Latest News
-
Iran detains 18 crew of foreign tanker captured in Gulf of Oman
Iranian authorities arrested 18 crew members of an alleged smuggled fuel tanker that was seized by the Hormozgan Province judiciary on Friday. The captain of the tanker was among those who were detained as part of a?current investigation. The identity of the vessel and nationalities of the crew were not revealed. Authorities said that the tanker was in violation of multiple laws, including "not obeying stop orders (and) attempting to flee" and lacking navigational and cargo documentation. Iran has been fighting fuel smuggling on land and at sea by Gulf Arab countries. Reporting by Menna alaa Eldin and Dubai Newsroom, Editing by Jan Harvey
-
California files suit against Trump administration for terminating transportation grants
California says decision is arbitrary and threatens economy, safety Trump addresses concerns over non-English speaking truck drivers California drivers are less likely to be involved in fatal accidents than the national average By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Dec 12) - California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday night for the withholding of more than $33 millions in federal funding. The U.S. Transportation Department had said that California failed to comply with the rules requiring English language proficiency for truckers. In U.S. District Court, northern California, the state filed a lawsuit against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Transportation Department as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration over the decision to end the grants for California’s commercial vehicle safety program announced in October. California has said that it enforces English language?standards? for commercial drivers which are compatible with federal requirements. The decision is "arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion; and?contrary?to law; threatens the safety and economic damages of all Californians." The Trump administration took a number of steps in response to concerns regarding foreign truck drivers that do not speak English. ?In August Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would immediately suspend the issuance all worker visas to commercial truck drivers. Requests for comments from the FMCSA and Transportation Department were not immediately responded to. The Transportation Department also threatened New York State on Friday to withdraw $73 million of funding over the issue of commercial driver's licenses issued improperly to non-U.S. Citizens. This is the latest threat from the Trump administration aimed at "Democratic-run" states. After a fatal accident in Florida and an audit by the government, the Transportation Department released emergency rules restricting commercial driver's licenses for non-U.S. nationals. Trump regularly threatens funding for large cities led by Democrats. This includes major infrastructure projects in Chicago, New York, and California. He also threatens to revoke commercial driver's licenses that are issued by Minnesota, New York, and California for non-U.S. citizens. The funds withheld by California are for roadside inspections and enforcement of traffic laws, safety audits on trucking companies, and public education campaigns. California reported that drivers with a California license are involved in 39% less fatal commercial vehicle crashes than the national average. The English proficiency standard for commercial drivers was already a long-standing U.S. Law. However, an April order by Trump reversed the 2016 guidance that inspectors shouldn't remove them from service if they only had a lack of English. In 2023, FMCSA reported that approximately 16% of U.S. drivers are born outside the United States.
-
Boeing's Air Force One, the new aircraft for the US President, has been delayed yet again
The U.S. Air Force announced 'on Friday that the delivery of the first of two new Air Force One aircraft from Boeing will be delayed another year, to mid-2028. This is the latest of a number of delays. The Air Force One program, which involves the conversion of two 747-8 aircraft into specialized jets with advanced communication and defense systems to serve as next generation U.S. Presidential air transport, would be four years behind schedule, with a delivery date in 2028. Boeing said it was making progress with the program. "Our main focus is to deliver two Air Force One aircraft that are exceptional for the country." Mid-February, Trump voiced his displeasure at?Boeing while excluding European rival Airbus. Elon Musk, Trump's adviser, "helped us a great deal" to navigate the delivery of the presidential jet. L3Harris Technologies, a defense contractor, was recently hired by the?government to refurbish a Boeing 747 that had been used as interim Air Force One. (Reporting and editing by Maju Samuel in Bengaluru, Abhinav Paramar in Bengaluru)
-
AFGE to challenge US decision invalidating union contract for 47,000 TSA officers
