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Jan Gruber

Swiss-A220 makes unscheduled landing in Friedrichshafen after error messages and smoke formation

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 14:35

A flight operated by Swiss airline Swiss, en route from Belgrade to Zurich, made an unscheduled landing at Friedrichshafen Airport today, July 7, 2025. During the flight, the Airbus A220-300 encountered error messages in the cockpit and slightly visible smoke in the rear of the cabin. The crew acted according to the prescribed safety protocols and decided to land immediately at the nearest suitable airport. The landing was uneventful, and neither passengers nor crew members were injured. The incident is now being investigated by Swiss and the relevant authorities, while the passengers are being transported by bus to Zurich. The incident: Smoke in the cabin and error messages The affected flight, Swiss LX1413, was en route from Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade to Zurich Airport, one of Switzerland's most important hubs. During the flight, which was scheduled to last approximately one and a half hours, error messages occurred in the cockpit of the Airbus A220-300. At the same time, slight smoke was detected in the rear of the cabin. Smoke in the cabin, even if only slight, is always a serious warning signal in aviation and requires immediate action. The causes can be varied, from technical defects in the on-board electronics or air conditioning to overheated components. The flight crew, consisting of the pilots and cabin crew, reacted promptly and professionally. In accordance with the strict safety protocols provided for such emergencies, it was decided to proceed to the nearest suitable airport. In this case, this was Friedrichshafen Airport on Lake Constance. The rapid decision to make an alternative landing is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

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Portuguese government resumes TAP privatization after new elections

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 14:06

Following a serious government crisis and the new elections in May, the new Portuguese minority government under Prime Minister Luis Montenegro plans to resume the privatization of the national airline, TAP Air Portugal. Recently, the government had been leaning toward a partial sale of the airline to a strategic partner. The resumption of the process is expected to be imminent, following the victorious elections of the center-right AD party coalition, albeit without an absolute majority. The TAP privatization process came to a standstill in the spring of this year due to the government crisis at the time. According to media reports, the Portuguese government has now received two independent valuation reports on TAP from Banco Finantia and the auditor EY. These reports form the basis for negotiations with potential buyers. The circle of interested parties is broad and includes major European aviation groups such as the International Airlines Group (IAG), Air France-KLM, and the Lufthansa Group, all of which have expressed strategic interest in TAP. Given the new government's lack of its own parliamentary majority, a compromise on privatization will be necessary. According to information from Bloomberg, Portugal recently leaned toward selling 49 percent of TAP shares to private investors. A key point on which the government and opposition agree is the importance of future hub traffic in Lisbon. A new owner must ensure that Lisbon continues to play a central role as a hub. This underscores the strategic importance of the airport for Portugal's economic development and its connection to important long-haul markets. Lufthansa's interest in TAP Air Portugal is not new. As early as February 2020, there were reports of a

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Fight on Frontier Airlines flight raises questions about flight safety

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 12:48

A recent physical altercation aboard a Frontier Airlines flight between Philadelphia and Miami has renewed concerns about the rising number of disorderly passengers in American air travel. One man ended up in the hospital and subsequently in jail after a fight. This incident is not an isolated incident, but rather the latest in a disturbing series of disruptions and aggression on board aircraft. While airlines and regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are taking increasing measures to curb this problem, the latest development shows that the challenge of ensuring a safe and enjoyable air travel remains acute for all involved. Chaos in the airspace: The brawl on the Frontier flight The incident occurred this week on a Frontier Airlines flight when two men got into a physical altercation within a row of seats on the Airbus jet. As the New York Post reported, the aggressor, Ishaan Sharma, a New Jersey resident, was allegedly making strange comments and muttering threats before the attack. He was even heard making death threats, prompting a concerned passenger to press the flight attendant's call button for help. Sharma then turned around and grabbed the whistleblower, Keanu Evans, by the throat. The ensuing altercation resulted in Sharma being punched several times by Evans. Other passengers even begged Evans to stop when he reciprocated Sharma's aggression. After landing in Miami, Sharma was arrested by authorities and subsequently taken to the hospital and jail. Frontier Airlines was not immediately available for comment. However, Keanu Evans did not comment.

