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Air India is in negotiations for a major new narrow-body aircraft order, according to sources
Air India, a Tata Group company, is in negotiations with Airbus or Boeing to place a large order for new aircraft, including 200 additional single-aisle jets. This deal will be a massive one in 2023, as the former national carrier pursues an ambitious multi-billion dollar revamp. Two sources told us that the order discussions could include hundreds of aircraft in various sizes. They said this was an expansion of previously reported discussions about a new batch of large wide body aircraft. Air India, Boeing, and Airbus have all declined to comment. As global airline chiefs gathered for a summit on the fastest-growing aviation industry in the world, Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, was scheduled to address them on Monday. Air India ordered 470 aircraft from both suppliers by 2023, a record order. It also purchased another 100 Airbus planes in the same year. The simultaneous orders for two planes come at a moment when aircraft manufacturers are scrambling to resolve supply chain problems, which have led to delays in aircraft deliveries and an upcoming jet shortage. Air India needs new planes to regain market share that has been lost due to rivals. The airline, owned by the government for years, is embarking on an ambitious modernisation program to reclaim this market share. It was not immediately known how many narrowbody jets were included in the new order, but two sources said that it would be hundreds. Another source stated that it would include 200 narrow-body aircrafts which are the backbone of the aviation fleets around the world. Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle, Sophie Walker and Aditi Singh.
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IATA anticipates that sustainable aviation fuel production will double by 2025
The International Air Transport Association announced on Sunday that it expects sustainable aviation fuel production to double by 2025, reaching 2 million tonnes. This represents 0.7% of airline fuel consumption. IATA, a powerful industry group, has warned that airlines may struggle to achieve their sustainability goals and described the production rate of SAF (which is more expensive than conventional Jet Fuel) as disappointingly slow. Willie Walsh, Director general of IATA, said that although the increase in production was encouraging it would add $4.4 billion to the global aviation fuel bill. Walsh stated in a press release that "the pace of progress must accelerate" in terms of ramping up production, and improving efficiencies in order to reduce costs. In 2021, the aviation industry as a whole agreed to aim for net-zero emission in 2050. This was based on a gradual shift to SAF (which is made of waste oil and biomass). The airlines are in conflict with the energy companies about SAF shortages, and also point fingers at Airbus and Boeing for delays delivering fuel-efficient aircraft. (Reporting and editing by Elaine Hardcastle, Sophie Walker, and Lisa Barrington from Seoul)
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IndiGo to expand network with Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM and Delta deals
The airlines announced on Sunday that IndiGo, India's largest carrier, had reached an agreement with Air France KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta in order to expand long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Britain. IndiGo is expanding internationally and has a large domestic network within India, which is the third largest air passenger market in the world. IndiGo, once the partnership is completed, will be able sell flights operated by partners outside of India under its name, as well as select flights from Amsterdam or Manchester to Europe and North America. IndiGo is hosting the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual Meeting in New Delhi starting Sunday. It already has relationships with Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Delta, while its Delta partnership is a new one. Since the pandemic, Delta Airlines has not flown into India. Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, told the media in New Delhi at an airline summit that Delta would resume direct flights from the United States into India within the next two years. A joint statement stated that Delta plans nonstop flights from Atlanta to Delhi, subjected to approval by the government. IndiGo aims to expand its fleet from 400 aircraft today to 600 by 2030. It has been leasing planes to cover the delays in aircraft deliveries and to expand internationally. Norse Atlantic Airways has announced that it will lease six Boeing wide-body 787 jets to the airline by early next year. The Indian aviation regulator announced this week that it will only extend the existing leasing agreement IndiGo has with Turkish Airlines until August. India has publicly criticised the arrangement after Turkey supported Pakistan in the recent conflict between two South Asian neighbours. Reporting by Abhijith, Writing by Lisa Barrington, Editing by Kirby Donovan
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IndiGo to expand network with Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM and Delta deals
The airlines announced on Sunday that IndiGo, India's largest airline, had reached an agreement with Air France KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta in order to expand long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Britain. Indigo is expanding internationally and has a large domestic network. IndiGo, once the partnership has been completed, will be able sell flights operated by partners outside of India under its name. It will also be able offer select flights from Amsterdam and Manchester to Europe and North America. IndiGo's partnership with Delta is new. It already has relationships with Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Air France. Since the pandemic, Delta Airlines has not flown into India. Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, told the media in New Delhi at a summit on airline services that Delta would resume direct flights from the United States into India within the next two years. A joint statement stated that Delta plans nonstop flights from Atlanta to Delhi, subjected to government approval. India has the third largest air passenger market in the world and is expanding its aviation sector rapidly.
