The European Commission initiates a novel project aimed at building an advanced air traffic management system within the Baltic nations.

Bodensee Airport in Friedrichshafen has seen a new addition to its operations with the launch of VINI's (formerly known as Flyvbird) on-demand flights. These flights, primarily designed for business travellers, are set to redefine the way people travel within Germany.

The startup's inaugural flight took off from Bodensee Airport at 7:30 AM and landed at Mönchengladbach Airport approximately 90 minutes later, marking the world premiere of on-demand flights in Friedrichshafen. The flight was operated by a Cessna with a capacity of nine passengers.

Tomislav Lang, the founder and CEO of VINI, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating that the idea for the startup has been in the works for many years. Mr. Lang previously worked on building Skyway Airlines in Bern.

The airline charges 150 euros per person for the route from Bodensee Airport to Mönchengladbach. Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed satisfaction with the service, finding it a faster and more reliable alternative to trains and cars.

VINI plans to expand its services, offering flights to Hamburg, Strausberg near Berlin, and Münster-Osnabrück, in addition to Mönchengladbach. The startup can offer other routes if enough passengers join.

Claus-Dieter Wehr, CEO of Bodensee Airport, is pleased with the development, considering VINI to be something completely new, aiming to be the 'Uber' of flights. He believes that the startup will make inner-German connections more attractive and faster, potentially winning new customers for the struggling airport.

However, it remains uncertain whether the startup's take-off and landing fees will reduce the debt of Bodensee Airport, which currently stands at more than four million euros. The city of Friedrichshafen had to provide a million-dollar subsidy to the airport at the beginning of 2025.

Despite the financial challenges, Mr. Wehr is optimistic about the future, stating that the success of VINI is crucial for Bodensee Airport to attract new customers and secure its place in the competitive aviation market.

In conclusion, the launch of VINI's on-demand flights marks an exciting new chapter for Bodensee Airport and the city of Friedrichshafen. As the startup expands its services and attracts more passengers, it could potentially revolutionize the way people travel within Germany, making it faster, more convenient, and more reliable.