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NTSB to probe UPS plane maintenance history
Safety investigators in the United States said Thursday that they are investigating the maintenance history for a UPS cargo aircraft which was in Texas weeks before it crashed in flames on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. At least 12 people were killed. National Transportation Safety Board said that as the MD-11's left wing rolled down the runway at Louisville Airport, a large plume of smoke erupted and one of three engines detach from this wing. Flight tracking data shows that the plane was parked in San Antonio, Texas from September 3 until October 18. Todd Inman, a member of the NTSB, told reporters Thursday that he was aware that this aircraft had been in San Antonio. He did not give a timeframe. "We will examine every maintenance item, from San Antonio time to the flight date." ST Engineering of Singapore, which claims to provide airframe maintenance to UPS's MD-11 aircraft, and to operate a repair facility at San Antonio, has declined to comment, but stated that it will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities if they contact it. Federal Aviation Administration records from September 18 indicate that a crack in a structural part inside the fuel tank on the center wing needed to be repaired. UPS sent all inquiries to the NTSB as per standard procedure in air crash investigations. On Thursday, the cargo giant named the pilots who operated the flight as Captain Richard Wartenberg First Officer Lee Truitt and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond. The crash killed all three. There is no evidence to suggest that the crash of a freighter headed for Honolulu was caused by poor maintenance. The plane crashed into a number structures outside the airport grounds, killing at least nine on the ground. A crash in the air is usually caused by a number of factors. The preliminary report should be expected within 30 days. The NTSB reported that the two "black boxes" of the plane, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), had been successfully downloaded and a transcription of the cockpit conversation is being prepared. Inman stated that the NTSB has no immediate concerns regarding the MD-11 program as a whole, which Boeing owns since the 1997 merger between McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. FedEx and UPS operate about 50 MD-11 cargo planes worldwide. In an earlier press conference, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg informed reporters that investigators were still combing through the wreckage of the crash to look for clues or possible victims. Nine people have been reported missing in addition to those who are dead. Greenberg stated that there was so much charred metal and mangled metal, it is possible that the bodies have not been found. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed in Montreal, Allison Lampert)
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Brussels airport temporarily suspended operations due to drone sighting
A spokesperson for Skeyes, the air traffic control company, said that operations at Belgium's Brussels Airport had temporarily been halted due to drone sightings on Thursday. The spokesperson did not specify how many drones were sighted. Local media reported that drones were also spotted in other parts, including at a military facility. On Thursday morning, the Belgian government called an urgent meeting of its key ministers and chiefs of security after drone sightings on Tuesday night forced the closure of two airports and one military airbase in what was described by the defence minister as a coordinated attack. Germany has announced that the Bundeswehr will supply Belgium with Short-notice Support in counter-drone capabilities. In recent months, drones have caused significant disruptions throughout Europe. They forced the temporary closure of airports in many countries. Some officials blamed the incidents upon "hybrid war" by Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in the incidents. (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese, Bart Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout)
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US strikes on Caribbean and Pacific have killed over 60 people as calls for investigation mount
According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the U.S. carried out 13 strikes on vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and near the Venezuelan coastline since September, killing over 60 people. This is part of a growing military build-up in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. officials have claimed, without providing evidence, that the boats they bombed were carrying drugs. However, foreign leaders, members of Congress and legal experts, as well as the families of those who died, are demanding proof. Venezuela has said that the U.S. attacks on suspected drug dealers off South America's coast are illegal and amount to aggression. The United Nations chief of human rights called them "unacceptable," and they violate international human rights laws. