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Alaska Airlines to buy more than 100 Boeing jets in carrier’s biggest order ever

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Alaska Airlines to buy more than 100 Boeing jets in carrier’s biggest order ever

Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci on $17B Boeing order

Alaska Airlines is ordering more than 100 Boeing jets, a purchase that the carrier’s fleet chief said will ensure it has locked in sought-after order slots through the middle of the next decade to expand.

The order, Alaska’s largest ever, which was announced Wednesday, includes 105 yet-to-be-certified Boeing 737 Max 10 jets. Alaska is also buying five 787-10 Dreamliners, using its previous purchase options for those long-haul jets as it charts an international expansion with nonstops to Italy, South Korea and elsewhere.

Shane Jones, who oversees Alaska Airlines’ fleet, revenue products and real estate, told CNBC that the airline expects FAA certification of the Max 10 this year, with deliveries beginning in 2027.

Alaska, which acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, said it has 413 aircraft in its fleet and plans to grow that to 475 in 2030 and 550 by 2035, with this and previous orders.

Read more CNBC airline news

The new order includes options for 35 more 737 Max 10s. Fifty-three of the planes in Wednesday’s order are new, and 52 are from options the airline is exercising.

Boeing has more than 6,000 aircraft on backorder, but Alaska’s purchase plans are a vote of confidence in airplane maker, whose 737 factory 10 miles away from the carrier’s headquarters handed Alaska a 737 Max 9 two years ago without key bolts installed in a door plug. That panel blew out of the plane on Jan. 5, 2024, as it climbed out of Portland, Oregon, stunning travelers, though there were no serious physical injuries.

The accident briefly grounded the 737 Max 9 and set Boeing back in production as it waded through another safety crisis during what was supposed to be its turnaround year in the wake of two deadly Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft with Alaska Airlines’ new aircraft livery during a media event at the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle, Washington, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Under Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who replaced insider Dave Calhoun months after the accident, the manufacturer has improved its production rate and quality, airline executives have said. It plans to ramp up production this year. The FAA must approve Boeing’s Max production increases, a requirement following the door plug accident.

Alaska’s Jones told CNBC Wednesday’s order is a sign of “our confidence in the Max 10 certification” as well as “our confidence in Boeing and their turnaround and their ability to produce quality aircraft on time.”

The 737 Max 10 has a shorter range than some other models but it can fit more passengers than smaller variants, which can improve unit costs on high-demand flights and allows them to fly more customers in and out of congested airports where adding flights is challenging.

The Max 10 is years behind schedule and is still awaiting FAA approval. Jones said he expects certification this year with the first deliveries of the variant in the first half of 2027.

Jones said about half of the new aircraft orders are for replacement, with the rest for growth. He declined to disclose how much the airline paid for the aircraft. Manufacturers often share list prices, though big customers generally receive discounts for large orders.

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Avelo Airlines to end ICE deportation charters as it cuts commercial flights, jobs

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Avelo Airlines to end ICE deportation charters as it cuts commercial flights, jobs

The inaugural flight of an Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-800 takes off from the Los Angeles-area Hollywood Burbank Airport, April 28, 2021.

Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images

Avelo Airlines will stop flying deportation flights for the U.S. government and will also cut commercial routes and reduce headcount, its chief executive told staff.

The airline, which debuted in 2021 with a focus on connecting smaller cities, last year exited a host of destinations on the West Coast and also turned to flying deportees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which sparked protests and backlash from some politicians.

“We moved a portion of our fleet into a government program which promised more financial stability but placed us in the center of a political controversy,” CEO Andrew Levy said in an email to employees late Tuesday, which was seen by CNBC.

“The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs,” Levy wrote.

Avelo said it would close its base in Mesa, Arizona, as ICE flights end. ICE didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read more CNBC airline news

The airline also agreed to return six of its Boeing 737-700 airplanes and said it will close bases at North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport, though it will continue to serve those cities.

Those closures will lead to job cuts, Levy said.

“Some transfer opportunities will be available, but we will need to reduce the number of positions due to our smaller fleet and network,” Levy wrote.

The airline will instead focus on bases Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut; Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida, which sits between Tampa and Orlando; Delaware’s Wilmington Airport; and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. It will also open a base at McKinney National Airport near Dallas.

