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Prosecutors say that the fraud committed by a UK-based aircraft parts company caused millions of dollars in losses.
Prosecutors said that the director of a London based airline parts company sold tens of thousands of engine parts using forged documents, causing a large 'loss for aviation industry giants such as American Airlines, GE Aerospace, and Safran. Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala (38), has admitted to defrauding AOG Technics customers and potential clients by falsifying documentation about the source and state of engine parts between January 2019 and December 2023. In 2023, the discovery of forgeries, including parts for CFM56 engine engines that power some Airbus or Boeing jets, caused planes to be briefly grounded in many countries due to safety concerns. Zamora Yarala, 38 pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading in December, which is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. He sat on the dock Monday at London's Southwark Crown Court, where prosecutor Faras Baloch claimed that his crimes led to more than 60,000 suspect components entering the global supply chain for aviation. The sentence is expected later today. Companies suffered losses of millions of dollars AOG Technics, Baloch said, sold parts with false documents worth a total of about 6.9 million pounds (9.3 million dollars), which represents 90% of the company's revenues. Baloch stated that the fraud cost American Airlines, which had obtained parts from AOG Technics, about 23 million pounds. This included costs for repairing engines, leasing replacements, and aircraft out-of-service. American Airlines didn't immediately respond to an email requesting a comment after U.S. business hours. Baloch said that the co-owners of CFM International, GE Aerospace (the maker of jet engines) and Safran (the owner of Safran), suffered financial losses in the ranges 3 million pounds and 580,000 pound respectively. They also suffered "reputational damages", he added. GE Aerospace and?did not immediately reply to a comment request. Zamora Yrala - and AOG Technics - were sued by CFM International, GE, and Safran at London's High Court in 2023. This was shortly after European regulators began to investigate reports that parts with invalid certificates?had found their way into CFM56 engines. Baloch stated that the CFM56 was "the leading engine for?commercial aircraft, and powers Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s". CFM launched a global hunt for parts from AOG Technics with suspected fake documentation. Fears over potentially falsified paperwork has prompted calls for additional regulation. Baloch claimed that Zamora Yrala’s fraud caused "a lack of trust in the entire airline industry". The prosecution is also seeking to ban Zamora from becoming a director of a company and confiscate the proceeds of Zamora's fraud.
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C.H. Robinson CEO: AI will drive consolidation of freight brokerage
C.H. Global logistics provider C.H. Robinson's CEO Dave Bozeman has dismissed the'recent sale' of shares tied to AI disruptions in the freight industry. He said that the race to adopt AI technology would lead to consolidation. C.H. C.H. Since the 14.5% drop earlier in this month, the?stock is up a little. In the afternoon of Monday's trading, it was down 6.1% to $178.44. The sale was triggered after Algorhythm Holdings, a company that specializes in AI technology, stated that their SemiCab platform helps customers increase 'freight volume by 300% to 400% without adding additional operational staff. Bozeman, in an interview with's, called the drop in C.H. Robinson's stock is a "short term reaction", according to Bozeman, who added that the company has a large proprietary data base and a scale that rivals find difficult and expensive to match. Bozeman said, "We will go into agentic artificial intelligence which is going to make us even faster and better." He predicts that the industry will consolidate as smaller firms face difficulties competing in a?AI-driven marketplace that demands large-scale data,?deep domain knowledge and other advantages that can be difficult to achieve quickly with new capital. C.H. Robinson last month reported fourth-quarter ?profit Above Wall Street estimates??thanks in part to AI-driven efficiencies which streamlined operations across all routine functions and reduced manual process. Reporting by Abhinav Paramar in Bengaluru, Editing by Leroy Leo
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Azul Brazil shifts its focus to "responsible Growth" and rules out M&A following Chapter 11
Azul, a Brazilian airline, has emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring, protected from any potential new headwinds. CEO John Rodgerson said that the company will now focus on "responsible" growth, while excluding 'any merger or acquisition plans. Azul announced Friday that it?had?exited U.S. bankruptcy after approximately nine months. It added that it had accomplished its goals during the process of strengthening its capital, increasing liquidity, and reducing debt. "I am very happy to be managing this company, now that it has been de-leveraged. Rodgerson stated that the best thing to do is run a business?that has done everything to improve its balance sheet. Azul filed Chapter 11 in May 2025, to restructure debt. It was part of the wave of Latin American carriers seeking bankruptcy protection after the COVID-19 epidemic. This included rivals Gol Airlines and LATAM Airlines. The carrier reduced debt and lease obligations of about $2.5 billion, and raised nearly $1.4 billion in debt and $950 millions?in equity investment during the process. We know that the company with the lowest leverage is going to win. That's it. Rodgerson explained that we live in a country where there are many uncertainties. We have therefore shielded the company so it can withstand any situation. Azul emerged out of bankruptcy proceedings with a leverage ratio less than 2, down from 3.3 during the pandemic. UNITED, AMERICAN BACKWARD RESTRUCTURING American Airlines and United Airlines both invested in Azul as part of its restructuring. Azul received $100 from United, and signed a contract with American for an additional $100 million equity investment. This is subject to antitrust approval. Rodgerson stated, "They could've invested anywhere else but chose to join us." "They wanted the connectivity that we have in Brazil." He added that the restructuring put an end to all merger plans. In 2025, the carrier held discussions with Abra Group about a possible merger?with Gol which Abra controls. However, these talks ended in September when Azul shifted its focus to Chapter 11. In 2021, it also failed to merge with LATAM. Rodgerson replied, "Forget it," when asked about the possibility of a merger and acquisition. (Reporting and editing by Anil D’Silva; Gabriel Araujo)
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Sources say that Noem's top aide entered the cockpit and fired the pilot for missing blanket.
