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Brazil regulators expect MAX 10 certification in this year
Brazilian aviation regulator ANAC 'expects that its U.S. counterpart Federal Aviation Administration will certify the Boeing 737 MAX 10 in this year, and will 'work quickly to validate a decision locally. Boeing and airlines such as Brazilian airline Gol rely on the MAX 10 narrowbody, the largest variant, to help them grow. "Because it's an?FAA timetable, I can’t really comment. But I strongly believe that it will happen in this year," Faierstein said on the sidelines of an international airline chiefs meeting in Rio de Janeiro, on Monday. We will also work hard to get it done quickly here. We know Gol?really needs these aircraft." ANAC, FAA and other European and Canadian regulators are also members of a?Certification Management Team. Boeing's MAX 7 and MAX 10 model certifications have been delayed due to a de-icing problem. Faierstein, who visited the United States last May, called on Brazilian and U.S. authorities for collaboration to certify an eVTOL aircraft. Embraer's Eve gave Brazil a good start in the race for the development of the "battery-powered aircraft" that can transport travelers on short city journeys, helping them to beat traffic. Eve has pushed back its timeline for the eVTOL vehicle's entry into service to 2028, from 2027. Previously, it had slipped from a 2026 initial target. Faierstein stated that the new time frame is realistic, given the work being done to create an ecosystem, which includes recharging infrastructures, pilot licensing, and air traffic control rules. "We are confident in the aircraft development process. Embraer has made progress, and the tests were successful. The ecosystem is the problem," said the ANAC chief. Reporting by Gabriel Araujo in Rio de Janeiro and Luciana Magialhaes Editing by Brad Haynes, Matthew Lewis
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TASS reports that three blasts have occurred on a gas pipeline in Dagestan.
TASS reported?on?Tuesday, citing the regional ministry of emergency, that three?explosions?hit a gas pipe in 'the town 'of 'Kizilyurt, in Russia’s Dagestan Region in the North Caucasus. However, emergency crews managed to control the resulting blaze. Three explosions were reported by the?ministry on a trunk 1,200 mm gas pipeline. No injuries have been reported. TASS?quoted?officials in the?region who said that emergency crews brought under control flames which had risen 15 metres (50 feet). It said that grassy areas were burning near the explosion site. Russian news agencies reported that residents who were ordered to evacuate from 300 homes are now returning. Interfax reported that the mayor's office in Kizilyurt said a fire had occurred within the industrial area of the town and was believed to have engulfed the gas distribution station. Joe Bavier, Sanjeev MIglani and Joe Bavier reported; edited by Sanjeev miglani.
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Foreign visitors to Cuba's once-bustling tourist sites are becoming increasingly rare
Ramiro Escobar, a Colombian, had always dreamt of visiting Cuba. Last week, the 68 year-old finally made the trip after putting it off for decades. He visited the island's most famous sites including the Varadero beach resort with its white sands. Escobar raved about his trip despite Cuba's struggling economic situation and fuel shortages. He said, "It is true that the country is in crisis but there are still many services available and my experience has been excellent." "I have had a wonderful time here." Escobar, a foreign tourist from Latin America, was the only one out of six to be able find him during a morning spent in Old Havana earlier this week. The once bustling city streets, hotels, restaurants and museums are now almost entirely devoid of tourists. Cuba's tourism sector, which is plagued by power outages, shortages and an economic crisis, has never recovered from COVID-19. The number of international visitors has barely reached half the peak of 4,75 million that was recorded in 2018. This year has been even worse, as the U.S. has hinted at possible military action and imposed fresh sanctions on the communist-run island government. Washington has warned that foreigners doing business with sanctioned people will be penalized. As a result, the majority of top tourism and travel firms on Cuba have fled or drastically reduced their activity. The two biggest foreign hotel chains in Cuba, Spain's Melia & Iberostar, have announced that they will reduce the number of hotels on the island. Blue Diamond, a Canadian hotel company, has completely pulled out. Spanish airlines Iberia, World2Fly, and Russian airline 'Rossiya, along with Canadian airlines WestJet, and Air Canada have all suspended their flights to the island. The reason given was unreliable jet fuel supplies. Visa and Mastercard also suspended their operations in Cuba as of last week. TOURISTS ARE FEARFUL All-inclusive resorts offer hotel rooms for as low as $50 per night to those who are willing to take the plunge and can travel to the country. Some guests are surprised to find that the elevators have broken down, their rooms are shoddy and there is no choice at the buffet. Many people don't even try. Adianet Labrada, a representative of the?Cubatur travel agency said that tourists are scared to visit. "I used have a lot of groups visiting us from around the world, but after the sanctions and threat of military invasion, I lost almost all of them." Cuba's ONEI national statistics agency reported that 328 608 international visitors had arrived in the first six months of the year. This is less than half of the previous year, and well below the pre-pandemic level. The administration of the?U.S. The administration of?U.S. Cuba claims that decades of U.S. economic sanctions are the cause of its economic woes. Valerio Bispuri is an Argentinean photographer who visited Cuba this week. He said he was struck by the solidarity he saw amongst people on a recent road trip to Santiago – 12 hours away from Havana – despite the obvious shortages and difficulties. Bispuri, who praised the Cuban culture and people, said: "There's hunger, but based on what I've seen in these past few days, it seems they will be able to pull through." Many small, privately-owned?hotels and restaurants have closed down because they say that they can't survive. Jairan Lombira is the manager of La Vitrola Cafe in Old Havana. He has offered a 50% discount for passers-by, whether they are foreigners or not, to avoid having to close his business. Lombira stated, "We now focus on attracting the local market while we wait for things to improve." (Reporting and editing by Dave Sherwood, Rosalba o'Brien, Ayose Naranjo)