The union representing flight attendants for Avelo applauded the end of the ICE flights.

“The airline industry is constantly changing, but we’ve faced far too much change at our airline including operating certain flights we didn’t originally sign up for,” the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the flight attendants’ union, said in a statement to members. “We’re hopeful that with the end of the ICE flying and new financing the future is more stable for Flight Attendants at Avelo.”

Avelo said that the near-term schedule changes “will impact many Customer itineraries” and said it would reach out via text and email to affected travelers.

Levy told staff that the carrier raised “a substantial amount of new capital” at the end of the year and that the financial position of the carrier “has never been stronger.”

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Kelly Ripa thought ‘naked flying’ meant something else before she learned the truth

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Kelly Ripa thought ‘naked flying’ meant something else before she learned the truth

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Television host Kelly Ripa recently discovered she had misunderstood an internet travel trend.

During a recent episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, chatted about the viral phrase “naked flying” — a term that’s recently gained traction on social media.

Ripa initially believed it referred to a far more personal aspect of airplane attire.

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“I don’t wear a bra on an airplane,” she said on the show. “I just refuse. I feel like life is hard. What’s the point?”

After realizing that “naked flying” referred instead to traveling without luggage — not clothing — Ripa said this may be the year she tries the trend herself.

Kelly Ripa in a gold and black dress at an award show.

Kelly Ripa said she thought she was already engaging in “naked flying” because she doesn’t wear a bra during airplane trips. (Adela Loconte/Variety)

She said the practice involves boarding a flight with no bags and relying only on items that fit in pockets, such as a phone and wallet.

Consuelos raised questions about how travelers manage once they arrive at their destination without any bags.

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Fox News Digital previously reported on the eyebrow-raising trend — citing social media posts that described how travelers handle clothing and other necessities on the other end of their trips. 

Kelly Ripa on the red carpet

Ripa said she might finally try the actual “naked flying” trend this year. (Getty Images)

Some say they rely on washing clothes in hotel sinks or showers during their trip.

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Others say they shop or thrift-shop for clothing at their destination — then buy a suitcase or bag to bring their purchases home or ship the items back. 

Passenger walks down the aisle of a commercial airplane cabin during a flight.

The viral trend involves boarding a flight without any bags — and relying only on pocket-sized essentials such as a phone and wallet. (iStock)

In some cases, the strategy can cost more than checking a bag.

While some travelers praise the trend for reducing stress and avoiding baggage fees, others say flying without bags is unrealistic for longer trips or work travel.

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Brandon Blewett, a weekly traveler based in Texas and the author of the book “How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes,” told Fox News Digital that most work travelers still need at least a small bag for essentials like a laptop or charger.

Airport security officer inspects a passenger’s belongings during baggage screening at a security checkpoint.

Social media users who “travel naked” have said they either buy clothes upon arriving at their destination — or ship their outfits ahead of time. (iStock)

Blewett said traveling with a small bag that fits under the seat can offer many of the same benefits, including faster exits, no baggage fees and less stress while deplaning.

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“The sweet spot isn’t flying naked,” he declared. “It’s flying light.”

Sydney Borchers contributed reporting. 

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 

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American Airlines keeps frequent flyer status requirements the same, following rivals

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American Airlines keeps frequent flyer status requirements the same, following rivals

Joe Raedle | Getty Images News | Getty Images

American Airlines said Wednesday that it will keep the spending requirements to earn elite frequent flyer status in 2027 steady for a third consecutive year as the carrier courts higher-spending travelers and tries to catch up to industry profit leaders Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Delta and United each said they would also keep elite status thresholds the same for the 2026 earning year.

Airlines offer elite loyalty program members perks — ranging from earlier boarding and a free checked bag to free upgrades to roomier cabins and airport lounge memberships — in exchange for lots of flights on the carrier and its partners, as well as co-branding credit card spending.

Airlines in recent years have switched their loyalty program models to reward travelers’ spending instead of simply how far they fly.

American said it is also adding more perks for milestones in between earned status tiers, like two food and beverage coupons at the 15,000-point level or a subscription to The New York Times games or cooking platforms or the Times’ sports publication, The Athletic. The first level of elite status, Gold, is awarded at 40,000 loyalty points.

