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Qatar Airways to launch Western Sydney flights in December 2027

By
André Orban
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2

Qatar Airways plans to launch three weekly flights between Doha and Western Sydney International Airport on 15 December 2027, adding a second Sydney gateway to its Australian network.

Tickets will go on sale on 19 December 2026. The airline intends to increase the service progressively to daily operations, although no timetable for that expansion has been announced.

Flights will use Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured with 42 Qsuite business-class seats and 312 economy seats, alongside complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.

Doha departures are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 01:40, arriving at Western Sydney at 23:45. Return flights will leave on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 16:10, reaching Doha at 23:00. All times are local.

Western Sydney will become Qatar Airways’ seventh Australian gateway, alongside Sydney Kingsford Smith, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. The route will provide onward connections through Doha to the airline’s wider international network.

Qatar Airways said the service would complement its partnership with Virgin Australia and provide additional cargo capacity for New South Wales exporters. Both the airline and airport highlighted Western Sydney’s round-the-clock operations as an advantage for international scheduling.

Norwegian adds new routes to Seville, Santiago de Compostela and Manchester

By
Bart Noëth
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0

Norwegian will launch several new European routes for summer 2027, including direct flights from Oslo and Copenhagen to Seville, Spain. The Oslo–Seville route will launch on 20 March 2027, with two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, operating until 16 June before resuming on 18 August and running until 30 October.

The airline will also introduce a seasonal Copenhagen–Santiago de Compostela service from 19 June to 18 August, with two weekly flights. From Denmark, Norwegian will launch a new Billund–Manchester route on 1 April, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays until 28 October. Further new destinations are expected to be announced later.

Leipzig airport plot raises wider concerns over security of European aviation

By
Bart Noëth
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0

The failed drone attack targeting a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport has taken on a new significance following a report by The Wall Street Journal alleging that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered an intensified sabotage campaign against NATO countries. Citing US intelligence reporting, the newspaper describes the August 4 incident as one of the early operations in a broader campaign targeting European interests. German investigators have linked the attempted attack to Russian state actors, while the explosive device failed to detonate and no casualties were reported.

The incident is not the first suspected sabotage operation to raise concerns about aviation security. In July 2024, incendiary devices hidden in air-freight packages caught fire at logistics facilities in Leipzig, Poland and Birmingham. German investigative reporting subsequently linked the cases to suspected Russian intelligence activity. Separately, a study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies documented 144 suspected drone sightings across 13 European countries between August 2024 and February 2026, including incidents around civilian airports, military facilities and other critical infrastructure. Some of the sightings disrupted airport operations, although not every incident has been attributed to Russia.

Together, these cases highlight several vulnerabilities facing European aviation, from the protection of parked aircraft and airport perimeters to air-cargo screening and the resilience of airport systems. Drone incursions can disrupt flight operations without causing physical damage, while a successful attack involving explosives could have far more serious consequences. The latest allegations do not establish that civilian passenger aircraft are being specifically targeted, but they reinforce the need for aviation authorities, airport operators and cargo companies to assess whether existing security measures are adequate. The challenge for Europe is to counter potential state-sponsored sabotage without treating every unexplained incident as proof of Russian involvement.

Lufthansa Group launches first consumer campaign for umbrella brand

By
André Orban
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1

Lufthansa Group launched its first group-level consumer advertising campaign on 21 October, seeking to raise awareness of the benefits offered across its airline network.

Under the slogan “Greatness is a Group effort”, the campaign highlights connections through the group’s hubs, lounge access, shared loyalty benefits and digital services. It follows the introduction of a new corporate brand identity in December 2025.

The initiative positions Lufthansa Group more visibly as an umbrella brand, while individual airlines retain their identities and continue their own marketing activities. The group describes it as the first consumer brand campaign of its kind by an airline group worldwide.

Chief commercial officer Dieter Vranckx said the campaign represents a strategic investment in strengthening recognition of the group’s combined network and services.

Advertising will be introduced progressively across digital channels, social media, lounges, airports and onboard touchpoints.

Cathay Group September traffic rises 9% as cargo volumes grow 14%

By
André Orban
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0

Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried approximately three million passengers in September 2026, up 9% year-on-year, while Cathay Cargo transported more than 150,000 tonnes, an increase of 14%.

Cathay Pacific’s passenger numbers rose by 12%, alongside a 9% increase in capacity measured in available seat kilometres. The airline reported strong student traffic from Hong Kong and mainland China to long-haul destinations, particularly the UK, as well as sustained demand for premium cabins. Passenger numbers for the first nine months increased by 14%.

