Latest News
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Brussels Airport closes after drone sighting reported
The Belgian air traffic service and an airport spokesperson confirmed that the Brussels Airport was closed following the reported sightings of drones. The spokeswoman said that there are currently no flights landing or taking-off, but she did not know how long the airport will remain closed. A drone was also spotted at the smaller Liege Airport, which has been closed. Kurt Verwilligen said, as a spokesperson of the Belgian Air Traffic Control Service, that shortly before 19:00 GMT, a drone was seen near Brussels Airport. The airport has been closed for security reasons. A drone was spotted over an air base in Belgium last weekend. In September, Copenhagen Airport, Oslo Airport, and other airports had to close for a short time due to drone sightings.
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After a strike, the union reaches a pay agreement with London Underground
The RMT union in Britain announced on Tuesday that it had secured a three year pay deal for London Underground employees, following a strike action last September which brought the entire public transport system to a halt. The deal includes a 3.4% pay increase in the first two years. This will be followed by increases in line with Retail Prices Index (RPI), a measure of inflation. Minimum increases are guaranteed if the inflation rate drops. In a press release, the RMT union claimed that it had also achieved "fatigue-friendly shifts", additional discussions on staff travel and a guarantee of PS400 on Boxing Day (a public holiday celebrated December 26). Five days of strikes in September on the Tube, which is used every day by millions, caused major disruptions across London. The new agreement is expected to prevent any further industrial action. Transport for London, which operates London's underground, has welcomed the RMT for accepting its pay offer. This was reported by British media. This multi-year deal is affordable, fair and gives our colleagues certainty over their pay for a number of years. TfL is engaging with our unions about this offer, and we look forward to hearing their response," said a TfL spokeswoman. TfL has stated that there are no changes proposed to the working hours of employees. (Reporting and editing by Catarina demony; Daniel Wallis, Editor)
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Norwegian Cruise forecasts quarterly profit below estimates, shares tumble
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' shares fell about 15% Tuesday after it forecasted a fourth-quarter loss below expectations due to cost pressures, a subdued appetite among travelers for sea-based holidays and a reduced appetite. The holiday season is a time of high demand, but it's been clouded by persistent inflation, uncertainty caused by tariffs, and the impact the long-term U.S. shutdown has had on port activity. Cruise operators are also under pressure from fluctuating fuel prices caused by geopolitical tensions and costs related to drydocks and ship deliveries, as well as maintenance and drydock expenses. Norwegian is expecting a current-quarter adjusted net profit per share below the estimates of 30 cents. Harry Sommer, CEO of the company, said in a call following earnings that they were strengthening their brand positioning and marketing efforts to reach a broader family market. Analysts blamed a sharp drop in the stock price on investor concerns over the company's plans to cater to families heavily, which would likely affect ticket revenues. Jamie Katz, Morningstar analyst, said that while the price for first- and second-class passengers should increase, adding children to a cabin will dilute the blended pricing. Norwegian's revenue for the third quarter rose by 4.7%, to $2.94billion. Analysts had expected $3.02billion. It was up 10.7% from the previous quarter. The company said that lower participation in its air program - which involves coordinating flights to match a cruise itinerary – affected revenue. Fuel prices increased from $699 to $744 per ton net of hedges. This is a rise from the previous year's $699. The company has raised its adjusted annual profit forecast from $2.05 per share to $2.10, an increase of $0.50. The adjusted profit per share was $1.20, which beat the $1.16 estimate for the third quarter. Peer Royal Caribbean increased its annual profit forecast, but forecast the current-quarter profits below estimates due to higher costs. Reporting by Neil J Kanatt, Bengallu; editing by Pooja Deai and Sriraj Kahluvila
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Beta Technologies shares stall in a muted NYSE debut, resulting in a $7.4 billion valuation
