Category: German (Page 2 of 14)

Rocket Lab to launch space situational awareness mission

January 8, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Long Beach, California. January 08, 2024 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has set the launch window for its first mission of 2024.

The ‘Four of a Kind’ mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than January 18 between 19:15-20:00 NZT (January 18 between 06:15-07:00 UTC) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The mission will deploy four Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites for Spire Global, Inc’s (Spire) customer NorthStarEarth & Space (NorthStar). NorthStar´s satellites, built and operated by Spire, will be the first to simultaneously monitor all near-Earth orbits from space, delivering a radically enhanced level of SSA services to the global satellite community, with timely and precise information for space object detection, tracking, orbit determination, collision avoidance, navigation, and proximity alerts.

As a secondary mission, Rocket Lab will be attempting to splash down and retrieve Electron’s first stage as part of the Company’s plan to evolve Electron into a reusable rocket. After launch and stage separation, Electron’s first stage will return to Earth under a parachute and splash down in the Pacific Ocean several hundred kilometers down range from Launch Complex 1. Rocket Lab’s recovery vessel will extract the stage from the water for transportation back to Rocket Lab’s production complex where it will undergo detailed analysis. Rocket Lab is not launching any pre-flown engines as part of this mission.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SBB takes skiers from around the world to the Swiss Alps

January 4, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

In order to meet the demand for sustainable and comfortable travel to winter sports areas, SBB offers direct trains, some of which run seasonally. With Snow’n’Rail, travelers also benefit from attractive discounts.

As soon as the first snow falls, snow enthusiasts from all over the world head to the Swiss slopes. According to Presence Switzerland, around a third of the Swiss population skis regularly. Many tourists also want to explore the Swiss slopes. Switzerland takes sixth place in the ranking of the most popular ski destinations. Many winter sports fans are placing more and more value on sustainable and comfortable travel by public transport. The SBB is also feeling this increasing demand and is therefore offering additional direct trains to the winter sports areas during the winter months. Other direct trains run to popular tourist destinations throughout the year. In addition to direct trains, which have already proven themselves in previous years, new offers will be added in the 2024 winter season.

New direct train to Einsiedeln

From January 13th to March 3rd, 2024, there will be two fast and direct connections from Zurich HB (departures at 8:27 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.) to Einsiedeln (arrivals at 9:19 a.m. and 10:24 a.m.) on the weekends in the morning and back again in the afternoon (departures at 3:32 p.m. and 4:38 p.m.). This RegioExpress takes cross-country skiers and sun-seekers directly to the trail without having to change.

New direct train Zurich HB–Brig

From Christmas to Easter (and on Ascension Day, Pentecost and from June to October) a new, fast direct train runs on Saturdays from Zurich HB (from 7.38 a.m.) with stops in Lenzburg, Thun, Spiez, Frutigen and Visp to Brig (at 9.38 a.m.) . On Sundays the train runs in the opposite direction from Brig at 4:18 p.m., arriving in Zurich HB at 6:32 p.m. The train takes skiers to the ski areas of the Bernese Oberland with a change in Spiez or Frutigen and to the slopes of the Valais ski areas from Visp or Brig. The train runs without stopping in Bern.

Vos Alpes Express

The “VosAlpes Express” has been running between Freiburg and Le Châble on weekends and public holidays from December 16, 2023 to April 14, 2024 (except March 16 and 17, 2024) for three years. The train leaves Friborg at 7:22 a.m. and arrives in Le Châble at 9:15 a.m. From Aigle there is a connection to Champéry to the Les Portes du Soleil ski area and from Bex to the Villars-Bretaye ski area. For the return journey, travelers use the “Verbier Express” at 5:27 p.m. from Le Châble and change in Bex (on the same platform) to the waiting “VosAlpes Express,” which arrives in Freiburg at 7:37 p.m. Supersaver tickets for the train are available in advance. Travelers also benefit from a 30 percent discount on their ski pass in Verbier and a 20 percent discount on the ski pass in Les Portes du Soleil when traveling with the “VosAlpes Express”. Further information can be found on the SBB website “VosAlpes Express”

