flights more expensive: Supply shortages and high taxes drive up prices

Stephen Steiner July 9, 2025 07:38

Anyone planning to fly from a German airport this summer will generally have to dig deeper into their pockets. A recent study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) shows that even the so-called low-cost airlines have increased their prices, in some cases significantly. The main reasons for this are the continued shortage of flight options and the comparatively high fees and taxes in Germany. While Ryanair and Eurowings increased their average prices, Wizz Air was the only major direct airline to reduce its fares. German air traffic is lagging behind compared to other European countries, prompting the industry to make demands on the German government. Price trends at low-cost airlines: A detailed analysis The days of flight tickets costing €9,90 or €19,90 seem to be a thing of the past. According to DLR researcher Peter Berster, the average prices for a one-way ticket without baggage for the four major direct airlines range between just under €67 (Wizz Air) and €130 (Eurowings). This represents a significant change compared to the previous year, when the range was between 66 and 110 euros. Ryanair, the previous lowest-priced provider, has increased its average price from 66 to around 80 euros within a year. This is a clear sign that even the industry giant, known for its aggressive pricing policy, is passing on the increased costs to customers. The Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings charges an average of 130 euros instead of the previous 110 euros for a one-way flight. This leaves Eurowings as the most expensive, but also the largest, provider in the German direct flight segment. EasyJet is once again positioned in the middle of the field with a slight increase from 84 to 86 euros. The British airline appears to be a

Continue reading "

Ryanair calls for von der Leyen's resignation over air traffic controller strikes

Amely Mizzi July 9, 2025 07:05

Ryanair has called on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resign if she continues to fail to take action to protect the single market for overflights during French air traffic controllers' strikes. This demand was made in an open letter on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, after "leisure-related" summer strikes by French air traffic control officials last week caused significant disruption to European air traffic. The strikes, which took place on Thursday and Friday of last week and lasted until Sunday, July 6, resulted in the cancellation of around 1.500 flights, affecting over 270.000 EU citizens whose travel plans were disrupted. Ryanair argues that up to 90 percent of these cancellations could have been avoided if overflights over France had not been disrupted during the strike. Despite repeated appeals from the aviation industry, the Commission President has failed to protect the single market for air transport, which Ryanair describes as intolerable and unacceptable. Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, wrote the open letter to von der Leyen. In it, he rejected the Commission's claim that air traffic control is a "national responsibility," while the protection of the single market for air transport clearly falls within the competence of the EU Commission. O'Leary emphasized that it is unacceptable that Europe's single market for air transport is repeatedly paralyzed by French air traffic controller strikes, while other transport routes such as railways or motorways are not blocked. He called on von der Leyen to either take immediate measures to protect overflights or resign her post. The repeated strikes by French air traffic control have repeatedly caused massive disruptions in European airspace in recent years.

Continue reading "

S-Bahn S13 for Cologne/Bonn Airport: An endless construction site with a missing link

Belinda Borg July 9, 2025 06:32

The ambitious S13 airport S-Bahn project for Cologne/Bonn Airport, which is intended to provide a direct rail connection between Bonn and the airport, is about to enter partial operation at the end of 2026. Despite this supposedly good news, there is a certain sense of disillusionment in Bonn and at Deutsche Bahn. The reason: a crucial overpass near Troisdorf was simply forgotten in the planning phase or at least not implemented in time, leading to significant route conflicts. This means that the actual goal – direct connections to the airport – will have to wait until the second half of the 2030s. This makes the S13, for which main work began in November 2016 and whose planning dates back to 1994, a project whose full functionality will only be achieved after around four decades of construction and planning. A project with a long history: From the Berlin-Bonn Agreement to reality The idea of ​​a direct S-Bahn connection to Cologne/Bonn Airport goes back a long way, more precisely to the Berlin-Bonn Agreement of 1994. This agreement regulated the relocation processes of the federal government from Bonn to Berlin and, as part of the compensatory measures, also provided for infrastructure projects to strengthen the Bonn region. An efficient connection to the airport was of central importance in order to improve accessibility for business travelers and tourists and to keep the region competitive. Deutsche Bahn began the main work for the S13 on November 29, 2016. The project comprised the construction of a new, double-track infrastructure, largely built alongside existing tracks or modernizing old infrastructure. It was originally assumed that the complete S-Bahn connection would take a relatively short time.

Continue reading "

Explorer expands sales channels through Amadeus Bistro Portal

Amely Mizzi July 9, 2025 06:07

The modular tour operator Explorer, which is part of the Schauinsland Reisen Group, is now listed on the Amadeus Bistro Portal. This is intended to give travel agencies faster and easier access to tailor-made round-trip offers worldwide. The integration of the flexible TripBuilder offers into the Bistro system represents an expansion of the round-trip area and allows direct booking and individual customization of trips via the platform. Explorer's decision to join the Amadeus Bistro Portal is a response to the growing demand from travel agencies for customizable travel offers. Such offers should be seamlessly integrated into the agencies' existing consultation and booking processes. Heike Niederberghaus, Managing Director of Explorer, expressed her delight at the availability of the flexible round-trips on the Bistro Portal. She emphasized that this means fewer hurdles and more opportunities for sales partners to offer their customers tailor-made travel experiences. As part of the launch, Explorer offers are available in the categories "Round Trip + Flight" and "Round Trip Only." The technical implementation of these offers is handled by the Nezasa TripBuilder. This proven system enables travel agencies to individually configure complete travel itineraries and book them directly through the tour operator's website. Travel agencies benefit from direct redirection to the TripBuilder with personalized customization options, transparent commission, and a clear distinction between flexible and fixed tour offers within the system. The new option is available immediately to all users of the Amadeus Bistro Portal. With this presence, Explorer underscores its commitment to leveraging modern technology partnerships to specifically strengthen sales and consulting in the day-to-day travel agency business. This should lead to greater flexibility, closer collaboration, and higher efficiency.

Continue reading "