Français »
German "
Search
May 28

More articles from the category

May 28

High taxes in Amsterdam: Corendon connects Düsseldorf with the Caribbean island of Curacao in winter.

Stephen Steiner 28 May 2026 11:45

The international travel company Corendon is planning a significant expansion of its portfolio for the upcoming winter season and will add direct flights from Düsseldorf Airport to Curaçao to its schedule. This decision, first reported by the trade publication Luchtvaartnieuws.nl, is a strategic response to the changing fiscal environment in the European air travel market. While the Netherlands has decided on a substantial increase in air passenger duty for the coming year, Germany offers an attractive cost advantage for tour operators and airlines by reducing its corresponding levies this summer. By utilizing Düsseldorf Airport as a hub near the border, Corendon aims to secure the competitiveness of its long-haul travel offerings while simultaneously tapping into new customer segments in the populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The shift of flight capacity across national borders underscores the increasing influence of national tax systems on operational decisions in the global tourism industry. Fiscal Divergence as a Driver for Location Decisions: Corendon's decision to offer long-haul flights to Curaçao from Düsseldorf is primarily due to the differing developments in air passenger duties in neighboring Germany and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, a massive increase in ticket tax was approved as part of the budget planning, scheduled to take full effect in 2027. This measure significantly increases the cost of long-haul flights, particularly those departing from the Amsterdam-Schiphol hub, posing a challenge for tour operators to keep travel prices stable for end customers. In contrast, Germany has adjusted its air passenger duty rates for the current year, with a stabilization or even a reduction observed, especially for long-haul flights, compared to the Dutch plans. For a company like Corendon, which operates both as a tour operator and

Continue reading "

Saab GlobalEye prevails against US competition

Amely Mizzi 28 May 2026 11:35

The Canadian government has made a landmark decision for the country's future defense strategy, naming the Swedish Saab GlobalEye system as the preferred supplier for its new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this move on the sidelines of the CANSEC defense trade show in Ottawa, marking a departure from the previously favored US technology. The system, based on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6500 business jet, will play a central role in monitoring the vast country, particularly the strategically important Arctic region. By combining Swedish radar expertise with a Canadian aircraft platform, the government anticipates not only a leading technological position but also significant industrial synergies within Canada. The decision against the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail is also seen in expert circles as a clear political signal that extends beyond mere defense procurement and strengthens the European-Canadian industrial partnership. Technical Synergy between Saab and Bombardier: The centerpiece of Canada's future surveillance fleet is the integration of the Swedish Erieye extended-range radar into the Bombardier Global 6500 airframe. This platform is characterized by its high endurance and range, which is essential for monitoring Canada's approximately 4,4 million square kilometers of land and sea. Saab's Erieye system is considered one of the most advanced radar systems in the world and enables simultaneous reconnaissance in the air, at sea, and on land. A particular focus is placed on the detection of small and elusive targets. The GlobalEye's sensors are capable of reliably identifying even the smallest objects, such as drones or cruise missiles, over enormous distances.

Continue reading "

Expansion course in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda

Amely Mizzi 28 May 2026 11:09

The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda recorded positive visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 while simultaneously driving forward the massive expansion of its tourism infrastructure. With a total of 110.832 overnight guests between January and March, the figures increased by 6,7 percent compared to the previous year. Europe solidified its position as the second most important source market, accounting for 34 percent of total arrivals. This development underscores the growing importance of the island duo for international travelers, who are increasingly relying on direct flights and expanded hotel capacity. To meet the rising demand, a number of high-profile accommodation projects are under construction or in the planning stages. The Moon Gate Hotel & Spa is expected to open later this year. Further major projects, such as the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua, the Marriott Leisure World Hotel, and exclusive properties on the sister island of Barbuda, including the Nobu Beach Inn and the Rosewood Hotel Barbuda, are slated to open by 2028. These investments aim to significantly expand the offerings in the luxury segment and position Antigua and Barbuda as a leading destination for discerning travelers in the Eastern Caribbean. Alongside the expansion of accommodation capacity, the government is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure. At the beginning of 2026, a new cruise terminal began operations, enabling the handling of larger ship contingents. Authorities anticipate approximately 894.000 cruise passengers for the year, representing a 22 percent increase compared to 2019. The strategic goal is to establish Antigua as a central hub for regional tourism. To this end, the network of flight connections within the region has been expanded.

Continue reading "

US aviation authority calls for reassessment of landing procedures on rain-soaked runways.

