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Arkia, a flight connection company in Israel, has signed a deal with JetBlue to provide flights between the US and Israel
Arkia Airlines, Israel's low-cost carrier, announced on Thursday that it had signed a?deal with JetBlue Airways. This deal would allow Arkia Airlines customers to connect?on?JetBlue flights?in the United States as well as to Latin America and Caribbean. Arkia, a privately held company, flies mainly domestically and in Europe. However, it has launched flights from Tel Aviv (Israel) to New York since last year to compete with El Al Israel Airlines. JetBlue will link up Arkia’s non-stop flight schedule to JFK Airport, which includes seven flights per week. Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz said: "This agreement strengthens Arkia’s long-haul operation and expands the range of service for customers?traveling to North America." Dave Jehn is a vice-president of JetBlue, sixth largest airline in the u.s., and said that the new partnership between JetBlue and Arkia allows them to "expand their 'global reach' and provide customers with a broader range of destinations as well as seamless connections." El?Al has also an interline deal with JetBlue, but the codeshare agreement between the two airlines ended in October. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Steven Scheer)
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Turkish Airlines invests $2.3 billion in new projects
Turkish Airlines announced that it held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday at eight locations. The total investment value is more than 100 billion lira (2.32 billion dollars). It said that the projects included investments in Europe's biggest wide-body aircraft engine maintenance facility, world's biggest aircraft catering facility, second phase of SmartIST, which will be the 'largest cargo facility' in the world, additional aircraft maintenance hangars and an ecommerce complex. When all phases are completed, these investments will create over 36,000 jobs. Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat stated that while our company's contribution is currently $65 Billion, it will reach $144 Billion when we reach our target peak in 2033.
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Aluminium prices in the US reach record levels due to tariffs and low stock
Aluminum consumers in the United States pay record prices. These are significantly higher than the import levies, transport costs, and other factors would suggest. This is because tight supplies globally exacerbate the impact of the tariffs, and the low U.S. inventory. Aluminium is needed by industries like automotive, aerospace and packaging. Aluminum prices can have a knock-on effect on the economy, as they increase manufacturing costs, squeeze margins, and eventually drive inflation. In June, President Donald Trump increased tariffs on U.S. aluminum imports from 25% to 50% to encourage local production. Aluminium?costs have increased by 40% for U.S. customers since then, to over $5,200 per metric ton. Aside from the disruption caused by U.S. Tariffs, aluminium traders have also been monitoring other supply shortages. Prices on the London Metal Exchange have risen by more than 20% in the last year, the highest level since April 2022. This was a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Consumers began to shun Russian aluminium. US ALUMINIUM STOCKS SHRINK On the physical market in the U.S., buyers typically pay a premium plus the LME aluminium price. This premium covers costs like freight, handling and insurance. The tax component of premium increases as the LME price goes up, because the tariff is calculated in percentage. The duty on aluminium shipments into the United States will be $1.550 at $3,100 per ton. This is up from $1.300 in June. The Midwest aluminium premium hit a record of 96c per lb, or $2,116 per ton this week, up by 65% since June. The premium is much higher than the costs justify. The market expects the LME to continue trending higher, said Jorge Vazquez at Harbor Aluminium, who added that the premium for a pound should be around 86c. Last year, exporters of aluminium from the United States diverted their aluminum to Europe because the premiums did not reflect the tariffs fully. Local stocks therefore shrank. Vazquez, Gregory Wittbecker and Wittsend Commodity Advisors estimate that U.S. aluminum stocks have fallen below 300,000 tonnes from 750,000 at the start of 2025. "Canadian suppliers halted discretionary shipments because they were losing cash, which resulted in a decline in U.S. Wittbecker stated. The price of the shortage in physical aluminum is rising, but I am unsure how much it can rise. Trade Data Monitor reports that the United States will import nearly four million tonnes of aluminum in 2024, with Canada accounting 70% of those shipments. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Pratima Deai)
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US Energy chief: US and China can play equal roles in Venezuela
U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright stated that there is room to balance the roles of the United States and China in Venezuela, to allow for commerce. However, Washington will not let Beijing have a major influence over the Latin American nation. Wright said in an interview with Fox Business Network that he expects to?see Chevron rapidly grow its operations in Venezuela, while ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil will also be looking to play a positive role. "I think you'll see China playing a long-term role in Venezuela. The United States will control oil flow as long as the United States is dominant in Venezuela, and the rule of law. He told FBN's Mornings with Maria program that it would be fine. Is it possible to achieve a balance with China? "I think so." Can there be trade with China in a framework where Venezuela's principal partner is the United States? Sure. Will we allow Venezuela to be a?client state of China'? "Absolutely not," he said. Wright said that he had been 'talking to executives of top U.S. Oil Companies since Saturday. He also stated that many companies are 'disappointed they weren't invited to the industry meeting on Friday at the White House. (Reporting and editing by Andrew Heavens, Chizu Nomiyama, and Susan Heavey)
