Tag: Italy (Page 1 of 7)

Milan court rules in favor of ryanair online distribution model

February 14, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Milan, Italy, February 14, 2023 – Ryanair Holdings PLC (Dublin: RYA), Europe’s No.1 airline, today welcomes the judgments of the Milan Court of Appeal conclusively rejecting Lastminute and Viaggiare’s claims that Ryanair’s exclusive online distribution model constitutes an abuse of a dominant position.

Ryanair has long campaigned to protect customers from price gouging by OTAs who continue to dupe unsuspecting consumers by unlawfully scraping Ryanair’s website, including by overcharging for air fares and ancillary services, using fake customer accounts, fake customer payment cards and fake customer emails. This can be hugely detrimental to customers who, apart from being overcharged, cannot access their Ryanair bookings, make the necessary security declarations, access refunds, or receive direct email communications (such as online check-in reminders) from Ryanair. This historical and precedent-setting Court ruling is a major step forward in protecting unsuspecting consumers from being overcharged by OTAs, and will help to ensure that Ryanair customers always get the lowest fares, the best customer service, and real time email communications.

Ryanair has recently concluded pro-consumer deals with the OTAs Love Holidays and Kiwi so that they can market our flights to their customers, without hidden mark-ups and with full transparency for passengers to protect them against overcharging.

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.

Solaris wins new hydrogen bus contracts in Barcelona and Essen

February 2, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The CAF Group company has consolidated its leading position in the thriving hydrogen city bus market with two new contracts for the supply of 57 vehicles for a combined value of over 40 million Euros for Barcelona, Spain and Essen, Germany. Solaris’ experience in rolling out hydrogen technology has seen 40 operators in 10 European countries already place their trust in the company, having won orders for in excess of 700 vehicles.

Supported by the ongoing development of the hydrogen vehicle market and the increasing orders for hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses, Solaris has intensified its business activity in this segment over the recent months. In fact, in connection with this technology, last year Solaris made a major investment constructing a new building exclusively to manufacture hydrogen-powered buses.

Solaris’ substantial backlog, which includes supplies to various operators in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Slovakia, illustrates the current relevance of this market. While 99 hydrogen buses were registered in Europe in 2022, pending official data for 2023, at the end of the third quarter of the year a total of 137 new bus registrations had already been made in Europe, representing a 38% increase compared to the 12 months in the previous year. If we add the data for the last 3 months of 2023, the figures would undoubtedly reveal how strongly this sector has grown and how much Solaris has contributed to this situation. Just a few years ago, specifically in 2018, not one single hydrogen bus was registered in Europe.

Alstom to build two infrastructure sections on Florence tramway Line 4

January 12, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

January 12, 2024 – Alstom SA (Paris: ALSO), a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a contract by the Municipality of Florence, valued at € 50 million for the construction of track, catenary, substations, and lighting system for Line 4.2 of the city’s tram system, with an option for Line 4.1, worth €49 million.

The tender was awarded to a temporary consortium of companies composed by the mandated company CMB together with Alstom, Hitachi Rail and ComNet, and covers operations spanning across a distance of 5.3 kilometres (11 stops) of Line 4.2 Campi Bisenzio-Piagge. The Line 4.2 will connect Le Piagge station to San Donnino and from there to the centre of Campi Bisenzio.

The contract includes an option, for the second lot, which will cover the 6.3 kilometres of Line 4.1 Piagge-Leopolda (13 stops) will connect Line 4.2 with the city centre.

The project is financed by National Recovery and Resilience Plan funds.

The works will be carried out by the System & Infrastructure team in Rome and the components for the electric traction will be designed and supplied by the Alstom site in Valmadrera, Lecco.

Forward-Looking Statements

Leonardo AW169 capabilities to grow with increased Gross Weight and 11 seat configuration

October 30, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Rome, Italy, October 30, 2023 – The Leonardo S.p.A. (OTC: FINMY) AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter’s operational capabilities and range of options will grow further with the launch of a 5,100 kg (11,243 lb) IGW kit and an 11-seater configuration fully compliant with the IOGP (International Association of Oil & Gas Producers) Report 690. Both will be made available for the aircraft version with skid landing gear.

Compared to the standard 4,800 kg (10582 lb) Maximum Take-off Weight, the extra 300 kg (661 lb) available with the 5,100 kg IGW kit allows the embarkation of three more passengers or the addition of fuel for approximately one hour of operations. Existing operators of the type’s version with skids will be able to retrofit the 5,100 kg IGW kit to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities.