Corey Lewandowski, a top homeland security aide in the United States, entered a government plane's cockpit without permission during a flight, and then fired a pilot over a misplaced quilt, two people with knowledge of the situation said. Lewandowski was travelling with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Nuem when they noticed her blanket missing. New details about the incident suggest that Lewandowski might have violated safety guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard which operated the aircraft. Lewandowski entered into the cockpit before the aircraft had reached 10,000 feet (3.048 meters), and while the seatbelt signal remained on. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, some of which were tightened following 9/11, limit cockpit access, and forbid interference with the duties of aircraft crews. A FAA regulation prohibits airline staff and pilots from engaging in non essential activities or conversations while flying below 10,000 feet. Civil aircraft operators who violate this rule may face fines of thousands of dollars, while pilots can be terminated. The U.S. Coast Guard is not legally bound to the FAA regulation known as the "sterile-cockpit rule," but it has a policy similar, which is spelled out by a 2021 operation manual: "No one shall engage in any activity or conversation that could distract or interfere?with a flight crewmember performing their assigned duties properly during critical phases of flight." The manual does provide specific penalties for violations of the rule. However, it states that in general, rule violations will be dealt with through internal disciplinary procedures. Lewandowski responded to a request for comment in a text message: "There was never a conversation in the cockpit when the flight took off." Lewandowski responded to a? Lewandowski denied the information provided by the sources, but did not comment on whether or not he entered into the cockpit when the plane was still climbing below 10,000 feet. Experts in aviation safety consider that the initial ascent is one of the most dangerous parts of a flight. Randy Klatt is a flight safety officer at The Foundation for Aviation Safety. He said that planes climb "low and slowly" to 10,000 feet during the initial ascent, so it's important for pilots not to lose focus. Klatt stated that this is a dangerous situation for any aircraft. You don't have enough altitude or airspeed to trade if necessary. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Coast Guard declined to comment about the flight. The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard, which are both under DHS, declined to comment on the flight in question. The FAA didn't respond to our request for comment. Noem has been under scrutiny since federal immigration agents in Minneapolis killed two U.S. Citizens in January. The Wall Street Journal published a report earlier this month about the tensions and infighting at DHS, under Noem's leadership and Lewandowski's. The article also mentioned the firing of?pilot. PILOT RELEASED, THEN REINSTATED The White House responded to a question about Lewandowski's entry into the cockpit, and tensions within DHS by referring to comments made by Trump in late January praising Noem. It also referred to remarks from Karoline Leavitt who said that Trump had "the utmost trust and confidence" in her. Lewandowski is a Noem senior adviser who has accompanied her on several high-profile trips. The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House Counsel's Office had opened an investigation into Lewandowski's role as a quasi-government employee last year. Lewandowski is a volunteer at DHS, and the spokesperson stated that DHS was unaware of any investigation. Lewandowski refused to comment on his employment status when asked. One of the people who was familiar with the incident stated that during the flight on the Gulfstream jet last spring, the cockpit pilots asked Lewandowski not to leave the cabin until the plane had reached cruise altitude. Lewandowski, according to the two sources, asked the pilot who should be fired when he returned into the cabin after the flight because Noem’s blanket was left behind during the technical switch before takeoff. Sources confirmed the Wall Street Journal's report that the pilot, an accomplished flyer who had a long history of service, accepted responsibility for any mistake. Lewandowski then fired him immediately. Sources said that once Noem & Lewandowski arrived at their destination, Coast Guard leadership realized they would need the pilot to fly them home to Washington, and the agency reinstated him. DHS and Coast Guard declined comment on the pilot’s firing and subsequent reinstatement. The Coast Guard and DHS declined to comment on the pilot's firing and reinstatement. (Reporting from Ted Hesson and Erin Banco, Washington; Additional reporting by Kristina Cooey in San Francisco; Editing and Craig Timberg by Edmund Klamann and Craig Timberg)
