air

The big showdown: Is life better in Romania than Hungary?

Romania Hungary economy flag

From taxes and salaries to cost of living and family benefits, an insightful comparison between Romania and Hungary reveals slight contrasts in quality of life. While it is an ambitious commitment to demonstrate which of the two countries offers a better life, a video showcased some interesting points.

Romania vs Hungary

Recently, Pénzcentrum has made a comparison of life quality in Romania and Hungary, based on an informative YouTube video. The video delved into a detailed comparison of the quality of life between Hungary and Romania, examining over ten objective indicators. Building on insights from a previous analysis comparing Hungary and Slovakia, the creator aimed to determine “where life is better” using measurable factors. While acknowledging that emotional factors like family ties or national identity often influence personal choices, the video concentrated on economic and social metrics to provide an objective evaluation of living conditions in Romania and its neighbour.

Taxation and salaries

Taxation and salaries in Romania show a notable contrast when compared to Hungary. In Romania, the deductions from gross salaries range between 40-45%, which is significantly higher than Hungary’s 33.5%. However, for minimum wage earners, Romania’s deductions drop to 35.7%, which highlights the burden of taxation on higher salaries. When it comes to minimum wage, Romania holds the advantage with both gross and net figures leading in comparison to Hungary. Conversely, Hungary surpasses its neighbour in terms of average earnings, particularly net salaries, due to the higher deductions imposed in Romania.

Unemployment

Unemployment rates reveal a slight disparity as well, with Hungary reporting 4.5% and its neighbour at 5.4% as of January this year. This indicates a marginally healthier job market in Hungary.

VAT

The Value Added Tax (VAT) landscape further distinguishes these two nations. Hungary imposes a VAT rate of 27%, which is considerably higher than Romania’s 19%. Nonetheless, both countries offer reduced VAT rates on certain products; for instance, Hungary applies lower rates on items like milk (18%), medicines (5%), and newspapers (0%), while its neighbour offers reduced rates for food (9%) and books (5%).

groceries shopping home delivery food
Illustration: Pixabay

Cost of living

In terms of the cost of living, Romania generally presents a lower overall cost compared to Hungary. Renting is also more affordable there, although the difference is less pronounced than the overall cost of living.

Family allowances

Family allowances differ significantly between the two countries. Hungary provides various benefits for families with children up to three years old, including CSED, GYED, and GYES. In contrast, Romanian support extends only up to two years but offers a more substantial allowance at 85% of the salary. While family allowances are higher across the border, Hungary provides more tax relief options for families, particularly those with multiple children and young mothers.

family tax benefits Hungary's population families
Photo: depositphotos.com

Retirement and life expectancy

Regarding pensions and retirement ages, both countries set the retirement age at 65 for men, while women in Romania can retire earlier at 62, with additional reductions possible for each child raised. The average old-age pension – according to the video – stands at approximately HUF 233,500 (EUR 570) net in Hungary compared to around RON 3,014 (EUR 606). Meanwhile, life expectancy rates are closely aligned between the two nations, with Hungary at 76.9 years and its neighbour slightly lower at 76.6 years as of 2023.

Air quality

Air quality assessments by the European Environment Agency rank Budapest at 242nd out of 372 cities for pollution levels, which is relatively better than Bucharest’s position at 314th, indicating poorer air quality.

Public safety

Finally, public safety statistics suggest that Hungary fares slightly better than Romania; data from the World Population Review indicates scores of 1.5 for Hungary and 1.6 for its neighbour in 2023, reflecting a somewhat safer environment in Hungary.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

New cyclone forming: snow may surprise Hungary next week

Snow may surprise Hungary next week

September and October were outstandingly warm this year in Hungary, November is cooler and drier, but next week everything may change thanks to a possible new cyclone sweeping through Hungary on Thursday and Friday, and bringing snow from the Alps.

First snow may arrive in Hungary next week

In the last few days, the weather of the Carpathian Basin was characterised by an enormous anticyclone covering not only Hungary or the Carpathian Basin but half of the continent. Thanks to that anticyclone, the weather was dry and cold in Hungary in the next few days. According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, cold air is to arrive in our region starting next Wednesday. Moreover, another one is to arrive from the North next Friday.

The two cold air masses will merge west of Hungary and form a cyclone over the Alps. That will fundamentally modify the weather of the Carpathian Basin. Since the cold air mass is relatively small, meteorologists do not know where its centre will be. If it is formed over the line of Austria and Northern Italy, we can expect rain in Hungary from Thursday and Friday. Above 4-500 metres, at the feet of the Alps in Hungary, the precipitation may be snow.

Snow may surprise Hungary next week
Photo: depositphotos.com

In the West, the maximum temperature is expected to be 2-4 degrees, while in the East, it will be 10-12 degrees.

