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July 31, 2025

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July 31, 2025

European air traffic is growing, Germany is lagging behind

Jan Gruber July 31, 2025 11:07

European air traffic is expected to experience robust growth in seat capacity in the second half of 2025. According to the German Aviation Association (BDL), an increase of five percent is expected compared to the same period last year, bringing the overall level to seven percent above that of 2019. This increase is being driven primarily by European point-to-point airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet, which increased their capacity by 25 percent compared to the pre-coronavirus crisis period and now hold a market share of 40 percent. Tourist airlines such as Condor and Sun Express, as well as non-European network airlines, are also recording above-average growth. Germany is unable to keep pace with this positive development. Although capacity in Germany is also growing by six percent, it is only reaching 93 percent of the pre-crisis level. The lag is particularly striking in point-to-point connections, whose market share of 27 percent is significantly below the European average and has only recovered to 86 percent. In contrast, tourist traffic in the German market is growing, significantly exceeding the 2019 seat capacity by 35 percent. The domestic German market remains weak. Seat capacity stagnates at only 52 percent of the 2019 level. The situation is even more serious in decentralized traffic outside the major hubs of Frankfurt and Munich, where capacity is only 20 percent of pre-crisis levels – a decline of 17 percent compared to the previous year. The two hubs of Frankfurt and Munich, on the other hand, are more stable, each reaching 91 percent of the 2019 level, with growth of five and seven percent respectively compared to the previous year. On short- and medium-haul routes, capacity is

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Tui secures 250 million euros through promissory note loans

Belinda Borg July 31, 2025 10:02

The travel group TUI has successfully placed a €250 million promissory note on the market. The proceeds from this issue will be used to redeem aircraft leases early and transfer the corresponding assets into the Group's ownership. This is a step to optimize the company's finances and increase operational flexibility. The issued issue includes fixed and variable-interest tranches with terms of three and five years. The average term of the loan is 3,6 years, with an interest rate of approximately four percent. TUI stated that it will use the proceeds to reduce financing costs, increase operational efficiency, and improve cash flow. The transaction is also net debt-neutral, meaning that the company's total debt will not increase as a result of this measure. TUI's last promissory note issue was in 2018. Of this issue, €32,5 million is currently still outstanding, maturing by 2028. The choice of a promissory note as a financing instrument underscores the market's confidence in TUI and its business strategy. Such loans are a proven form of corporate financing, offering an alternative to traditional bank loans or bonds and often subscribed to by institutional investors. The company's share price, which has increased by almost a third within a year, showed little change on Thursday, closing at €7,98 per share in the late afternoon. This suggests that the news of the successful placement of the promissory note has been positively received by the capital market or has already been priced in.

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Wizz Air wants significantly fewer A321XLRs

Jan Gruber July 31, 2025 09:05

After a period of rapid growth, the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is forced to undergo a strategic realignment. Operational difficulties and a significant drop in profits have forced the company to slow its expansion and focus on core markets. The airline's operating profit plummeted by 31 percent to €62 million in the last fiscal year, which ended on March 167,5. This is also reflected in the share price, which is currently trading at record lows. According to media reports, the main reason for these difficulties is the so-called GTF recall, which affects the engines and resulted in Wizz Air being unable to use 42 Airbus A320neo aircraft. This resulted in a 20 percent increase in unit costs. In response, management is pulling the emergency brake: Over the next two to three years, Wizz Air plans to limit capacity expansion to 10 to 12 percent per year. Previously, the airline had targeted an annual capacity increase of around 20 percent. As part of this realignment, Wizz Air will also abandon its outpost in Abu Dhabi with its own AOC (Air Operator Certificate). The company announced that it will focus more on its core Central and Eastern European markets, as well as on selected Western European countries such as Austria, Italy, and the United Kingdom. With twelve aircraft being withdrawn from Abu Dhabi and the overall pace of growth slowing, the airline will need fewer new aircraft in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, Wizz Air plans to spread new deliveries from Airbus by up to two years until 2030. Wizz Air CEO József Váradi also announced adjustments to its fleet strategy to the Bloomberg news agency.

