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August 5, 2025

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August 5, 2025

Austrians spend more on shopping on vacation

Amely Mizzi August 5, 2025 15:03

A recent survey by the Austrian Trade Association shows that summer vacation is also a time for shopping for many Austrians. Almost half of those surveyed (46 percent) combine their vacation with extensive shopping trips, spending an average of €359 per year. Particularly in demand are souvenirs, regional products, and items that people cannot afford in everyday life. Rainer Will, Managing Director of the Austrian Trade Association, confirmed that the summer vacation season is an important time for retailers in tourist regions. Retailers benefit not only from domestic guests, but also from the millions of foreign tourists. Consumers are more relaxed on vacation, have more time, and are willing to treat themselves to something special. The survey revealed that the majority of vacation money goes into leisure activities, souvenirs, and regional products. The most popular type of vacation is a beach vacation by the sea or lake abroad, followed by holidays in the Austrian mountains. The majority of vacation trips last between three and seven days. Reasons for this relaxed consumer behavior on vacation include discovering new products, shopping for gifts, and the relaxed atmosphere. Four out of five Austrians buy things on vacation that they wouldn't treat themselves to in everyday life. Shopping is most frequently done in supermarkets and weekly markets, but also in downtown shops and boutiques. The survey, conducted by Reppublika Research, is based on interviews with over 1.000 people in Austria.

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Austrian Airlines changes credit card partner

Amely Mizzi August 5, 2025 14:32

Austrian Airlines and the Miles & More loyalty program have announced a new partner for their credit card portfolio in Austria. Erste Bank und Sparkasse won the tender and will issue the new Austrian Miles & More credit cards in cooperation with the internet banking platform George in early 2026. Mastercard will remain on board as the payment service provider. The strategic realignment of the offering aims to offer customers expanded services and greater added value. Annette Mann, CEO of Austrian Airlines, emphasized that they have found an established and reliable partner in Erste Bank. Gerda Holzinger-Burgstaller, CEO of Erste Bank, was also pleased and described the cooperation as an important step towards meeting customers' quality expectations. The collaboration is intended to combine comfortable travel and convenient banking. The new card portfolio, which will be available from 2026, offers a comprehensive expansion of the service package. Customers can continue to collect miles and benefit from new advantages. These include business cards for business customers, the integration of mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and the reimbursement of foreign currency fees. Furthermore, premium cardholders will have access to exclusive benefits such as business class check-in at Vienna Airport and the Priority Pass for access to over 1.700 airport lounges worldwide. Existing credit cards can continue to be used without restrictions until the end of 2025. Cardholders will be informed about the changeover in good time. Erste Bank's partnership with Austrian Airlines and Miles & More is a strategic move in the Austrian market, where credit cards with air miles programs are a popular option for frequent flyers.

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ANA starts the new financial year with increased sales

Amely Mizzi August 5, 2025 14:05

ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan's largest airline, began the first quarter of its 2025/2026 fiscal year with a strong increase in revenue. The Tokyo-listed company recorded record revenue of approximately €3,35 billion, primarily due to strong demand in international passenger traffic, where revenue also reached a record high of €1,26 billion. Despite rising operating costs, primarily due to higher outsourcing and personnel expenses, operating profit increased by 21 percent to €224 million. The newly launched long-haul routes from Tokyo-Haneda to Milan, Stockholm, and Istanbul contributed significantly to this success, achieving an average load factor of around 80 percent. Nevertheless, the ANA Group expects a decline in profit for the full year despite the increase in revenue. In domestic flight traffic, passenger numbers and load factors exceeded the previous year's figures, driven by strong leisure demand. However, demand in the business travel sector has not yet recovered to pre-2019 levels. The airline announced that it will participate in a "Domestic Air Traffic Expert Group" to resolve structural challenges. In the cargo segment, ANA managed to increase volumes despite declining demand on certain routes. The low-cost subsidiaries Peach and AirJapan also contributed to growth. Peach recorded an increase in passengers in domestic leisure traffic, while AirJapan promoted inbound tourism with targeted campaigns. The integration of Nippon Cargo Airlines on August 1, 2025, is expected to further improve competitiveness and service quality in the cargo business. The forecast for the full fiscal year calls for revenue of almost 14,5 billion euros and