Cathay Cargo’s September tonnage growth exceeded its 5% increase in capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres. Demand from mainland China and Southeast Asia remained resilient, supported by time-critical shipments and semiconductor traffic. Cargo volumes were up 9% over the first nine months.

HK Express recorded a weaker month, carrying more than 520,000 passengers, down 1% despite a 10% capacity increase. The low-cost carrier nevertheless reported strong load factors on Philippine routes and passenger growth on mainland Chinese services. Its nine-month passenger total rose by 8%.

The group expects healthy passenger demand and a strengthening cargo market in the fourth quarter, although elevated jet fuel prices remain a challenge. HK Express will also add four weekly flights to Hefei from 3 December.

airBaltic introduces in-seat food and drink ordering

By
André Orban
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0

airBaltic has begun introducing mobile ordering for onboard food and beverages through its Skynet portal, allowing passengers to pay digitally and have purchases delivered to their seats by cabin crew.

The service is being rolled out progressively, starting with short- and medium-haul flights on Starlink-equipped aircraft. Passengers can access the airCafe ordering platform through the onboard portal, the airBaltic app or a QR code in the airline’s Baltic Outlook magazine.

The platform displays real-time product availability and prices, alongside special offers, and allows passengers to track orders through to delivery. Payments are accepted through Apple Pay, Google Pay, payment cards and bank links, with receipts emailed to customers.

airBaltic Club members can earn points on eligible purchases and receive a 10% discount on hot and soft drinks.

The feature extends Skynet’s services following the portal’s launch in March 2026. Its existing functions include flight information, live tracking, destination content and digital shopping.

British Airways adds Avios-only flights to Majorca and Crete for August 2027

By
André Orban
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0
Boats moored in Heraklion’s old Venetian port harbour in Crete.

British Airways will offer dedicated Avios-only flights from London Heathrow to Palma de Mallorca and Heraklion in August 2027, making every seat in both cabins available exclusively for loyalty-point bookings.

Both outbound services will depart on Saturday, 14 August, with return flights on 21 August. Bookings open on 22 October 2026 exclusively to members of The British Airways Club.

The advertised return redemption options, including checked baggage, are:

DestinationEuro TravellerClub Europe
Palma de Mallorca28,000 Avios + £549,000 Avios + £40
Heraklion, Crete33,500 Avios + £560,000 Avios + £40

 

Eligible British Airways American Express Companion Vouchers can also be used, allowing a second passenger to travel without additional Avios, subject to taxes and charges, or giving solo travellers a 50% reduction in the Avios required.

Launched in 2023, the Avios-only initiative allocates entire flights to reward bookings during popular travel periods. British Airways says it has operated more than 50 such flights across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.

SWISS adds Toulouse and increases Tokyo and Montreal flights for summer 2027

By
André Orban
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0

SWISS will introduce seasonal Zurich–Toulouse flights and increase frequencies across Europe, Asia and Canada during summer 2027. The airline will serve 95 destinations from Zurich, two more than in summer 2026, comprising 69 European and 26 intercontinental destinations.

Toulouse will be served twice weekly from 25 June to 23 August, adding a major European aerospace and research centre to the network.

On existing European routes, Paris will increase from 28 to 30 weekly flights and Nice from 32 to 34. Hamburg, Budapest and Bremen will also receive additional frequencies. Niš, reintroduced in summer 2026, will operate throughout the summer season with three weekly flights instead of two.

SWISS will retain its new Bengaluru service, scheduled to launch during winter 2026/27, through the summer. Zurich–Tokyo frequencies will rise to daily until the end of May and again in October. Between June and September, the route will operate six times weekly, compared with five during the previous summer.

Montreal will also increase from five weekly flights to daily service.

The summer timetable runs from 28 March to 30 October 2027. SWISS plans further expansion from Geneva, with details to follow once outstanding airport slot decisions have been resolved.

Air Canada expands winter sun network as survey highlights demand for new destinations

By
André Orban
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0

Air Canada is broadening its winter leisure network with services to destinations including Tenerife, Roatán, Santo Domingo, Mérida and Mazatlán, alongside additional seasonal connections from airports across Canada.

The airline highlighted the previously announced expansion as it released Ipsos research showing that 72% of Canadian autumn and winter travellers surveyed consider relaxation important when choosing a destination. Some 55% said there were many winter destinations they had yet to explore.

The winter programme includes Tenerife, Roatán and Quito from both Montréal and Toronto. Montréal’s offering also includes Santo Domingo and Aruba, while Toronto gains Mérida. From Vancouver, the expansion covers Mazatlán, Monterrey, Liberia and Puerto Escondido.