As an additional option, the 11-seater configuration, fully compliant with the IOGP Report 690 (Offshore Helicopter Recommended Practices), will introduce a new modular fuel tank system and two additional Type IV emergency exits in the cabin, increasing the total number from four to six. The 11 seats configuration will be available for the skid-fitted version in combination with the 5,100 kg IGW kit. This solution will allow the type to satisfy even more demanding offshore transport requirements in terms of payload, range, and compliance with IOGP latest standards.

This configuration will allow a radius of action of up to 75 nm with 11 passengers, therefore offering capabilities typically achievable with types with a MTOW exceeding 5.5 tons (intermediate class) at a light intermediate class cost of operations as well as granting latest safety standards compared with legacy helicopters. It will also deliver greater sustainability versus ageing types in the relevant weight category thanks to a more efficient powerplant, advanced navigation, modern support and maintenance approach, among other solutions. The Certification of the IGW increase is expected in 2024 while the 11-seater configuration with new modular fuel tank is planned for certification in 2026.

These latest operational capabilities will add to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certifications of the skid undercarriage and unique IFR, single pilot, Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes, both achieved in late 2022. With the skid configuration certification, the AW169 became the only modern CS29-certified aircraft able to offer all undercarriage solutions, further demonstrating the versatility by design of the type. The AW169 is also the only helicopter in its weight category that features Advanced SAR Modes. The performance increase packages previously developed had already enhanced engine performance and capabilities, transmission ratings and available payload through engine software updates and aircraft aerodynamics modifications, making the type the helicopter with the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release 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.

Alstom to present Italy’s first hydrogen powered train at EXPO Ferroviaria 2023

October 1, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

28 September 2023 – Alstom SA (Paris: ALSO), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, will be present at EXPO Ferroviaria 2023, the exclusive B2B exhibition in Italy dedicated to the railway industry, taking place from 3rd to 5th of October 2023 at Fiera Milano Rho. Throughout the event, Alstom will showcase a wide range of solutions and technologies to consolidate its position as a leader in smart and sustainable mobility.

At 12:45 p.m on October 3rd, during the event’s opening day, Alstom and FNM will hold an official ceremony attended by key institutions, customers and partners. During this event, both companies will together unveil the hydrogen-powered Coradia Stream, a hydrogen train with zero direct carbon emissions equipped with fuel cells. This train is set to enter commercial service in Valcamonica, running along the non-electrified Brescia-Iseo-Edolo line operated by Ferrovienord and Trenord. This marks the train’s debut appearance in Italy.

Additionally, on the event’s first day, at 3 p.m., visitors can join Alstom and Infra.to at the Alstom booth n°E48 located in the EXPO Ferroviaria venue, for the official presentation of the new Metropolis train for Line 1 of the Turin Metro. This presentation will also showcase the state-of-the-art Urbalis driverless radio signalling system.

Hapag-Lloyd successfully completes SM SAAM terminal business acquisition

August 1, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Hapag-Lloyd (OTC: HPGLY) today successfully completed its 100 % acquisition of SM SAAM’s terminal business and related logistics services, which is based on an agreement announced in October 2022. The transaction was approved unconditionally by the relevant antitrust authorities of all countries involved in this acquisition process.

Investing in terminal infrastructure is a key element of Hapag-Lloyd’s strategic agenda, and Latin America is one of its key markets. The transaction includes interests in terminals in Iquique, Antofagasta, San Antonio, San Vicente and Corral (Chile), Port Everglades (United States / Florida), Mazatlán (Mexico), Buenavista (Colombia), Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Caldera (Costa Rica) as well as related logistics services. The acquisition will further strengthen Hapag-Lloyd’s core liner shipping business and help the carrier to build up a robust and attractive terminal portfolio.

The new entity will be led by its CEO, Mauricio Carrasco, who has been Managing Director for the Terminals Division within the SAAM Group since 2020. Mauricio Carrasco is an experienced senior executive with long-standing experience in Latin America and globally. He has served as Senior Vice President of Development at CSAV and as Senior Director at Hapag-Lloyd, with responsibilities in the Americas, China, Dubai, and India. Rodolfo Díaz, former Senior Director Business Administration Region Latin America at Hapag-Lloyd, will join him as CFO.

Hapag-Lloyd has continuously expanded its involvement in the terminal sector and holds stakes in the Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven, the Container Terminal Altenwerder in Hamburg, the Italy-based Spinelli Group, the India-based J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited, Terminal TC3 in Tangier, and Terminal 2 in Damietta, Egypt, which is currently under construction.