The carrier has been investing in new cabins and larger lounges and on Tuesday said it is starting to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi, a plan it announced last April.

American didn’t outline adjustments to its Citibank credit cards after it said it would drop Barclays as one of its credit card partners, though it expects to announce changes later this year.

Read more CNBC airline news

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Kolmar Korea Wins CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award in Beauty Tech, a Global First for the Cosmetics Industry

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Kolmar Korea Wins CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award in Beauty Tech, a Global First for the Cosmetics Industry
  • Proving global competitiveness in beauty tech by capturing the CES “Best of Innovation Award”
  • AI-powered ‘Scar Beauty Device’ earns double honors in Beauty Tech and Digital Health categories

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kolmar Korea announced that its AI-powered Scar Beauty Device has won the Best of Innovation Award in the Beauty Tech category at CES 2026, the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition. The device also received an Innovation Award in the Digital Health category, achieving a double win at this year’s CES.

The Scar Beauty Device, which received the Best of Innovation Award in the Beauty Tech category and an Innovation Award in the Digital Health category at CES 2026.
The Scar Beauty Device, which received the Best of Innovation Award in the Beauty Tech category and an Innovation Award in the Digital Health category at CES 2026.

The Best of Innovation Award is the highest distinction at CES, granted only to technologies that receive top scores across all evaluation criteria, including innovation, design, and technological excellence. Among the 10 Innovation Award honorees in the Beauty Tech category, Kolmar Korea’s technology was selected as the most outstanding.

Introduced last year, the Best of Innovation  in Beauty Tech, drew global attention when Samsung Electronics became its inaugural recipient. Kolmar Korea is the second company overall to receive the honor—and the first cosmetics company worldwide to do so—marking a historic milestone for the global beauty industry.

World’s First All-in-One Scar Treatment and Beauty Device

The award-winning Scar Beauty Device is the world’s first one-stop integrated solution that combines scar treatment and skin coverage in a single device. Traditionally, users applied ointment to a scar and later concealed it with makeup. With this device, both treatment and aesthetic coverage can be completed simultaneously in just 10 minutes.

The core technology lies in AI-driven big data analysis and piezo-electric micro-dispensing technology (Piezo-Electric Plating). When a user captures an image of the scar via a smartphone app, the AI algorithm classifies the scar into one of 12 types and performs a detailed condition analysis. Based on the diagnosis, a customized treatment solution is precisely dispensed onto the scar.

At the same time, the device blends and sprays an optimal combination of more than 180 skin-tone-matched colors to apply seamless cover makeup. The piezo-electric micro-dispensing technology—similar to inkjet printing that ejects material using electrical signals—enables highly precise application without heat generation.

User-Friendly Design Recognized for Accessibility

The Scar Beauty Device also received high marks for its intuitive UI/UX, which allows users to monitor and control the amount of treatment dispensed in real time via a smartphone screen. Designed for ease of use, the device is accessible even to general consumers, significantly enhancing convenience and usability.

Commercialization and Future Expansion Plans

Kolmar Korea plans to complete the technology launch in the first half of 2026 and begin full-scale customer acquisition in the second half of the year. The company also aims to further advance its software to apply the core piezo-electric micro-dispensing technology to customized cosmetics manufacturing, while accelerating smart factory development through government-led AX (AI Transformation) research initiatives.

A Kolmar Korea official stated,
“This Best of Innovation Award is the result of research focused not just on technology itself, but on human-centered user experience and real-world problem solving. We will continue to expand AI, IoT, and big data technologies across cosmetic development and service areas.”

The official added,
“By consistently introducing differentiated beauty tech solutions that integrate AI and digital technologies, Kolmar Korea will continue to lead the global beauty tech industry.”

CES 2026 Exhibition Information

During CES 2026, through January 9, Kolmar Korea is operating a booth at the Venetian Expo, Hall A–D, Booth No. 55050 (Lifestyle Section), where it is showcasing live demonstrations of CAIOME, its microbiome-based scalp diagnostic solution.