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US House advances $70 billion immigration enforcement bill
Tuesday, the U.S. Congress moved closer to ending a stalemate over funding for immigration enforcement. Republicans in Congress voted on party lines to start a debate on a $70billion bill. The House was expected to vote later Tuesday on the measure, which would then be sent to the White House to be signed by President Donald Trump. The bill was also passed along party lines by the?Senate early Friday morning. The bill funds U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol over the next three-year period, putting the issue beyond the reach of partisan differences in Congress. Democrats refused to support funding for immigration enforcement after agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January. This led to a disruption in funding for the Department o Homeland 'Security. It caused long?airport security lines. Until lawmakers agreed to fund portions of?the sprawling department that were not involved in Trump's immigration crackdown. Reporting by Nolan D. McCaskill, David Morgan and Alistair Bell; Editing by Mark Porter & Alistair Bell
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Germany's new 15-year aviation strategy aims to boost the sector
According to a draft document that was seen on Tuesday, the German government wants to "make Germany a leading hub" for sustainable, safe, and competitive aviation. This will be achieved through a 15-year plan which includes cutting costs, increasing research, and accelerating the use of cleaner fuels. Wednesday the German cabinet will approve the aviation strategy, which outlines short- and mid-term plans for civil and military aviation. The aim is to give greater planning certainty to policymakers, companies, military personnel and the general public. The strategy is based on four pillars, including economic competitiveness and technological 'competitiveness. The aim is to make aviation climate-friendly and prepare it for future crises. The draft states that Berlin wants to support the production of these fuels in Europe and the United States, as well as infrastructure. According to the document, German aviation faces "challenges" including weak passenger growth in comparison with Europe, rising costs and international competition, as well as geopolitical tensions. The draft mentions 'the government coalition plans to reduce air traffic tax and control fee?and streamline security of aviation,' while adding that?implementation of?the strategy depends on the availability of budgetary funds. Reporting by Klaus Lauer, Writing by Maria Martinez, Editing by Paul Simao
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Emirates is optimistic about Boeing 777X but there has been no progress on the Airbus A350 engine dispute
Dubai's Emirates president says that the company expects to get its first Boeing 777X, which has been delayed for years, by June next year. However, it is still waiting on progress in Rolls-Royce engine improvement, which would allow them to order Airbus A350-1000. Emirates, the largest buyer of wide body jets in the world, has complained a lot about the long delays with Boeing's biggest?model and the durability of the engines on Airbus's own biggest model. Tim Clark, Emirates President, said on the sidelines a Berlin industry conference that the 777X was in "good shape". The airline anticipates receiving its first 777X by May or June of next year. This is 14 years after Emirates was the leader in the initial wave?of orders for this 400-seater jet. The development of the GE powered plane has been stalled for years due to certification delays. Questions about the Remuneration Package Clark reiterated concerns over the wear and tear of the Trent XWB-97 engine for the slightly smaller Airbus A350-1000. Emirates said that it would not order the aircraft until the issue was resolved. The story of the (XWB)97 is what it was. He said: "I know (Rolls-Royce is) working hard to fix it." Clark, who had publicly clashed with Rolls-Royce before, questioned a possible remuneration of?more? than PS100million ($134million) given to Rolls-Royce's CEO Tufan Erginbilgic. Erginbilgic is credited for a radical overhaul of the Group, resulting in a dramatic turnaround in profits. SCAM OVER DELAYS AND PRICES INSIDE THE INDUSTRY Rolls-Royce refused to comment on Clark's pay package. However, a spokesperson for the company said that its Trent XWB-97 upgrade program was improving engine durability and time spent on wing. The spokesperson stated that "These improvements will double the durability and improve the flying experience in benign environments by 50%." They added that the company will also invest to expand its maintenance and overhaul capacity by 2030 in order to meet growing customer demand. The industry is embroiled in a spat between airlines and engine manufacturers over high prices and delays. Clark showed little sympathy to engine manufacturers who failed to meet demand and left some planes idle. "I couldn't tell my government that I couldn't fly because of this. They would kick me out. It's brutal, but it's how it is. "You need to improve, but not just him (Erginbilgic), all of them as well." IATA, the global airlines'?group, accused engine manufacturers of "gouging" airline parts prices at the weekend. Engine makers claim they have taken on significant financial risk to improve fuel efficiency and blame some delays on supply-chain issues. Clark told engine makers that the supply shortage was not his problem.