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Croatia's Living Heritage: A Journey Through the Depths of Traditional Crafts

Jan Gruber July 31, 2025 08:30

Beyond its sun-drenched coasts and historic cities, Croatia is home to a rich web of cultural traditions, carefully preserved and passed down through generations. This intangible cultural heritage reveals an impressive array of craftsmanship deeply rooted in the country's history and everyday life. From the intricate needlework of Pag lace and the colorful wooden toys of Hrvatsko Zagorje to the intricately decorated gingerbread hearts and the ancient art of dry-stone walling—these expressions of regional identity and creative diversity are not just testimonies to bygone times, but vibrant components of Croatia's present. Many of these traditions have received international recognition and have been included by UNESCO as worthy of protection on its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. They offer visitors unique insights into the soul of Croatia and the significance that continues to be attached to this cultural wealth. Artful Handcraft: The Valued Lacemaking Lacemaking in Croatia is an intangible cultural heritage that has been cultivated for centuries in various regions of the country. This fine handcraft is a symbol of patience, precision, and artistic skill. Particularly noteworthy are the laces from three specific locations: Pag, Lepoglava, and Hvar. Each of these regions has its own traditional technique and uses different materials, which underscores the diversity of this craft. Pag lace, whose origins date back to the 15th century, is crafted using an extremely delicate needle technique. It is characterized by its fine structure and complex patterns, often inspired by nature. The high quality of this lace was once even

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Warning to tourists: Systematic rip-off at Hurghada Airport

Amely Mizzi July 31, 2025 08:04

Travelers arriving at Hurghada International Airport in Egypt are confronted with a variety of systematic scams that can ruin their vacation shortly after landing. The airport, a major gateway for tourists to the Red Sea resort, appears to be a hotspot for dubious practices tolerated by local authorities and the airport operator. One of the most well-known scams is the "helpful" man in front of the restrooms who claims to be a cleaner and demands tips for clean restrooms, even though he is actually a café employee. The situation is even more brazen when it comes to visa applications: In a designated hall, men lurk claiming to be employees of major tour operators such as Alltours, Coral Travel, or Schauinsland Reisen. They demand 35 US dollars for the visa, even though the official price is only 25 US dollars and the actual visa counter is inconspicuously located. These tactics are designed to deceive exhausted tourists who want to get to their accommodations as quickly as possible. Even a VIP service offered for faster passport control turns out to be a trap; it does not expedite the wait for luggage. Reports in online travel forums also describe pushy vendors, faulty SIM cards, diversionary tactics by uniformed personnel to search hand luggage and steal valuables, as well as fraudulent taxi drivers who deliberately drop off at the wrong terminal or collect fictitious airport fees. There is criticism that German travel providers do not adequately warn their guests about these practices. Despite the problems at the airport, Hurghada remains an extremely popular destination, attracting over a million vacationers per year. This is primarily due to the numerous all-inclusive resorts.

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Night trains: A critical look at the energy balance and its impacts

Jan Gruber July 31, 2025 07:33

The resurrection of night trains is often celebrated as a triumph of rail over other modes of travel, particularly in light of their supposedly lower environmental impact. While the romance of traveling while sleeping and the convenience of arriving at your destination rested are undeniable, a sober and fact-based analysis of the energy balance and the actual impacts of night trains is worthwhile. Contrary to widespread assumptions and the claims of interested parties, a closer examination reveals significant flaws in the argument for their supposed environmental friendliness. This article examines the complexities of traction current, the role of diesel in European rail networks, and the unresolved problems of nuclear power generation in order to paint a comprehensive picture of the true impacts of night trains. Electric Power: A Hidden Burden The supposed environmental friendliness of electric rail transport is based on the assumption that the electricity is generated without emissions. However, this assumption is far from reality in many European countries. The traction current that powers electric locomotives does not come exclusively from renewable energy sources. In many European countries, including Germany, a significant portion of the electricity fed into the grid, which also benefits the rail power suppliers, is still generated in coal-fired power plants. The combustion of coal, especially lignite, is associated with massive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major driver of climate change. Furthermore, coal combustion releases sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which significantly impair air quality and can lead to acid rain and respiratory diseases. Even if a rail power line is directly supplied with renewable energy, it must be considered that this often leads to a shift in electricity generation.

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Porter Airlines expands pilot training with new simulator in Montréal

Belinda Borg July 31, 2025 07:04

Canadian airline Porter Airlines has expanded its pilot training capabilities in collaboration with Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS). A state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) has been put into operation at CAE's training center in Montreal. Training on this simulator began in May 2025 and is supported by ECTS, a joint venture between Embraer and CAE. The new simulator is a model of the latest 7000XR series and is equipped with the advanced CAE Prodigy Visual System, which was developed and manufactured by CAE in Montreal. The strategic deployment of this simulator will enable more Porter Airlines pilots to train closer to home, supporting the airline's rapid growth and contributing to the creation of skilled jobs in Canada's aviation industry. Comprehensive initial and recurrent training for E2 pilots will now be offered in Montreal. The simulator will significantly enhance Porter Airlines' E2 pilot training program and increase capacity to meet the needs of its expanding fleet. 46 aircraft have already been delivered, with a total of up to 100 aircraft expected. Kent Woodside, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Porter Airlines, emphasized: "This partnership with ECTS brings together three leading aviation organizations." He emphasized that CAE's expertise in training and simulation technology ensures that pilots receive the highest quality and safety standards for operating the Embraer E195-E2 model. The new E2 FFS is equipped with the CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG), which utilizes Epic Games' Unreal Engine to enable highly realistic and effective training. CAE Prodigy