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Aluminium prices in the US reach record levels due to tariffs and low stock
Aluminum?consumers are paying record prices in the United States, far above what import levies and transportation costs would justify, due to tight supplies worldwide and the 'impact' of tariffs on low U.S. stocks. Aluminium is needed by industries like automotive, aerospace and packaging. Aluminum prices can have a knock-on effect on the economy, as they increase manufacturing costs, squeeze margins, and eventually drive inflation. In June, President Donald Trump increased tariffs on U.S. aluminum imports by 50% to encourage local production. Aluminium costs have risen since then for consumers in the U.S. Consumers have seen a 40% increase to $5,200 per metric ton. Aluminium traders are also monitoring other supply shortages. Prices on the London Metal Exchange have risen by over?20% in the last year, the highest level since April 2022. This was a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Consumers started to avoid?Russian aluminum. US ALUMINIUM STOCK DROP Buyers of aluminium on the physical market in the U.S. typically pay a premium to cover?costs like freight, handling and insurance. The tax component of premium increases as the LME price goes up, because the tariff is calculated in percentage. The duty on aluminium shipments into the United States will be $1.550 at $3,100 per ton. This is up from $1.300 in June. The Midwest aluminium premium hit a record-high of 96 cents per lb, or $2,116 per ton this week, an increase of 65% from?June. The premium is much higher than the costs justify. The market expects the LME to continue trending higher, said Jorge Vazquez at Harbor Aluminum. He added that the premium should be around 85 cents per lb. Last year, exporters of aluminium from the United States diverted it to Europe because the premium was not enough to reflect the tariff. Local stocks therefore shrank. Vazquez, Gregory Wittbecker and Wittsend Commodity Advisors estimate that U.S. aluminum stocks have fallen below 300,000 tonnes from 750,000 at the start of 2025. "Canadian suppliers halted discretionary shipments because they were losing cash, leading to a decline in U.S. inventory," said?Wittbecker. "The U.S. shortage of aluminium is being priced but I doubt how high the premium will go." Trade Data Monitor reports that the United States will import nearly four million tonnes of aluminum in 2024, with Canada accounting 70% of those shipments. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Pratima Deai)
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Frontier Airlines parent company appoints new CEO
James G. Dempsey was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the 'Frontier Group', parent company to 'Frontier Airlines, on Thursday. The company announced last month that longtime CEO Barry Biffle was leaving and appointed an insider,?Dempsey, as interim leader. Frontier said that it now expects its adjusted earnings per share to be at the upper?end of their previous?forecast, which was between 4 cents and $20 cents. This is due to the strong revenue performance throughout the quarter while also overcoming the effects of the shutdown. Before the bell, shares of the Denver-based company rose 2.5%. Dempsey - who has been Frontier's president for the last 10 years - was responsible for its commercial operations, customer service, operations research and planning. He ?joined Frontier as CFO in 2014, prior to ?which he held senior management roles at Ryanair Holdings and various management roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
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Sources say that a drone struck a Russian-bound tanker in the Black Sea.
According to an alert from Lloyd's List Intelligence on Thursday and another maritime security source, a Russia-bound oil ship suffered a drone strike in the Black Sea. This prompted them to ask for Turkish coastguard help and divert their course. Lloyd's List Intelligence, a maritime data specialist, said that the Elbus, a Palau-flagged vessel, "experienced a unmanned marine vehicle and drone attack on Wednesday targeting its engine room." No injuries or pollution were reported by the 25 crew members. A security source based their assessment on a drone attack. The incident was not clear. Late November, insurance rates for shipping rose after Ukrainian?drones? hit two Russia bound tankers?in the Black Sea. The incidents prompted Moscow and Ankara, respectively, to issue threats of retaliation, while Ankara urged calm. In early December, a vessel flying the Russian flag claimed that it was also attacked at sea. However, Kyiv denied that they were involved. When asked about Elbus, the Security Service of Ukraine didn't respond. The Turkish Transport Ministry was not available for comment. The Russian Embassy in Ankara did not respond to a request for comment. The Black Sea is crucial for shipping grain, oil, and oil products and its waters are shared with?Turkey. Russia. Ukraine. Bulgaria. Georgia. The Lloyd's notice stated that the vessel would be heading to Novorossiysk, Russia on Wednesday from Singapore. Marinetraffic data revealed that the Elbus sat down a few kilometers off the northern Turkish town of Inebolu, on Thursday. It had diverted its course from an earlier one to the east across the Black Sea. Lloyd's reported that the ship dropped anchor on its own at Inebolu Anchorage. The Inebolu Harbour Master did not answer calls.