Media Contact
Kolmar Holdings
Jang-Woo Lee
jay.lee@kolmar.co.kr

The Scar Beauty Device demonstrated at CES 2026, dispensing powder to cover the appearance of scars. The device received the Best of Innovation Award in Beauty Tech and an Innovation Award in Digital Health.
The Scar Beauty Device demonstrated at CES 2026, dispensing powder to cover the appearance of scars. The device received the Best of Innovation Award in Beauty Tech and an Innovation Award in Digital Health.

A visitor at the Kolmar Korea booth listens to an explanation of the company’s AI-based technology during CES 2026.
A visitor at the Kolmar Korea booth listens to an explanation of the company’s AI-based technology during CES 2026.

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“2025 Idiom of the Year” Unveiled in Handan, China

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“2025 Idiom of the Year” Unveiled in Handan, China

HANDAN, China, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On January 7, 2026, an event was held to release the “2025 Idiom of the Year” in Handan City, known as the “City of Chinese Idioms and Allusions”. Topping the list of ten selected annual idioms is “Jian Ding Bu Yi” (unwavering determination).

This photo shows the release event of the “2025 Idiom of the Year” held in Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, January 7, 2026.
This photo shows the release event of the “2025 Idiom of the Year” held in Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, January 7, 2026.

The event was co-organized by Chinaso and the Publicity Department of the CPC Handan Municipal Committee. Selection for the “2025 Idiom of the Year” went through four key stages: collection, screening, voting, and expert review. Chinaso, in collaboration with authoritative institutions such as the College of AI, Tsinghua University, sourced idioms that gained widespread popularity and were frequently used in 2025. Relevant data was collected from national and local news websites, relevant trade media, portals, social media and short-video platforms, as well as trending topics and user comments on major social platforms. Big data technology and natural language processing algorithms were then employed to screen the massive dataset. Over 30 initially selected idioms were released online for a public vote, inviting participation from internet users both in China and abroad. Finally, experts conducted in-depth reviews focusing on the social context, cultural connotations, and contemporary significance behind the candidate idioms, ultimately determining the final list of ten idioms.

Compilation of the blue book Report on the Application and Dissemination of Chinese Idioms in the New Era, was officially launched at the event. Professor Yao Xishuang, PhD supervisor at the Communication University of China, President of the Chinese Society for the Modernization of the Language and Script, also editor-in-chief of the report, explained that the core of the compilation work lies in in-depth interpretation and comprehensive analysis. Moreover, precisely monitored data collected by Chinaso over the past two years on the usage of idioms in massive language corpora, as well as analyses conducted by authoritative experts and scholars, will both serve as the foundation to produce an annual report on the application and research of idioms that combines both data-driven support and theoretical depth.

The event was attended by experts, scholars from across the country, as well as representatives from various sectors of Handan City.

Prior to the event, Chinaso invited Melissa, an international student from Beijing Foreign Studies University, to star in a Chinese-English short film titled Melissa’s Journey into Chinese Idioms. The film follows Melissa as she explores Handan City in Hebei Province on the eve of the 2026 New Year. With a history of over 3,000 years, Handan is associated with more than 2,000 idioms. During her visit, Melissa, dressed in Warring States robes, learned the Handan dance, practiced Tai Chi, enjoyed a special idiom-themed meal, and watched a drone light show featuring idiom stories. Following the release of the Chinese and English versions on social platforms, the video garnered attention from internet users both domestically and internationally.

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BLUETTI Debuts Charger 2, the Industry’s First Unified Car & Solar Smart Energy Hub

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BLUETTI Debuts Charger 2, the Industry’s First Unified Car & Solar Smart Energy Hub

SYDNEY, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At CES 2026, BLUETTI launched Charger 2, the industry’s first unified car and solar smart energy hub, designed to deliver faster, safer, and more intelligent in-vehicle power for Australia’s RV, 4WD, and off-grid van life community.

BLUETTI Debuts Charger 2, the Industry’s First Unified Car & Solar Smart Energy Hub
BLUETTI Debuts Charger 2, the Industry’s First Unified Car & Solar Smart Energy Hub

On-the-road lifestyles require reliable, constant power, but traditional cigarette lighter ports and available chargers fail in charging efficiency and flexibility. Charger 2 breaks these limitations with a compatible, automated approach.

