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Lauda buys Austrian charter airline

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Three-time F1 World Champion and Mercedes team Chairman Niki Lauda is spreading his wings once again, having just acquired Vienna-based charter airline service Amira Air.

Aviation has always been a huge passion for Lauda, and his multiple ventures include founding his own charter airline, Lauda Air, which started operations in 1985 before it was sold to Austrian Airlines in 2000.

The 67-year-old Austrian's latest endeavour came about when the company's former owner approached him to assess his interest in taking over Amira, to which Lauda responded favourably.

"I met with Amira's owner Ronny Pecik just before Christmas, and he asked me if I would be interested in the company," Lauda told the media.

"The purchase has been completed, so I am now back in the aviation business. With my knowledge and experience, I will be looking to develop the company and set in place really high standards of service."

While Lauda often gave his own name to the airlines his managed, he is still thinking whether to change the Amira name or not. He will on the other hand register to fly one of the company's twelve aircraft whenever his schedule gives him the time to do so.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.