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Stephen Steiner

GetJet Airlines and Tez Tour continue successful long-term partnership

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 15:09

Lithuanian airline GetJet Airlines, specializing in ACMI and charter services, and tour operator Tez Tour, one of the largest in the Baltics, have signed a long-term agreement, marking the continuation of their seven-year cooperation. Starting in November 2025, GetJet Airlines will continue to operate charter flights for Tez Tour to numerous popular holiday destinations, including Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Tenerife, Antalya, Heraklion, Corfu, Rhodes, and Madeira, as well as major ski resorts during the winter. Inga Duglas, CEO of GetJet Airlines, expressed her pride in continuing the partnership with leading Lithuanian tour operator Tez Tour. She emphasized GetJet's expertise in charter operations and the benefits of in-house aircraft maintenance, which enable the company to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability. Aleksandras Sukovas, Director of Tez Tour, praised GetJet Airlines' professional services, high punctuality, and first-class customer service, which contribute significantly to a positive travel experience for customers. The new long-term agreement underscores the shared commitment of both companies to providing high-quality and reliable travel services with a focus on passengers throughout the region. GetJet Airlines currently operates a fleet of 15 aircraft and carried over two million passengers in 2024. The company continuously invests in fleet modernization and cabin upgrades to ensure high standards of safety and comfort for travelers.

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Boeing 777X test aircraft back in the air after a three-and-a-half-year break

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 13:41

The Boeing 777X test aircraft WH004 (registration N779XZ) has taken to the skies over Seattle for the first time in over three and a half years. This prototype took off from Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) on May 7 for a two-hour flight. WH004 completed its maiden flight in September 2020 but was retired from service at the end of 2021 so Boeing could focus on its other three 777X test aircraft. This particular aircraft is the only one in the test fleet equipped with a full passenger cabin, allowing the company to test cabin systems. The resumption of test flights with WH004 indicates that 777X testing is entering its final phase. The full passenger cabin configuration allows Boeing to examine key aspects such as the climate system and in-flight noise under real-world conditions. According to AirDataNews, Boeing plans to receive type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by the end of 2025, so that the first deliveries could begin in 2026. The return to service of WH004 was a complex process, as the aircraft had been in storage since the end of 2021. The test team carried out several months of maintenance and preparation to get the aircraft ready to fly again. Levi King, the aircraft maintenance manager for the test flights, praised his team's efforts and emphasized that the successful reactivation of this aircraft represents an important step towards the program's certification. Extensive test program to validate the 777X The Boeing 777X test fleet, consisting of four 777-9 test aircraft, has completed over 1.400 flights and accumulated nearly 4.000 flight hours. In recent years, the safety,

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Tui boss criticizes DRSF's "full coffers" and standstill in fee suspension

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 12:34

The German Travel Price Guarantee Fund (DRSF) is sitting on bulging coffers, which, according to TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel, is leading to a distortion of competition compared to other forms of travel. On LinkedIn, Ebel called for the suspension of new fees, as the fund had long since reached its target capital. He criticized a "seven-month standstill" following the collapse of the traffic light coalition, during which responsibility had been shifted back and forth between the DRSF and the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ). This situation affects every single vacationer and ties up funds that companies lack for investments. Ebel criticized the DRSF and BMJ's continued hesitation to stop the fees, most recently waiting for a new minister. He raised the question of whether this was due to a lack of decisiveness on the part of the DRSF, unclear responsibilities, or a legal oversight agency that interfered too much in management. Regardless of the review of the DRSF announced in the coalition agreement, a reduction in contributions must now take place. The organization and shareholder structure of the DRSF also need to be examined, Ebel stated. Ebel's initiative received support from the industry in comments, including from the head of the Association of Independent Travel Consultants (VUSR), Marija Linnhoff, and the head of the Dertour Group, Christoph Debus, who called for a swift revision and redesign of the DRSF. The DRSF protects package holidaymakers against the insolvency of tour operators. The criticism is aimed at the fact that the continued collection of contributions unnecessarily increases the price of package holidays, as the fund already has sufficient resources.

