Benelux








Transport Infrastructure

Transport Infrastructure

AirAsia has ordered 150 Airbus A220 jets for $19 billion.

AirAsia, a Malaysian budget carrier, has ordered 150 A220-300 jets designed in Canada from Airbus. This is the largest single-firm order for the jetliner ever. The companies announced this at an event held in Quebec on Tuesday. Airbus' commercial aviation CEO Lars Wagner stated that AirAsia was the "launch customer", of the new 160-seat configuration. AirAsia's CEO Tony Fernandes stated that his airline would "buy" 150 more aircraft if Airbus made a stretched version the A220 jet. The announcement confirms previous reports about a deal to purchase 150 A220-300?jets. Fernandes stated that the order is worth $19 billion. This is...

Transport Infrastructure

Lufthansa Q1 loss narrows, keeps 2026 outlook despite $2 billion fuel hit

Lufthansa reported ?better-than-expected first-quarter results on Wednesday and maintained ?its outlook for the year as strategic hedging helped the ?airline sidestep the ?impact of a war-driven ?rise ?in jet fuel prices, while labour disruptions were kept largely under control. The group said that the spiking prices of jet fuel would add an extra 1.7 billion euro ($1.99 billion), to its fuel bill. However, it added that they were in a position to minimize this negative impact. The Middle East crisis is causing a surge in demand for Lufthansa hubs as travelers reroute to them. Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive of Lufthansa,...

Transport Infrastructure

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or individual stocks. ACCOR: The French hotel group Accor announced Q1 revenues of 1,31 billion euros - with RevPAR increasing by 5.1%. They noted that the Iran War had a greater impact on Middle East business activities from mid-March. ADYEN: Dutch payment?company Adyen has announced that it will acquire Talon.One in exchange for 750 million euros. The company also reported a 20% increase in revenue during the first quarter, reaching 628.8 millions euros. AEROPORTS de PARIS (ADP), Groupe ADP, a French airport operator, announced...

Transport Infrastructure

Amsterdam Schiphol offers discount to airlines on airport fees due to Iran War

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport will offer a temporary 10% discount on airport fares to help offset the higher fares caused by the Middle East conflict. Schiphol will temporarily offer 10% off airport charges from April 27, 2027 to March 31, 2020. Schiphol is one of Europe's busiest airports and also the most expensive. The 10% discount will only be available for daytime flights. The airport said that it was taking the measure as airlines' costs had risen sharply and unexpectedly due to high kerosene. Airport Schiphol said that the measure would have a "temporary" negative impact on Schiphol’s financial results. However,...

Transport Infrastructure

Top shipping executives say they are waiting for "safe and sustainable" strait crossings

Two top executives in the shipping sector said that they wanted to see a safe and sustainable passage through Strait of Hormuz before much oil or cargo leaves or enters the Gulf. We thought that there was some hope when, two weeks ago, the temporary ceasefire came into view. In reality, the agreement did not translate into safety and passage for the vessels", Jotaro Tamura, chief executive officer of Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines in an interview conducted on the sidelines the Singapore Maritime Week. MOL is one of the largest shipping companies in the world and is the leading owner...

Transport Infrastructure

Top shipping executives say they are waiting for "safe and sustainable" strait crossings

Two top executives in the shipping sector said that they wanted to see a safe and sustainable passage through the Strait of Hormuz before much oil or cargo leaves or enters?the Gulf. We thought that there was some hope when, two weeks ago, the temporary ceasefire came into view. In reality, the agreement did not translate into safety and passage for the vessels", Jotaro Tamura, chief executive officer of Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines in an interview conducted on the sidelines the Singapore Maritime Week. MOL is the largest shipping company in the world and also the owner of the most...

Transport Infrastructure

French and Benelux stocks - Factors to watch for on March 27

Here are some company news and stories from France and Benelux that could have an impact on a region's market or individual stocks. EIFFAGE: Eiffage, a French construction and concessions company, increased its stake to 29.40% in Getlink through an investment of 166.7 million euros ($192.37 millions) financed by cash reserves. This investment strengthened its position as Getlink's largest shareholder. SYENSQO N.V. Belgian'specialty chemicals' company Syensqo is redeeming all of its senior bonds of 500 million euro 2.750% fixed rates on March 31, 2026. MEDINCELL S.A. Pan-European market data: European Equities?speed guide................... FTSE Eurotop 300 index.............................. DJ STOXX?index................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Top 10?STOXX...