Additional seasonal services include Calgary–Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, Edmonton–Montego Bay, Winnipeg–Montego Bay and Punta Cana, Québec City–Pointe-à-Pitre, and Halifax–Bridgetown.

The survey also points to interest beyond established sun destinations. Some 37% of respondents described Central and South American destinations as unfamiliar but appealing, while 33% expressed similar interest in Asia-Pacific destinations. Hawaii, Costa Rica and Australia ranked among the winter destinations respondents were considering.

Air Canada did not provide route frequencies, launch dates or the survey’s sample size and fieldwork dates in this release.

Frankfurt adds Kuala Lumpur and Sharjah in winter 2026/27 schedule

By
André Orban
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0

Frankfurt Airport will offer 231 destinations in 92 countries through 80 airlines during its winter 2026/27 timetable, running from 25 October to 27 March. The programme comprises approximately 3,400 departures and 650,000 departing seats per week.

Lufthansa will introduce five weekly nonstop flights to Kuala Lumpur at the start of the season. Air Arabia will join Frankfurt’s airline network on 15 December with daily services to Sharjah.

Abu Dhabi capacity will also expand. Condor will launch a daily service on 4 November in partnership with Etihad Airways, continuing onwards to Bangkok. Etihad will add a further daily Frankfurt–Abu Dhabi flight from December, bringing the combined offering to up to three departures a day.

In North Africa, Discover Airlines will introduce twice-weekly winter flights to Agadir, while Royal Air Maroc will extend its seasonal Nador connection to year-round operation.

Air India will add one weekly flight each to Delhi and Mumbai, increasing frequencies to 13 and six respectively. Air China will retain Beijing Daxing alongside existing Beijing Capital services, while China Southern will continue twice-weekly Guangzhou flights via Ürümqi. Qanot Sharq and Centrum Air will also maintain Tashkent connections alongside Uzbekistan Airways.

Within Europe, Condor will retain up to three daily London Gatwick flights, while DAT will continue serving Linz up to three times daily. Condor’s daily Tel Aviv service will also remain in the winter programme.

The airport noted that further schedule changes remain possible.

US lifts restrictions on Mexican airlines’ cross-border expansion

By
André Orban
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0

The US Department of Transportation has revoked an order restricting certain services by Mexican airlines between Mexico and the United States, reopening opportunities for Aeroméxico to expand its transborder network.

According to Aeroméxico’s announcement on 19 October, the decision took immediate effect and removed restrictions imposed under the DOT’s order of 28 October 2025. That order had disapproved certain existing, proposed and prospective flight schedules.

Aeroméxico said the restrictions no longer prevent it from adding frequencies or launching scheduled services from Mexico City International Airport and Felipe Ángeles International Airport to the United States, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

The airline said the DOT determined that measures taken by Mexico’s government had addressed the concerns behind the original order. It welcomed the decision following engagement between the two governments.

Aeroméxico will now assess opportunities for additional flights and destinations. Its announcement did not identify specific routes, frequencies or launch dates.

One dead, second crew member missing after French Mirage 2000D crashes near Nancy

By
André Orban
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0
Mirage 2000C © SRA GREG L. DAVIS, USAF – http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/Assets/2000/DoD/DD-SD-00-02650.JPEG, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1719921

A French Air and Space Force Mirage 2000D crashed near Rogéville in north-eastern France on Tuesday evening, 20 October, killing at least one crew member. Searches continued on Wednesday morning for the second occupant.

France’s defence ministry placed the accident at approximately 22:40 local time. The aircraft belonged to Fighter Squadron 2/3 “Champagne”, based at Nancy-Ochey Air Base, and was returning from a mission when it came down in Meurthe-et-Moselle. A body has been recovered, but formal identification remained pending in the ministry’s latest statement.

Air force spokesman Colonel David Pappalardo said the aircraft was conducting a routine training mission and was not carrying weapons. Radio and radar contact were lost during its return to base. The crew comprised a young pilot undergoing training and an experienced navigator/weapons systems officer, according to his account reported by L’Est Républicain.

A substantial search operation was deployed around Rogéville, Domèvre-en-Haye and Tremblecourt, involving civilian firefighters, military emergency personnel from Nancy-Ochey, gendarmes and a helicopter. Local residents reported hearing an explosion and seeing a fireball. Pont-à-Mousson mayor Henry Lemoine said wreckage had been located using a drone.

