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Es werden Posts vom Juli, 2024 angezeigt.

Review: AirBaltic A220-300 Business Class Operated for Swiss International Air Lines

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It was an extraordinary pleasure to test the AirBaltic A220-300 Business Class from Zurich (ZRH) to Hamburg (HAM). The flight was conducted on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) under a so-called wet-lease. Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) currently does not have enough aircraft and crews to fully maintain their flight schedule. Therefore, they rent or lease complete aircraft, along with crews, technical support, and insurance from other airlines. This includes AirBaltic as well as Helvetic. This is known in industry jargon as wet-lease or ACMI-leasing (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance). (c) AirBaltic AirBaltic operates a pure A220 fleet, currently managing 47 aircraft. The number of aircraft is expected to grow to about 100 by 2030. AirBaltic is headquartered in Riga (Latvia) and currently employs more than 2,500 staff. In 2023, their annual revenue was approximately 668 million euros (727 million USD), with a profit of around 34 million euros (37 million U...

Review: Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Business Class

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A Business Class review of Turkish Airlines on a long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER, but used on a short-haul route, was long overdue. That's why I took a closer look at the product and service on the route from Istanbul (IST) to Antalya (AYT). Due to the short distance, with a flight time of 90 minutes, there is of course no classic long-haul onboard service on the Boeing 777-300ER. Nevertheless, the seat product, the crew, and the general comfort can be well tested. The Boeing 777-300ER is a top modern long-haul aircraft and, in Turkish Airlines' configuration, accommodates about 300 Economy Class seats and 49 Business Class seats. The Boeing 777-300ER has a maximum range of 12.000 kilometers. https://youtu.be/n3ONV9-hTps?si=VMrTbw4YC6JoTtZ4 (c) Turkish Airlines By the way, it is the civilian aircraft with the largest engine diameter worldwide! The two engines provide a thrust of 175.000 horsepower. Impressive! Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines is now one of the lar...

SWISS First Class Lounge at Zurich Airport Wins Top Skytrax Award 2024

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Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has once again proven its excellence in providing premium travel experiences, clinching the prestigious Skytrax award for the 'Best First Class Lounge' at Zurich Airport. This accolade, announced at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards, highlights SWISS’s dedication to luxury and superior service. A Crowning Achievement in Luxury The Skytrax World Airline Awards, regarded as the Oscars of the aviation industry, are based on the feedback of over 21 million airline customers. In this year’s awards, SWISS not only secured the top spot for its First Class Lounge but also achieved a remarkable tenth place in the 'World’s Best Airlines' rankings. (c) Swiss International Air Lines / Roger Geu, Head of Lounges Switzerland and Janina Jentner, Maître de Cabine Europe and Customer Experience & Commercial Steering An Unparalleled First Class Experience The award-winning SWISS First Class Lounge in Terminal E at Zurich Airport is designed t...

Review: Swiss A320Neo Business Class

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This was my first flight on an A320Neo, and it happened to be with my favorite European airline, Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss), on the route from Zurich (ZRH) to Hamburg (HAM) in Business Class. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) Swiss is the national flagship carrier of Switzerland, based at Zurich Airport (ZRH). As part of the Lufthansa Group, Swiss stands out as the premium airline within the conglomerate. Not only is it known for its premium service, but Swiss also leads in revenue and profit within the Lufthansa Group. In 2023, SWISS achieved a revenue of approximately 5.6 billion USD and recorded a historic profit of 800 million USD. As of 2024, Swiss operates 87 aircraft, including six active A320Neo planes (2024). The A320Neo features the latest engine technology known as "Geared Turbofan." Along with modern aerodynamic wing tips, called Sharklets, the A320Neo is about 20% more fuel-efficient compared to a standard A320. Noise emissions are significantly lo...

Opening: Park Hyatt Marrakech

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The luxury hospitality market welcomes a stunning new addition as Hyatt celebrates the grand opening of Park Hyatt Marrakech. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Atlas Mountains, this premier resort invites discerning travelers to experience unparalleled luxury and exclusivity in Morocco. A New Landmark in Luxury With its official debut on July 1, 2024, Park Hyatt Marrakech marks the brand's first foray into Morocco, joining the prestigious ranks of Park Hyatt Zanzibar and the upcoming Park Hyatt Johannesburg set to open in 2025. This expansion further solidifies Hyatt's presence in Africa, offering a sophisticated haven for luxury seekers. (c) Hyatt Hotels Corporation Strategically situated on 7.5 hectares of land, Park Hyatt Marrakech is located approximately 9 kilometers from the historic Medina of Marrakech, providing guests with an exclusive retreat away from the bustling tourist areas. Surrounded by palm trees, olive groves, and jacaranda trees, the resort borders...