Stephen Steiner

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Stephen Steiner

Ita Airways expands winter flight schedule with new destinations

Die italienische Fluggesellschaft Ita Airways kündigt für den Winterflugplan 2024/2025 insgesamt 53 Flugziele an. Darunter sind 15 Inlands-, 23 internationale und 15 interkontinentale Verbindungen. Zu den wichtigsten Neuerungen zählen Direktflüge von Rom nach Dubai und Bangkok, womit die Airline erstmals Thailand anfliegt. Diese Strecken ergänzen das bestehende Angebot in Asien, das Verbindungen nach Tokio und Neu-Delhi umfasst. Zusätzlich wird Ita Airways ab dem 20. Dezember 2024 Flüge nach Malé, der Hauptstadt der Malediven, wieder aufnehmen.

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Brussels Airport modernizes baggage system

Brussels Airport will comprehensively modernize its baggage system by 2028, investing in new sorting systems, loading zones and storage areas. The aim is to increase capacity and better manage peak loads. The investments will also improve working conditions for staff through semi-automatic loading systems and ergonomic lifting aids. The project includes, among other things, an early baggage storage facility for 3.000 pieces of baggage and new loading areas. The first modules of the system are scheduled to go into operation in 2026. Brussels Airport processes around 40.000 pieces of baggage every day via a conveyor belt system more than 20 kilometers long. The investment will increase efficiency and respond to growing passenger numbers.

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ÖAMTC calls for relief for commuters during railway renovation

The ÖAMTC is pleased about the planned resumption of full operations on the ÖBB high-speed line from December 15, 2024. The route, which runs through the Tullnerfeld, was affected by massive flood damage, which led to longer travel times and train cancellations. Commuters who currently have to switch to cars are particularly affected. The mobility club is therefore calling on the City of Vienna to provide short-term relief for drivers, in particular a temporary lifting of the maximum permitted parking time in the short-term parking zones in Vienna's western districts. This would allow commuters to park their vehicles for longer than the currently permitted two hours, even if parking fees remain. In addition, the ÖAMTC is proposing a cheaper daily flat rate to relieve the burden on those affected. The measure should be limited to the planned resumption of rail operations in December.

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Autumn holidays at Dortmund Airport: High passenger numbers expected

With the start of the autumn holidays next Friday, Dortmund Airport is expecting around 145.000 passengers during the two-week school holidays. Passengers will still have access to the entire summer flight schedule, which includes 41 destinations in over 20 countries. Destinations in the south, where the temperatures are pleasant in late summer, are particularly popular, such as Catania, Alicante and Antalya. City holidaymakers also have the opportunity to visit capital cities such as Rome, London, Budapest and Yerevan. In view of the high passenger volume, passengers are advised to be in the terminal at least 2,5 hours before departure and to prepare well for their trip. Due to construction work on the B1, delays in arrival are to be expected. Travelers should also use online check-in and check the entry regulations of the destination and the baggage guidelines of their airline. Eurowings guests can use the evening before check-in until the end of the autumn holidays to check in their baggage the day before.

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Increase in passenger numbers at Berlin Brandenburg Airport in September 2024

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) recorded a significant increase in passenger numbers in September 2024. A total of 2,48 million passengers used the airport, an increase of around 90.000 passengers compared to the previous month of August. This represents growth of 9,1 percent compared to September 2023, when around 2,27 million passengers were counted. In the first nine months of 2024, BER welcomed a total of 19,06 million passengers, an increase of 10,9 percent compared to the previous year. The busiest day was September 27 with 99.579 passengers, which was marked by the international trade fair Inno Trans 2024 and the Berlin Marathon. On this day, more passengers were welcomed at BER than on any other day since the opening in October 2020. In September 2024, almost 18.000 aircraft took off and landed at BER, an increase of 1.500 aircraft compared to August and an increase of 8 percent compared to September of the previous year. In addition, around 4.000 tons of air freight were loaded, which corresponds to an increase of 24,5 percent compared to September 2023.

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Mauritius attracts with impressive national parks and natural treasures

Mauritius, the green island in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The island's national parks, such as the Black River Gorges National Park and the Bras d'Eau National Park, are characterized by their exceptional beauty and biodiversity. These protected areas are home to many rare animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world. The crown jewel of Mauritian natural landscape, the Black River Gorges National Park covers two percent of the island and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities with over 50 kilometers of hiking trails. Mauritius' highest point, the Black River Peak, offers spectacular views and makes the park a popular destination for hikers. In the northeast of Mauritius lies the Bras d'Eau National Park, which impresses not only with its natural beauty but also with its historical heritage. Here, visitors will find ancient ruins and an impressive variety of bird species, including the Mauritius falcon and the Mauritian paradise flycatcher. The hiking trails lead through lush forests and offer many opportunities for bird watching. The Islets National Park covers eight of the 49 islands surrounding Mauritius, including Île d'Ambre. These islands are known for their dense mangrove forests and diverse vegetation, which are home to rare wildlife such as endemic butterflies and the Mauritius White-eye. Efforts to preserve and restore these habitats contribute significantly to conservation in Mauritius. Mauritius' national parks not only offer stunning landscapes, but are also important protected areas for flora and fauna. Visitors can book guided tours and birdwatching walks with biologists to experience the island's natural treasures up close.