Beta Technologies, a maker of electric aircraft, was valued at $7.44billion after its shares were flat on their New York Stock Exchange debut Tuesday. This signaled investor caution due to a prolonged U.S. Government shutdown. The partisan gridlock of Washington is testing a comeback in first-time shares sales after tariffs imposed by U.S. president Donald Trump earlier this year scuttled IPOs. Analysts say that the Securities and Exchange Commission operates at a skeletal level, with fewer restrictions to allow listings to proceed. This can alienate some investors because of higher risks or lack of transparency. The stock of the company opened at $34 per share, which was in line with the initial offer. Beta raised $1.01 billion by selling 29.9 millions shares over its marketed range, which was $27-$33 per share. This shows that investors are eager to buy cheaper aircraft. Beta, backed by GE Aerospace, has a modest debut but still places it among the leading listed companies in the industry. Peers Archer Aviation (which went public via blank-check deals in 2021) and Joby Aviation (which went public through blank-check agreements), both command $6.72 billion and a $14.45 billion valuation respectively as of the last close. CEO Kyle Clark said that Beta has been approached by companies with a special purpose to acquire it in the past, but now they are going public because the company is producing and advancing in the long certification processes to bring planes and aircrafts to the market. Clark stated that "we have the ability forecast into a secure pipeline with deposit-based back up, and we also have a major certificate behind us." Clark said that the shutdown of the U.S. federal government has not had a material impact on his programs. Trump signed an executive directive in June to accelerate the development of eVTOL aircraft. A pilot program was launched last month to expedite the deployment of flying taxis. Clark stated that "Aircraft could be delivered to customers in certain cases, which would allow payment, before the complete regulatory process was completed." Beta designs and manufactures electric aircrafts, advanced electric propulsion, charging systems, and aircraft components. For emergency medical services and cargo, electric battery-powered aircraft are expected to be a cheaper, quieter alternative to helicopters. According to internal estimates, Beta's electric vertical lift-off and land variant (eVTOL) can reduce operating costs by 74% when compared to traditional helicopters. Reporting by Ateev Bhhandari in Bengaluru, Allison Lampert from Montreal and Alan Barona. Editing by Sahal Muhammad and Alan Barona.
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US extends inspection deadline after fires at Pennsylvania Transit Agency
The administration of President Donald Trump, which had threatened to remove aging railcars in Pennsylvania from service, announced on Tuesday that it would extend the deadline for an inspection by a state transit agency. The Federal Railroad Administration issued a special order on October 1 requiring that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority address the fire risk from its 225 Silverliner IV Railcars within 30 days. The order was issued in response to a safety recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board after five fires. FRA gave the agency until November 14 to finish inspections, and until early in December to install fire-protection circuits. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported a successful meeting with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the two senators of the state, as well as other officials. He also pledged the U.S. Department of Transportation will work collaboratively in order to address fire risks. Duffy said, "We have chosen to work together in order to find a solution for the riders of Philadelphia." "We could've shut down the system. We didn't want to shut down the system. "Too many people depend on SEPTA for getting into and out of the City." SEPTA is ranked as the sixth largest public transit system in America. SEPTA provides service in five counties of the Greater Philadelphia Area and connects with transit systems in Delaware, New Jersey and other states. It serves nearly 200 million passengers annually. SEPTA's regional rail fleet consists of 225 Silverliner IV railcars, which are about 50 years old. They represent around two-thirds but due to financial reasons they must continue using them. SEPTA stated that a complete shutdown of the cars could cost the authority $2 billion and require a 2/3 reduction in service. The authority is currently in financial crisis. The vehicles are among the oldest in the nation and the agency has created a set of forty mitigation measures including notifications to staff, safety checks and audible alerts for malfunction lights. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
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American Airlines reduces some management and support roles
American Airlines announced on Tuesday that it would be eliminating a small number of management and staff positions in order to adjust its workforce. The airline stated that the layoffs primarily occurred at the Fort Worth headquarters, which will allow it to become more efficient throughout the organization. The carrier had previously stated that it planned to save more than 750 million dollars in costs by the end this year. This is thanks to its efforts to reengineer the business. In North America, airlines have reduced corporate roles in order to control costs and protect margins after the post-pandemic travel surge. Air Canada, a Canadian carrier, cut 400 management jobs, or about 1% of their workforce, last month. Southwest Airlines announced earlier this year that it would be cutting 15% of corporate jobs. This is the first time in 54 years that Southwest Airlines has made such a cut. American Airlines has not specified the number of positions it is eliminating.