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Austria's wine world in focus: The new White Wine Guide Austria 2025 presents the country's top wines

Amely Mizzi July 31, 2025 06:31

The Austrian wine landscape has reason to celebrate: Last night, the eagerly awaited "White Wine Guide Austria 2025" was presented in a festive setting at the Gergely's restaurant in Vienna's Schlossquadrate. The 308-page compendium, published by medianet Verlag, has long been considered an indispensable standard work for restaurateurs, wine merchants, and private wine lovers alike. It offers in-depth information, professional evaluations, and editorially prepared recommendations for a total of 498 submitted wines, covering the broad spectrum of Austrian wine production—from classic white wines to rosé and orange wines to fine sparkling wines. Under the direction of renowned wine academic Johannes Fiala and a top-class jury, including sommelier icon Adi Schmid, the wines were blindly tasted and evaluated according to the internationally recognized 100-point system. A comprehensive work for connoisseurs and gourmets. The "White Wine Guide Austria" has established itself over the years as an authoritative publication, offering orientation in the diverse world of Austrian wine. This year's handbook, as in previous years, is distinguished by its meticulous preparation and the high level of expertise of its authors. The decision to include not only pure white wines, but also rosé, orange, and sparkling wines in the evaluation reflects the growing diversity and innovative strength of the Austrian wine industry. Rosé wines have been experiencing a renaissance for some time and are enjoying increasing popularity, while orange wines, produced by prolonged contact of the must with the grape skins of white wine varieties, form a niche for lovers of experimental wines. The area of sparkling wines has also gained importance in Austria in recent years, with a growing number

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Special regulations for flight operations at Zurich Airport on 1 August

Jan Gruber July 31, 2025 06:07

On the evening of the Swiss national holiday, August 1st, there will be a deviation from the usual operating rules at Zurich Airport. Due to the expected fireworks display, the evening restrictions on arrivals and departures through German airspace will be lifted, as in previous years. This will allow for adjustments to runway use, which is otherwise restricted by German regulations. Normally, flight operations at Zurich Airport would have to land from the east on runway 21 from 00:28 p.m. onwards. After consultation with the responsible German authorities, this regulation will be waived on August 1st. Instead, landings will take place from the north on runways 21 or 00 from 14:16 p.m. until the end of flight operations. Takeoffs will continue to be to the west and south until 22:00 p.m.; from 22:00 p.m. onwards, takeoffs will also be to the north. This special arrangement is intended to minimize noise emissions over densely populated areas that would be affected by normal night flight routes, while still allowing flight operations in light of the festivities. Zurich Airport is an important international hub, and its operating regulations, particularly regarding night and approach routes, are often the subject of regional and cross-border discussions. The adjustments on the Swiss National Day are an example of the flexibility in air traffic management to respond to special events or circumstances. However, it should be noted that short-term weather-related deviations from these special arrangements are possible at any time, and travelers should inform themselves accordingly. Such exceptions to regular operating hours and routes are not uncommon in European airspace, particularly during major events or national holidays that involve increased flight volumes or special considerations.

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In the wake of departure: The history of Rheintalflug

Stephen Steiner July 31, 2025 05:32

European regional aviation in the late 1973s was a time of upheaval and new opportunities, marked by the liberalization of air traffic and the emergence of specialized providers. It was in this context that the Austrian airline Rheintalflug was born. With a clear regional focus and the aim of better connecting the Lake Constance region to key hubs, it launched with great ambitions. Rheintalflug established itself as a major player in regional air travel, but its history is inextricably linked to the founding and rise of another airline, InterSky. Rheintalflug's development is a fascinating example of the dynamic nature of the aviation business, in which one company can evolve into a new, larger one. This report explores the company's history, its distinctive features, and ultimately the transition of Rheintalflug into a new chapter in Austrian aviation, not forgetting a tragic aviation accident that shaped the airline's history. The Birth of a Regional Vision: Company History and Background Rheintalflug was founded in 1984 by Rolf Seewald, an experienced pilot and entrepreneur, initially as an air taxi company in Hohenems, Vorarlberg. Initially, the company focused on charter flights and business travel with smaller aircraft. From May XNUMX, the company regularly served the Hohenems–Vienna route. The original idea was to meet the need for flexible and fast flight connections for the prosperous economic region around Lake Constance. The desire to also offer scheduled flights quickly became apparent. Rheintalflug's home airport and operational center for scheduled flights was Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany, strategically located on Lake Constance and serving as the gateway to the region. This was a pragmatic decision.

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