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Jan Gruber

Air India must save money: Employees should share hotel rooms

Jan Gruber 4 October 2024 04:31

Amid the impending merger of Air India and Vistara, the long-established Indian airline is planning a measure that is causing a stir within the industry and among cabin crew: From December 1, 2024, selected members of the cabin crew will be required to share hotel rooms during stopovers. This decision is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce operating costs and harmonize company policies with the recently acquired airline Vistara. The merger, which will be completed in the coming months, presents Air India with numerous challenges, particularly in dealing with staff. Many flight attendants are concerned about this change, which is seen as a cut in their working conditions. The cost-cutting strategy in detail Until now, Air India's cabin crew have been entitled to single rooms in hotels during their stopovers. This is set to change from December by forcing staff to share accommodation - a practice that is already common practice at Vistara, Air India's sister airline. However, the new guidelines do not affect all staff: only cabin managers and cabin executives are exempt from the regulation and are still allowed to use single rooms. While sharing hotel rooms represents a significant cost saving for Air India, the airline is planning to increase the overnight allowance for international flights in return. This allowance currently ranges between 75 and 125 US dollars, depending on the location. With the new regulation, it is expected to rise to 85 to 135 US dollars. In addition, the meal plans for domestic flights will be adjusted: in future, cabin crew will receive all meals during working hours, not just breakfast. This should at least partially offset the effects of the new room policy.

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KLM in crisis: High costs and strategic adjustments for the future

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 18:02

The Dutch airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is facing a period of profound change. Despite increasing revenues, the traditional airline is struggling with high costs that exceed sales growth. To ensure financial stability and its long-term competitiveness, KLM has announced a comprehensive package of measures. The aim is to improve operational performance, increase cost efficiency and continue to play a leading role in the aviation industry. But the challenges are enormous. Financial challenges despite full flights KLM is in a difficult financial situation, although demand for air travel has increased sharply. The airline recorded an impressive 2023% load factor of its flights in the first half of 87,1 - a sign of the recovery in air traffic after the pandemic. Nevertheless, capacity remains below 2019 levels due to ongoing staff shortages and supply chain problems. Rising operating costs, including higher fuel prices and rising salaries due to the global labor shortage, are hitting the airline hard. To counteract this, KLM plans to improve its operating result by EUR 450 million. The airline is focusing on increasing its profit margin in the long term, which it aims to increase to over 2026% in the period 2028-8. Fleet renewal as a strategic goal A central part of KLM's strategy is the renewal of its fleet. In recent years, the airline has made significant investments in more fuel-efficient aircraft. The introduction of new models such as the Airbus A321neo and the Embraer E195-E2 is intended not only to reduce operating costs, but also to support the company's sustainability goals. Modern aircraft consume less

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Berlin Berlin: The Brilliant Return of the Roaring Twenties to Vienna

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 17:44

On January 14, 2025, Vienna's Museumsquartier will be the setting for a dazzling journey back in time to the vibrant 1920s: the award-winning revue Berlin Berlin will celebrate its Vienna premiere. This lavishly staged show, which has already enjoyed great success in Germany, takes the audience back to Berlin in the "Golden Twenties", a time of cultural awakening and social change. With a 30-person ensemble, elaborate costumes and the most unforgettable hits of the era, Berlin Berlin promises an intoxicating spectacle full of joie de vivre, glamour and fun. The show will run from January 14 to 26, 2025 in Hall E of the Museumsquartier, and the premiere on January 15 is eagerly awaited. A central role will be played by Linz musical actor Simon Stockinger, who has already caused a stir in Berlin with his portrayal of the charismatic master of ceremonies "Admiral". With his stage presence and his vocal talent, he brings the Berlin of the 1920s to the stage in a gripping way. A tribute to the dazzling Berlin of the 1920s The 1920s were a time of profound upheaval, and Berlin was at the centre of this cultural and social revolution. After the horrors of the First World War, the city experienced an explosion of creativity and joie de vivre, which was expressed in art, music, fashion and dance. The Revue Berlin Berlin brings back this incomparable attitude to life, which was characterised by freedom, radical change and a fascination for the new. But the 1920s in Berlin were also an era of tension, in which political upheavals and social contradictions were reflected. Unforgettable personalities emerged during this time

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Lufthansa Group increases seat reservation fees significantly

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 17:25

The Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa itself as well as airlines such as Eurowings Discover, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss and Air Dolomiti, raised the prices for seat reservations again at the beginning of October 2024. The group is thus continuing a trend that has already been observed in recent years: the price of additional services is rising continuously. Passengers in economy and premium economy classes are particularly affected by the new price adjustments, but travelers in business class also have to dig deeper into their pockets for special seat options. New pricing models: Greater differentiation by seat type The most important innovation in the current round of pricing is the greater differentiation by seat category. In addition to the well-known standard seats, there are now specific price adjustments for seats in the first row and for seats with more legroom. These categories, which are particularly popular with frequent flyers or on long-haul flights, now come with some significant price increases. According to the Lufthansa Group, the price for standard seats on European flights (Zone 1) has been maintained and is still at least 14 euros. For long-haul flights (Zone 5), however, the cost has increased from 39 to 45 euros. Anyone who opts for a seat with more comfort, such as in the first row or with extra legroom, has to pay significantly more. In the highest price zone, the fee for such a seat in Economy Class can be up to 115 euros. Significant price increases in Premium Economy and Business Class The increases affect not only Economy Class, but also Premium Economy and Business Class. The

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FAA ends tightened oversight of United Airlines

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 13:43

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on October 2, 2024 that it would end heightened oversight of United Airlines. This measure was introduced six months ago due to a series of incidents. After completing the review as part of the Certificate Holder Evaluation Program, the FAA found that there were no significant safety issues. United Airlines can now add new aircraft and services again. The increased oversight was initiated in March 2024 after several safety incidents, which did not result in injuries or deaths, raised concerns. The FAA wanted to ensure that the airline complied with applicable safety regulations.