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The terminals in Greece will supply Ukraine with at least 75 mcm LNG by March
Analysts at ExPro said that in March, gas traders such as state-owned Naftogaz would import at least 75 million cubic meters of?gas to Ukraine via a'vertical pipeline' from LNG terminals in Greece. Atlantic See LNG Trade is a joint venture of?Aktor, the Greek gas supplier DEPA and Atlantic See. It announced this month that it had signed a first contract to supply U.S. natural gas liquefied to Ukraine. Ukraine is facing a 'worst wartime energy crisis ever' as its 'energy sector collapses under Russian attacks, bitter cold and accumulated damages. ExPro reported in a recent report that gas imports from Greece’s Revithoussa terminal would be 2.41 mcm/day at a special transport rate. Naftogaz announced earlier this month that it had received a delivery of nearly 100 mcm U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas, the first such delivery since?2026. The company stated that the LNG was delivered 'in partnership with Poland's Orlen.?And that further deliveries were expected in either February or March. (Reporting and editing by Louise Heavens, Jan Harvey, and Pavel Polityuk)
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Uganda plans to connect a new railway line with Tanzania to open a new export route
A government document seen by revealed that Uganda is looking to connect a new rail line it's building with one being built in Tanzania. This could potentially open up a new export route for minerals like gold, iron ore, and copper. Uganda exports most of its goods via the Kenyan port in Mombasa. It has announced plans to connect its Standard Gauge Railway Project to the one being built in Kenya. This initiative is still in progress. Uganda hadn't previously stated that it would also seek to connect the railway with Tanzania's network? and its port in Dar es Salaam. According to the Ugandan Ministry of Works and Transport, the railway will run from the border of?Tanzania and continue through the south and southwest of Uganda before ending in the town of Mpondwe at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document stated that the main objective of this project was to connect the vast mineral-rich areas of both countries, (Uganda & Tanzania), to the port 'of Dar es Salaam... while saving time and transport costs." The document stated that the African Development Bank (AfDB), could finance the project, and that the Democratic Republic of Congo might seek to connect to it in the future. Unable to comment immediately, a spokesman from the Ugandan Ministry could not be reached. The AfDB informed? The AfDB told? The?bank could consider financing the?project, depending on?the results?of the study, if it is determined that the project can be banked," said bank official Epifanio Carrvalho de Meo.
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Renault buys out Volvo and CMA CGM to gain full control of Flexis, an electric van company.
Renault announced on Monday that it would buy out the stakes of truckmaker Volvo Group and shipping firm CMA CGM in Flexis, their joint venture for new-generation electric vans. The agreement is expected to take effect by the first half 2026 as Renault CEO Francois Provost accelerates his efforts in streamlining the group's operation. Two sources said in January that the automaker had already planned to fold back its Ampere electric vehicle unit into the group. It has also shut down its car sharing services as part of restructuring its division focused primarily on new transportation solutions. Flexis was founded in 2024, by the former Renault CEO Luca de Meo. He partnered with?Sweden’s Volvo. CMA CGM joined later as a minor shareholder. CMA CGM and Volvo own a combined 10%, while Renault holds 45%. We have different opinions on how this project should be driven. Volvo Group spokesperson said, "We think this is the most strategic solution moving forward." The recent market slowdown was also a factor in the decision. The European association of carmakers ACEA reported that new van registrations will fall by 8.8% between 2025 and 2025. Around 11% (or the newly registered vans) are electrically charged. Volvo spokesperson refused to comment on financial details or purchase price. CMA CGM and Renault did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Volvo and Renault each committed to investing 300 million euros over a period of three years, while CMA planned to invest 120 millions euros. In its annual report, the Swedish group reported that it had invested 240 million Euros in Flexis by 2024. This was on top of the initial 2.4 billion Swedish crowns (approximately $265?million). The production of the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech Electric, the first model in the range, is expected to begin as planned by the end 2026 at Renault's Sandouville factory?in France. Volvo will market the vehicle through Renault Trucks (part of the Volvo Group) from 2027, as part of a long-term agreement for light commercial vehicles.