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United Airlines presents “United Elevated” in the Boeing 787-9

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 10:00

United Airlines has unveiled "United Elevated," a new concept for service and comfort on its future Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The goal is to elevate the American airline's premium product on international routes to a higher level. The new aircraft will offer, among other things, two business class options, the largest number of premium seats in the fleet, a caviar amuse-bouche, Starlink internet, and larger 4K OLED screens. A centerpiece of the new concept are the "United Polaris Studio Suites" in the front cabin of the Boeing 787-9. These suites are not only larger than the existing Polaris seats, but also feature private doors for greater privacy, a bench seat for companions, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and 27-inch 4K OLED monitors. The offering will be complemented by an expanded dining menu including caviar, new amenity kits with products from Perricone MD, noise-cancelling headphones, pajamas, and linens from Saks Fifth Avenue. United's regular Polaris class will also be upgraded, with features including sliding doors and new 19-inch 4K OLED monitors. The seats offer more comfort and direct aisle access, with passengers able to choose between different orientations. The "United Elevated" concept also includes improvements in the other travel classes. In United Premium Plus, the seats will have adjustable dividers, a quartzite cocktail table, wireless charging options, and 16-inch 4K OLED screens. Even the United Economy cabin will be equipped with Bluetooth and the world's largest economy seatback screens (also 13K OLED) at 4 inches. High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi will also be available, which MileagePlus members can use free of charge. United plans to deliver the first Boeing 787-9s with the new "Elevated" concept by the end of 2025.

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Air Explore expects booming summer 2025

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 09:42

Air Explore, Slovakia's largest airline and part of the Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest provider of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing, forecasts strong demand for its aircraft this coming summer. The majority of the company's passenger aircraft fleet is already leased to European customers for the peak travel season of 2025. Only one Boeing 737-800 is currently still available for leasing. The aviation industry has fully recovered from the turmoil of the global pandemic. A report by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) forecasts an average annual increase in global passenger numbers of 3,8 percent over the next two decades, resulting in a net increase of over 2043 billion additional passenger flights by 4,1 compared to 2023. The total number of global passenger trips would therefore reach 2043 billion in 7,9. Europe is expected to experience stable growth in passenger traffic in the coming years, mainly driven by international connections from other parts of the world. In 2025, the total number of passengers in Europe is forecast to increase by 4,3 percent year-on-year. To meet this growing demand, airlines are turning to flexible solutions such as ACMI leasing to expand their fleets, generate revenue through additional flights, open new routes, and provide cover for aircraft requiring longer maintenance periods. Martin Stulajter, Managing Director of Air Explore, commented: “As we approach the busy summer season, our fleet will play a crucial role in supporting our airline partners while ensuring seamless travel experiences for

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Emirates refines First Class experience with new details and amenities

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 07:03

Emirates, which claims to be the largest provider of international first-class travel, is continually refining its already luxurious offerings for first-class travelers. In addition to the spacious private suites, often referred to as "hotel rooms above the clouds," the airline is introducing numerous innovations that further enhance the travel experience. These include redesigned menus that tell the story of the wine selection, the renovation of the First Class check-in area in Dubai, and the unlimited enjoyment of caviar on board. Particular attention is paid to details. For example, the unlimited caviar is now served in elegantly engraved bowls, matching the other Emirates tableware. The First Class cheese board has also been upgraded and features a selection of artisanal cheeses and chutneys on rustic slate with matching bowls and a wooden honey dipper. Cabin crew serve these delicacies wearing white gloves to provide an even more exclusive experience. The First Class experience is also being enhanced on the ground: The check-in area in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport is currently being redesigned to create an even more exclusive atmosphere. First Class passengers worldwide benefit from a seamless travel experience, including access to 43 luxury lounges and chauffeur service at most destinations. Other valued Emirates First Class amenities include spacious private suites with reclining seats that convert into fully flat beds, as well as amenities such as moisturising pajamas from Byredo and exclusive Bulgari grooming sets on long-haul flights. Culinary delights await First Class passengers with à la carte menus featuring premium ingredients, including vegan options and exquisite snacks. Emirates is also the only airline in the world to

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Lightning start on the stock market: High demand for Flynas shares at IPO in Riyadh

Stephen Steiner 16 May 2025 06:31

The Saudi Arabian low-cost airline Flynas had a brilliant start on the stock market. Within minutes of the opening of the subscription books for its IPO on May 12, 2025, 30 percent of the offered shares had already been subscribed. The airline is offering a total of 51,26 million shares at a price between 76 and 80 Saudi riyals (equivalent to 20,30 to 21,33 US dollars) on the Tadāwul Exchange in Riyadh, aiming to raise approximately 4,1 billion Saudi riyals (1,1 billion US dollars). The initial public offering (IPO) includes both newly issued shares and shares from existing investors, including billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Kingdom Holding Co. and National Flight Services Co. The proceeds from the sale of the new shares will be used to finance the airline's fleet expansion and network growth, while the proceeds from the sale will be returned to existing shareholders. This IPO is the first by a Gulf airline in nearly two decades and implies a market capitalization upon listing of 13 to 13,7 billion Saudi riyals ($3,47 to $3,65 billion). The newly issued shares will represent 10,2 percent of the airline's total share capital upon completion of the IPO. Focus on growth plans and market positioning When announcing the IPO last week, Flynas CEO Bander Almohanna described this step as a "strategic move that will accelerate the implementation of our growth ambitions and consolidate our position as the leading low-cost airline for short and medium-haul flights throughout the Middle East and North Africa by 2030." Flynas, which began operations in 2007 as nasair (Saudi Arabia), currently operates a fleet of 71 aircraft to 74 airports in