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Air Canada picks up Toronto-Brussels

Air Canada has inaugurated its new seasonal nonstop service between Brussels Airport and its global hub at Toronto Pearson Airport, operating up to four times per week. The new route complements Air Canada's existing nonstop flights from Brussels to Montreal. Air Canada offers the most flights between Canada and Belgium and is the only airline to connect the two countries year-round, with up to 11 weekly nonstop flights from Brussels to Toronto and Montreal during the summer peak. The new service between Brussels and Toronto will be operated using the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliner and offers a choice of three classes: Economy, Premium Economy and Air Canada Signature Class, which offers customers superior comfort and convenience in an exclusive cabin with spacious lie-flat seats, personalized service, fine cuisine, additional baggage and access to preferred airport services. All flights are scheduled to optimize connections to Air Canada's extensive North American route network. Seats are bookable through aircanada.com, the Air Canada app, Air Canada's contact centers and travel agents. “We are delighted to launch our new nonstop service between Brussels and Toronto,” said Steven De Bisschop, Regional Manager of Air Canada in Belgium. “Our customers in Belgium will benefit from direct access to one of North America’s most vibrant cities, Toronto, and the wider Ontario region, as well as even greater travel choice with up to 11 weekly nonstop flights connecting Brussels to Canada. Customers can also benefit from Air Canada’s extensive route network from its hubs in Toronto and Montreal, providing convenient onward connections to destinations across

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Spain: IAG establishes new ground handling agent

South Europe Ground Services (SOEGS) is the name of the new company (already registered in the Madrid Commercial Registry) that will provide ramp handling services for Iberia, Iberia Express, Vueling and Level at all Spanish airports, as well as passenger handling services for British Airways, Air Nostrum and Aer Lingus. In addition, it will be able to serve third-party companies at the airports for which Iberia Airport Services has been licensed in the recent Aena tender. This company, 100% owned by IAG and majority owned by Iberia, is the result of the agreement reached on February 2 between Iberia and the unions to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for the handling business and its workers. The new company will be operationally autonomous and will integrate the employees of Iberia's current airport management, who will maintain the terms of the Iberia agreement and retain all their rights. Miguel Ángel Gimeno, currently Director of Ground Operations at Vueling, will be the new CEO of South Europe Ground Services (SOEGS). Gimeno has extensive experience in airport management. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Zaragoza and an MBA from IESE Business School. Over the last 17 years, he has spent most of his career at Vueling, where, in addition to the position of Director of Ground Operations, he has held the positions of Director of OCC and Director of Crew and Inflight Services. For the CEO of SOEGS, “taking on the leadership of this new company within the IAG Group is a real challenge. I am

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Small plane suffers accident at Dortmund Airport

At around noon on April 3, 2024, an accident involving a small aircraft occurred at Dortmund Airport. The aircraft had problems taking off and came to a stop in an open area after the end of the runway. The two people on board were able to leave the aircraft with minor injuries. The runway had to be closed for around an hour. The BFU has already begun its investigation. A Ryanair aircraft was affected by the closure. The aircraft landed around 15 minutes late and did not have to be diverted.

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GetJet: next subsidiary at the start?

The Lithuanian charter specialist GetJet Airlines only launched a subsidiary in Malta, Airhub Airlines, in the summer of 2020. Now another company has been founded in Latvia. Or not? Not much is known about the new company in Latvia. On February 25, 2021, SIA "GetJet Airlines Latvia" was entered into the Latvian company register. In the meantime, the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO has also assigned a corresponding code for the Latvian GetJet: DML GetJet has not yet responded to a request from Aviation.direct, but we do know a little more about the Latvian GetJet. This company is not, as one might assume, a new company. Previously, the name Diamond Sky LV was used and thus belonged to the Estonian Diamond Sky. The Estonian company mainly operates with smaller business jets, turboprops and some helicopters in the VIP segment. Under the brand Ruhnu Saare Lennutransport, a Britten-Norman Islander is also operated on scheduled flights from Pärnu to the islands of Ruhnu and Kuressaare. Now it seems as if Diamond Sky has sold its Latvian subsidiary to the charter and ACMI specialist GetJet Airlines. But our research tells a different story here too. The Estonian investment company KK Diamond Group OU is still registered as the owner. Ken Koort and Karl Koort (owners of KK Diamond) are also the same people as those registered for the Estonian Diamond Sky. There is much to suggest that GetJet Airlines Latvia will also enter the charter and ACMI market after the AOC is granted. But as long as neither Riga nor Vilnius

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