Cyclone centre in the West means no snow in Hungary

However, provided the cyclone centre is above France and Switzerland, the temperature will be higher and we cannot expect snow. It will not be warm, but the maximums will be around 5-8 degrees in Western Hungary and 12-17 degrees in the Eastern regions of the country. Furthermore, in that case, a serious amount of precipitation is not likely.

Because of the anticyclone over Hungary, the breeze is moderate, and the air has become polluted. The air is stuck in the Carpathian Basin, so the air quality deteriorated in the region: it has become unhealthy or even dangerous in several Hungarian towns and cities, including Miskolc, Pécs, Kecskemét, Nyíregyháza, Szeged, Székesfehérvár, and Dunaújváros.

Here is a video of the polluted air stuck over Budapest:

Experts recommend that people with cardiovascular problems should spend only limited time breathing the polluted air.

Geomagnetic storm caused Aurora over Hungary again

A solar flare on 6 November caused Aurora over Hungary on Thursday and Friday. It was weak and coloured the evening sky to pink. HERE you may check out some videos of the spectacular phenomenon.

Currently, Hungary’s weather is two-faced. In the Southwest, fog rules the air, so the temperature is much lower. In Keszthely and Fonyód, close to Lake Balaton, thermometers show only 2-3 degrees. Meanwhile, in all other regions of the country, the skies are cloudless and the temperature is above 12 degrees.

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  • Make the most of the mild weather! Temperatures to drop as low as -5°C by Sunday morning in Hungary – read more HERE
  • Aurora was visible in Hungary – impressive PHOTOS and VIDEO HERE

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Beware! Air is unhealthy in several parts of Hungary

Air quality is now “dangerous” in Nyíregyháza and Debrecen, in eastern Hungary, and in Békéscsaba in the country’s southwest, and Tököl, near Budapest, due to a high concentration of airborne particles, the national public health centre (NNGYK) said on Thursday.

In Várpalota, Székesfehérvár, Kecskemét as well as in Kazincbarcika, Sajószentpéter and Miskolc, in the Sajó valley, the air is classified as “unhealthy”.

According to forecasts air quality is not expected to improve over the next two days and may deteriorate over the weekend due to a settled weather.

Read also:

  • Bad news: Budapest and Hungarian cities struggled with alarming air pollution levels in September

Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

Bad news: Budapest and Hungarian cities struggle with alarming air pollution levels

budapest_smog_fog_autumn_kató_alpár_daily_news_hungary polluted

Hungarian cities and towns did not perform well in the latest air quality rankings published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), with Budapest standing out for its high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in the atmosphere.

Budapest and Hungarian towns polluted

budapest_smog_fog_autumn_kató_alpár_daily_news_hungary polluted
Budapest stands out for its high levels of fine particulate matter pollution in the atmosphere. Photo: Alpár Kató / Daily News Hungary

According to the EEA’s recent report, Budapest ranks 242nd out of 372 European cities in terms of air pollution. Other Hungarian cities also scored poorly, with Pécs taking 246th place, Veszprém in 254th, Szeged in 274th, and Győr at 295th.

These rankings are based on the concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air, a metric that reflects long-term exposure risks to human health. A lower rank means cleaner air, and unfortunately, the higher positions of Hungarian cities highlight the significant pollution problem they face.

The focus on PM2.5 particles is due to their harmful nature, Világgazdaság reports. These tiny particles, which can be as small as 2.5 microns in diameter, are considered the most dangerous among common pollutants. They can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health issues like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

In Hungary, poor air quality is linked to around 10,000 premature deaths annually, alongside approximately one million cases of illness each year.

The majority of these health impacts are preventable if actions are taken to curb pollution.

Urgent changes are needed in Europe

The report used data from the last two calendar years, as long-term exposure is typically the most dangerous. Constant exposure to polluted air over time increases the risk of chronic diseases and early death. In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revised its air quality guidelines, recommending that annual average PM2.5 concentrations should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

This is significantly stricter than the European Union’s current target, which allows for up to 25 micrograms per cubic meter. The discrepancy highlights the need for urgent changes to European policies if the continent is to meet global health standards.

“There are countless preventable deaths and illnesses tied to air pollution, which could be avoided if policymakers took decisive action. It’s perplexing why there’s been so much delay in implementing well-known solutions, many of which could rapidly lower pollution levels,” said Judit Szegő, project manager at the Clean Air Action Group. She emphasised that household heating is one of the largest sources of pollution in Hungary.

The biggest sources of pollution in Hungary

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including large-scale public awareness campaigns, financial support for heating alternatives for those in need, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

Szegő also pointed out that tackling traffic-related pollution is another key area where significant progress could be made. “Introducing low-emission zones, creating more 30 km/h speed limit areas, and reforming parking regulations could all contribute to reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality in cities,” she noted.

Meanwhile, the European Union is in the process of reviewing its air quality policies. The goal of this revision is to bring EU regulations in line with the WHO’s updated guidelines, potentially leading to stricter rules for member states, including Hungary. If adopted, these changes could play a critical role in improving the air quality across Europe, protecting public health, and reducing the number of premature deaths linked to pollution.