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi?Noem terminated on?Friday the collective bargaining agreements covering 47,000 Transportation Security Administration?officers?,?the department announced in a press release. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents airport screening officers at the airport, announced that it would challenge the decision. The Department of Homeland Security announced that it would implement a new labor framework starting on January 11, and no longer collect?union dues' from TSA officers. In June, an American judge issued a preliminary order blocking Noem’s?March 7, 2017 attempt to terminate the collective bargaining contract. The U.S. House of Representatives, on Thursday, voted to restore collective bargaining rights for about 1 million federal employees who are unionized, including TSA. This was in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March. The lawmakers said that Trump's executive order sought to repeal the collective bargaining rights of 67% federal workers. Federal workers are subject to significant labor rights limitations. They are not allowed to bargain over wages, benefits or job classifications, and they are also prohibited from striking. Everett Kelley, AFGE National President, said that Secretary Noem's decision ripping up the union contract of 47,000 TSA agents was an illegal act retaliatory to union-busting. TSA announced on Friday that the new labor framework will "return the agency to a security focused framework?that prioritizes workforce preparedness, resource allocation and a mission-focused focus while ensuring an effective stewardship taxpayer dollars." Trump forced the resignation of TSA Administrator David Pekoske on January 20. He had appointed him to his job in 2017, and Joe Biden reappointed him. Trump has yet to name a candidate to replace Pekoske. After nearly a full year of negotiations, the TSA and AFGE reached a seven-year labor agreement in May 2024. Biden's administration increased the scope of bargaining allowed in 2022 for TSA workers. As part of the deal, workers received enhanced shift-trade options, an increased allowance for uniforms, and parental bereavement and weather and safety leaves. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington; editing by Aurora Ellis
-
Tensions between Venezuela and the US spike after a tanker is seized as Nobel laureate vows to change
Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader, promised political?change on Friday after leaving the country secretly to collect the Nobel Peace Prize. The?shockwaves intensified following the Trump administration’s seizure earlier this week of an oil tanker. This 'escalation' came after a massive U.S. military buildup was made in the southern Caribbean, as President Donald Trump campaigned to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. It pushed relations to the most volatile level in years. The ripple effect could be felt throughout the region as Venezuelan oil exports plummet and Cuba, which is already struggling to power its grid due to the crisis, faces losing supplies. The Skipper tanker was seized by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, marking the first U.S. capture since sanctions were imposed against Venezuela in 2019. Reports state that the vessel will now be heading to?Houston where it will unload its cargo on smaller ships. The Trump administration doesn't recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader. He has been in power since 2013. Washington has indicated that more seizure are planned to choke off sanctioned crude oil flows. It then imposed new sanctions against three nephews Maduro's spouse and six tankers connected to them. In recent weeks, Trump has discussed a possible military intervention in Venezuela based on accusations that the country is shipping narcotics into the United States. Venezuela has denied these accusations. Over 20 U.S. strikes have taken place in the Caribbean and Pacific this year against suspected drug vessels, resulting in nearly 90 deaths. This alarms human rights activists and stirs debate among U.S. legislators. Democrats, while supporting the campaign, have raised questions about whether it is legal and called for more transparency. They have also asked that a video be released showing the full uncut footage of the strikes on the suspected drug-trafficking vessel. MACHADO DEFIES BAN AND URGES TRANSITION Machado, who has been banned from traveling for a decade and spent a year in hiding, traveled to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on Thursday. She said Maduro will leave power "whether or not there is a negotiated transition," and she pledged to be focused on a smooth transition. She thanked Trump for "decisive" support. Machado aligns himself with U.S. Hardliners who accuse Maduro - a claim that U.S. Intelligence has reportedly questioned - of having ties to criminal organizations. Machado responded, "We ask the world to help" when asked at a news conference in Oslo whether she thought U.S. intervention was necessary in Venezuela. Venezuela said it would lodge complaints with international bodies about the seizure of the tanker. Venezuelan lawmakers also took the step of withdrawing the country from International Criminal Court which is investigating allegations of human rights violations in the South American nation. The Venezuelan government added to the tension by announcing the suspension of an American migrant return flight on Friday. Unofficially, a U.S. official said that the deportation flights will continue. (Reporting and Writing by Staff; Editing and Daina Beth, Solomon, and Matthew Lewis).