The defence ministry confirmed that separate safety and judicial investigations have been opened. No cause has been established, and authorities have not confirmed whether either crew member successfully ejected.

The Mirage 2000D is a two-seat strike aircraft designed for day and night operations. The type remains part of France’s combat fleet, with its mid-life upgrade entering operational service at Nancy-Ochey in April 2025. The information released about Tuesday’s crash does not establish whether the aircraft involved was an upgraded example.

Sources: defense.gouv.fr, estrepublicain.fr

Boeing announces FAA certification of 737 MAX 10

By
André Orban
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1

Boeing says the US Federal Aviation Administration has certified the 737-10, the largest member of its 737 MAX family, clearing the way for deliveries to begin in the coming months.

Announcing the approval on 20 October, the manufacturer said the certification programme involved nearly 1,000 test flights, more than 2,000 flight hours and a further 1,000 hours of ground testing, alongside extensive safety assessments and design reviews.

The 737-10 accommodates up to 230 passengers in a maximum-density layout, or typically 185–210 in two classes, with a published range of approximately 5,740 kilometres. Boeing says more than 30 customers have ordered 1,555 aircraft, representing over 30% of its outstanding 737 MAX orders.

The aircraft introduces an enhanced angle-of-attack system that Boeing plans to make standard across the MAX family. According to the manufacturer, the 737-10 is also the first commercial aircraft certified under the full requirements of the US Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act of 2020, including enhanced documentation of safety assessments and human-factors evaluations.

Boeing positions the variant as its highest-capacity single-aisle offering and claims it delivers the lowest operating costs per seat in its class. The announcement did not identify the first delivery customer or give a firm handover date.

European Parliament backs stronger passenger rights enforcement and clearer flight refunds

By
André Orban
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0

The European Parliament has approved updated rules to strengthen passenger rights enforcement across transport modes, including clearer refund obligations for flights booked through travel agents and online platforms.

The legislation passed with 652 votes in favour, two against and eight abstentions. It still requires formal Council approval before publication in the EU Official Journal and is due to apply from 23 October 2027.

For cancelled flights booked through intermediaries, passengers will be entitled to full reimbursement, including any intermediary fee, within 14 days. Airlines must transfer the refund to the intermediary within seven days, with the intermediary then given a further seven days to reimburse the passenger. Booking platforms and agents must explain the applicable arrangements when tickets are purchased.

The rules also introduce standardised reimbursement and compensation claim forms, available through the European Commission in all EU languages. Equivalent forms supplied by carriers may also be used.

Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will be entitled to a free accompanying person on flights where that assistance is necessary, extending protection already available on buses, trains and ships.

National enforcement bodies will gain stronger investigative powers, allowing them to initiate audits, inspections and interviews with carriers without first receiving a passenger complaint.

The measures address enforcement and information across air, rail, bus, coach and waterborne transport, complementing the separate revision of air passenger rights adopted earlier in 2026.

Three passengers hospitalised after illness on Eurowings Rhodes–Düsseldorf flight

By
André Orban
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0

Three passengers were taken to hospital after several travellers became unwell on a Eurowings flight from Rhodes to Düsseldorf on Sunday evening, 18 October.

The cockpit crew requested priority landing for flight EW9631, an Airbus A321 (D-AIDT) which carried 212 passengers and seven crew members. The aircraft arrived in Düsseldorf at around 22:00, where emergency services were waiting.

Authorities activated a precautionary mass-casualty response because the number of passengers requiring treatment was initially unclear. Ambulances and firefighters attended, although WDR reported that the situation ultimately did not require treatment of large numbers of people.

A passenger told RTL that cabin crew began wearing face masks during the flight. According to her account, medical personnel wearing protective clothing boarded after landing to assess passengers, who remained on the aircraft until approximately 23:30.

Eurowings said three passengers received medical attention and were taken to hospital as a precaution. The cause of their symptoms remains under investigation. Reports suggesting a gastrointestinal infection, including norovirus, have not been officially confirmed.

The airline said the incident did not affect its remaining flight schedule.

LATAM flight cancelled after reported fire at Lima airport

By
André Orban
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0

A LATAM Airlines Perú flight to Piura was cancelled before take-off at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport on Monday following a technical incident, with footage reportedly showing smoke and flames near the aircraft’s left wing.

Passengers on flight LA2302 disembarked from the Airbus A320 registered CC-BFS as a precaution after the airline activated its safety procedures. Agencia Andina reported that videos shared on social media showed the incident while the aircraft remained on the ground.

LATAM described the occurrence as an “unforeseen technical event” and said the aircraft would undergo a technical assessment to establish what happened. The cause and precise origin of the reported fire have not been confirmed.