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Lufthansa postpones opening of new first-class check-in in Frankfurt to summer 2025

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 13:37

The German airline Lufthansa has postponed the opening of its new First Class check-in at Frankfurt Airport. Instead of in autumn 2024 as originally planned, the inauguration will now only take place in summer 2025. The reason for the delay is extensive technical renovation work that has turned out to be more complicated than initially expected. However, the decision to focus more on premium offers remains the focus of the company's strategy. Lufthansa wants to further optimize its customers' travel experience by improving premium services and facilities. These changes are part of a larger initiative to strengthen competition in international air transport, where premium services are becoming increasingly important. In addition, Lufthansa plans to expand its route network and increase customer loyalty through new offers. The premium services should not only offer passengers more comfort, but also a higher level of exclusivity.

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DiscoverEU: 35.500 travel tickets for young Europeans

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 10:08

The European Commission is launching a new call for proposals for the DiscoverEU initiative, which offers young people the opportunity to explore Europe by train. Young people born in 2006 can apply until October 16, 2024 to win one of 35.500 free travel tickets. 709 tickets are planned for Austria. These will allow the winners to travel through Europe for up to 2025 days between March 2026 and May 30. DiscoverEU, part of the Erasmus+ program, enables young people from EU countries and other participating countries such as Norway, Serbia and Iceland to discover Europe and its cultural treasures. Special offers such as the DiscoverEU cultural route take participants to UNESCO World Heritage sites and barrier-free cities. In addition to the travel ticket, participants receive a discount card that offers benefits for public transport, accommodation and cultural offers. Young people with disabilities and health restrictions who receive special support are particularly encouraged. Since DiscoverEU was launched in 2018, 319.000 tickets have been issued. The initiative aims to promote intercultural understanding and encourage young people to use trains more often as a sustainable means of transport.

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ÖBB buys its own headquarters in Vienna

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 09:05

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have acquired their corporate headquarters at Vienna Central Station. The 23-story office building, which has been held by Bank Austria's real estate fund Realinvest Austria since 2014, was previously leased to ÖBB on a long-term basis. After the previous owner considered selling it to a third party, ÖBB decided to buy the approximately 33.000 square meter building itself. The purchase price was officially kept confidential, but market experts estimate it to be around 150 million euros. With the purchase, ÖBB is securing its central location for the long term and is relying on a sustainable solution for its employees. The building, which offers modern office concepts, is located in the immediate vicinity of Vienna Central Station, which makes it particularly attractive for ÖBB. Insiders report that the family office of an Austrian investor was also interested in the property, but was not awarded the contract. The transaction was first reported by the medium "Gewinn".

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Lufthansa wants to strengthen its premium strategy

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 08:30

In 2024, Lufthansa faces a crucial challenge: While the airline continues to struggle to break even in its core business, CEO Carsten Spohr is relying on a comprehensive premium strategy to turn things around permanently. In view of growing competition and changing travel trends, it is essential for the traditional airline to position itself in the upper segment of the market. This strategy is accompanied by massive investments in a modern fleet and the optimization of operational processes, particularly in the feeder system. The reorientation of Lufthansa's strategy Carsten Spohr announces Lufthansa's direction: "Premium, Premium, Premium." With this philosophy, the airline not only wants to improve its own offerings in the flight market, but also secure its market position in the long term. Spohr emphasizes the immense importance of Lufthansa Airlines, which alone accounts for 44 percent of the entire Lufthansa Group's turnover. Particular attention is being paid to the expansion of the intercontinental and feeder fleet, including the new long-haul product Allegris, which, together with the overhaul of the Business Class in the A380 and the new lounge areas, represents a comprehensive product offensive. The importance of the core Lufthansa brand is undisputed. The airline is not only a central part of the Lufthansa Group, but also the largest hub in the existing network. With the planned takeover of ITA Airways, Lufthansa will expand its reach to a total of six hubs, including Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels and Rome. This will enable more comprehensive links between the hubs and improve the availability of connecting flights. Adapting to demographic trends and travel patterns The aviation industry is constantly changing and Lufthansa must adapt to these changes. Spohr emphasizes that

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Wizz Air opens new training center at Rome Fiumicino Airport

Jan Gruber 3 October 2024 08:01

Wizz Air has opened its new Pilot Training Centre at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The state-of-the-art facility is the company's second training centre after Budapest and is expected to train more than 4.800 pilots annually. Equipped with two Airbus A320 simulators and modern training rooms, the facility offers advanced training opportunities. A third simulator is scheduled to follow in 2025. The opening underlines Wizz Air's commitment to safety and innovation in aviation, as well as the long-term strengthening of its presence in Italy, one of its most important markets. The centre was officially inaugurated on 1 October 2024 in the presence of Wizz Air CEO József Váradi, Managing Director of Aeroporti di Roma Marco Troncone and James Cahill, Vice President of CAE. The investment is also expected to create new job opportunities in the region and underline the importance of Rome Fiumicino Airport as a key European hub.

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