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Donald Trump, who has denied the claim, of wanting regime change. This accusation was downplayed by the U.S. President, despite reports that the administration has been in close contact with Venezuelan opposition. The U.S. increased its military presence in September with a nuclear sub and warships accompanying one of the world's biggest aircraft carriers. This prompted Maduro, who had already deployed tens and thousands of troops across the country, to beef up his security. U.S. officials have described some of those killed in the attacks as Venezuelans. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that others were Colombians. The family of a Trinidadian believed to have been killed in a strike has demanded proof that he was a drug dealer. Here's a list with all the U.S. strike dates: Trump announced that 11 people died in a strike against a vessel suspected of carrying illegal drugs out of Venezuela on September 2. It is the first operation known since Trump's administration sent warships into the southern Caribbean. Venezuelan officials later denied that any of the 11 victims was a member of the Tren de Aragua group Trump cited. Trump announced that three men were killed during a strike against another alleged Venezuelan drugs vessel in international waters. He added that the boat was headed to the U.S. He did not provide any evidence that the boat carried drugs. SEPTEMBER 19, Trump announced that three men were killed during a second attack on a boat allegedly transporting drugs. OCTOBER 3 – Four people died in a strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs just off the Venezuelan coastline, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Trump claimed that six people had been killed in a new strike near Venezuela's coastline. He said they were drug dealers. Two people have been killed in a new strike in the Caribbean. It was the first time that survivors were involved, two Colombians and one Ecuadorean. They were quickly returned to their countries of origin. Colombia announced that its citizen would be "processed in accordance with the law." Ecuador has said that it does not have any evidence to hold its citizen, and has released him. Three people were killed by a strike on October 17. Hegseth claimed that the boat was owned by the National Liberation Army rebels (ELN), but Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied this, stating it belonged to a "humble" family. Hegseth’s claim was also denied by the ELN. Hegseth claimed that five people had been killed in two strikes on vessels in the eastern Pacific. He said they were suspected drug smugglers. This was the first U.S. military strike in the Pacific after Trump's anti-drug initiative. Hegseth claimed that six people died in the Caribbean on a vessel operated by the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. One survivor was left after three U.S. attacks on vessels that the U.S. claimed were transporting drugs to the eastern Pacific. Hegseth reported that Mexican authorities were in charge of the search and rescue operation to find the sole survivor. The Mexican Navy announced that it had suspended the search four days later. Hegseth claimed that four men were killed during a strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. He said it was a drug ship. Hegseth reported that three men were killed on a vessel operating in the Caribbean. Hegseth reported that two men died in international waters of the Eastern Pacific in a vessel suspected to be a drug-trafficking vessel. Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Alistair Bell, Marguerita Choy, and Aurora Ellis.
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US strikes on Caribbean and Pacific kill over 60 people as investigations are demanded
According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the U.S. reported 13 strikes on vessels near Venezuelan shores and, more recently, the eastern Pacific Ocean. More than 60 people were killed. This is part of a growing military buildup along the Caribbean Sea. U.S. officials have claimed, without providing any evidence, that the boats they bombed were carrying drugs. However, foreign leaders, members of Congress and legal experts, as well as the families of those killed, have demanded proof. Venezuela claims that the U.S. attacks on suspected drug dealers off South America's coast are illegal and amount to murder, as well as an aggression against Venezuela, a sovereign South American nation. The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro accused Donald Trump seeking a regime change. This accusation was downplayed by the U.S. President, despite reports that the administration had been in close contact with Venezuela’s opposition. In September, U.S. military forces increased their presence in the Caribbean. This included a nuclear sub and a group warships that accompanied the largest aircraft carrier on earth. Maduro responded by bolstering security and deploying tens and thousands of troops across the country. The U.S. described some victims as Venezuelans while Colombian president Gustavo Petro said that others were his Colombians. The family of a Trinidadian believed to have been killed in a strike has demanded proof that he was a trafficker. Here's a list of U.S. strike dates: Trump announced that 