In a subsequent statement, the airline confirmed that passengers had disembarked safely in accordance with established procedures. They were rebooked onto a replacement aircraft (Airbus A320 registered CC-BFR), which landed in Piura with a 4-hour delay.

Air Serbia adds Miami among six new routes for summer 2027

By
André Orban
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0

Air Serbia has opened bookings for six new routes from Belgrade for summer 2027, led by a nonstop connection to Miami. The expansion also includes Helsinki, Yerevan, Cluj-Napoca, Chi?in?u and Menorca. 

Miami flights will begin on 20 May, operating twice weekly with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The Florida city will become Air Serbia’s third US destination alongside New York JFK and Chicago O’Hare, and its fourth in North America following the addition of Toronto in 2026.

The six routes will launch progressively between March and June:

Destination from BelgradeLaunch date
Yerevan, Armenia28 March 2027
Helsinki, Finland1 April 2027
Miami, United States20 May 2027
Cluj-Napoca, Romania31 May 2027
Chi?in?u, Moldova3 June 2027
Mahón, Menorca, Spain16 June 2027

The dates are listed on Air Serbia’s booking website.

Chief executive Ji?í Marek said the expansion is intended to strengthen Belgrade’s role as a connecting hub, with Miami expected to attract passengers from Serbia and neighbouring markets travelling via the capital. The airline also plans additional frequencies on existing routes and fleet growth to support its development ahead of Expo 2027 in Belgrade.

Sources: ?????????? ???????????? ??????, Air Serbia, AeroTime

London Heathrow adds six winter routes and welcomes Xiamen Airlines and beOnd

By
André Orban
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0

London Heathrow Airport has announced six additions to its winter 2026/27 route programme, including Virgin Atlantic flights to Phuket and British Airways’ one-stop Melbourne service. Xiamen Airlines and beOnd are also joining the airport’s airline network.

Virgin Atlantic launched Phuket on 18 October with three weekly flights. British Airways will introduce daily Melbourne services via Kuala Lumpur from 9 January 2027, alongside five weekly nonstop flights to San José, Costa Rica, from 25 October and twice-weekly Fuerteventura services from 13 December.

Xiamen Airlines began serving its namesake Chinese city three times weekly on 6 September. The second new entrant, beOnd, plans three weekly flights to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport from 15 December, with onward connections to the Maldives through its network.

Heathrow said the additions demonstrate continued airline demand despite capacity constraints. Chief customer officer Ross Baker reiterated the airport’s argument that expansion is needed to accommodate further routes and carriers.

airBaltic prepares job cuts as fleet shrinks to 36 aircraft

By
André Orban
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0

Latvia’s airBaltic is preparing collective redundancies as it reduces its fleet and restructures its finances, board chairman Andrejs Martinovs told Latvian Radio on 20 October.

Martinovs declined to give a final figure, saying voluntary departures continued to affect the number of compulsory job losses required. The airline had previously indicated that between 500 and 700 positions could be cut. He nevertheless rejected suggestions of a mass staff exodus.

An attempt to secure a collective agreement on reduced working hours, including an 85% workload arrangement, had been unsuccessful. Employees can still apply individually for reduced hours, with requests assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Martinovs said the fleet would fall to 36 aircraft by the end of 2026, before gradually increasing to 40 by 2030.

The planned redundancies come as airBaltic pursues Chapter 11 financial restructuring in the United States, seeking to reorganise its obligations and secure additional funding. No final redundancy total or implementation timetable was disclosed in the interview.

Source: Latvian Public Service Media (LSM)

LOT suspends four winter routes as fuel costs rise

By
André Orban
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0

LOT Polish Airlines will suspend four routes during its winter timetable and reduce frequencies elsewhere as higher jet fuel costs put pressure on profitability.

The suspensions affect Warsaw–Bologna and services from Kraków to Barcelona, Madrid and Rome, according to Poland’s PAP news agency. LOT plans to restore the routes in early April.

Airline spokesman Krzysztof Moczulski said the network review considered several factors, with fuel prices among the most significant. Fuel now accounts for up to 40% of LOT’s operating costs, compared with approximately 25% in February, he said.

Strong competition has limited the airline’s ability to recover the additional expense through higher fares. LOT did not identify the other routes facing frequency reductions in the report.

The cuts come amid elevated fuel prices following disruption to oil and refined-product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israeli war against Iran. According to IATA data cited in the report, global jet fuel prices in mid-October were nearly 114% higher than a year earlier.

Source: TCP World

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