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CMA CGM Chief says it's 'unwise to assume' that Hormuz would return to pre-war conditions
The head of French shipping group CMA CGM stated on Tuesday that it would be "unwise to assume" that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will return to the way it was prior to the Iran War. CMA CGM is the third largest container line in the world. Its vessels are stranded within the Gulf, where the conflict has closed it off. The waterway carries about a fifth the global supply of oil and LNG. Rodolphe Saade, the CEO and Chairman of CMA CGM, told a French parliament hearing that "even if a peace solution is implemented in coming weeks there's no guarantee?there won't a crisis later and we can't become prisoners to Hormuz." He said: "I will not be fixated by the idea that?the Strait of Hormuz will reopen?and?everything will return?to what it was," "Unfortunately, it seems unwise to act in such a way." Saade said that CMA CGM could continue to offer alternative routes to clients as it adapts itself to a volatile geopolitical environment. CMA CGM, based in Marseille, has also rushed to bypass the Hormuz Strait?to get to the Gulf. It hauls cargo via road and rail, from ports further away. Saade, a family member who controls CMA CGM, stated that the company was sending a third of the number of containers into the Gulf as compared to before the war. Ramon Fernandez, the Chief Financial Officer of the group, said that the alternative routes would cost the group an additional $300 million during the first half of the year. CMA CGM was stranded with 14 ships in the Gulf when the Iran War began. Two of the ships have left, but one was hit last month by an attack in which eight seafarers were injured.
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FedEx pilots union ratifies new wage agreement
After nearly five years, FedEx pilots ratified "a new agreement" that would increase their wages by 40% in this year. The Air Line Pilots Association, International reported that 83 percent of FedEx's pilots have voted for the new collective bargaining agreement, which will provide a 3% annual increase?from 2030 through 2028. Since May 2021, FedEx management and ALPA are in discussions. FedEx and pilots' union reached a tentative agreement in April. First officers could receive up to $102,500 in retroactive pay for negotiations. Captains can also get up to $150,000. FedEx has the largest cargo air fleet in the world, with 391 cargo planes and 317 turboprops. The contract comes into effect on June 29. ALPA stated that the contract will be amendable by December 2030. (Reporting and editing by Tasim Zaid, Leroy Leo, and Nandan Mandayam from Bengaluru)
Two Hong Kong males imprisoned for seditious acts under brand-new security law
A Hong Kong judge on Thursday imprisoned 2 guys in the city's very first sedition cases under a new nationwide security law one for wearing a shirt with a. protest slogan and another for writing similar messages on bus. seats.
Chief Magistrate Victor So initially sentenced Chu Kai-pong,. 27, to 14 months' jail under harder sentencing laws produced by. the city's legislature in March.
If the law does not step in early and permits private. sedition to happen, it will eventually result in turmoil in the. society once again, So said in a written judgment.
Chu pleaded guilty plea to having actually seditiously worn a Tee shirts. with the protest slogan Free Hong Kong, transformation of our. times.
The slogan was shouted on the streets during the months of. pro-democracy presentations that rocked Hong Kong in 2019.
Chu was apprehended on June 12 at a subway station using the. shirt and a yellow mask printed with FDNOL- shorthand for. another popular 2019 slogan five needs, not one less.
The date marked the fifth anniversary of among the very first. major actions in the demonstrations.
The offender utilized a symbolic day to prompt others to. honor the unrest and try to restore the idea of the unrest,. which postures a terrific risk to the social order, and the. situations are not small, So stated.
Chu told police the Liberate Hong Kong slogan called for. the return of Hong Kong to British guideline and he wore it to advise. people of the demonstrations, the court heard.
Magistrate So later on sentenced another Hong Kong male, Chung. Man-kit, 29, to 10 months in jail in a separate security case. on Thursday.
The content of the seditious words in this case involves. advocating that the Hong Kong federal government to break away from the. legitimate control of the main government and implement his. concepts in such a way that weakens social harmony and public. order, So stated.
The law should step in otherwise there was a danger of. society falling under chaos once again, So said.
Chung on Thursday pleaded guilty to three counts of. seditious acts for composing mottos promoting Hong Kong. self-reliance and Liberate Hong Kong, transformation of our times. on the back of bus seats in March and April.
Beijing imposed a nationwide security law in 2020 to quash the. months-long demonstrations in the financial center. In March 2024, Hong. Kong passed a 2nd new security law.
Under the brand-new law, the optimal sentence for sedition was. increased from 2 years to approximately seven years in prison and up. to 10 years if collusion with foreign forces is involved.
Critics, consisting of Western governments, have said the. slightly defined arrangements might be utilized to suppress dissent however. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities said they were needed to. keep stability.
Responding to Chu's sentencing, Amnesty International's. China Director Sarah Brooks stated in a declaration: This is a. outright attack on the right to flexibility of expression.
Amnesty prompted Hong Kong authorities to rescind the law.
(source: Reuters)