11 people died in a strike against a vessel that was allegedly transporting illegal drugs from Venezuela on September 2. It is the first operation known since Trump's administration sent warships into the southern Caribbean. Venezuelan officials later denied that any of the 11 victims was a member of the Tren de Aragua group Trump cited. Trump announced that three men were killed during a strike against another alleged Venezuelan drugs vessel in international waters. He added that the boat was headed to the U.S. He did not provide any evidence that the boat carried drugs. SEPTEMBER 19, Trump announced that three men were killed during a second attack on a boat allegedly transporting drugs. OCTOBER 3 – Four people died in a strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs just off the Venezuelan coastline, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Trump claimed that six people had been killed in a new strike near Venezuela's coastline. He said they were drug dealers. On 16 October, two people were killed by another attack in the Caribbean. It was the first time that survivors were involved, two Colombians and one Ecuadorian. They were quickly returned to their countries of origin. Colombia announced that its citizen would be "processed in accordance with the law." Ecuador has said that it does not have any evidence to hold its citizen, and has released him. OCTOBER 17, 2017 - A strike killed three people. Hegseth claimed that the boat was owned by the National Liberation Army rebels (ELN), but Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied this, saying the boat was owned by a "humble" family. Hegseth has been denied by the ELN. Hegseth claimed that five people died in strikes on two vessels in eastern Pacific. He said they were drug smugglers. This was the first U.S. military strike in the Pacific after Trump's anti-drug initiative. Hegseth claimed that six people died in the Caribbean on October 24, claiming the vessel was run by the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. One survivor was left after three U.S. airstrikes against vessels that the U.S. claimed were transporting drugs to the eastern Pacific. Hegseth reported that Mexican authorities took charge of the search and rescue operation to find the sole survivor. Mexico's Navy announced that it would suspend the search four days later. Hegseth claimed that four men were killed during a strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. Hegseth reported that three men were killed on a vessel operating in the Caribbean. Hegseth reported that two men died in international waters of the Eastern Pacific in a vessel suspected to be a drug-trafficking vessel. Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Alistair Bell, Marguerita Choy, and Aurora Ellis.
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In Indian ports, the urals differentials are lower and there is a steeper discount for the grade.
The price differential between Urals and Brent for December arrived in India on Thursday, as the flagship blend of Russia was traded at its steepest discount in over a year. This is due to new U.S. sanctions against Russia's top oil producers. The price difference for Russia's flagship Urals oil in Indian ports has widened from $2 to $4 per barrel under Brent for December arrival. This is the largest discount in about a month. According to estimates and shipping and trading sources, Russia's oil imports to western ports will decrease in November due to higher refinery runs but remain near the records set over the past few months. Lukoil - Russia's second largest oil producer - has begun diverting Caspian Oil flows from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Makhachkala, the Russian port, to combat Western sanctions. PLATTS WINDOW There were no bids or offers reported for Urals, Azeri BTC Blend or CPC blend crude in Platts. The Volgograd refinery of Russian oil giant Lukoil has stopped operations after being hit by Ukrainian drones. * ANALYSIS - Too large to swallow? Gunvor's acquisition of the Lukoil empire is not a simple one. Hugh Lawson, Hugh Lawson (Reporting)
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After drone sighting, traffic is halted in Gothenburg airport.
Traffic was halted at the Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport on Sweden's west coast on Thursday after one or more drones were observed at the airport, authorities said. In recent months, drones have caused significant disruption in Europe and forced the temporary closure of airports across several countries. Some officials blamed hybrid warfare on Russia for the incidents. Moscow denies any involvement in the incidents. A spokesperson for the civil aviation agency LFV confirmed that "a drone or drones" had been spotted at Landvetter Airport. Police received the report at 1641 GMT, and were on the scene to gather information. According to airport operator Swedavia, the airport is Sweden's 2nd largest after Stockholm's Arlanda. Susanne Norman, Swedavia's Chief Operating Officer, said that the airspace over Landvetter was currently closed because of indications of an suspected drone. She said that the airspace would remain closed until police could complete their investigation.