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Record fine for Asiana Airlines: Merger conditions violated and ticket prices increased

Jan Gruber August 5, 2025 13:48

South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines has been fined a record 12,1 billion won ($8,7 million) by the country's Fair Trade Commission (FTC). The penalty, the largest imposed in South Korea for a merger violation since 1991, follows a finding that the airline violated conditions associated with its merger with Korean Air. The two airlines, which received final merger approval in December 2024, violated the terms in less than a year by raising average ticket prices beyond the permitted limit. The incident highlights the challenges of monitoring mergers in the aviation industry and the potential negative consequences for consumers. Prohibited Price Increases: Violation of Merger Conditions The merger process between South Korea's two largest airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, has been accompanied by complex regulatory hurdles since the announcement of the merger in November 2020. On December 12, 2024, the South Korean FTC granted final approval for the merger, but subject to strict conditions. These were intended to protect market competition and ensure that consumers would not be disadvantaged by the merged company's dominant position. One of the key conditions was that the average ticket prices of the two airlines could not exceed the inflation-adjusted levels of 2019. According to a statement from the FTC, Asiana Airlines exceeded this price cap on four routes in the first three months of 2025. The most significant increase was on the business class route between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Barcelona.

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Linz Airport invites private pilots to a trial flight day

Stephen Steiner August 5, 2025 13:31

On September 20, 2025, the three aviation clubs based at Linz Airport, Fliegerclub Bussard, FlyLinz, and Wings of Linz, will host a joint introductory flight day. The event, which operates under the umbrella brand "Linz airSport," is aimed at anyone interested in private aviation and would like to experience the joy of flying a private aircraft. The event will take place in the airport's General Aviation Center and is designed to give participants a comprehensive insight into pilot training. Each participant will be supervised by an experienced flight instructor who will guide them through the entire process, including flight preparation, the actual introductory flight, and the debriefing. The two-hour program is designed to allow participants to experience the fascinating world of aviation firsthand. For many aviation enthusiasts, this event represents an ideal opportunity to get to know the sport before committing to training. The package, which is available for €190 per person, includes the flight experience, a welcome drink, and a concluding meal. Friends and family members can accompany participants to the aircraft and watch the takeoff up close. The General Aviation Center at Linz Airport serves as a central hub for private pilots and flight students. The center offers various services for general aviation. Those interested in attending on September 20 can opt for a voucher and arrange an alternative date with the aviation clubs. The three clubs based at Linz Airport offer private pilot training year-round and have a modern fleet of aircraft for training and private flights.

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Eurowings resumes non-stop flights from Nuremberg to Rome

Jan Gruber August 5, 2025 13:05

Eurowings has resumed its non-stop service between Nuremberg and Rome. Since July 30, 2025, the route has been served three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The service, which will be flown with an Airbus A320, will also be retained in the 2025/2026 winter flight schedule. The new route is not only aimed at leisure travelers who want to explore the historical sites and culinary offerings of the "Eternal City." It is also important for business travelers, such as trade fair visitors, and for people of Italian descent visiting friends and relatives. The continuity of the service during the winter season is viewed by those responsible as an important step in strengthening the airport's offerings. Currently, a total of six Italian destinations are accessible from Nuremberg with various airlines. Eurowings has an aircraft stationed in Nuremberg and serves a total of eight direct destinations from there. The resumption of Rome flights is part of the strategic expansion of services at Nuremberg, which has established itself as an important hub for leisure and business travelers. The flights are intended to meet demand for direct connections in Southern Europe. The connection between the two cities has already been operated by other airlines in the past. Eurowings' decision to resume the route and offer it year-round underscores the market attractiveness of Rome as a destination for various travel groups.