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Surace Cucina Linz once again named best pizzeria in Upper Austria

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 10:53

Surace Cucina Linz has once again been named Upper Austria's best pizzeria by the Falstaff community in 2025. This recognition, which has already been received several times, underscores the restaurant's commitment to traditional pizza craftsmanship and authentic Italian cuisine. Since its opening in 2021, Surace Cucina Linz has established itself as a place that aims to offer guests a "moment of Italy" in the heart of the Upper Austrian capital. According to those responsible, the secret of the pizza lies in the dough, which is prepared by experienced pizzaioli according to a family recipe that has been passed down for generations and is continually refined. After a rest period of 50 hours in a wood-fired oven, the dough acquires its unmistakable Italian flavor. Carmelo Surace, the restaurateur and ice cream expert behind Surace Cucina, was delighted with the repeated award and emphasized that the restaurant's goal is always to serve guests authentic Italian specialties and warm hospitality, just like at home. Restaurant manager Carmela Martino points out that classics such as San Daniele, Diavola, and Capricciosa are highly valued both in Italy and in Linz. Marco Natali, the pizzaiolo at Surace Cucina, comes from Apulia and has perfected the art of pizza making over the years. He prepares the dough daily from high-quality flour from Veneto, which is still ground in traditional stone mills, as well as mother yeast, water, salt, and the house-made Surace olive oil. Natali emphasizes that the most important ingredient is time; only with sufficient aging time can the dough be optimally processed and is easily digestible. At 380 °C in a wood-fired oven, the pizza finally achieves its characteristic flavor. The success of the

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New confectionery and specialty store opens at Hamburg Airport

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 10:47

A new confectionery and specialty store called "Tamme Selection" has opened its doors in the public area of ​​Hamburg Airport. Operated by Lars Tamme – an entrepreneur who already manages several EDEKA branches in Hamburg and at the airport – the store offers a wide selection of sweets, international beverages, and regional coffee specialties. The opening is part of a comprehensive modernization program at the airport aimed at expanding the service, convenience, and product portfolio. The "Tamme Selection" product range includes classics from well-known brands such as Niederegger, Ferrero, and Lindt, as well as exclusive special formats and products that are otherwise rarely available. These include giant-sized American and other international confectionery items, as well as a selection of wines and champagnes, including Moët & Chandon. Regional coffee specialties from Hamburg complement the selection. For visitors who would like to take home a memento of Hamburg, the store also offers a wide range of souvenirs. Berit Schmitz, Managing Director of Hamburg Airport, emphasized the long-standing partnership with Lars Tamme and the joy of being able to offer travelers and visitors a high-quality and diverse range of products. Lars Tamme, owner of the new store, describes "Tamme Selection" as a place for lovers of the special. The store is located on the arrivals level of Terminal 1 and is therefore easily accessible for pick-up persons, travelers, and other visitors. Opening hours are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. The new opening fits into a series of dynamic developments at Hamburg Airport. Numerous new shops and dining concepts have already opened in recent months, including international fashion brands such as Victoria's Secret, Armani

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Schauinsland-Reisen maintains direct contact with Austrian travel agencies

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 10:05

The tour operator Schauinsland-Reisen regularly enlivens the Austrian travel agency scene with its "Taste & Talk" event series. Numerous travel agency employees take advantage of these informal meetings in a relaxed atmosphere to exchange ideas and share information. The initiative deliberately focuses on locations outside of major cities to ensure broader coverage of regional partners. These small but select get-togethers are extremely popular, as examples from Neusiedl am See or Brixlegg in Tyrol demonstrate. The focus is on personal, eye-to-eye conversations, the sharing of first-hand news, and networking in a relaxed environment. This type of direct communication is considered particularly valuable in the travel industry, as it fosters trust and enables sales partners to better understand products and services. Such regional meetings offer an important platform for personal exchange, which is often neglected in the digital age, but remains essential for the successful sales of travel products. Long-standing partners such as Grecotel, Barut Hotels, Explorer, and Condor participated in the recent "Taste & Talk" events, presenting their latest offerings. Schauinsland-Reisen itself also brought the latest information, including hot off the press winter news and exclusive details about the upcoming season. Katharina Larch, Regional Manager for Austria, emphasized the importance of personal proximity to Austrian sales partners: "We want to be present where our partners are – not just in the cities, but also in the regions. It is precisely this down-to-earth approach that defines our collaboration." The events, characterized by a variety of delicacies and a friendly atmosphere, proved successful. The message

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Travel conflicts in Germany: Air travel dominates complaints despite slight decline in the total number

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 09:58

The Arbitration Board for Travel and Transport registered just over 2025 complaints from consumers who had disputes with travel companies in the first six months of 18.800. This is according to the Arbitration Board's latest half-yearly report. Although the total number of complaints submitted decreased slightly compared to the first half of 2024 (around 700 fewer cases), a clear trend is emerging: The vast majority of arbitration requests continue to concern air travel, and this proportion is even increasing slightly. Disputes in rail transport, on the other hand, have become less frequent, which is attributed to the different legal frameworks and the amount of possible compensation in the various modes of transport. Arbitration Board for Travel and Transport: An important authority for consumer rights. Since its establishment in 2010, the Arbitration Board for Travel and Transport has served as an independent contact point for consumers who have problems with air, bus, rail, and ship travel. Its mission is to achieve out-of-court settlements in disputes between travelers and transport companies. Around 400 transport companies are participating in this arbitration process, which they finance themselves. This underscores the industry's willingness to resolve disputes in the interests of customers and avoid lengthy legal proceedings. The existence of such an arbitration body is an important pillar of consumer protection in the travel industry. It offers a low-threshold opportunity to obtain justice without immediately having to resort to legal action. The nature of the complaints is diverse, but the majority concern compensation for delays or cancellations of flights and train journeys. These are the most common causes of dissatisfaction among travelers and represent a significant burden.