At the core of Charger 2 is a dual-input architecture that draws power from both the vehicle’s alternator and solar panels simultaneously. With up to 1,200W of combined input, it achieves charging speeds up to 13 times faster than standard 12V car ports and nearly twice as fast as BLUETTI’s previous Charger 1. This means charging a 1kWh battery takes about 70 minutes, ensuring fast battery recovery after short drives.

Designed for easy installation in 4WDs, utes, campervans, and motorhomes, Charger 2 maintains approximately 95% compatibility with third-party portable power stations and adds support for modern smart alternators (Euro 6 compliant). For existing Charger 1 users, the upgrade is seamless, using the same wiring layout for a simple drop-in replacement.

Beyond fast charging, Charger 2 functions as the control centre of BLUETTI’s Battery Link vehicle energy management system, automatically managing power flow between the starter battery, solar panels, auxiliary batteries, and DC loads. With the optional Charger 2 DC Hub delivering 600W power, travelers can run high on-board devices through a 12V/50A Anderson port and several DC outlets. Whether driving or parked, plug-and-play power is available without manual switching or draining the starter battery.

Safety is built in as standard. Charger 2 includes comprehensive protection against over-voltage, overheating, and reverse polarity, along with bi-directional reverse charging for starter battery maintenance. Emergency jump-start capability, trickle charging, and pulse maintenance help reduce the risk of flat batteries during remote travel or long-term parking.

Charger 2 offers intelligent monitoring and control through the BLUETTI App, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allowing users to view real-time status, manage outputs, and review energy history. Compatibility with smart alternators is managed via D+ signal communication, ensuring stable operation across modern vehicle platforms.

The BLUETTI Charger 2 launches in Australia on 7 January 2026 at only AUD 599 until 7 February 2026, with a 72-hour AUD 199 offer exclusively for Charger 1 owners.

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‘I did feel like it was cheating’: Leisel Jones opens up about medical weight loss

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‘I did feel like it was cheating’: Leisel Jones opens up about medical weight loss

Australian Olympic swimming champion Leisel Jones has opened up about her weight-loss journey, revealing on Sunrise that she used medical assistance to shed 25kg.

The nine-time Olympic medallist, who has built an online community based around honesty and authenticity, said the decision to use medical assistance was difficult but ultimately life-changing.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Liesel Jones opens up about medical weight-loss journey.

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“It was a very hard, difficult decision to make in the first point because I did feel like it was cheating,” Jones said.

“I’ve used a medical-assisted weight loss, which has been fantastic for me, and I’ve been working with (women’s weight-loss program) Juniper.”

Jones admitted she had struggled with her body image her entire career and, after age 40, despite her extensive knowledge of nutrition and fitness, she struggled with weight gain.

“I’ve been in the gym my entire life, I’ve eaten really well, but once I turned 40 something changed and I was really struggling in the gym,” she explained.

“I would try to burn 500 calories while I was at the gym. I would skip for half an hour, and I was just putting on so much weight.”

Jones revealed she had been dealing with several medical conditions which made weight loss particularly difficult, including high liver enzymes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and subclinical hypothyroidism.

“PCOS in particular makes it very difficult to lose weight so, it didn’t really matter what I did, I just couldn’t get around it,” she said.

Australian Olympic swimming champion Liesel Jones opens up about her weight-loss journey on Sunrise.
Australian Olympic swimming champion Liesel Jones opens up about her weight-loss journey on Sunrise. Credit: Sunrise

Jones was thrust into the spotlight when she joined the Australian swim team at age 14, amplifying consciousness around her body image.

“We are in the tiniest bathers. In 2000, when I made the team when I was 14, I had these massively high-rise bathers. You could see absolutely everything,” Jones said.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been really conscious of what I look like, what my weight is, how heavy I was.”

Jones is now on a mission to reduce the stigma around medical-assisted weight loss, shutting down anyone who considers it a shortcut.

“There’s so much stigma and there still is,” she said.

“We see so many people, and there’s so many judgements. … people are losing weight and they think, ‘Oh, you’ve taken a shortcut.’

“No, no, no, no. It’s not a shortcut. This is just giving you that little bit of assistance to get into that good routine and those good habits.

“It’s OK if you need medication to be able to assist you to do that. There’s no judgement around it.”

