Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
Air Southwest has launched a new customer service initiative with the sale of Visitor Oyster cards on all its flights into London, giving passengers quick and easy access to the UK capital’s public transport network.
Air Southwest has up to six flights a day into London City and Gatwick Airports from Plymouth and Newquay. This deal makes it the first airline at London City Airport to offer the cards.
Following a deal with Transport for London, customers can buy a Visitor Oyster card for £22, which includes £20 of travel credit.
Oyster is an electronic transport smartcard which enables passengers to pay for journeys on the Tube, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses, Tramlink, London Overground, Thames Clippers river services and on all National Rail services in Greater London. The cards facilitate quick access for passengers who simply have to ‘touch-in’ on cards readers.
Mike Coombes, commercial director at Air Southwest, said: “This is all about giving Air Southwest customers from Plymouth and Newquay hassle-free travel in London, whether they are flying to London City Airport or Gatwick, without having to buy tickets.”
Customers arriving at London City Airport can board the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) which puts them within minutes of the City or Canary Wharf. Thanks to the DLR, more passengers leave London City Airport by public transport than any other airport in the UK, and Air Southwest’s Oyster initiative has been applauded for improving access to the transport network.
Giles Bailey, head of group marketing strategy and integration at Transport for London, commented, “This is our first partnership into London City and we’re delighted to be working with Air Southwest on promoting the Visitor Oyster card as a quick and easy way of accessing London’s public transport network.”
Richard Gooding, chief executive of London City Airport, noted, “This is a great partnership that we hope to see repeated on other scheduled services into London City. The airport is committed to giving passengers the smoothest journey possible and this will add to that.”
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.