Transport Infrastructure

After US and Israel attacks on Iran, airlines suspend Middle East flights

Global airlines halted flights across the Middle East Saturday, after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. The strikes plunged the region into another military conflict. As Israel claimed to have struck Iran and the U.S., flight?maps showed that the airspace above Iran, Iraq Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain was virtually empty. The?military launched a series strikes against the targets within the country. Iran responded with a salvo missiles. According to Cirium's preliminary data, airlines cancelled nearly 40% of flights into Israel on Saturday and 6.7% to the rest of the region. Witnesses reported explosions in Doha in Qatar,...

Transport Infrastructure

After US and Israel attacks on Iran, airlines suspend Middle East flights

Global Airlines suspended flights across the Middle East Saturday, after Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran. This plunged the region into another military conflict. Flight maps showed that the airspace over Iran was almost empty after Israel claimed to have struck Iran, and the U.S. military launched a series strikes against Iranian targets. Iran responded with a salvo missiles. The escalated conflict has dimmed the hopes of a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute between Iran and the West. It also reignited the conflict following weeks of U.S. Military buildups in the area. The Middle East is...

Transport Infrastructure

Newspaper reports that Belgium will install an air defence system in Antwerp port by 2027.

Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen reported 'on Thursday that Prime Minister Bart De Wever had confirmed the installation of an air-defence at Antwerp Port. Last year, Belgium was forced to close a military base and several airports due to multiple drone sightings. Drones have also been spotted above?the port?of Antwerp including over the nuclear power plants, the BASF chemical plant and the Europa terminal. "An air-defence is coming to the port of Antwerp." According to the newspaper, De Wever stated that the Nasams-type system had already been ordered. The newspaper also stated that the?defence?ministry has specified that the first?battery?of the?air-defence?system...

Transport Infrastructure

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch Thursday

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or individual stocks. AMG CRITICAL MATTERS AMG, a Dutch producer of critical materials, reported a Q4 revenue of?$446.6 million. The company's adjusted EBITDA was $43 million. It reported yearly adjusted EBITDA at $235 million. AMG proposed a total 2025 dividend per share of 0.40 euro and expected 2026 adjusted EBITDA to be between $210 and 240 million. EIFFAGE: Eiffage, a French construction and concessions company, reported a full-year revenue totaling 25.31 billion euro ($29.90 billion), and a net profit of 1 billion euro attributable...

Transport Infrastructure

Venezuela prepares larger oil cargoes to export and targets India

Four sources and shipping data indicate that buyers and trading houses of Venezuelan oil chartered the very large crude carriers to export the South American nation?since the Caracas-Washington deal was signed. This move will boost deliveries to India. The use of larger vessels that can hold up to 2,000,000 barrels each is expected to reduce transportation costs for buyers and traders, relieve a shortage in smaller tankers, and speed up deliveries beginning next month. This could help to drain the millions barrels stored at Venezuela faster. The Nissos Kea and Nissos Kythnos, as well as the Arzanah, are at least...

Passenger Transportation Services

Passenger Transportation Services

Scoot, the budget airline of Singapore Airlines, has ordered 11 Airbus A320neo jets

Scoot is the low-cost division of Singapore Airlines. It has ordered five Airbus A320neo aircraft and exercised options on six more. The carrier wants to increase capacity and open new routes. Scoot announced that the new narrowbody aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney geared 'engines. Scoot stated that the expansion will'support new services in a 5- to 6-hour flying radius. This will strengthen Singapore's air links with Southeast Asia and North Asia and other key??markets. It also improves connections to the SIA Group?s wider network. Scoot CEO Leslie Thng stated that they expect the travel demand to grow...

Passenger Transportation Services

Bloomberg News reports that AirAsia founder Fernandes is planning to launch a new airline.

