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Urals crude diffs remains steady in thin trading
Market sources say that the price of Urals crude remained stable on Thursday, despite a thin trade. However, a rise in freight rates from Russian ports to Asia may affect its differentials with Brent dated, they said. The EU's sanctions chief said that while sanctions are hurting Russia's economy, President Donald Trump keeps his allies guessing as to whether he'll sign off on additional measures. This is despite Washington's participation in the G7 deal to coordinate actions against the Kremlin. PLATTS WINDOW There were no bids or offerings reported on Thursday in the Platts Window for Urals, Azeri BTC Blend or CPC blend crude. A drone attack caused fires to break out in fuel and energy plants in Russia's Volgograd Region, said Governor Andrei Bocharov on Thursday. * On Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions against Serbia's Russian owned oil company NIS. This prompted Croatia to reduce crude supplies. There are also concerns that Serbia's only refinery could cease operations in a few weeks. (Reporting and Editing by Joe Bavier).
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Turkish Airlines could switch Boeing 737 orders to Airbus if talks about engines fail, says chair
Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines' chairperson, said that the airline could change its order of Boeing 737 MAX planes to Airbus if negotiations with engine supplier CFM do not progress. The sudden warning came after Turkish Airlines announced a tentative agreement with Boeing to purchase 150 MAX aircraft, which coincided with the meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdoan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on September 25, subject to an engine deal. CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aerospace, Safran and CFM International. It is the exclusive engine supplier of the Boeing 737 MAX. Pratt & Whitney, RTX's unit, competes for Airbus A320neo airline contracts. Costs - DISAGREEANCE Bolat said in Stockholm, late Wednesday night: "If CFM can come up with reasonable economic terms, we will sign with Boeing." Bolat said that negotiations had progressed, but there were still disagreements over costs. If CFM persists in its position, we will switch to Airbus. Bolat stated that he had two options when it comes to Airbus' two engine suppliers. CFM, which is the largest engine manufacturer in the world by number of engines sold, stated: "As an issue of policy, CFM doesn't disclose the details of contract negotiations with our clients." Boeing declined to make a comment. The deal, which is being closely watched, is part of an ambitious fleet replacement program and expansion that will see around 800 Airbus aircraft in service by 2033. This follows Turkish Airlines' (THY) order for more than 200 Airbus airplanes in 2023. Sources in the industry said that they expected the deal with CFM to be completed, given recent attention from politicians on the Airbus order and the limited supply of the competing jets. Shared Risks The industry has been impacted by a series of engine shortages, maintenance delays and rising prices for engine parts. THY is one of the airlines that has expressed frustration with this disruption. It faces delays related to Pratt & Whitney engine on its Airbus fleet. Engine makers claim they should be compensated for taking on such huge financial risks. Industry sources claim that the core of the dispute over THY is who should take the biggest risk in terms of long-term repair costs. Jet engines are usually sold at a profit, but the manufacturers make money by servicing them over a 20-year period. Instead of charging for repairs on an as-needed basis, they will often make long-term agreements priced per flight hour. This is riskier because of the increased wear and tear that modern engines experience. Sources claim that THY is waiting for a deal of this kind. CFM appears to have been less inclined to offer such deals over the past few years. They prefer to delegate more work to independent stores. Two industry sources say that CFM has recently shown more flexibility in hourly deals, but at a higher price. CFM officials said recently that the company had not stopped offering hourly contracts for long periods of time and its strategy to shift more work outsourced had not changed. Open to placing orders on delayed Boeing 777X Bolat, in a positive development for Boeing, said that THY, despite reports of recent delays, was still considering Boeing's troubled 777X Mini-Jumbo and closely monitoring its progress. The twin-engined world's biggest jetliner, which was originally scheduled to be completed in 2027 is now projected to arrive seven years later. Bolat stated that THY was in regular contact, including discussing the 777X. He also said THY was assessing the best routes for the aircraft. Bolat added that THY would not rush to buy the 777X. (Reporting from Marie Mannes in Stockholm and Tim Hepher, with additional reporting by Joanna Plucinska and Ceyda Kaglayan, Editing by Adam Jourdan; Emelia Sithole Matarise, Rod Nickel).
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Delta's earnings outlook is optimistic due to the demand for premium fares and higher prices.