With authenticity her trademark, Jones said it was of the utmost importance to her to be open and honest about her journey with her fans and social media followers.

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Hundreds of tourists stranded on remote island as troops are pulled from conflict zone

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Hundreds of tourists stranded on remote island as troops are pulled from conflict zone

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Conflict in Yemen has prompted air traffic halts — leaving about 600 tourists stranded on a remote island.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) withdrew its troops last week following a deadline from Saudi Arabia. The actions left tourists on the island of Socotra, Reuters reported.

Flights stopped because control of the island’s airport changed during growing political conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

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The island is located about 186 miles south of Yemen’s coast. It came under UAE control in 2018, welcoming tourists through UAE airlines, according to Reuters.

A Lithuanian tourist, Aurelija Krikstaponiene, told Reuters she was visiting Socotra over New Year’s Eve.

Socotra Travelers navigate rugged terrain along Socotras stunning coastline under a bright blue sky, soaking in the natural beauty.

About 600 tourists are stranded in Socotra after the growing conflict in Yemen.  (iStock)

“Nobody has any information, and everyone just wants to go back to their normal lives,” said Krikstaponiene. 

She was unable to get back to Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

A spokesperson with Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maciej Wewiór, posted about the situation on X on Sunday.

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“Sokotra is located in a highly unstable region where an armed conflict has been ongoing for years,” wrote Wewior. 

“Currently, the security situation has further deteriorated — due to the intensification of military operations, airspace has been closed.”

Socotra island blood trees with tourists hiking

Socotra’s dragon blood trees are popular among tourists to the area.  (iStock)

Wewoir announced that airlines will resume flights, allowing Polish tourists to return home.

Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its pristine beaches and exceptional biodiversity.

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The island’s iconic dragon blood trees, named after the tree’s odd shape and red sap, draw visitors from around the world.

Recently, Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) claimed it had seized control of key oil regions, urging the U.S. to partner against Iran-backed Houthis, Fox News Digital reported.

houthis yemen

The State Department has listed Yemen as a “Do Not Travel” country.  (Osamah Yahya/picture alliance via Getty Images; Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)

Yemen remains on the State Department’s “Level 4: Do Not Travel” list due to terrorism, unrest, crime and kidnapping risks. 

The advisory was reissued on Dec. 19.

“Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen,” the advisory states. “Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra.”

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U.S. officials state that companies may offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid visas — putting tourists in danger as well as legal jeopardy.

“The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra,” it states.

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Efrat Lachter of Fox News, plus Reuters, contributed reporting. 

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. 

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Healthcare Holding Schweiz Acquires Stake in Medddbase International

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Healthcare Holding Schweiz Acquires Stake in Medddbase International

Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, a leading service provider and distributor of medical technology in Switzerland, expands its portfolio through the acquisition of a majority stake in Medddbase International AG, which includes Medddbase Schweiz AG and Medddbase Deutschland GmbH. Healthcare Holding Schweiz is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH and KKA Partners.

BAAR, Switzerland, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG has successfully acquired a majority interest in Medddbase International AG, headquartered in Buchs, St. Gallen. Medddbase is a highly specialized service provider for the commercialization and logistics of medical products across Switzerland, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. For nearly 20 years, the company has exclusively supported more than 50 global medical technology manufacturers through a network of five locations (including partner sites), handling close to half a million product shipments annually. Medddbase offers a comprehensive suite of services, including company domiciliation, customer support, warehousing and logistics, accounting, legal and regulatory advisory, required ISO certifications, as well as Swiss and EU importer services (CH-IMP, EU-IMP).