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Restart after the crisis: Spirit Airlines in transition – fewer flights, new strategy

Amely Mizzi August 5, 2025 12:41

Spirit Airlines, once considered the epitome of the American "ultra-low-cost" airline, has repositioned itself following the conclusion of its bankruptcy proceedings. With fresh capital and a strategic shift, the company aims to consolidate its market position. The airline is now pursuing the goal of becoming a so-called hybrid carrier. This change of course is reflected in a modified flight network: While Spirit will reduce the total number of its flights by 2025 percent in the third quarter of 26, it is simultaneously expanding in strategically important locations such as Detroit. This change marks a departure from the aggressive expansion course of the past and signals a focus on profitability and stronger customer loyalty. The new foundation: Restructuring and realignment. Emerging from bankruptcy proceedings was a painful but necessary step for Spirit Airlines. The company was able to reduce significant debt and establish a solid financial foundation through new investments. Like other airlines following such restructuring, Spirit strives to operate in a stronger, more focused, and more competitive manner. This realignment is not only a response to the economic challenges, but also to the operational problems that the airline, like many others, has faced in recent years. One of the biggest problems was the engine problems with the Pratt & Whitney engines, which led to flight cancellations and delays. Such difficulties have undermined customer confidence in the airline's punctuality. As a result, Spirit has decided to move away from its pure "ultra-low-cost" position and develop into a "hybrid carrier." This change is linked to a redesign of the aircraft cabins, which offer new seating options. While these changes reduce the costs of the

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Barig criticizes federal government for maintaining air traffic tax

Stephen Steiner August 5, 2025 12:31

The international airline association Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) reacted with incomprehension to the cabinet decision on the 2026 federal budget. Contrary to the reduction in the air traffic tax agreed upon in the coalition agreement between the governing parties, it will not be reduced after all. BARIG Chairman Michael Hoppe described the decision as "incomprehensible and detrimental to the German economy," as it places a one-sided burden on the aviation industry in international competition. Hoppe criticized the fact that air traffic in Germany is far too expensive compared to other European countries, with the air traffic tax and other excessive location costs contributing significantly to this. The consequences are already clearly noticeable: German traffic volumes remain below the 2019 level, while most other European countries are booming. This is leading to further pressure on Germany's international connections. The high location costs in Germany also have an impact on air freight. With every reduction in passenger flights, cargo capacities suffer, and the exchange of goods becomes more difficult. Companies are forced to divert their goods traffic via foreign airports and transport the goods to Germany by truck, which is a complex process. The industry sees the reduction of the air traffic tax as an essential step towards strengthening competitiveness and promoting Germany as a business location. The Federal Ministry of Finance had described its draft budget for 2026 as a "milestone for more growth." However, Barig considers the retention of the air traffic tax to be contrary to this goal. Hoppe called on politicians to pay greater attention to economic interrelationships and to create incentives for growth. He announced that he would continue to vigorously advocate for a correction of this decision in order to protect companies, employees and mobility in

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Legal aftermath of plane crash: Lawsuit against Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air

Amely Mizzi August 5, 2025 11:41

A plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport in February 2025 has led to legal consequences. A flight attendant has filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines and the regional airline Endeavor Air, demanding $75 million in damages. The incident occurred when a Bombardier plane overturned on an icy runway. The plaintiff, Vanessa Miles, a passenger on board, suffered multiple injuries. Her lawyers accuse the airlines of disregarding passenger safety and deploying inexperienced crews in their pursuit of operational efficiency. This case is just one of dozens of lawsuits filed in connection with the accident and once again highlights the question of airlines' responsibility in dealing with safety risks. An accident on an icy runway: The dramatic events in February The incident, which is now the subject of a civil lawsuit, occurred in February 2025 at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Flight DL4819, a Bombardier CRJ900 with registration N932XJ, en route from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) to Toronto on behalf of Delta Air Lines, overturned on an icy runway. The aircraft, operated by regional airline Endeavor Air, skidded, rolled, and eventually landed on its side after landing. On board was Vanessa Miles, a 67-year-old flight attendant for Endeavor Air. She was traveling as a "deadhead crew member," meaning she was en route to Toronto to begin her duties on a connecting flight. The 15-page lawsuit, which

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