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FAA stops traffic at Washington DC Airport after threat against plane reported
The Federal Aviation Administration halted Tuesday traffic at Reagan Washington National Airport following a report of a threat made against a United Airlines flight. The FAA reported that operations had been halted due to a reported issue with security. Passengers have already left the plane and the aircraft has moved away from the terminal for the investigation. According to a person who was briefed in the matter, a threat against the plane had been made and the plane is being checked out of an abundance caution. United directed questions to the FBI. The FBI did respond immediately to a comment request. Reagan Airport is only 5 miles away from the White House, and the FAA has imposed special security restrictions in the airspace. FlightRadar24 - a flight tracker - said that the issue was caused by an unconfirmed terrorist threat made against a United Flight arriving from Houston. The airport is preparing to open just before 1 pm. ET. FlightAware reports that more than 160 flights were delayed at Reagan. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington; additional reporting from Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chicago Editing by Franklin Paul & Chizu Nomiyama
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A man accused of 'throwing things' at a federal agent after he threw a sandwich is on trial in Washington
A federal prosecutor told a jury on Tuesday that "You can't just go around throwing things." Sean Dunn faces a misdemeanor charge of assault in a case which has gained widespread attention since video of the incident went viral. Dunn was a Justice Department international case worker who became an unlikely symbol for resistance to Trump's law-enforcement surge in Washington, D.C., and was scorned Trump administration officials. Dunn has not pleaded guilty. John Parron, the prosecutor, said in his opening remarks that "you can't just throw things at people because you're angry." Dunn was captured on video on August 10 throwing a sub sandwich and shouting at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent who was on a crime prevention patrol in a Washington neighborhood. Trump had ordered an increase in federal law enforcement in Washington to combat what he described as an out of control crime problem, even though police statistics showed a decrease in violent crimes following an earlier rise. Julia Gatto was the lawyer representing Dunn. She told the jury that Dunn had done it. He threw it." Gatto, however, argued that it was impossible for the sandwich to harm or interfere with law enforcement. He called it a harmless gesture. "Mr. Gatto stated in her opening remarks that Dunn is very passionate about the policies which brought these officers to this place. He believes that recent immigration enforcement is racist. He believes that the militarization of federal law enforcement and the takeover by the government is fascism. Federal prosecutors initially sought a felony against Dunn but reduced the charge to a misdemeanor when a grand jury refused to approve the indictment. Gregory Lairmore testified, a 23 year veteran of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, that Dunn shouted at officers before throwing the sandwich. Lairmore testified to the jury that the sandwich exploded all over his uniform, smelling of "onions and mustard." He said he felt the impact from his ballistic vest.
Royal Air Maroc CEO: First aircraft to be delivered in 2028
Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, said that the Moroccan national carrier Royal Air Maroc expects to start receiving aircraft in 2028 from a major tender for fleet expansion.
Addou stated that the tender, launched in April of 2024, is for 200 aircraft up to 2037. The company is currently evaluating Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer's offers.
Addou, a reporter at the Arab Air Carriers' Organization General Assembly held in Rabat, said that the tender was currently being finalised.
Addou did not disclose the exact value of the tender, but said that about 25% of the order would be wide-body aircraft. The remainder will be narrow-body jets.
RAM is expecting to receive 15 new aircraft per year on average starting in 2028. Addou said that the airline would introduce up to thirteen aircraft each year in the interim.
RAM has a strategy that includes expanding its fleet to become a regional hub carrier connecting Africa, Europe and North America via its Casablanca-based base.
According to the ONDA, Morocco also launched a bid for a new terminal at its airport that will allow it to increase passenger capacity from 10.5 million to 35 millions by 2029. (Reporting and editing by David Goodman.)
(source: Reuters)