-
Brazilian airline Azul receives bankruptcy court approval for debt restructuring
A U.S. bankruptcy court judge approved Azul’s debt restructuring on Friday, allowing it to reduce more than $2 billion of debt and raise capital via a new equity right offering and investment from American Airlines and?United?Airlines. At a hearing in White Plains (New York), U.S. Bankruptcy judge Sean Lane approved Azul’s?bankruptcy plans. Azul filed Chapter '11 bankruptcy in New York, in May. Its goal was to reduce its debts and to make its business more resistant to market challenges such as fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rate. The bankruptcy plan of the company converts much of its existing debt into equity, and allows it to raise money by selling new equity shares. United and American have agreed to invest up to $300 million in Azul equity as part of the bankruptcy.
-
Venezuelan oil exports plunge sharply following US tanker seizure - sources and data
According to documents, shipping data and maritime sources, Venezuelan oil exports are down sharply after the United States seizes a 'tanker' this week. The United States also imposes new sanctions against shipping companies and vessels that do?business? with the Latin American oil producers. The U.S. is preparing to seize additional vessels. As a result, oil tanker movements in and out of Venezuelan water have virtually ceased. Washington is increasing political and economic pressure against President Nicolas Maduro who depends on oil export revenues to fund his government. The U.S. is executing a massive military buildup in the southern Caribbean, and U.S. president Donald Trump wants to remove Maduro. The vessel was seized on Wednesday, the first time an oil tanker or cargo from Venezuela has been intercepted by the U.S. since 2019. Data and documents show that only tankers chartered from U.S. oil major Chevron, have been sailing into international waters with Venezuelan crude since then. Chevron is authorized by the U.S. Government to work in joint ventures and export oil from the U.S. to the state-run oil firm?PDVSA. Chevron exported two cargoes containing Venezuelan heavy crude oil to the U.S. in the first month of this year, both after the seizure. According to data, two more cargoes were loaded on Friday. The U.S. firm said this week that it operated in Venezuela "without interruption and in full compliance of the laws and regulations applicable." PDVSA has not responded to a comment request. Venezuela criticised the seizure this week and called it "theft." STAUGHT IN VENEZUELAN SEA WATERS According to sources and data, the threat of further seizure of vessels has left tanks that have loaded around 11?million bbls of oil and diesel stuck in Venezuelan water. The U.S. has imposed sanctions against Iran and Russia that have affected some of these tankers. Sources say that the U.S. will likely target vessels sanctioned by the U.S. or those who have transported sanctioned crude oil in future actions. Sources say that the Skipper, the ship that was seized by?U.S. The Skipper, which was seized by the?U.S. on Wednesday, had been transporting both Venezuelan and Iranian crude. In November, Venezuela exported 952,000 barrels of crude oil and fuel per day. This was the third highest monthly average so far this year. Around 80% of these shipments were sent to China directly or indirectly, while exports to the U.S. increased to around 150,000 bpd. Data and documents show that oil exports from OPEC countries were flowing normally before the seizure in the first few days of December. Washington also sanctioned this week six supertankers which recently loaded Venezuelan crude oil, as well as related shipping companies in an effort to increase pressure from the United States on Maduro. According to a document obtained by, PDVSA, Venezuela's oil minister, and the company's Caracas HQ called on Friday executives, workers, and joint venture managers for a teleconference. Minister Delcy Rod was leading it. (Reporting and editing by Marianna Paraga, Franklin Paul, Bill Berkrot and Simon Webb)
-
IndiGo, India's largest airline, estimates a payout of over $55 Million to its customers after flight cancellations
IndiGo, India's largest airline, estimated on Friday that it would pay out more than 55.19 million dollars to customers affected by its massive cancellations of flights last week. After the airline cancelled 4,500 flights due to poor roster planning last week, it left tens and thousands of passengers stranded. The civil aviation regulator then ordered that 10% of their domestic winter schedule be cut. In a message on X, the budget airline stated that it was identifying 'flights in which customers were severely impacted on December 3, 4, and 5. IndiGo said it would compensate passengers whose flights "were cancelled within 24 hours before departure time and/or customers who were severely stranded in certain airports." IndiGo was criticized for not planning for the new rest periods and duty rules. This resulted in planes being grounded and disrupting travel arrangements. In response to the reduction of its winter schedule, the 'Indian carrier cut its capacity forecast and passenger unit revenue for?the?third quarter on Wednesday.