Verbier Express

The Verbier Express runs between Geneva Airport and Le Châble on weekends and public holidays between December 16, 2023 and April 14, 2024 (except March 16 and 17, 2024). The train leaves Geneva Airport at 7:18 a.m. and Geneva at 7:29 a.m. and reaches Le Châble at 9:39 a.m. Conversely, it departs Le Châble at 5:27 p.m. and arrives in Genève at 7:40 p.m. and Genève-Aéroport at 7:47 p.m. When purchased in advance, travelers benefit from super saver tickets and, when traveling with the “Verbier Express”, a 30 percent discount on the 1-day ski pass for the Verbier sector. Further information can be found on the SBB website “Verbier Express”

Additional direct trains from Geneva to Chur

Since the timetable change in December 2022, two trains have been running directly from Geneva via Bern and Zurich to Chur and vice versa on weekends. Due to high demand, two additional direct trains were introduced on this line with the 2024 timetable. There are now four attractive direct connections in each direction spread throughout the day on weekends. Chur is an ideal starting point for onward travel to the well-known ski areas of Arosa Lenzerheide, Flims-Laax or Davos Klosters, as well as to smaller areas.

Direct train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken

Since the 2023 timetable, leisure travelers and tourists have been taking the IC81 directly and without changing trains from Zurich Airport and eastern Switzerland via Bern to Interlaken East. Direct trains also run with the IC61 from Basel SBB via Bern to Interlaken Ost. From there, the Jungfrau Railway takes snow enthusiasts to the Jungfrau Ski Region, which combines the three areas of Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn. The Zentralbahn also runs from Interlaken Ost to Meiringen for an onward journey to the Meiringen-Hasliberg ski area.

More winter sports trains and extensions

As in previous years, the SBB is also running additional winter sports trains to Chur and Brig this winter, which will run on weekends with particularly high demand. Furthermore, existing trains will be extended where possible and necessary in order to be able to offer more seats.

Snow’n’Rail and winter excursions: Travelers benefit from a discount of up to 30 percent

In the 2023/2024 season, over 25 ski areas are offering public transport travelers up to 30 percent discount on single or multi-day tickets. In addition, when purchasing a leisure offer from Snow’n’Rail, travelers benefit from up to 30 percent discount on the ticket for the arrival and return journey. In addition to ski offers, there are also various winter trip ideas with mountains and views to choose from.

With a Snow’n’Rail ski pass, Intersport Rent gives customers a 15 percent discount on the rental of ski or snowboard equipment. The discount can be obtained both in the shop upon presentation of the ski pass and online.

Luggage transport

For a relaxed journey without heavy luggage, SBB offers luggage transport with which travelers can have their suitcases and ski equipment transported directly from door to door or train station to train station. You can find more information about luggage transport on the SBB website “Baggage check-in”

NSPA awards COMLOG new Patriot missiles contract

January 3, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Luxembourg, January 3, 2024, PRNewswire – The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), and MBDA, their first contract under the European Sky Shield Initiative, or ESSI. With a total value of up to $5.6 billion, the NSPA contract supports a coalition of nations, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain, with a combined quantity of up to 1,000 Patriot® GEM-T missiles, if all options are exercised. The contract includes qualification of updated components, addition of new suppliers, test equipment, and spares to support future sustainment. To support delivery, COMLOG will expand the production capacity of GEM-T missiles in Europe.

GEM-T, the Patriot Advanced Capability 2 (PAC-2) missile interceptor enhanced for defeating tactical ballistic missiles, is a primary effector for the combat-proven Patriot air and missile defense system. The world’s battle-proven air and missile defense system, Patriot is relied upon by eight European nations, and Ukraine, for defense against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and enemy drones and aircraft.