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New flight from Budapest to Eastern seaside metropolis

New flight from Budapest to China

Hainan Airlines’ new flight from Budapest to a Chinese seaside metropolis close to Hong Kong will commute two times a week and carry passengers with Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Meanwhile, Wizz Air received a new plane with unique graphics.

New flight from Budapest to Shenzen, China

The first plane on the route will take off on 2 August and will commute twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. The aircraft will start its journey in Shenzen at 2 AM and land in Budapest at 7.50 AM. The return flight will take off at 11.40 AM and reach the Chinese metropolis at 4.50 AM the next day, airportal.hu wrote. Travelling to Budapest from Shenzen will “save” you one day and make it possible to do business the whole day despite having slept in the Chinese city.

Hainan Airlines will operate Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes on the route. The company carried passengers from Beijing to Budapest before. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they connected Budapest with Chongqing, a metropolis with a permanent population of over 30 million.

beijing china new flight from budapest
Beijing, China. You can travel to the Chinese capital from Budapest each day. Photo: depositphotos.com

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s foreign minister announced the new flight on his Beijing visit in April. Thanks to the new connection, seven Chinese cities will be available from Budapest with 21 flights. The following Chinese cities are available from the Hungarian capital:

  1. Beijing (4/week)
  2. Shanghai (7/week)
  3. Chongqing (1/week)
  4. Ningbo (2/week)
  5. Xi’an (1/week)
  6. Guangzhou (4/week)
  7. From 2 August: Shenzen (2/week)
huangpu river, pudong, shanghai, china new flight from budapest
Huangpu river in Pudong, Shanghai, China. Source: Pixabay

Wizz Air celebrates partnership with Airbus with special aircraft

Wizz Air received its 132nd aircraft in Airbus’s plant in Hamburg, Germany. The new plane will fly in Wizz Air Malta’s fleet and get a special cover to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cooperation between Wizz Air and Airbus.

Wizz Air ordered their first 12 planes from the European manufacturer in 2004, airportal.hu wrote. The unique plane cover graphics were designed by Éva Kerényi, a Hungarian woman living in Rimaszombat, Slovakia. You may check out some photos of the new aircraft in their article.

Yvonne Moynihan, Chief Corporate and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Officer at Wizz Air Group, said they would like to reduce their carbon emission by 25% by 2030 compared to their 2019 level.

Wizz Air Airbus A321neo
A321 Neo. Photo: Wizz Air

Wizz Air fleet to expand significantly

In 2024, nine more new planes will join Wizz Air’s fleet and they expect 30-40 more in 2025. The Hungarian budget airline will get its first A321XLR with a capacity of 239 passengers in February 2025.

By 2030, Wizz Air will have 449 planes: 47 being long-range A321XLR, 383 A321neo and 19 A320neo aircraft.

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  • Wizz Air closes its base in Hungarian city

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Hungary offers evacuation capacity to EU Battlegroup

hungarian airforce aircraft plane hungary eu battlegroup

Hungary has offered strategic air medical evacuation capacity consisting of an Airbus 319 aircraft and flight and health-care personnel to the Polish-led EUBG battle group, the Hungarian Armed Forces said on Saturday.

hungarian airforce aircraft plane hungary
An aircraft of the Hungarian Airforce. Photo: Daily News Hungary/Mercédesz Hetzmann

The aircraft and staff will not be an active participant in the battle group but prepared to fly 200 hours as supporting capacity in the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025, the press secretary of Brigadier General Csaba Ugrik said. The capacity will be stationed in Hungary, he added.

hungarian airforce csaba ugrik eu battlegroup
Brigadier General Csaba Ugrik (right). Photo: MTI/Ujvári Sándor

If necessary, the aircraft will be used to support EUBG operations in strategic airborne medical evacuation tasks, he said, entailing the evacuation of wounded soldiers to Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava or other airports, the armed forces said.

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Spectacular show: Szeged International Airshow welcomes first 25 pilots

szeged international airshow

The Szeged International Airshow has brought exciting news for aviation enthusiasts, as the first 25 pilots and performances have already received their take-off permits and will surely dazzle the Szeged audience on September 13-14. One of the most prestigious air shows in South Hungary, the Szeged International Airshow will take place in the “City of Sunshine”, Szeged, on September 13-14 this year.

Szeged International Airshow

szeged international airshow
Photo: Szeged International Airshow

The Airshow has been presenting numerous domestic and international pilots, world-famous performances and formations to its audience for years, and this year will be no exception.”In September, Szeged will be the ‘capital’ of aerial attractions, and we are delighted that this event attracts more and more visitors, year after year,” said Viktor Knezevics, Director of Szegedi Közlekedési Kft.