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Airbus A220 as a parts donor: Rare and expensive components drive dismantling

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 09:50

A five-year-old Airbus A220, owned by the US leasing company Azorra, has been dismantled and turned into a parts donor. This move, considered a first for the modern aircraft type, highlights the current shortage and high prices for spare parts for the A220, particularly for its geared turbofan (GTF) engines. For Azorra, the value of the aircraft's individual parts appeared to exceed the residual value of the fully functional aircraft. The dismantling took place after Egyptair terminated its entire fleet of twelve A2024s in early 220, and the aircraft were transferred to Azorra. It is expected that other A220s will follow the same fate to meet the demand for components. Egyptair's Farewell to the A220: An Expensive Incompatibility The story of the affected A220 begins with Egyptair, the Egyptian national airline. The airline had put a fleet of twelve Airbus A2019 aircraft into service in 220, hoping to modernize and expand its regional fleet. The A220, originally developed as the Bombardier CSeries, is a modern short- and medium-haul aircraft known for its efficiency and comfort. However, Egyptair's relationship with its A220s proved difficult. The main problem appeared to be the aircraft's vulnerability to maintenance and their incompatibility with the rest of Egyptair's fleet. Aircraft maintenance is a complex and costly undertaking, and if an aircraft type does not fit well into an airline's existing maintenance structures and spare parts supply, it can lead to significant operational difficulties and high costs. In the case of Egyptair, which operates a heterogeneous fleet of Airbus A320s, A330s, A340s, and Boeing 737s,

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Lufthansa plans to use Boeing 787s despite certification hurdles: Blocked Business Class enables earlier departure

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 08:31

Deutsche Lufthansa AG is preparing to deploy its long-awaited Boeing 787 aircraft in scheduled service this fall, despite ongoing certification issues. The airline plans to initially operate the new Dreamliners with a temporary solution that blocks the as yet uncertified Allegris business class seats from Collins Aerospace. This strategic move is intended to alleviate Lufthansa's capacity constraints and accelerate the integration of the state-of-the-art aircraft into the fleet. The first 787 aircraft are expected to enter service on selected routes this fall, although specific destinations and booking start dates have yet to be announced. Certification challenges: Focus on Allegris seats The delivery of a total of 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order to Lufthansa has been delayed for months. The main reason for these delays is pending certification of the new Allegris business class seats from manufacturer Collins Aerospace by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has tightened its crash test requirements, which complicates and lengthens the approval processes for new cabin products. The "Allegris" cabin product is part of a comprehensive investment by Lufthansa in modernizing its long-haul fleet and the passenger experience. It promises greater travel comfort, more privacy, and improved amenities in all travel classes. The centerpiece of the new Business Class are seats that offer various configuration options, including suites with doors and particularly spacious window seats or seats with an extra-long bed. The delays in certifying this key component pose a significant challenge for Lufthansa, as the new aircraft are urgently needed to meet increased demand and optimize operating costs. Lufthansa

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Skyscanner analysis: Last-minute flights still affordable in summer 2025

Jan Gruber July 7, 2025 05:02

Many travelers are hoping for attractive last-minute bargains for their vacation this summer. A recent data analysis by the global travel app Skyscanner shows that such offers can indeed still be found in July and August 2025. The study provides insights into the cheapest travel destinations and the optimal booking times for popular destinations. The analysis is based on flight bookings and search queries from Germany for the travel period of July and August. The top ten cheapest travel destinations in July and August include European cities in particular. Milan leads the list with an average round-trip flight price of 83 euros, followed by Gdansk at 87 euros. Venice and Budapest are also affordable, both averaging 112 euros. Destinations such as Girona in Spain (123 euros) and Zagreb and Zadar in Croatia (128 and 132 euros respectively) also offer relatively low airfares. Skyscanner also points out that flights to popular European destinations are currently available for under €50, including connections such as Baden-Baden to Zagreb from €30 or Frankfurt to Dublin from €30. Skyscanner's analysis also provides recommendations for the cheapest day to travel. According to the analysis, Thursday proves to be the most advantageous day of the week to start your vacation, contrary to the widespread assumption that Saturdays are the most expensive. Surprisingly, Tuesday and Wednesday are the most expensive departure days, according to the data. For popular destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, the best booking time is between four and six weeks before departure (average price: €158). Flights to Istanbul are cheapest between zero and three weeks before departure.

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