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Soccer-Four matches are postponed following violence sparked by the death of a Mexican cartel leader
Violence flared up near Guadalajara - one of Mexico's host cities for the 2026 World Cup - after a military operation that killed cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera on Sunday. Oseguera (60), the mastermind behind the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died in custody following an injury sustained in a special force operation in Jalisco, a state on Mexico's Pacific Coast. Mexican league announced on social media that two games scheduled for Sunday, Queretaro against FC Juarez (men's?) and Chivas against America (women's) league, have been postponed. Local media also reported that two second division matches scheduled to be played on Sunday were cancelled. The match between Queretaro and?Necaxa in?Aguascalientes on Sunday was called off after the players left the field when they heard loud noises coming from outside Estadio Victoria. Media reports described these sounds as gunshots. Necaxa won 2-1 in the re-match. Mexico's national team will face Iceland in an amiable match on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro. The Mexican Open Men's Tennis Tournament in Acapulco will begin as scheduled on Monday, according to established security protocols. Merida's women's tennis event is also set to begin on Monday. After hearing of El Mencho’s death, suspected members of the cartel blocked highways in burning cars and torched business in more than a half dozen states. No civilian deaths were reported. Social media users in Jalisco's popular beach town of Puerto Vallarta reported plumes of dark smoke rising from the bay. Air Canada, United Airlines Aeromexico, and American Airlines have suspended flights to the area. (Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena; Additional reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Singapore airshow kicks off amid supply-chain strains and regional demand surge
Singapore hosted Asia's largest aviation conference on Tuesday, as the industry aims to achieve ambitious regional growth goals despite widespread supply shortages which have delayed many aircraft delivery.
The 10th edition?Singapore Airshow? will feature more than 1,000 companies, including industry giants Airbus and Boeing as well as local champion ST Engineering. There is also a new generation of drone-focused defence firms such Asuril Industries and Shield AI.
Singapore announced on Monday that it will launch its own space agency at the accompanying space summit.
China and India are driving the Asia-Pacific region's rapid growth in air travel. By 2026, passenger traffic is expected to grow by 7.3%. However, plane manufacturers and engine makers are struggling with demand for fleet extensions.
As the aviation market grows, there's a mismatch between demand and supply, said Jeffrey Lam. He's president of ST Engineering Commercial Aerospace, the largest provider of airframe maintenance services in the world.
"I think the mood (at this show) reflects that there are a lot expectations and a lot anticipation about how the industry will continue to recover in order to meet the market demand, either from the airlines or the?flight passenger."
Boeing has announced a deal for Air Cambodia to purchase 10 of its 737 MAX aircraft. Meanwhile, Chinese planemaker COMAC, with its C919 passenger airliner, is also competing for attention. This year, the C919 is making its return at?the show after dominating headlines in 2012.
On Tuesday, China's Shanxi Victory General Aviation signed an agreement to purchase six firefighting aircraft.
According to COMAC, the passenger version of C909 is gaining some traction in Southeast Asia. Indonesia's TransNusa and VietJet Aviation, Lao Airlines, and TransNusa have all operated the model over 20 routes, carrying more than 700,000.
Key Meeting Point
According to Jefferies analysts' calculations, the Singapore Airshow only accounted for 5% of all global airshow orders from 2012 onwards, far behind Paris Farnborough, and Dubai which are held in later months.
It is a meeting place for regional airline executives, their counterparts from plane makers, and engine manufacturers, as they try to meet the growing demand for air travel, especially in Asia-Pacific, where 35% of all global air traffic occurs.
Alton Aviation Consultancy released a report on the eve before the show that predicted India, China, and Southeast Asia to be eight of the top ten fastest growing air travel markets in the world between 2024-2044.
Singapore Airlines, the home carrier, announced Monday that it will launch four flights per week to Riyadh starting in June.
DÉFENSE OFFERINGS
The Israeli defence ministry and 11 Israeli companies were invited to exhibit at the air show in Dubai and Paris after being ignored by the organisers last year because of the war in Gaza.
China's AVIC displayed a large-scale model of its J-35A fighter jet as it seeks international sales for the fighter it has been marketing.
Boeing announced that it would no longer build F-15 fighter planes for Indonesia. This ended what had been a?major deal for Jakarta's militaristic expansion.
On Tuesday, large groups of Southeast Asian officials took a keen interest to the defence offerings at the show.
Vietnam's delegation visited Airbus to see its displays of military helicopters, including the A400M transport aircraft. Thai military officers then headed over to Embraer for a static display. Singapore's defence ministry officials visited Israel Aerospace Industries.
The lunchtime flying show featured performances by air force captains from Singapore and Indonesia. It also included pilots from India, China, Malaysia, and Australia. Reporting by Julie Zhu; writing by Jamie Freed and Joe Brock. Editing by Raju Gopikrishnan.
(source: Reuters)