Bloomberg reported that Tony Fernandes, AirAsia's co-founder, is planning to launch a new airline based on the high volatility of oil prices. Reports indicate that the new airline could be announced in the next few months. The carrier group has also moved some planes to the venture. AirAsia?did not immediately respond to comments. Fernandes didn't respond to a LinkedIn message. AirAsia, the Malaysian budget carrier, is planning to sell up to $600 million of bonds and is in discussions with Malaysian banks for a refinancing loan that will lower interest rates. Fernandes said in a Bloomberg video interview late on...

Passenger Transportation Services

Price hikes and outlook cuts are used by airlines to combat the fuel price surge.

The aviation industry was blindsided by the sudden increase in jet fuel costs from $85 to $100 to $150 to $200 per barrel during the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. Fuel accounts for as much as a quarter or more of the operating costs, which has forced airlines to raise their fares and change their financial forecasts. Here is an alphabetical list of the ways airlines are responding to this issue: AEGEAN AIRLINES The Greek airline anticipates that the suspension of Middle East flights, as well as a spike in fuel costs will have a "notable" impact on its...

Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

Transportation

Transportation

Authorities say eight people were killed in a helicopter crash in West Kalimantan in Indonesia.

Authorities?said?that all eight people aboard a helicopter died?when it crashed?in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province?as they tried to recover the bodies and wreckage. Mohammad Syafii said that the Airbus H130 helicopter had lost contact five minutes after it took off from a plantation in Melawi. The location of the crash, or the loss of contact, is in an area of dense?forested terrain with steep hills," Syafii stated. He added that'rescuers found debris believed to be the tail from the helicopter about 3 km (2 miles), west of the point where contact was lost. The cause of the crash is still unknown....

Transportation

Why is the port of Fujairah important to the oil industry?

After a Saturday drone attack and fire, some oil-loading activities have been suspended at the United Arab Emirates’?Fujairah Port, a global hub for refuelling vessels?aswell as crude fuel and exports. Why Does FUJAIRAH Matter Globally? According to Kpler, Fujairah exported a total of 1.7 million barrels of crude oil per day and refined fuels in average during the past year. This volume is equivalent to 1.7% of world daily demand. Fujairah is situated on the Gulf of Oman and is approximately 70 nautical mile from the Strait of Hormuz which is currently closed because of the Iran conflict. This increases...

Oil Pipeline

Refiner MOL files complaint with EU regarding Croatian pipeline charges

Hungarian refiner MOL announced on Friday that it and its subsidiary Slovnaft filed a complaint to the European Commission over a Croatian pipeline operator JANAF's price policy. This follows a complaint MOL made last week to the EU's Competition Watchdog about JANAF refusing to deliver Russian crude oil to MOL and its Slovak subsidiary. A January outage on the Druzhba oil pipeline that delivers Russian oil via Ukraine left Hungary and Slovakia, which are landlocked countries, reliant on JANAF for oil supplies. MOL's latest complaint stated that "JANAF consistently applied abusive pricing practices" and added that its orders had increased...

Transportation

JetBlue engine failure causes traffic disruptions at Newark Airport

Officials said that traffic was disrupted on Wednesday at Newark Liberty International Airport after a JetBlue flight bound for Florida?had an engine failure during takeoff. The plane returned to the airport. Around 5:55 pm, passengers and crew of Flight 543 exited on the Airbus A320 taxiway. The Federal Aviation Administration and JetBlue reported that the crew evacuated passengers using slides after reporting smoke in the cabin and cockpit. There were no injuries reported. Flightaware and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey said that nearly all flights had been halted at the airport outside of New York City...

Transportation

Amprion's main owners are looking at options to increase their stakes, as the funding needs of the company continue to rise.

Two people who are familiar with the situation said that the owners of Amprion - Germany's second largest power transmission grid - may consider selling their stakes to new investors in order to meet the growing funding requirements for energy networks throughout Europe. The people stated that some members of M31 - a joint venture between investors who own 74.9% of Amprion - are evaluating options. These include shifting stakes to coshareholders or divesting them, they said. Amprion stated that it would not be able to comment on any matters related to M31. It said that it was evaluating the...