World-renowned pilots and teams thrilling the audience this year include Aero Wasp, Aerobatic Yakers, AutoGyro demonstration, Péter Besenyei, L-29 Delfin, Drone show, Parachute formation jumpers, Flying Dragons, Glider FX, Graviti, Pál Hársfalvi ACROFOX, Jet Marchetti S-211, Jurgis Kairys, Hungarian Aerobatic Team, Marek Choim, MI-2 Helicopter Aerobatics, MIG-15 Formation, Modeling team, Retro Sky Team, Silver Chicken, DAC 1930 Club, The Victors, Fireworks/Kvant Laser, Gyula Vári, Zoltán Veres and many others.

szeged international airshow
Photo: Szeged International Airshow

Along with the first names, the organizers also brought exciting news. Surpassing last year, they are preparing an even bigger and more spectacular night show for the closing day of the event, but even on Friday evening, visitors will be amazed by a program full of spectacular elements.

“In 2023, the unimaginable became a reality, and visitors could see a unique night performance in the country, but this year we are preparing an even grander show,”

added the director.

It is no secret that the 25th FAI Hot Air Balloon World Championship is also taking place during this period, so Szeged Airport is hosting two outstanding events. As a novelty, the programs and visitor areas of the Szeged International Airshow have been moved to the north-western side of the airport to make it even simpler, more comfortable and safer for visitors to admire the performances and balloons.

Tickets for the Airshow can be purchased through the TIXA nationwide ticket office network and at www.tixa.hu, and by joining the event, we can learn even more information.

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Great news: Hungarian air quality excels globally

Air Pollution Air Quality

Good air quality is crucial for a healthy life, and yet it is something that not many have access to globally. Air pollution in Hungary is not perilous, but many towns have room for improvement in colder months. 

An estimated 1 in 9 deaths worldwide can be attributed to air pollution, with around 7 million people dying globally, and 13 thousand in Hungary, due to respiratory diseases caused by poor air quality, according to Index. Polluted air is one of the greatest risks to people’s health.

A recent study from the Swiss IQAir found that out of 134 countries examined, only 10 meet WHO guidelines related to air pollution. While the most polluted cities are the metropolises of Asia, several towns in Hungary could have cleaner air, too, Pénzcentrum reports.

Air Pollution Quality
Illustration: Unsplash / Alexander Tsang

Air quality in Hungary: the general issues

In 2023, IQAir found Hungarian air quality to be good, overall, being the 87th most polluted on the list of the 134 countries studied. The amount of fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, however, was 2.4 times the WHO’s air quality guideline value in 2023.

PM2.5  particles are invisible to the naked eye and are usually born from the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuels, the burning of wood, and industrial processes. The small size of these particles means that they can enter the respiratory tract, the circulatory system, or the brain. Exposure to high levels might lead to heart and lung problems, bronchitis, or asthma.

The five towns in the country with the highest average PM2.5 concentration were Kazincbarcika, Sajószentpéter, Miskolc, Komárom, and Szeged. The relatively higher concentration of PM2.5 in these regions had to do with three primary factors.

The main sources of pollution in the country

In Hungary, IQAir found, the main causes of pollution are cars and motorbikes, especially outdated models which put out more harmful pollutants due to inefficient combustion systems. This is a problem mostly affecting “rural areas, with many vehicles being used way past their best days, not subject to the more stringent rules that a major city might impose on its road users.”

Pollution-environment-climate change

Another important cause of pollution in the country is what the company calls the ‘chimney smoke epidemic’ in the countryside: hundreds of thousands of people using fireplaces and stoves during colder months to heat, often burning waste alongside wood and charcoal. Accordingly, levels of air pollution tend to rise during late autumn and in the winter, when people start turning on their heating.

Third, power plants and factories contribute to pollution significantly, emitting sulfur-oxides into the air, or releasing industrial wastes or byproducts (e.g. microplastics or plastic fumes) into the air or water. Nonetheless, as the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmaceuticals has previously highlighted, the industry sector cannot be considered the most significant polluter in Hungary.

Budapest provides a breath of fresh air

Budapest was the tenth on the list of most polluted towns in Hungary, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 11.7 μg/m3, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category for air quality, as it is above the WHO guideline value of 5 μg/m3.

Comparably, this level of pollution does not come close to the severity of impurity in cities like Delhi with its 102.1 μg/m3, or Peking with 34.1 μg/m3 level. As for the region, the major cities of Central and Eastern Europe performed similarly. Warsaw and Bratislava came slightly after Budapest in air quality, with PM2.5 concentrations of 13.2 and 11.8 μg/m3, respectively, while Prague and Vienna performed better, both with PM2.5 values around 9 μg/m3.

Similarly, according to the ‘Live cleanest major city ranking’ of IQAir, Budapest is among the cities with the best air quality in the world. As of 25 March 2024, it ranks 44th, preceding others in the region, such as Bratislava, Vienna, or Warsaw.

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Controversial measure: will Budapest ban high-polluting cars?

