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Bhutan Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Hong Kong

Bhutan Airlines is set to expand its international operations with the launch of direct flights between Paro International Airport and Hong Kong. The new route is scheduled to commence on 27 January 2025, marking a significant step in the airline’s strategy to enhance connectivity and cater to increasing demand for travel between Bhutanand East Asia.

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Air Austral to Add Leased Hi-Fly Malta A330-200 for Dzaoudzi Route

Air Austral, the airline based in Reunion, has announced plans to operate a leased Hi-Fly Malta Airbus A330-200 on its Dzaoudzi – Nairobi – Paris Charles de Gaulle – Dzaoudzi route. The aircraft will be deployed during the peak travel period between 14 December 2024 and 23 January 2025 to accommodate increased passenger demand.

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Utair Added to EU Sanctions List for Defense Ministry Ties

Utair, a Russian airline, has been added to the updated sanctions list of the European Union (EU), following accusations of its role as a “contractor for the Russian Ministry of Defense”. The decision reflects the EU’s ongoing measures to impose restrictions on entities linked to Russia’s defense activities.

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Qantas Reaches $76.2 Million Settlement with Transport Workers Union

Qantas Airways, Australia’s flagship carrier, has reached a settlement with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to provide $76.2 million in compensation to former ground workers who were dismissed in 2020. The agreement concludes a long-running legal dispute over the controversial outsourcing of ground handling jobs.

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Lufthansa Urges Suspension of EU-Qatar Air Transport Agreement

Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, has urged the European Commission to suspend the EU-Qatar air transport agreement, citing concerns over its “radically unequal” terms and serious corruption allegations. The agreement, which liberalizes market access between the EU and Qatar, has come under increased scrutiny in recent months.

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Korean Air President Woo Kee-hong to Be Promoted to Vice Chairman

Korean Air has announced the promotion of its current president, Woo Kee-hong, to the position of Vice Chairman as part of the airline’s regular executive reshuffle scheduled for January 2025. This leadership change underscores Korean Air’s focus on strategic growth and operational excellence as it navigates the evolving global aviation landscape.

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Interjet in Talks to Resume Flights by 1Q 2025

Interjet, the Mexican airline, is in discussions with potential investors to resume operations by the end of the first quarter of 2025. According to the airline’s chairman, Alejandro Del Valle, the plan involves a $500 million investment to restart flights, with operations centered at Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).

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TAAG Signs Long-Term Aircraft Component Deal with Lufthansa Technik

TAAG Angola Airlines has entered into a long-term agreement with Lufthansa Technik (Germany) to provide aircraft component services for its brand-new fleet of Boeing 787s. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in TAAG’s fleet modernization strategy, ensuring reliable maintenance support for its operations.