China Ranks First In The World In AI Patents

More patents related to generative artificial intelligence have been filed by China every year since 2017 than by the rest of the world, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported to the United Nations in Geneva, DPA reported. Examples include artificial intelligence applications such as ChatGPT or Gemini .

KEY FACTS

According to WIPO, Chinese companies and institutes registered over 38,000 patents in the field of generative AI in the 10 years to 2023.
Far behind is the US with 6,300, followed by South Korea, Japan and India. Britain is in fifth place with 714, closely followed by Germany with 708, which WIPO says has registered more patents than the UK in recent years.
The increase in patent applications worldwide also shows that the sector is booming. According to WIPO, there were a total of 54,000 patent applications in the field of generative AI between 2014 and 2023, but over a quarter of those were filed in the past year alone.

KEY QUOTE

“Generative AI has emerged as a game-changing technology with the potential to transform the way we work, live and play,” said WIPO Director General Darren Tang.

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Wizz Air Accelerates Larnaca Expansion With New Athens And Madrid Routes

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 23, 2026

Wizz Air announced an expansion of its route network from Larnaca, adding new connections to Athens and Madrid while increasing frequencies on several existing routes. The move reflects steady passenger demand for travel between Cyprus and key European destinations and builds on the airline’s growing presence at Larnaca.

Enhanced Athens Service Driven By Demand

Service between Larnaca and Athens will resume in September 2026, initially operating 11 times per week. Frequency is scheduled to increase to 14 weekly flights, which allows for a double daily schedule. One-way fares start from €29.99, including all mandatory fees and one carry-on bag. The decision to reinstate and expand this route follows consistent demand, with Athens remaining a core short-haul connection for passengers traveling to and from Cyprus.

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New Madrid Service Expands Spanish Footprint

Wizz Air will also launch a new direct route between Larnaca and Madrid. Flights are set to begin in September 2026 and will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fares start from €55.99 one-way. This addition builds on existing connections to Spain, including Barcelona, and strengthens the airline’s presence in that market.

Strengthening Cypriot Connectivity And Market Confidence

The expansion also includes increased frequencies to Barcelona, Thessaloniki and Yerevan, offering more flexibility for passengers. András Szabó said the relaunch of Athens and the addition of Madrid are part of efforts to expand route options and improve connectivity. Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communications at Hermes Airports, noted that increased frequencies support Cyprus’ connectivity. Kostas Koumis stated that new direct routes to Athens and Madrid are expected to support tourism flows, trade and economic activity.

Outlook

Higher frequencies and new routes are expected to support both inbound and outbound travel, particularly during the summer season. The updated network strengthens Larnaca’s role within Wizz Air’s regional operations and reflects stable demand across key European routes.

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