Budapest will ban polluting cars

Official air quality monitoring stations in Budapest regularly indicate lower pollution levels than reality, according to findings from the German Environmental Action Germany (DUH) and the Hungarian Clean Air Action Group. Following a joint air pollution measuring project in the Hungarian capital, it has been suggested that the most polluting cars could face bans, impacting thousands of car owners.

According to portfolio.hu, DUH and the Hungarian Clean Air Action Group shared their results yesterday at the Goethe Institute in Budapest. Their study focused on measuring the concentration of two substances: nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ambient ultrafine particles (PM0.1), with traffic in the Hungarian capital identified as the primary source of both.

Nitrogen dioxide is known to cause respiratory illnesses, chronic inflammation of the lungs and eye irritation, while ambient ultrafine particles can infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to cardiovascular disorders.

Experts from DUH conducted measurements at various locations across Budapest, including close proximity to official air pollution monitoring stations. They noted that the positioning of these stations near green parks could distort the data. Consequently, contamination levels were assessed on busy thoroughfares such as Rákóczi and Üllői streets, as well as Blaha Lujza Square.

Will old cars be banned from Budapest?

The NGOs found exceptionally high nitrogen dioxide concentrations when older vehicles passed by the monitoring devices. That conclusion supports experts’ opinion that only 10% of the cars are responsible for 60% of pollution. Emphasising this point, they asserted in their statement that restricting the circulation of such vehicles could considerably improve air quality in Budapest.

Furthermore, taking cues from German practices, they recommended speed reductions to 30 km/h in narrow streets surrounded by high apartment buildings with poor ventilation. They also said authorities should prohibit high-polluting vehicles from accessing these streets and areas.

A striking disparity in NO2 concentration levels was found in Elizabeth Square compared to readings from the official monitoring station. Consequently, efforts will be made to address this discrepancy with the operator, the Hungarian Meteorological Services.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution ranks as the second leading cause of death globally, excluding infectious diseases, following smoking.

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  • Superb news: Hungarian Wizz Air saves passengers after Ryanair’s announced departure – Read more in THIS article

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Skyward expansion: Wizz Air soars with 200 aircraft and beyond

wizz air a321 aircraft

Wizz Air already boasts a fleet of 200 aircraft, yet there seems to be no halting the influx of 300 more.

With the introduction of the state-of-the-art A321neo, the Hungarian-based budget airline Wizz Air has now expanded its fleet to 200 aircraft. Presently, the average age of the company’s aircraft stands at a mere 4.2 years, and Wizz Air boasts the largest A321neo order book in Europe. Their ambitious “WIZZ500” initiative aims to secure an additional 300 aircraft by the decade’s end.

In December, 13 aircraft encountered engine troubles, a number that continues to rise. According to airportal.hu, the tally of grounded aircraft could soar to 40 by the close of March. Although the average repair duration for these grounded planes is 300 calendar days, the airline is actively mitigating network disruptions, with no imminent base closures anticipated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fiscal year, spanning from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, Wizz Air is poised to welcome 30 new A321neos into its fleet, alongside extending the leases of 13 existing aircraft.

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PHOTOS: Here is how the Hungarian Air Force’s magnificent transport aircraft looks

Hungarian Air Force (Copy)

The first C-390 Millennium of the Hungarian Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight this week in Gavião Peixoto, in Brazil.

According to embraer.com, the first C-390 Millennium of the Hungarian Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight yesterday in Gavião Peixoto. Embraer Defense & Security team flew the aircraft for approximately 4 hours, carrying out a complete assessment of the aircraft, which will now undergo a test campaign ahead of the entry into service with the Hungarian Air Force.

“This maiden flight is a major milestone for the Hungarian C-390 program. The C-390 Millennium is receiving international recognition on the back of its remarkable operational performance and capabilities, and Embraer is ramping up production to address increasing market demand. It is an honor to work with the Hungarian Defence Forces in strengthening their capabilities with the best military airlift solution available. We are keen in further deepening this partnership with the Hungarian Defence Forces, and supporting them well into the future,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

In November 2020, the Hungarian government signed a contract with Embraer to acquire two C-390s. The Hungarian Defence Forces’ aircraft will be the first in the world to have an Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, an essential resource for carrying out humanitarian missions.

Hungary is the third country to have chosen the C-390, after Brazil and Portugal. The Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea have also selected the multi-mission aircraft. The C-390 is redefining military air transport and challenging the logic behind current and future generation platforms, offering multi-mission capability, reliability, and interoperability built by design.

The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being able to carry out a wide range of missions, such as transporting and launching cargo and troops, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, even operating on unpaved runways, on surfaces such as compacted earth and gravel. The aircraft configured for aerial refueling, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.

Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, and more recently with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has proven its capacity, reliability and performance. The current fleet of aircraft in operation has accumulated more than 11,500 flight hours, with operational availability of around 80% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.

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Here are some photos of the new aircraft:

Air quality ‘dangerous’ in several parts of Hungary

Air quality in Hungary

Air quality is now “dangerous” in many parts of Hungary, according to the national public health centre (NNGYK).