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Disgust alert above the clouds: Passenger films cockroach infestation on board Spirit Airlines

Stephen Steiner 15 May 2025 19:05

A recent flight with the American budget airline Spirit Airlines turned into a nightmare for a passenger when she reportedly witnessed a cockroach infestation on board. The traveler, who had made herself comfortable in one of the "Big Front Seats," used her camera to document several cockroaches crawling up the bulkhead in the plane. The video she shared on social media went viral and sparked a wave of outrage, coupled with questions about hygiene standards on commercial aircraft. The affected passenger announced that she would avoid the airline in the future. Discovery in the premium seating area and the airline's response Footage posted by user @symonebeez on the platform X clearly shows at least two cockroaches moving along the bulkhead of the aircraft during the flight. The passenger, who had booked one of the more expensive "Big Front Seats" for this flight, was horrified by the unexpected company. Her video quickly garnered millions of views. In her post on X, she wrote: "I will never fly @SpiritAirlines again. I have flown over 800.000 kilometers with Delta and have never seen cockroaches on a plane in my life. This is crazy." In a supplementary video on TikTok, the passenger described how she was initially hesitant to inform the staff, but decided to do so when a second cockroach appeared. According to her, the flight attendant who was informed showed little concern and took no direct action. Spirit Airlines commented on the incident to the portal Simple Flying, stating: "We maintain high cleaning standards across our entire fleet and

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Swiss reduces flight frequency to Chicago in late summer 2025

Stephen Steiner 15 May 2025 17:05

The Swiss airline Swiss has adjusted its current summer flight schedule from Zurich and will reduce the number of its flights to Chicago O'Hare in late summer. As the portal "Aeroroutes" reported, the Lufthansa subsidiary will only offer one daily flight to Chicago from September 1 to October 25, 2025, instead of the previous two. A Boeing 777-300ER will be used on this route. This halving of frequency will affect the period from the beginning of September to the end of October. Swiss did not initially officially state the reasons for this schedule adjustment. However, it is not uncommon for airlines to adjust their capacities depending on demand and the time of year. Chicago O'Hare is a major hub in the United States, and the connection from Zurich is important for both business and leisure travelers. In March of this year, there were reports of adjustments to Swiss's 2025 summer flight schedule, which also affected other long-haul destinations such as Shanghai. The now-announced reduction in Chicago flights could be part of a broader review of the route network. Passengers planning to travel between Zurich and Chicago during this period should check the schedule changes.

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Champagne Index 2025: Gloomy economic mood in Austria

Stephen Steiner 15 May 2025 15:49

The outlook for the Austrian economy in 2025 is bleak. This is the result of the current Champagne Index, compiled by the opinion research institute Marketagent in cooperation with the Public Relations Association Austria (PRVA). The economic barometer not only illuminates the assessments of economic experts, but also captures the mood among the Austrian population and, for the first time, draws a comparison with Switzerland. The results paint a picture of skepticism and cautious expectations in Austria, while the mood in Switzerland is significantly more optimistic. Rather than a champagne mood, concern about economic challenges dominates here. For this year's Champagne Index, Marketagent surveyed its B2B community for their assessment of the general economic development in Austria and the expected performance of their own company in 2025. This perspective was supplemented by a representative survey of 1.020 consumers in Austria. For the first time, the mood in Switzerland was also surveyed through a survey of business insiders and the population. The results show that Austrian business insiders are significantly more pessimistic about the current economic situation than in the previous year. If one were to compare the economic situation to the fill level of a champagne glass, company representatives see it on average only 41,5 percent full. In 2023, this figure was 53,4 percent. Skepticism also prevails among the Austrian population as a whole: The consumers surveyed would fill the metaphorical champagne glass on average only 40,8 percent full. A clear contrast can be seen in Switzerland. There, business insiders see the glass on average 68,3 percent full, and the Swiss population is also pessimistic, with an average fill level of 56,5 percent.

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