Belinda Borg 28 May 2026 10:36

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for a fundamental overhaul of guidelines for landings on wet runways. In a report published on May 26, 2026, titled "Accounting for the Progressive Decrease in Runway Friction Associated with Increasing Rainfall Intensity," the NTSB explains that current calculation models often underestimate actual braking distances during heavy rainfall. The study is based on an analysis of eleven incidents and accidents from 2008 to 2022 in which aircraft overran the end of the runway. According to experts, the central problem lies in the so-called Runway Condition Assessment Matrix, which does not accurately reflect the progressive loss of traction with increasing rainfall intensity. The NTSB is now urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the current runway condition codes and incorporate more detailed weather data into flight preparation to minimize the risk of serious runway overruns. Analysis of Past Incidents and System Weaknesses: The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation reveals a systematic discrepancy between theoretical models and actual physical friction during braking. Over a 15-year period, incidents were documented in which experienced pilots lost control of their aircraft's deceleration despite following prescribed procedures. The agency found that wheel brake friction on a wet runway can be significantly lower than the values ​​specified in the current assessment matrix. This results in the actual landing distance often significantly exceeding the calculated distance. A key criticism from the safety investigators concerns the lack of differentiation in rainfall intensity.

Continue reading "

Economic balance sheet and strategic realignment of Zug Tourism

Jan Gruber 28 May 2026 10:08

The Zug cantonal tourism organization presented a positive review of the 2025 fiscal year at its 133rd general assembly in Rotkreuz. With a 12 percent increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year, the region recorded a significant rise in tourist demand. The digital presence saw particularly strong growth: visits to the official destination website climbed to 1,5 million, more than double the figure for previous years. Media reach in print media was also significantly expanded, increasing the number of contacts to 147 million. A key factor in this positive development is the expansion of regional collaborations and infrastructure projects. The free mobility offer of the "Zug Card" during the summer months saw an increase in activations of over 300 percent. In addition to traditional marketing to international guests, the organization is increasingly focusing on the local population. Through targeted events such as a guest appearance at Zurich's Sechseläuten festival and preparations for the 2026 Morgarten Festival, the canton aims to strengthen residents' identification with the canton as a place to live and relax. A far-reaching political decision is the focus for 2026. A revision of the law on the accommodation tax is planned, which will increase the tourist tax to CHF 3,50 per night. These additional revenues are considered essential for the long-term financing of digital guest services and modern information centers. Without this adjustment, management fears that key services will have to be reduced in the future. Meanwhile, the general assembly unanimously re-elected President Andreas Zgraggen and the current board to ensure the continuity of the strategic projects.

Continue reading "

Certification of the remaining Boeing 737 Max variants is imminent.

Jan Gruber 28 May 2026 09:33

After years of delays and intensive regulatory scrutiny, the certification process for the Boeing 737 Max 7 and the larger Max 10 is nearing completion. Bryan Bedford, head of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), announced that the Max 7 is expected to receive full certification as early as summer 2026. The stretched version, the Max 10, is targeted for completion by the end of the year. This news marks a significant turning point for the US aircraft manufacturer, which has been under immense regulatory pressure since the tragic events of 2018 and 2019 and the subsequent worldwide grounding of its aircraft. While airlines, most notably Southwest Airlines, the launch customer for the Max 7, eagerly await delivery of their ordered jets, the FAA is signaling a cautious return to normalcy in production operations. Despite technological hurdles, particularly in redesigning the engine de-icing system, the industry is proving resilient: The order backlog for the entire 737 Max family remains at a record high, underscoring airlines' continued confidence in the aircraft's economic viability. The end of the regulatory stalemate: The Boeing 737 Max 7, the shortest member of the model family, has navigated a long regulatory process. Originally planned for 2019, the timeline was repeatedly delayed due to the comprehensive reassessment of all Max systems. Bedford emphasized at an International Aviation Club event in Washington that progress is now substantial. Boeing's Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Ortberg, also expressed confidence regarding the final testing phases. More than 80 percent of the required flight tests have already been completed.

Continue reading "

Tourism boom in the Balkans and delays in the Vlora airport project

Belinda Borg 28 May 2026 09:03

The Balkan region is currently experiencing a significant increase in bookings in the European travel market. In particular, reservations for destinations such as Montenegro and Bulgaria have almost doubled compared to last year, especially with major Swiss tour operators like Dertour Suisse. Albania and Croatia are also recording double-digit growth rates. This development reflects the growing interest in the eastern Mediterranean countries, which are increasingly coming into focus for international tourists. At the same time, airlines are adjusting their capacities to meet the rising demand for direct flights to these regions. Despite the positive trend in the Albanian tourism sector, Chair Airlines has had to revise its plans for the new Vlora Airport for the time being. The planned start of flight operations on the Albanian Adriatic coast in June 2026 has been postponed due to a lack of operational permits and construction delays. The airport, considered a strategically important infrastructure project for southern Albania, was unable to meet the regulatory requirements for the summer season in time. According to the company, while the location remains of interest in principle, commencing operations from Zurich is only realistic once all operational prerequisites have been fully met. While the connection to Vlora is stagnating, airlines are successfully expanding other routes in the region. Chair Airlines is maintaining its new route to Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will begin service in July 2026. This route primarily targets the large Bosnian diaspora in Central Europe, in addition to individual tourism. Existing destinations such as Patras in Greece and Sarajevo also remain firmly established in the flight schedule, partly through optimized triangular connections via Ohrid in North Macedonia. This strengthens the network of direct flights between Switzerland and the Western Balkans.