Air quality is qualified as “dangerous” in the Sajó valley, in Putnok, Kazincbarcika, Sajószentpéter and Miskolc, as well as in Nyíregyháza and Kaposvár, the centre said on Friday.

In Pécs, Szeged, Győr, Tatabánya and Hernádszurdok the air is classified as “unhealthy”, while in Sopron, Ajka, Várpalota, Székesfehérvár, Dunaújváros, Százhalombatta, Budapest, Kecskemét, Salgótarján and Debrecen air quality was recorded as “acceptable”.

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Wizz Air CEO shares stinging criticism after Boeing scandal

József Váradi Wizz Air CEO Hungary All You Can Fly

Following the emergency exit incident on an Alaska Airlines Boeing Max 9, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi has called for a significant overhaul in aviation safety measures and operations, sparking a renewed debate within the industry.

Alaska Airlines incident

In a recent aviation scare, an emergency exit on an Alaska Airlines aircraft broke off mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing. The door plug for the fuselage of a Boeing 737 Max 9 fell off during the flight’s ascent on Friday, depressurising the cabin and exposing passengers to open air thousands of feet above ground. Miraculously, all 171 passengers and 6 crew members emerged unscathed. The incident led to the temporary grounding of 171 Boeing MAX 9 planes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), causing an almost 8 percent drop in Boeing’s stock.

The Wizz Air CEO’s critique

In an interview with Bloomberg, József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, did not hold back in his criticism of the aviation industry. He asserted that both Boeing and Airbus must intensify their quality control measures, highlighting a systemic issue within the industry. Váradi’s comments extended beyond the specific Boeing incident, emphasising the need for a comprehensive overhaul of safety processes and operations. He called for a systemic change within the aviation industry, Economx writes.

Need for internal quality controls

Váradi emphasised the urgency for more robust internal quality controls within aviation companies. Furthermore, he argued that the responsibility for ensuring passenger safety extends beyond regulators and should be an integral part of manufacturers’ operations. The call for enhanced scrutiny comes as a response to what he perceives as a careless and neglectful attitude in the industry.

Industry-wide reform

Beyond singling out Boeing, Váradi broadened his critique to encompass all aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus. He insisted that the entire aviation sector needs to prioritise safety over convenience and profit. Váradi’s comments hint at possible issues and highlight a growing concern about the “quite cozy” relationship between regulators and manufacturers.

Urgent call for change

The situation can be described as almost as if manufacturers were married to regulators

summarised József Váradi, and said that this clearly needs to change.

Describing the current state as an “marriage” between manufacturers and regulators, Váradi stressed the need for a swift and comprehensive transformation. He called for a reevaluation of the industry’s dynamics, urging regulators to adopt a more critical stance towards manufacturers. Wizz Air, an Airbus-exclusive fleet, remains unaffected by the Boeing ban, reinforcing Váradi’s position on the necessity for industry-wide change.

In light of this incident and Váradi’s scathing critique, the aviation industry faces a significant moment. It demands immediate attention to safety protocols and a restructured relationship between manufacturers and regulators. All in all, the need to resolve these issues urgently shows a dedication to passenger safety and the rebuilding of public confidence in the aviation industry.

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The first Hungarian to conquer the skies in a plane of his own manufacture

János Adorján (third from left) with his helpers and the Goose, in the courtyard of the Kölber Kocsigyár

On the 10th of January 1910, history witnessed a remarkable event as János Adorján became the first Hungarian to conquer the skies in an aircraft of his own design. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Hungary’s foray into aviation, setting the stage for rapid advancements in the industry.

The genesis of Hungarian aviation

János Adorján’s journey into aviation was unconventional, Itthonrolhaza.hu writes. Born in Sorkitótfalu, Vas County, he found himself in Stuttgart, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering under the mentorship of Gottlieb Daimler. After a stint in Paris working in the automobile industry, Adorján delved into aviation, possibly crossing paths with motoring legend Ferenc Szisz and aviation pioneer Louis Bleriot. Bleriot’s successful performance in Hungary in 1909 sparked further interest in aviation, laying the foundation for Hungary’s aeronautical ambitions.

Collaborative efforts and early challenges

The construction of Adorján’s aircraft, named Libelle (Szitakötő, or Dragonfly), involved collaboration between Kölber Carriage Factory and Glattfelder factory, both renowned carriage manufacturers. The Libelle’s frame was crafted in the Glattfelder factory, hinting at a shared effort in this historic project. As the first Hungarian-made aircraft took shape, challenges emerged, but the collaborative spirit prevailed.

If Hungarian innovations sparked your interest, embark on a journey of discovery by delving into our article titled You might not believe that these things were invented by Hungarians!