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CMA CGM abandons plans to stop Mali shipments due to safety and fuel concerns
CMA CGM reversed its decision to suspend cargo shipments into Mali due to safety concerns and fuel shortages, the French group announced on Thursday after a meeting the authorities. Early in September, the al-Qaeda-linked militant Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin announced a ban on fuel imports into this landlocked West African nation. Since then, the group has attacked convoys that were trying to enter the country and reach Bamako. CMA CGM stated in an email that "overland transportation has been severely impacted by security challenges and fuel shortages, in terms of transit times and costs." CMA CGM decided to continue its operations in Mali, which includes overland transportation, despite the conditions. It added that the company had met officials from Mali's Ministry of Transport earlier in the day on Thursday. CMA CGM, the largest shipping company in the world, issued a customer alert on Wednesday, stating that road shipments were suspended to Mali until further notice. The company also offered its clients the option to store their cargo, return it to Mali or to change the port destination. Security analysts claim that JNIM has not yet seized Bamako's 4 million-person city, which they briefly attacked in 2013. The military leaders who will take power in 2021 face the greatest challenge to date. This is because the group's plan to gradually starve Bamako, force schools to close and deny businesses diesel-generated electricity presents the most grave threat to them yet. Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian, Mali newsroom. Gus Trompiz contributed additional reporting. Mark Potter (Editing)
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Aeromexico is valued at $2.8 Billion in NYSE debut, four years after bankruptcy.
The shares of Grupo Aeromexico, which is backed by Apollo, rose 0.84% on their New York Stock Exchange debut Thursday. This valued the Mexican airline near $2.8 billion nearly four years after it emerged from bankruptcy. The opening price of shares in the company was $19.16, which is just above the $19 issuance price. Aeromexico, along with some of its current shareholders, sold 11,7 million American Depositary Shares in an initial public offer on Thursday. The price was at the midpoint between its advertised range of $18 and $20. This raised $222.8 millions. The listing is part of a rebound in the IPO markets following a slowdown triggered primarily by President Donald Trump’s changing trade policies, and increased market volatility. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates and boosted the demand of investors for new offerings. However, a prolonged shutdown in the government has caused delays. Aeromexico debuts also coincides with the Trump administration. Crackdown on Mexican Airlines over Competition Investors are cautious and awaiting regulatory clarity. The U.S. Department of Transportation is fighting a legal battle over an order to cancel several Mexican airline routes. Joint venture between Delta and Aeromexico This allows the carriers to coordinate pricing, scheduling and capacity. Aeromexico had applied for an American listing in the past year, backed both by U.S. airline Delta and alternative asset manager Apollo Global. In February, CEO Andres Conesa stated that The market conditions at the time were not optimal for listing. Mexico's legacy airline Aeromexico filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 After the pandemic, travel demand was crushed and its Restructuring in January 2022 After lowering costs, and upgrading to larger, more efficient planes, the company will be able to afford this. Barclays was the lead book-running manager for the listing. J.P. Morgan, Evercore, and Morgan Stanley were also involved. Reporting by Prakhar Shrivastava, Bengaluru. Editing by Sahal Muhammad and Shakesh Kuber.
Trump administration announces Boeing deals in Central Asia
The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump announced new deals on Thursday to sell Boeing aircraft to airlines in Central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Commerce Department announced that Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana intends to purchase up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in order to modernize and expand its fleet.
The C5+1 Summit, which took place in Washington to mark the 10th anniversary diplomatic meeting between the leaders of the five Central Asian Republics and the United States, signed the orders.
Air Astana operates three Boeing 767 widebody aircraft that connect Kazakhstan to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Boeing says the new planes allow for expansion into North America.
Commerce reported that Tajikistan’s national airline Somon Air intends to purchase up to 14 Boeing aircraft, including four 787s as well as 10 737 MAX planes. Uzbekistan Airways also plans to purchase eight additional 787 aircraft.
Trade deals and negotiations between Trump and foreign governments have emphasized the importance of new Boeing planes made in the United States.
As part of the trade agreements announced this year, Boeing won orders for hundreds new aircraft.
China is one of the big orders that has not been finalized. Boeing has been reported to be in discussions to sell up to 500 jets in China. This would represent a significant breakthrough for the company, as orders in this market have stalled due to the U.S. China trade tensions. Reporting by David Shepardson, Daphne Psaledakis and Trevor Hunnicutt. Editing by Lisa Shumaker.
(source: Reuters)