Through this contract, Patriot user nations will realize significant benefits. The bundled procurement, in the spirit of the ESSI, offers economies of scale and supports the expansion of production capacity for new Patriot GEM-T missiles to meet increasing demand. The new production capacity for Patriot GEM-T missiles in Europe enhances security of supply and will contribute to the replenishment of Patriot air defense missile inventories. Finally, the initiative strengthens cooperation among NATO allies in alignment with the ESSI.

Forward-Looking Statements

SWISS to serve new European destinations in Summer 2024

December 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

SWISS will be making further additions to its short-haul route network in its 2024 summer schedules. Service between Zurich and Bremen will be newly offered in summer, too. Oslo will be added to the Geneva-based network; and the existing Geneva destinations of Copenhagen and Stockholm will also be newly served in the summer timetable period.

Bremen, which already enjoys winter SWISS service from Zurich, will now see this continued in the summer timetable period. The North German city boasts an Old Town and historic sights such as the Roland Statue and its fabled Town Musicians, along with a lively arts and culture scene. Attractively located on the River Weser and further featuring extensive shopping and dining options, Bremen is a truly appealing travel destination.

As previously announced, Cluj-Napoca and Košice will also newly join the SWISS short-haul network in summer 2024. Elsewhere, further frequencies will be added between Zurich and various existing European destinations including Alicante, Madrid, Naples, Venice and Vilnius.

New Oslo service from Geneva

Oslo will be added next summer to SWISS’s Geneva network. The Norwegian capital offers visitors a winning blend of contemporary architecture, green parks and cultural highlights such as its famed Opera House. The city is also attractively close to nature – fjords, forests and more – and features a lively culinary scene.

SWISS will also be providing new summer services on its existing Geneva-Copenhagen and Geneva-Stockholm routes. Copenhagen delights with its impressive mix of modern Scandinavian design, historic architecture and relaxed waterside ambience, while Stockholm boasts a picturesque site spread over 14 islands, well-preserved royal palaces and historic Old Town lanes. SWISS travellers will further be offered more frequencies between Geneva and the existing destinations of Athens, Brindisi, Brussels, Catania, Malaga, Palma and Valencia in the 2024 summer schedules.

BVG places order for 50 Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), the Berlin public transport company, has placed an order for 50 state of the art Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses. The buses will be delivered in the years 2024 and 2025. The order can also be extended by up to an additional 650 articulated e-buses. Berlin’s public transport is already served by 140 battery-powered Solaris Urbino buses in the two most popular lengths of 12 and 18 meters.

The Urbino 18 electric buses will be equipped with a 240 kW asynchronous motor, powered by energy from the new generation Solaris High Energy batteries. These batteries are characterized by high energy density, resulting in a high operational range while maintaining low weight. Their recharging will be possible both via a classic plug-in socket and a pantograph. The buses will also be equipped with eSConnect, the manufacturer’s proprietary system, allowing to increase operational efficiency and streamline vehicle servicing.

The prestigious contract with BVG is a good opportunity to summarize the previous orders for Solaris battery buses, which have been carried out by the manufacturer for a decade. Nearly 2,300 Urbino electric buses are already operating on the streets of European cities. Orders for more than 700 further e-buses are in process with a deliveries scheduled for the years 2024-2025.

South African Airways expands partnership with SunExpress

December 26, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Johannesburg, South Africa – South African Airways (SAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SunExpress (a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines), to support the national carrier’s operations with four aircrafts in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The MoU is an add-on to the current six-month damp lease agreement, which was started in October this year and include the lease of two Boeing 737-800’s as well as maintenance and cockpit crew. The MoU was signed by SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki and SAA CEO Prof. John Lamola at a joint press event in Johannesburg, on Thursday, 14^th December 2023.

In addition to plans to increase the number of damp lease aircraft, SAA and SunExpress are currently exploring options for a multi-year reciprocal capacity support and further cooperation with regards to maintenance, training and commercial support.

Lufthansa Group orders another 40 Airbus A220 aircraft

December 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, December 19, 2023 – The Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) Supervisory Board decided to place a firm order for an additional 40 Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) A220-300s for its short and medium-haul fleet. The A220 has been in service with the Group since 2016, when SWISS put the first aircraft into scheduled service.