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Ukraine restores power to southeast following Russian strikes
On 'Thursday, Ukrainian officials raced to restore power after Russian strikes plunged the two regions in the south-east into a?near total blackout overnight. Critical infrastructure was forced to rely on reserves. Moscow has intensified attacks on Ukraine's power system, as Ukrainian forces fight off Russian advances in the battlefield and Kyiv is under U.S. pressure for a peace agreement. The Deputy Premier of Ukraine,?Oleksiy?Kuleba, said that repairs are still being carried out to restore heat and water supply to over 1 million customers in the industrialised area of Dnipropetrovsk. Energy ministry reported that nearly 800,000 customers in the affected region were still without power early Thursday morning. However, the other region, Zaporizhzhia, had been restored. Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan?Fedorov stated that it was the first total blackout in his region "in recent years", but that officials were quick to react. "A difficult evening for the region." "But 'light" always wins," wrote he on Telegram?on Thursday. Ukraine's Energy Ministry said that eight mines in the Dnipropetrovsk area had experienced blackouts but that workers?had been evacuated. Mykola Lukashuk is the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council. He said that it could take a full day to restore water supplies in the city of Pavlohrad. The Prime Minister Yulia svyrydenko warned late on Tuesday of an impending "cold snap" in Ukraine. On Wednesday, the energy ministry said that weather conditions have already caused power outages in some settlements across at least four different regions. (Reporting and editing by Philippa Feletcher; Dan Peleschuk)
What is the issue in US discussions with Ukraine and Russia
Here are some issues that Russia and the U.S. are addressing in their talks to pave the way for the end of the war in Ukraine.
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE On March 18, President Vladimir Putin accepted a proposal from U.S. president Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine cease attacks on the other's infrastructure energy for 30 days. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, said that Ukraine would support this proposal.
The proposed 30-day blanket truce was not reached, as the U.S. and Ukraine both wanted. Since then, both sides have reported that they continue to strike their energy facilities.
NUCLEAR PLANTS According to a U.S. press release, Trump suggested during a phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on March 19, that the U.S. might be able to help Ukraine run its nuclear power plants, as well as owning and operating some of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Zelenskiy denies that Trump discussed ownership, but he did say the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility in Ukraine, Europe’s largest plant, which is occupied by Russia, was one of the topics. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of putting the plant at risk by attacking it. Zelenskiy stated that Kyiv was ready to discuss U.S. participation in modernizing plant if the plant were returned to Ukraine.
BLACK SEA SHIPPING On March 24, U.S. officials and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a Trump initiative for a maritime ceasefire along the Black Sea.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was launched in July 2022 by the United Nations and Turkey, allowed for the safe exportation of almost 33 million metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain.
The World Bank's Global Commodities Outlook from April 2024 stated that both Russia and Ukraine shipped grain without major issues. Zelenskiy said that he supports the idea of a maritime ceasefire. Kyiv, however, has not commented on Trump's Black Sea Initiative. It could use Mykolaiv in addition to the three other ports located in Odesa to export grain, iron ore, and other commodities.
Since 2022, Ukraine has caused significant damage to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, forcing Moscow out of its base on occupied Crimea.
PRISONER CHANGES Russia, Ukraine and both sides announced on March 19 that they had exchanged 175 prisoner of war. Russia also handed over 22 Ukrainian prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. Zelenskiy stated that the 22 Ukrainians are "severely injured warriors" and were persecuted by Russia for fabricating crimes.
NATO MEMBERSHIP
Putin wants Ukraine to drop its official ambitions to join NATO.
In its constitution, Ukraine states that joining NATO is a priority and that this would be the most effective way to guarantee security as part of any peace agreement. John Coale said last month that the United States has not ruled out a potential NATO membership or a negotiated return of Ukraine to its pre 2014 borders. U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth said this prospect was unrealistic.
Trump said that he did not believe Russia "would allow" Ukraine to join NATO.
UKRAINE POST-WAR SECURITY
Ukraine, whose NATO membership is not imminently in the cards, wants to strengthen its military as well as secure continued support from Europe and America. This will be part of any future peace agreement. After a peace agreement is signed, Britain and France plan to build a force of foreign ships, planes and troops in or around Ukraine as a deterrent.
Some Russian officials said that they would not accept such a force, and Moscow said a condition for a peace agreement is the reduction of Ukraine's military.
WESTERN SANCTIONES, ELECTIONS Putin said that he wanted the Western sanctions against Russia to be eased. He also wants a presidential elections in Ukraine.
Ukrainian law prohibits elections to be held during martial laws and Ukrainian officials claim that it's not the place of Moscow to dictate a date for an election.
Under Biden, the United States led a broad campaign of sanctions against Russia. This included measures to limit Russia's oil and gas revenue such as a $60 cap per barrel for Russian oil exports. According to sources, the Trump administration is examining ways in which it can ease sanctions in exchange for Moscow ending the war. Trump has also hinted at the possibility of large-scale tariffs and banking restrictions on Russia until peace was achieved.
RUSSIAN HOLDED TERRITORY
Russia wants control of all four partially-occupied eastern Ukrainian areas it claims as its own. It also wants the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed and seized in 2014. Unnamed sources at a private Putin event told Russia's Kommersant that Putin wants the U.S. formally to recognise Luhansk and Donetsk as part of Russia, along with Crimea.
Ukraine has said that it will not recognise Russian sovereignty on Ukrainian territory, but it is aware it will need to be returned diplomatically in due course.
UKRAINIAN MINERALS Kyiv has been in talks with Washington about a deal that would give the United States a financial reward for the development of Ukrainian resources, namely rare earths which are used to make electronics. The deal fell apart after the disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy in the White House at the end last month. On March 19, the White House announced that it was moving beyond just a deal framework to focus on a long term peace agreement. Trump announced the next day that a rare earths deal would be signed in a very short time.
(source: Reuters)