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Emirates boss criticises "hand-wringing", over supply chain problems, by planemaker
On Sunday, the head of Dubai's Emirates Airlines, the largest international airline in the world, expressed frustration over persistent aerospace supply problems. He challenged planemakers to accept responsibility for late suppliers. Boeing and Airbus, the two largest plane manufacturers, are behind in delivering new planes by months and even years. This frustrates airlines who want to launch new services and upgrade to fuel-efficient aircraft or introduce new services. Emirates President Tim Clark stated at a press briefing held on the sidelines an airline industry summit, "I'm tired of hearing the finger-pointing about the supply chains: you (manufacturers), are the supply chains." Emirates has ordered 205 Boeing 777X jets that have not been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The 777X is set to begin deliveries in 2026. This is six years late. Clark said that he saw "a glimmer" of hope in the certification of new aircraft, and that Boeing had expressed cautious optimism about its recovery during top-level meetings. Airbus warned airlines last week that it would take another three years to clear up the backlog in supply-chain issues. Clark said that Emirates hasn't yet noticed a change in demand as a consequence of President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs. (Reporting and writing by Tim Hepher, Editing by Kirsten Doovan and Clarence Fernandez).
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Seven killed after bridge collapse, train derailment in Russia's Bryansk region bordering Ukraine
Russian authorities announced early Sunday that at least seven people had died and 30 others were hospitalized after "illegal intervention" caused a collapsed bridge and train derailment in the Bryansk region of Russia, which borders Ukraine. Russian Railways announced on Telegram that the train's locomotive, along with several cars, had derailed due to "the collapse of a span-structure of the road bridge in response to an illegal interference with the operation of transportation." Alexander Bogomaz said that two children, including one in a critical condition, were hospitalized. The state-run Russian news agencies cited medics to report that the driver of the locomotive was among those who died. The Russian ministry for emergency situations announced on Telegram that the main focus of its efforts was to find and rescue victims. Around 180 people were involved in this operation. Baza Telegram, a Russian channel that often publishes news from law enforcement and security sources, claimed, without any evidence, preliminary information had indicated the bridge was destroyed. The Baza report could not be independently verified. Ukraine has not yet commented. Since the beginning of the war, which Russia started more than three year ago, there has been continued cross border shelling, drone attacks, and covert operations from Ukraine in the Bryansk region, Kursk region, and Belgorod region that borders Ukraine. Russian Railways reported that the train was heading from Klimovo towards Moscow. Bogomaz reported that the train collided with a collapsed bridge near a federal highway, in the Vygonichskyi District of the Bryansk Region. The district is located about 100 km (62miles) from the Ukrainian border. U.S. president Donald Trump has urged Moscow to work with Kyiv on an agreement to end the conflict, and Russia proposed a second face-to-face round of talks with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul next week. Ukraine has not yet committed to attend the Monday talks, stating that it must first see Russian proposals. A leading U.S. Senator warned Moscow it will be "hit heavily" by new U.S. Sanctions. (Reporting and editing by Daniel Wallis in Melbourne)
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Hamas insists that Witkoff’s Gaza ceasefire plan must lead to an end to the war