With its latest order Lufthansa reinforces its long standing relationship with Airbus. Since the A300 in the 1970’s, Lufthansa Group has operated all members of the Airbus product family, from the A220, A320-Family, A330, A340, A350 and the A380.

Forward-Looking Statements

Rolls-Royce powers Europe’s first inland ferry

December 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (London: RR) powers Europe’s first inland ferry using a high-speed mtu Series 4000 gas engine has just gone into operation on Lake Constance, Germany. The ferry, which was recently christened Richmond, will cross Lake Constance eight to nine times a day, carrying up to 700 passengers and 64 cars from Meersburg to Constance and back. It joins a fleet of five other ferries that are all powered by mtu engines.

The Richmond is the first inland ferry in the world to be powered by high-speed, gas-only engines. The two eight-cylinder mtu Series 4000 engines each provide 746 kilowatts of power and operate with less noise and vibration than a diesel engine, while keeping emissions below the current IMO III nitrogen oxide limits, even without exhaust gas aftertreatment.

A multipoint gas injection system ensures dynamic acceleration behaviour while the turbocharging system enables sufficient power reserves throughout the entire speed range for difficult driving manoeuvres.

In the future, the ferry operator hopes to run the ship on bio-liquified natural gas (LNG) and thus be completely climate-neutral.

Click the link to read the full story! – Lake Constance high-speed ferry!

Forward-Looking Statements

Lufthansa Group to buy up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets

December 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Seattle, Washington, December 19, 2023, PRNewswire – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and the Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) today announced a landmark 737 MAX order for up to 100 jets that will see Europe’s largest airline group restore the Boeing 737 family into its fleet. The commitment includes a firm order for 40 737-8 airplanes with 60 options.

Boeing’s ongoing commitment to support the sustainability goals of its airline partners is reflected in the 737 MAX’s efficient design. The 737 MAX reduces CO₂emissions by 20% and has a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to older generation airplanes. 737-8 will help the Lufthansa Group meet those sustainability targets with significant improvements in fuel use, emissions, and community noise impacts, all while reducing costs for the airline.”

Lufthansa launched the Boeing 737 in 1967, taking delivery of the first of 146 737s until its final delivery of a 737-300 in 1995. The airline retired its last 737 in 2016 as it started its group wide fleet modernization program. The Lufthansa Group has placed a series of wide-body orders in recent years to accelerate replacement of older airplanes. Its current backlog include firm orders for 34 787 Dreamliners, seven 777-8 Freighters and 20 777-9 airplanes.

Forward-Looking Statements

Lufthansa Group completes sale and leaseback of twelve aircraft

December 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) has entered into an agreement for a sale and lease back of twelve short-haul aircraft. The transaction reflects the Group’s strategy to finance investments in new aircraft through a mix of cash, Japanese Operating Leases (JOLCO’s) and operating leases. The sale and lease back supports the modernization of the fleet of the Lufthansa Group Airlines. New and modern aircraft lower fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and improve ex fuel unit costs.

The transactions were executed with two counterparties, Clover Aviation Capital and long-term business partner BBAM (Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management), for the sale and lease back of twelve Airbus A320 family aircraft at favorable commercial terms. The aircraft are up to two years old and are currently operated by Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa CityLine and Eurowings. The sale generates proceeds of 600 million EUR in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the aircraft leased back for a term of 72 months. The resulting lease obligation is recognized as debt under IFRS 16 and amounts to 200 million EUR.

A book gain of 100 million EUR resulting from the sale will be recognized in EBIT. The book gain will not be included in Adjusted EBIT, with the transaction already included in Lufthansa Group’s financial outlook. This assumes net capex to amount between 2.5 and 3 billion EUR in 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements

New direct train to Einsiedeln

New direct train Zurich HB–Brig

Vos Alpes Express

Verbier Express

Additional direct trains from Geneva to Chur

Direct train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken

More winter sports trains and extensions

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