Delta Air Lines announced on Thursday that a robust demand for luxury travel, coupled with a sharp decline in seat capacity expansion across the industry, has positioned them well to grow revenue and margins over the next year. The Atlanta-based airline also expects record earnings in the current quarter, after posting stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit on improved consumer demand and pricing power. In midday trading, its shares rose by about 5%. Delta, by far the largest airline in the United States, has reported that its sales across all regions have increased over the last six weeks. It reported an increase in corporate bookings from all sectors. Tickets prices increase due to fewer seats The sharp decrease in seat capacity on the domestic market is driving up ticket prices. Delta's unit revenue - a key indicator of pricing power - increased in the third quarter after a decline the first quarter. Delta expects that its unit revenue will remain positive during the December quarter, despite Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy and other carriers' plans to reduce capacity in order to avoid discounting pressure. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call that "structural change" had taken place across the industry. He was referring to a reduction in the unprofitable flights by U.S. airlines. The airline anticipates a profit adjusted between $1.60 and $1.90 per share for the fourth quarter, which ends in December. Bastian stated that the company will perform at or above their all-time earnings for the fourth quarter. LSEG data shows that the midpoint of the forecast is $1.75 compared to analysts' average estimates of $1.66. Delta's revenue for the quarter is expected to increase by 2%-4% compared to last year. Delta reported an adjusted profit per share of $1.71 in the third quarter of 2018, compared to analysts' estimates of $1.53. The company's optimistic tone contrasts with the rocky first half year, when economic uncertainty clouded the forecast for travel spending and prompted Delta and other U.S. airlines to withdraw their financial projections. High-End Travel Demand Since the pandemic began, travelers are willing to pay more for better seats and a more luxurious experience. Delta and United rivals have benefited the most. Delta's premium revenues were up 9% from the previous year in its third quarter and accounted about 43% for passenger revenue. The airline is encouraged by the high returns and plans to expand the premium seat offering while reducing the main cabin capacity. Delta President Glen Hauenstein said, "Exposure of higher household income cohorts has improved our relative position against carriers who cater to a more stressful lower-to-mid-income environment." The outlook does not take into account any negative effects of the U.S. Government shutdown. This week, more than 13,000 flights were delayed due to staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities. The staffing shortage could worsen as federal employees work without pay. Travelers have begun canceling their trips and avoiding the airports until U.S. legislators reopen government. A prolonged shutdown could also have a negative impact on the economy and consumer spending. Delta was hit with a financial loss of $25 million in 2019 during the 35-day shutdown. Hauenstein said, however, that the airline had not felt any material impact as a result of the shutdown. (Reporting and editing by Sherry Jacobi-Phillips, Rod Nickel and Rajesh Kumar Singh)
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Citi rejects Grupo Mexico's bid for Banamex
Citigroup rejected Grupo Mexico’s bid to acquire its retail division in Mexico, Banamex. Instead, Citigroup opted to move forward with an agreement previously reached. Grupo Mexico Surprised last week When it made an uninvited $9.3 billion bid for Banamex more than two years after it had abandoned negotiations. Local markets were rocked by the news. Wiping out billions In the firm's capitalization. Citi announced Thursday that they had rejected the offer. This led to a 4.5% increase in shares of Grupo Mexico. Citi announced last month that it will be launching a new website. Sell a 25% stake Banamex sold its shares to Mexican billionaire Fernando Chico Pardo who is the chairman of airport operator ASUR for $2.3 billion. It was announced at the time that the lender planned to conduct a public offer for the remainder of the unit while also testing the interest of local magnates. Citi said on Thursday that they believed the deal would maximize shareholder value and divest responsibly from Banamex. Reporting by Raul and Kylie Madry, editing by Cassandra Garrison
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Sources say that ADQ is among the potential bidders for Italy's Catania Airport.
Two sources familiar with this matter have confirmed that Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund ADQ is a possible suitor for the sale of Catania Airport's operator, in Sicily. The fund has also expressed an initial interest in the asset. Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the sale process had not yet begun. However, interest is growing in the asset ahead of any potential launch. Catania, Sicily's principal airport, is Italy's fifth-busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. The airport is operated under a long-term concession by SAC. This company is owned by the local authorities and chambers. SAC manages Comiso Airport, a smaller airport in southern Sicily. One person said that the proposed terms of sale would sell between 51% to 66% of SAC. LONG-RUNNING PROCESS OF PRIVATISATION People said that the asset's value could range between 500 and 600 millions euros ($580.60 - $696.72 Million). According to one person, the valuation is based on sector multipliers and core earnings expected of more than 30 million euros in this year. This reflects its concessions-based model which, typically, trades below airport freehold assets. The sources say that the Italian civil aviation authority ENAC has been reviewing the draft of the tender for sale. One of the sources added that a green signal is expected by the end of October. This would allow the process to begin in formally. ADQ declined comment. SAC and ENAC didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. In a letter to, Antonino Bellcuore (special commissioner of the Chamber of Commerce of South and East Sicily), which owns a 60.6% share in SAC, expressed his appreciation for ADQ's investment, stating that it demonstrated the value of the asset, and that the path towards privatisation was "the right thing to pursue." Since 2022, the privatisation of Catania Airport has been planned. Italian investment bank Mediobanca is the advisor to guide the sale. Since taking office as Italian Prime Minister in 2022, Giorgia Mello has pursued stronger relations with Gulf nations. Rome signed a strategic partnership this year with the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has committed to invest $40 billion in Italy, across key sectors. ADQ's total assets were $251 billion at the end of 2012, which included energy, transport, and logistics such as Abu Dhabi Airports, and state carrier Etihad Airways.
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Airbus' fleets continue to grow, and the company is seeing a sharp increase in its aircraft services.