Closing in Baar, Switzerland with:Jonas Oggier, Fabian Kröher, Manfred Menzi-Weder, Fabio Fagagnini, Luigi Bivi, Marco Novoselac, Moritz Kornherr, Nick Hartmann
Closing in Baar, Switzerland with:Jonas Oggier, Fabian Kröher, Manfred Menzi-Weder, Fabio Fagagnini, Luigi Bivi, Marco Novoselac, Moritz Kornherr, Nick Hartmann

Fabian Kröher, Chairman of the Board of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG and Partner at Winterberg Group, commented: “With Medddbase International, we are significantly strengthening our value proposition for international medical technology manufacturers. In addition to exclusive distribution capabilities, we will now offer a modular, end-to-end service platform – ranging from CH- and EU-MDR-compliant import services to logistics backbone solutions, customer support, and financial accounting. This allows us to selectively provide individual service components such as logistics or customer service independently of distribution. Through our Healthcare Holding Schweiz subsidiary QUNIQUE, we can also cover key regulatory roles such as Swiss and EU Authorized Representative (CH-REP, EU-REP). As a result, we further consolidate our position as Switzerland’s leading medical technology distributor while creating a highly attractive gateway into the European market – particularly valued by suppliers from North America and Asia.”

Luigi Bivi, Member of the Board of Directors of Medddbase International AG, added: “Over recent years, we have successfully established Medddbase across the DACH region and further strengthened our presence in the UK and other European markets through local partners. Together with Healthcare Holding Schweiz, we can now systematically build on this strong foundation and further expand our role as a go-to-market backbone for international MedTech manufacturers – from import and logistics services to scalable market access models. With such a strong partner at our side, our development will become even faster and more dynamic, which we very much look forward to. Together with my co-founder Manfred Menzi, I will continue to actively support the management team in our role as members of the Board of Directors.”

About Medddbase International AG

Medddbase International AG, headquartered in Buchs, St. Gallen, is a specialized service provider for the commercialization and logistics of medical products for the Swiss, EU, and UK markets. For almost 20 years, the company has exclusively supported more than 50 global medical technology manufacturers across five locations (including partner sites) and manages nearly half a million product deliveries per year. Its service offering includes domiciliation, customer support, warehousing and logistics, accounting, legal and regulatory advisory, ISO certifications, and Swiss and EU importer services (CH-IMP, EU-IMP).

About Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG

Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG is a Buy, Build & Technologize platform and a leading provider of medical technology products and services in Switzerland. The group is based in Baar and pursues an ambitious growth strategy through acquisitions, often in the context of succession arrangements, partnerships, and organic growth. Healthcare Holding Schweiz and its group companies are committed to the highest standards of innovation and customer satisfaction. The group consistently leverages technology to make business processes safer and more efficient. As a market leader, the company sets new standards for the industry and offers employees attractive development opportunities. All of the management team holds shares in Healthcare Holding Schweiz, thus forming a dynamic community of entrepreneurs. Since 2023, the group has been led by CEO Fabio Fagagnini.

About KKA Partners

Founded in 2018, KKA Partners is a Berlin-based lower mid-market private equity firm that invests in leading companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland – the so-called “Mittelstand”. The Founding Partners all have a deep-rooted family and professional heritage in the Mittelstand developed over 20 years in working closely with Mittelstand companies. KKA is at the forefront of the next wave of value creation through Technology Enabled Transformation of the Mittelstand.

About Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG

Winterberg Group AG, based in Zug, operates as an independent family office for its founders. Winterberg mainly invests in SMEs in the German-speaking region and selectively considers investments in startups and real estate. Winterberg Advisory GmbH is a general partner and fund manager regulated by the German BaFin. Winterberg Advisory has launched numerous private equity funds and is invested in Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG through its funds Winterberg Investment VIII and Winterberg Investment IX. The two Managing Partners, Fabian Kröher and Florian Brickenstein, manage Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG via its board of directors.

For press inquiries, please contact presse@healthcare-holding.ch

Note for Editors: Please reference Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG for any provided quotes and information.

For more information about Medddbase International AG, visit www.medddbase.com 

For more information about Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, visit www.healthcare-holding.ch 

For more information about other portfolio companies of Healthcare Holding, visit www.senectovia.ch, www.winthermedical.ch, www.mikrona.com, www.orthowalker.ch, www.mcm-schaublin.ch, www.mvb-med.ch, www.dentalaxess.ch, www.effectum-chrep.com, www.cdpswiss.com, www.aestheticbedarf.ch, www.ftcdental.ch, www.inomedicalsolutions.ch, www.quniquegroup.com, www.kundenservicemanagement.ch, www.sevikamedical.com

For more information about KKA Partners visit www.kkapartners.com and about Winterberg www.winterberg.group.

This press release is issued and distributed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH on behalf of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG.

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