Continue reading "

Family tourism: Child-friendly catering as a key success factor for the hotel industry

Jan Gruber 28 May 2026 08:35

Modern family tourism is undergoing a profound shift in demands, with catering for the youngest guests increasingly becoming a central focus of strategic planning. While simple dishes like pasta with tomato sauce or French fries were once standard fare on children's menus, parents today increasingly demand a quality that goes beyond mere sustenance. Current studies show that the culinary offerings for children are now among the decisive criteria for overall satisfaction and the willingness to book again. Since every second family notices a decline in their children's eating habits while on vacation, yet an overwhelming majority (90 percent) value balanced nutrition, a significant market gap is emerging for accommodation providers. Initiatives such as the collaboration between the preventive medicine institute Sipcan and Original Kinderhotels Europa are responding to this trend and establishing new standards for sophisticated children's gastronomy. The economic relevance of children's gastronomy: In the highly competitive tourism industry, differentiation through service quality is a crucial competitive advantage. Hotels specializing in family-friendly accommodations traditionally invest heavily in infrastructure such as water parks, playrooms, and childcare programs. However, the economic importance of food service in this segment has long been underestimated. Yet, shared meals are often the central focus of a vacation day. If this experience is marred by poor selection or uninspired presentation, the overall vacation experience for the entire family plummets. Tourism marketing experts point out that children's meals are a direct driver of customer loyalty. When children enjoy their food and parents feel confident they are providing high-quality nutrition, the likelihood of repeat business increases.

Continue reading "

Major fire destroys Ibis hotel in Málaga

Amely Mizzi 28 May 2026 08:01

In the Andalusian port city of Málaga, a devastating fire has largely destroyed the Ibis Hotel on the banks of the Guadalmedina River. The blaze broke out in a ground-floor café around 01:30 a.m. on May 25, 2026, and despite a rapid response from the fire department, it quickly spread across the facade to the upper floors. More than 100 guests and staff had to evacuate the building immediately. Thanks to the swift evacuation, local emergency services report that no one was injured, but the damage to the building is immense. After the fire was initially reported as under control on Monday morning, the situation took a dramatic turn early Monday evening. Around 18:30 p.m., hidden embers reignited, and the flames engulfed the building with renewed intensity. Thick black smoke was visible for miles around the city center, while the intense heat and the imminent risk of the building's collapse hampered firefighting efforts. A total of 15 fire brigades battled the flames well into the night, while police cordoned off the affected neighborhood. In the aftermath of the disaster, a heated debate has erupted regarding the staffing levels of local emergency services. Representatives of the Málaga fire brigade are sharply criticizing the city and provincial governments, blaming restrictive austerity policies for the fire's course. According to union representatives, too many firefighters were prematurely withdrawn after the initial containment, which facilitated the reignition of the blaze. Furthermore, it is criticized that reinforcements arrived at the scene with a significant delay due to staff shortages, preventing the second, more intense outbreak of the fire.

Continue reading "

British Airways adjusts its fee structure: Significant cost increase for award flights from the end of May 2026

Belinda Borg 28 May 2026 07:36

British Airways has announced a comprehensive price adjustment for award flights, primarily affecting cash surcharges for taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges. With very little notice, the company informed its customers of the changes, which will take effect on May 27, 2026, just before the Pentecost weekend. While the number of frequent flyer points, known as Avios, required will remain stable on many routes, the monetary surcharges will increase significantly. Random analyses show increases of up to 50 percent, which could diminish the attractiveness of the Executive Club program for many members. The short notice of the announcement, along with technical problems accessing the booking portals, caused frustration among frequent flyers in recent days, who attempted to complete their bookings under the old conditions. Strategic Pricing Policy in the Executive Club: British Airways' decision to raise award flight fees comes in a market environment characterized by rising operating costs in the aviation industry. Award flights, where customers exchange their collected Avios for tickets, are an important customer retention tool for airlines. However, these flights also incur real costs, which British Airways traditionally covers through a combination of points and a cash payment. The recent increase in these cash payments affects all booking classes, but has a particularly noticeable impact in Business Class. The airline is responding to the economic conditions at London Heathrow Airport with this adjustment. Rising airport fees and increased security charges are directly factored into the calculation of the additional charges. Since British Airways has initially only communicated the new prices in British pounds,

Continue reading "