Airbus predicts a 3.6% growth in aircraft service over the next twenty years. This will create jobs for 2,35 million pilots as well as mechanics and other workers. In recent years, the European planemaker has been one of many aerospace companies to have diversified into services in addition to their traditional manufacturing roles. This is done so that they can compete with independent aftermarket providers who offer higher margins. Airbus expects the value of services to total $311 billion per year by 2044. The value of the demand for off-wing maintenance and repair shop visits is expected to more than double to $218 billion in the next five years, while on-wing inspections or light maintenance will increase to $34 billion. Airbus executives stated that global supply chains which feed repair networks and factories for new aircraft are still recovering following the COVID-19 epidemic but are improving. Airbus' core planemaking business will generate 10% of its revenue from services by 2024. Boeing predicted in June that the demand for commercial services would total $4.7 trillion over the next twenty years, based on a 3.8% annual growth rate.
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After China tightened export controls, shares of rare earths mining companies rose.
Stocks of rare-earths miners rose on Thursday morning after China tightened its export controls for metals vital to the electronics and weapons industries. The goal was to limit shipments overseas to defense firms and semiconductor consumers. This announcement comes after U.S. legislators called for more restrictions on chipmaking equipment exports to China. It also expands upon the sweeping controls Beijing implemented in April that caused shortages all over the world. The U.S. Government has increased its efforts to reduce the reliance on China, by investing in companies that it considers to be essential to national safety. These include critical minerals and semiconductor firms. Ramaco Resources shares jumped 11% and Critical Metals shares soared 18%. Shares of NioCorp Developments rose 5.5% while Trilogy Metals and MP Materials, as well as USA Rare Earth, all gained over 4%. VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF grew 1%. The VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF has risen by 1%. China is the only country in the world that has a rare earth mine. Neha Mukherjee is a research manager for Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. She said, "The message was clear." If the U.S., and its allies, want supply chain safety, they must create independent value chains from magnet to mine. Mukherjee anticipates increased efforts to reduce reliance on China. This will include more investments, U.S. support for the development of a mine-to magnet supply chain and more agreements and collaborations. Mukherjee said, "This is a great opportunity for new producers and processors to establish themselves as credible alternative." (Reporting from Vallari Srivastava, Bengaluru. Editing by Vijay Kishore.)
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Khatri, the co-founder of India's Akasa Airlines, will leave the airline due to expansion problems
Neelu Khtri, cofounder and head international operations of India's Akasa Airlines, will leave the airline in order to pursue new opportunities. This is at a moment when delayed Boeing jet delivery has hindered Akasa's expansion plans. Khatri is among the nine cofounders of Akasa. The company began commercial operations in the year 2022, and it is backed both by the investment arm of Indian billionaire Azim Premji and the family members of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The airline has not named a successor for Khatri. Khatri is a former Indian Air Force Wing Commander. Vinay Dube, CEO of the Mumbai-based airline, said in an email that Khatri’s transition had been planned with top executives. The international plans for the Mumbai-based carrier were not changed. In March, it was reported that Akasa Air executives privately criticized Boeing for the delayed delivery of planes as hundreds were left unemployed. The airline placed 226 Boeing 737 MAXs on order, but the delays in delivery are due to regulatory oversight and supply chain issues. Ankur Goel, the finance chief at the time, told reporters that he expects jet deliveries to increase in coming years. The airline launched its international operations in 2024, and added a sixth international route in the first half of this year. (Reporting and editing by Kirsty Donovan; Abhijith Ganahapavaram)
Transnet gets control of Chinese spares disputed by S.African court
Transnet's CEO announced on Thursday that a South African court had ordered China's CRRC E-Loco, which has been in a long-running dispute with Transnet, to release locomotive parts it had refused to provide. This decision is a boost to the plans of Transnet to improve its performance.
Both parties are involved in a legal battle after Transnet halted 1,064 locomotives supplied by four original equipment manufacturers, including CRRC E-Loco. Transnet claimed that contracts for 2014 worth $54.4 billion rand (3.18 billion dollars) were illegally awarded by previous company leadership.
Transnet reported that in 2023 161 locomotives provided by CRRC E-Loco did not run due to the Chinese firm withholding spares or maintenance support. This had a negative impact on Transnet's rail freight operations.
Transnet, who insists that it paid for parts under the disputed agreement before it was terminated won a separate order from a court last July, stopping CRRC E-Loco's ability to sell or relocate parts already in South Africa.
Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips said, at a mining convention in Johannesburg, that Transnet recently won another court decision related to the handover of spares which were stored in warehouses across the country.
"I would not pay for my parts again." Phillips explained that after going back to court the CRRC was given five days to deliver these parts to Transnet.
We've been checking out those parts for the last few days. She added, "We are doing a full inventory of these parts."
CRRC E-Loco did not respond to a request for comment.
Transnet's dispute over CRRC E-Loco has exacerbated its equipment shortages. This includes locomotives not delivered under the contract that was terminated.
Cable theft and vandalism have also affected the company's performance. The company's freight volume has fallen from 226 million tons in 2017/18, to 160 millions tons in 2024/25.
(source: Reuters)