The historic flight: Triumphs and challenges

The inaugural flight of the Libelle took place in Rákosmező, adjacent to the former Wander factory. Adorján, a skilled professional but an inexperienced pilot, took his seat as the engine roared to life. The aircraft, gracefully named Libelle, rolled down the hill, lifting into the air. Adorján, overwhelmed by the exhilarating moment, noticed structural issues with the bamboo fuselage mid-flight. Despite the minor mishap upon landing, the enthusiastic crowd celebrated the pioneer who had momentarily conquered the skies over Hungary.

A decade of progress: Hungarian aviation in the 1910s

Post the groundbreaking flight, Hungarian aviation experienced an unprecedented surge in development. By 1917, amidst wartime challenges, the Hungarian Aircraft Factory (Albertfalva), Hungarian General Machine Factory (Mátyásföld), and Magyar Lloyd Aircraft Factory (Aszód) were already producing aircraft. The decade saw the emergence of Hungarian geniuses like Tódor Kármán and Albert Fonó, whose contributions extended beyond national boundaries.

Legacy and progress beyond borders

The dismantling of the Hungarian aviation industry after World War I did not stifle the impact of its pioneers. Visionaries like Tódor Kármán and Albert Fonó continued to shape global aeronautics, becoming influential figures in supersonic flight and jet engine development, respectively. The intellectual prowess of Hungarian scientists endured, with their achievements echoing despite the challenges faced on the home front.

János Adorján’s flight in 1910 marked a pivotal moment in Hungarian history, igniting a passion for aviation that transcended borders and time. Despite the challenges, the Libelle soared in the skies, symbolising the spirit of Hungarian ingenuity. The subsequent progress in the 1910s laid the foundation for a legacy that extended far beyond the confines of Hungary, leaving an indelible mark on the world of aviation.

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Four Hungarians killed in one of the most devastating plane attacks

A wreath and mementoes lay on the base of the Pan Am Flight 103 memorial following a memorial ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 21, 2015

Almost exactly 35 years ago, on 21 December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103, flying between London and New York, was destroyed when a plastic bomb exploded in its front hold, crashing into the Scottish town of Lockerbie. Among the 270 victims from 21 countries, four Hungarians were killed. Despite the passage of over three decades since the tragic events, the complexities surrounding the incident persist.

Security alerts and forewarnings

On 5 December 1988, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a security alert, revealing that an Arabic-speaking individual had called the US Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. The caller, associated with El Fatah (also known as Abu Nidal), predicted a bomb on a Pan Am flight from Frankfurt to America within the next two weeks. Tragically, the caller’s prediction proved to be only two days off.

On 13 December, the FAA’s warning was posted on the billboard of the US Embassy in Moscow. It spread the news to all Americans living there, including journalists and businessmen. Subsequently, several individuals reportedly cancelled their Pan Am reservations, opting for alternative flights. Pan Am investigators later claimed the phone call was a hoax and that the assassination was a coincidence. The empty seats, sold by Pan Am at a reduced price, further complicated the tragic events of Lockerbie.

The Lockerbie disaster

The Lockerbie disaster, also known as the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, occurred on 21 December 1988, when a bomb exploded on Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The explosion resulted in the deaths of all 259 people on board and 11 individuals on the ground. Investigations revealed that the bomb was planted in a suitcase and traced the responsibility to Libyan intelligence agents. In 2003, Libya accepted responsibility for the attack, leading to diplomatic and legal developments that eventually led to the conviction of a Libyan intelligence officer in connection with the bombing.

Lockerbie air disaster wreckage reconstruction
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Air Accident Investigation Branch

The Hungarian victims

Among the 270 lives lost on the day of the tragedy, four Hungarians, including a young couple from Vác, János Roller and his wife Zsuzsanna, along with their five-year-old daughter Edina, perished. Their presumed remains were interred in a mass grave near Lockerbie, where a memorial now stands in remembrance of all the victims. Another Hungarian victim, an elderly woman from Budapest named Róbert Druckerné Ibolya Gábor, lost her life while visiting relatives in the United States.

Questionable interceptions

Even after decades of the tragedy, recent revelations, strange occurrences, and legal developments have added layers of complexity to this already mysterious story. According to Magyaridok.hu, families of victims raised concerns about potential surveillance. Strange phone call disruptions and computer hacking faced by UN-appointed observer Hans Koechler indicated a broader pattern of interference, raising questions about the extent of information control. Moreover, declassified British documents also revealed potential surveillance on victims’ families. The Foreign Office emphasised monitoring Pan Am victims’ families. The question arises: Were these families under scrutiny due to their organised efforts for justice?

Lockerbie air disaster memorial
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Billy McCrorie

Recent legal developments

On 11 March 2020, the Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission ruled for a fresh appeal. The grounds cited were “unreasonable verdict” and “non-disclosure”. This decision shows the persistent doubts surrounding the case. A significant development on 22 December 2020 saw the US filing charges against Libyan Abu Agila Mohammad Masud, suspected of making the bomb. Despite the fresh appeal, Scottish judges on 15 January 2021 rejected the appeal, upholding the original trial’s verdict. The court dismissed claims that the original trial had reached an unreasonable verdict. However, on 11 December 2022, authorities revealed that they have the accused bomb maker in US custody. This added another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.