Near-misses at Washington airport worried pilots well before fatal crash
U.S. commercial pilot Rick Redfern was preparing to land at Reagan Washington National Airport about a years back when he found a bright red Coast Guard helicopter hovering about 50 feet (15 m) above the Potomac River. Air traffic control service without delay cautioned the helicopter pilot to remain clear, and Redfern said he utilized evasive maneuvers to avoid it and avert a prospective disaster and that was in daytime, when visibility was clearer. During the night the light can disorient you as to what you might believe you are seeing as to what you in fact are seeing, Redfern stated. A collision on Wednesday night in between a Black Hawk military helicopter and an American Airlines subsidiary's CRJ700 regional jet, which eliminated 67 people, has stirred haunting memories for Redfern and other pilots who have faced obstacles landing at the Washington airport. Aircrafts approaching the airport should browse an accurate and narrow flight course to avoid restricted airspace around the close by White Home and Pentagon. That turn from the eastern side along the river to turn into runway 33 is extremely, very tight, said Redfern, describing the very same airstrip the American Airlines jet was heading towards before colliding with the U.S. military helicopter. It is uncertain what caused the crash, which is now under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Security Board and the U.S. Army. Air crashes usually arise from several aspects. 7 U.S. pilots informed Reuters the landing at Reagan airport is distinct due to overloaded space, along with an inability to interact directly with military airplane, which run on various radio frequencies. The airport also has much shorter runways, consisting of runway 33, which is usually reserved for smaller airplane, among the 7 aviators said. For pilots, it means passing through narrow airspace, since planes can not cross the eastern shoreline of the Potomac River when approaching the airport that is also used frequently by the military for training, the aviators said. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash was on a training flight and flying at an altitude of about 300 feet at the time of the crash, according to FlightRadar24 information. To avoid crashes with other aircraft, pilots count on the Traffic Alert and Accident Avoidance System, much better referred to as TCAS. When TCAS detects a dangerously close aircraft, it gives instructions to the pilots to prevent a collision, such as pull up or descend, turn left or turn right. However, when a plane is below about 1,100 feet, TCAS stops offering instructions to pilots. There just isn't enough space below that to steer, stated air travel safety specialist and previous airline company pilot John Nance. NEAR MISSES OUT ON
A Reuters review of events at Reagan airport including helicopters exposes pilots had actually been raising alarm about near-misses back to the 1980s. You certainly are bringing your A-game when you fly in and out of Reagan, stated former long-time commercial airline pilot Kathleen Bangs. Out of 46 incidents flagged anonymously by pilots in the Aviation Safety Reporting System database, 26 cases involved near-misses or recklessly close contact. In a report about an occurrence in September 1989, one pilot grumbled that military helicopters and business airplane are on different radio frequencies, can not hear each other and rely on extremely busy traffic controllers to prevent mishaps. The pilot grumbled it was his seventh near-miss with a. helicopter in 4-1/2 years flying into the airport. Is DCA (Reagan) an overloaded airspace? Yes, by far no doubt. about it, said Dennis Tajer, a representative for the Allied. Pilots Association that represents American Airlines. mainline pilots.
It remains in a really tight airspace because there are limited. locations all around the airport.
While constrained airspace makes the method more. challenging, air travel security experts have not raised extensive. concerns about the area constraints.
We have industrial flights and military flights and all. types of flights operating out of Reagan National every day,. said air travel safety and crash investigation professional Anthony. Brickhouse.
A PREVENTABLE DISASTER? In the moments before the crash, an air traffic controller can. be heard on recordings asking the Army helicopter to pass behind. the local jet.
They'll be studying what the helicopter pilots and. industrial pilots might have seen and any interaction in between. the two airplane, Brickhouse stated.
Business aircraft use Very High Frequency (VHF) radios to. communicate, while military airplane operate on Ultra High. Frequency (UHF) channels, making direct communication in between. them tough. However, the control tower can interact with. both frequencies. There are recognized procedures to different industrial and. military helicopter traffic, said the general aviation group. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Nonetheless, the accident might result in modifications. Army Secretary nominee Daniel Driscoll stated throughout a Senate. hearing on Thursday that the crash might prompt the military to. reevaluate conducting training operations near the busy. Washington, D.C., airspace.
This seems to be preventable, Driscoll said. I believe we. might need to look at where is a proper time to take. training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.
(source: Reuters)