Latest News
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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.
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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 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.
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US Judge Approves DOJ Decision to Drop Boeing Criminal Case
The judge harshly criticised the decision of the government. Judge Reed O'Connor of the U.S. District Court Fort Worth in Texas disagreed with the Justice Department that dismissing the criminal case was in the public's interest, but said he did not have the authority to reject this decision. He noted that the deal with Boeing failed to provide the accountability necessary to ensure safety for the flying public. Boeing has said that it will honour its obligations under the agreement it made with the Department of Justice. The company also stated that it was committed to continue the efforts made by its employees to improve safety, compliance, and quality. Boeing in 2024 Had agreed to plead guilt After the deadly 737 MAX crash in Indonesia and Ethiopia, the Justice Department demanded that Boeing plead guilty. But in May the Justice Department changed its mind and dropped this demand. O'Connor conducted a three-hour public hearing in September to hear objections about the deal. He questioned the government's decision not to require Boeing to be under the watchful eye of an independent monitor over a period of three years, and to hire instead a compliance consultant. The non-prosecution deal was met with anguished opposition from the relatives of those who died in crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia in 2018. In his ruling of Thursday, O'Connor noted the government's stance: "Boeing had committed crimes that justified prosecution and failed to rectify its fraudulent behavior by itself during the (deferred prosecutor agreement), which justified a guilt plea and the imposition an independent monitor. But now Boeing will correct this dangerous culture by hiring a consultant. O'Connor stated that the families are correct when they asserted that "this agreement does not secure the accountability necessary to ensure the safety for the flying public." Boeing and the government claimed that they have improved, while Federal Aviation Administration has increased oversight. Boeing and the Government argued O’Connor had no other choice than to dismiss the case. O'Connor stated in 2023, "Boeing's crimes may be properly considered the deadliest corporate crimes in U.S. history." Boeing has agreed to pay $444.5 in addition to the $243.6 million fine, plus $455 million for the improvement of safety and compliance programs. The FAA will be holding its September meeting. Boeing fined $3.1 Million For a series safety violations including actions related to the mid-air Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 emergency in January 2024, and for interfering safety officials' independent. (Reporting and editing by Franklin Paul, Richard Chang, and David Shepardson)
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.
(source: Reuters)