For a detailed timeline of the case, you can refer to the BBC’s dedicated page, which comprehensively outlines the events and legal proceedings associated with Pan Am Flight 103 and the subsequent investigations. With the recent developments and the enduring mysteries surrounding the tragedy, Lockerbie remains an enigma.

 

 

BREAKING: Romanian plane damaged during landing in Budapest, runway closed!

Tarom plane Budapest Airport accident

The tyres of a Romanian Tarom carrier aircraft were damaged on arrival from Bucharest at Budapest’s International Liszt Ferenc Airport on Sunday, the airport operator told MTI.

A spokesperson for Budapest Airport said the tyres were damaged when the plane left the runway and turned onto a taxi way, adding that nobody was injured. An investigation is under way into the possible causes of the incident.

Katalin Valentínyi, the Chief Corporate Communications and Government Relations Officer at Budapest Airport, said the Tarom ATR 72-600 aircraft was unable to move after the accident. She added that no injuries took place, and they would transfer the 71 passengers and four crew to the terminal with buses, telex.hu wrote.

She said the accident happened at 6.21 PM. Runway 2 will remain closed until 10 PM. All air traffic will be redirected to runway 1, portfolio.hu wrote.

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Featured image: illustration

A shocking new VIDEO shows the American plane’s Sunday crash in Hungary

American plane crashed in Hungary

An American-made plane crashed yesterday near Székesfehérvár during an airshow at the airport of Börgönd. The pilot and the co-pilot, father and son, instantly died, while a family of four suffered severe injuries because the jet blew up near their car. Now a new video emerged of the accident, which was recorded virtually next to the crash site.

As we wrote in THIS article, a US-made North American Aviation T–28 Trojan jet blew up yesterday at an air show near Székesfehérvár. A 67-year-old and a 37-year-old man, father and son, lost their lives in the tragedy. Furthermore, a family of four suffered injuries because their car was parked near to the crash site. Three of them, a little girl, a man and a woman, were seriously injured and taken to hospital. Meanwhile, a boy with more benign injuries was taken to a hospital in Székesfehérvár by ambulance.

Now RTL Klub found a shocking video shot virtually next to the crash site. Watching the video uploaded on YouTube, it is clear that a greater catastrophe was just a hair’s breadth away. Provided it reached the ground just a couple of metres away, it would have hit many bystanders and multiple parking cars.

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  • Disturbing video of the Budapest horror accident: 26-year-old cyclist dead – Read more and check out the video HERE
  • Police helicopter crashes into Lake Balaton – VIDEO and details in THIS article

Here is the video:

Pilot error behind the American plane’s crash

RTL wrote that the plane was made in 1951 in the United States. First, it served in the French Air Force and later in the Argentinian navy. In Hungary, this was the only one of that type.

László Madas, a forensic air operations expert, said that the cause of the accident was a pilot error in carrying out a roll. Analysing the footages, Madas believes the jet speed was insufficient to raise the plane after the ascent stage.

Featured image: the plane one year ago

BREAKING: American plane crashed in Hungary, two people died – VIDEO, PHOTOS

Two people were killed when a plane crashed at an air show in Székesfehérvár, in central Hungary, on Sunday.

American aircraft downed

The circumstances of the accident are as yet unknown, the communications centre of the Székesfehérvár local council told MTI, adding that firefighters and ambulance crews were at the scene. Organisers have suspended the show’s remaining events. According to press reports, the plane, a Trojan aircraft, exploded when it hit the ground, killing both people on board.

Pál Győrfi, the spokesman of the National Ambulance Service, told MTI that two people died on the spot in the accident and four people suffered burns. Ambulance personnel on-site at the time of the accident started treating the injured and later on three rescue helicopters and several other ambulances arrived. According to Népszava, a 67-year-old father and his 37-year-old son died in the tragedy. The type of the plane was Trojan, a sport aircraft that was built in the United States. Here is a video of the plane performing on the Szeged air show in 2022:

Four additional people were injured in the tragic accident

Three seriously injured — a little girl, a woman and a man — were transported by helicopter to hospitals in Budapest and a boy with less serious injuries was taken to a hospital in Székesfehérvár by ambulance, Győrfi said. That is because the plane crashed near a family car in which the three sat at that time. Here are two photos:

An expert, László Madas, told RTL News that the accident was probably caused by human error. Zsolt Mezei, the DK deputy mayor of nearby Dunaújváros said in a Facebook post that he knew the victims. “God may give your rest, Vilmos Rózsavölgyi and Árpád Rózsavölgyi”, he wrote. You may watch the video about the crash below:

The thousands of visitors present at the air show have started leaving the show grounds in an organised manner, police said.

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