Transportation

Germany purchases minority stake in grid operator TenneT at $3.9 billion

Germany announced on Tuesday that it had agreed to buy 25.1% of the German division of Dutch grid operator TenneT for 3.3 billion euros ($3.9 billion). This was a long-planned measure to strengthen Berlin's control over vital energy infrastructure. The agreement marks an important step in the German Government's efforts to assert greater influence over the high-voltage grids that are the backbone of Germany's energy supply and which require tens or even hundreds of millions of Euros in investments to remain safe. Dutch government is cutting its stakes in TenneT Germany, at a moment when increasing investment needs have raised...

Transportation

Source in the Parliament says that Berlin will take a minority stake in TenneT Germany's power grid

The German budget committee approved the purchase of a minority share in the German division?of the Dutch high-voltage transmission grid 'TenneT', according to a German parliamentary report on Friday. This is part of a longstanding plan by the German government to consolidate its control over key infrastructure. The source said that conservatives, centre-left SPD, and the Greens were all in favor of the decision, but the far-right AfD was against it, and the Left Party abstained. In a November letter, the economy ministry'said that it intended to sign a 'agreement to buy a 25% stake in TenneT Germany in early...

Transportation

Norway's pipeline gas exports will drop by 2.3% in 2025 but remain steady in 2019.

Gassco, the operator of Norway's pipeline system, said that Norway's natural gas exports via pipelines to Europe in 2018 decreased by 2.3% compared to their record-breaking?2024 levels. They are expected to stay roughly at these levels also in 2026. Gassco will deliver 114.9 billion cubic meters (bcm), or slightly less than the previous year’s record of 117.6bcm, through its 8,800 km (5,468 miles) pipeline network by 2025. Alfred Hansen said that the relatively stable level of supply is due to well-planned maintenance and a record-high availability of terminals. Onshore plants, and pipelines. Hansen said that the results were "exceptionally good"...

Transportation

After power failure, passengers of the Channel Tunnel Rail face a second day of disruption

Train companies announced that services between Britain, continental Europe and Canada would resume on Tuesday but warned about further disruptions after technical problems suspended travel on Monday and left some passengers stranded on trains for the night. Chaos in rail services between London, Paris and Brussels, as well as Amsterdam, one of Europe's most busy international rail corridors, hit at the height of New Year travel. Eurostar, the company that runs passenger rail service, announced on Wednesday morning that services were resumed after "a power problem in the Channel Tunnel yesterday" and other issues with 'rail infrastructure overnight". It said:...

Transportation

Eurostar announces the return of train services, but warns about delays and cancellations

Eurostar announced that it will resume all of its cross-Channel service on Wednesday, but warned that there could be delays and cancellations at the last minute after a power failure had suspended train trips throughout much of Tuesday. A fault in the overhead power supply caused a disruption on Tuesday that disrupted plans for thousands of passengers across 'London, Paris and Amsterdam during one of the busiest weeks of travel. On its website,?Eurostar announced on Wednesday that services had resumed following an electrical problem in the?Channel Tunnel yesterday as well as some additional?issues with rail equipment overnight. It said: "We...

Transportation

Weber, EPP member, says EU will scrap its planned ban on combustion engine

A senior EU legislator?said? on Friday that the European Commission would move to scrap plans for an effective prohibition on new combustion engine vehicles from 2035. This would be a significant victory for Germany, which has been pushing to protect its automakers. In an earlier statement, Manfred Weber suggested that there would be a different proposal to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% for the fleet targets of automakers starting in 2035. The EU had planned to ban the sale of all electric cars in Europe as part of its strategy for decarbonisation. But Brussels has been subjected to intense lobbying...

Transportation

Volvo Cars urges EU to resist pressure to scrap fossil-fuel autos ban

A Volvo executive told reporters on Friday that he hopes the European Commission will resist pressures to lift the effective ban on the sale of combustion engine cars, and said the Swedish automaker is "ready to go" when it comes to electric alternatives. Germany, Italy, and their manufacturers are lobbying Brussels for at least a watering down of plans for a ban by 2035. They argue that they need help in order to compete with China. The European Commission is expected to remove the ban on automakers fleets next week, according to a?leading German EU legislator. He also suggested that...