Alstom and RAILPOOL sign a contract for 50 Traxx Universal locomotives

July 24, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

July 24, 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and RAILPOOL, one of Europe’s leading rail vehicle leasing companies, have signed a contract for 50 Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives. The contract is valued at up to 260 million euro.

The Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives can be operated for freight and passenger corridor services. Characterised by both high reliability and flexibility in combination with an optimised power consumption, the locomotives are a proven solution for efficient cross-border operations. Extended maintenance intervals allow for less interventions to ease operational planning, reduce costs and increase availability. The locomotives will cover operations in eight countries, namely Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and Poland.

The engineering of the locomotives will be done at the Alstom site in Mannheim, Germany, while final assembly is planned to take place in Kassel, Germany. Other sites involved are Wroclaw, Poland (carbody shell production), Siegen, Germany (bogies production), and Zurich, Switzerland (project management).

Stadler wins a contract for green battery powered rail transport in Austria

July 22, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) has awarded Stadler (Swiss: SRAIL) a framework agreement for up to 120 battery- powered trains. The FLIRT Akku vehicles are designed to replace the current diesel fleet and will enable sustainable operation on lines that are only partially electrified. The signing of the framework agreement and the initial order for 16 FLIRT battery is expected to take place in autumn 2023. This contract and the recent successes in the USA, Germany and Italy once again confirm Stadler’s leading position in battery and hydrogen green propulsion technology.

The new trains are FLIRT Akku vehicles – the battery-powered version of Stadler’s best-selling FLIRT model, which has already sold over 2,500 units worldwide. They are intended for use in the eastern region in Austria, where they will replace the current diesel fleet. The FLIRT Akku model allows sustainable rail operation on non-electrified line sections by charging the traction batteries while travelling under an overhead contact line.

Rail transport is the most sustainable mobility solution of all. Shifting passenger and freight transport to rail therefore plays a central role in combating climate change. However, the rail networks in many countries are only partially electrified or not electrified at all – as is the case in Austria. Stadler has consistently expanded its alternative propulsion portfolio in recent years and is currently assisting rail operators worldwide with the decarbonisation of rail transport. Depending on the area of application, Stadler offers its customers tailor-made solutions with battery, hydrogen or even hybrid propulsion.

Akiem & Alstom sign new framework agreement for 100 Traxx locomotives

July 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

17 July 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and Akiem European rolling stock leasing company have signed a framework contract for 100 Traxx Universal multi-system (MS3) locomotives. The firm part of the order includes 65 locomotives. The total amount of the framework agreement is up 500 million euros. Akiem confirms its leadership on the leasing European market and its ambition to contribute to the rail market’s accelerating activities, with major investment on corridors from France to 12 other European countries.

The Traxx Multi-system locomotives benefit from optimised energy consumption and can run both Freight and Passenger operations at a speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour. They will cover operations in 12 European countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia. As a unique feature for multi-system locomotives, a part of them will be delivered with the last mile feature enabling to access ports, terminals or industrial sites without the need of a shunting locomotive.

All locomotives will be equipped with the leading signalling system ATLAS, Alstom’s onboard solution for the European Train Control System (ETCS). This system comes with the broadest coverage of countries and lines, both in ETCS as well as for legacy system operation, and superior two-out-of-three architecture.

Final assembly is planned to take place at the Alstom site in Kassel, Germany. Deliveries of the units are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2028.

RYANAIR celebrates 15-year base anniversary and 33M passengers at Edinburgh Airport

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Ryanair (NYSE: RYAN), Edinburgh’s No. 1 airline, today (6^th July) celebrated the 15-year anniversary of its base and 33 millionth passenger at Edinburgh Airport. Ryanair first began operating to/from Edinburgh Airport in 2001 with its first flight from Dublin. The airline has since grown to become Edinburgh Airport’s biggest carrier operating a record schedule for Summer ’23, with over 590 flights per week across 69 routes, incl. 6 new routes – Belfast, Bournemouth, London, Newquay, Rhodes, and Venice – on its 11 based aircraft, which represent a $1.1 billion investment and support over 3,800 local jobs.

To celebrate the 15-year anniversary of Ryanair’s Edinburgh base, as well as 33 million passengers and its record-breaking Edinburgh schedule for Summer ‘23, the airline has launched a special seat sale with fares from £29.99 for travel between July and Sept available only at Ryanair.com.

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