Hamas announced on Saturday that it had responded in kind to a ceasefire offer made by Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy for U.S. president Donald Trump. The proposal included a call for an end to war which was previously a redline for Israel. In a press release, the Palestinian group stated that it would release 10 living hostages in exchange for Israel releasing a number Palestinian prisoners. This is in line with Witkoff’s proposal. Hamas' statement continued: "This proposal is aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza Strip. It also aims to ensure that aid reaches our people and families in Gaza Strip." The response was given "after a series of national consultations". Hamas did not make any mention of its desire to amend the proposal in the statement, but an official Palestinian familiar with the discussions said that Hamas requested some changes while responding positively. The office of the Israeli Prime Minister did not respond immediately to a comment request. Israeli media reported that Benjamin Netanyahu had told the families held hostage in Gaza by Israel that Israel accepted the Witkoff deal. The office of the prime minister declined to comment. Previous attempts to restore the ceasefire, which broke down in March, have been stymied by Hamas's deep differences with Israel. Israel demanded that Hamas completely disarm, dismantle itself as a military force and governement and release all 58 of the hostages who are still in Gaza. Hamas rejects the demand that Israel give up its arms and insists on pulling its troops out from Gaza to end the war. Israel's campaign in Gaza was launched in response to Hamas' attack on its southern border in October 2023 that resulted in the death of 1,200 people, and 251 Israelis being taken as hostages in Gaza. Gaza's health officials claim that the subsequent Israeli military operation has resulted in more than 54,000 Palestinian deaths and left Gaza in ruin. (Reporting and editing by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Menna Alaa el-Din)
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Harvard's US funded defense projects have totaled $180 Million in recent years.
According to an analysis by a defense software firm, when the Trump administration cut federal funds to Harvard University it ended abruptly an estimated $180 millions that the federal government poured into U.S. Military projects at Harvard over the past few years. In April, the Trump administration announced that it would freeze $2.2 billion worth of grants and $60 millions in contracts for Harvard University. Donald Trump stated that he wanted to make changes at Harvard and other universities in the U.S. because, according to him, they had been taken over by "woke" leftist thinking and have become bastions for antisemitism. Among many other topics, the study found that some of the grants were paid to research into lasers and counter-weapons of mass destruction, as well as medical research. This abrupt stop ended projects that had been running for years and halted programs at several universities. Not just Harvard. According to an analysis done by Govini defense software, in 2025, approximately 103 grants worth $14 million will come to a grinding halt. U.S. officials, for example, ended a $6 million Pentagon-funded research project by Professor Katia Bertoldi at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which developed shape-changing structures that could be used in military applications, two weeks ago. This was despite it being a critical point in its research cycle. Bertoldi explained, "We are now in the third year, we have all our tools set up, we're gaining momentum and it has stopped." She was funded through the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative of the Department of Defense to develop technology based on origami, which would eventually lead to reconfigurable radio antennas and deployable shelters similar in function to field hospitals. According to an analysis by Govini, since 2020, the Pentagon, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and all branches of the U.S. Military have awarded Harvard 418 grants worth $180 million. A Pentagon spokesperson said that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had "directed the termination" of a number of programs, contracts, and grants which were not in line with the Department priorities. This was to reduce wasteful spending, to implement President Obama's orders, to reallocate the savings to mission critical priorities. Govini's findings revealed that the Army provided the majority of funding for military medical research as well as basic and applied scientific research. Trump complained on Truth Social about the federal grant freeze. He said that Harvard had hired "Democrats" and "radical left idiots". Trump announced on Monday that he was considering redirecting billions in grants for scientific and engineering research from Harvard to trade school. Harvard sued for the restoration of funding. It called the cuts unconstitutional attacks on its right to free speech. Research cancellations have a negative impact on extensive networks of collaboration. Bertoldi's research project involved researchers from Georgia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania. Scientists warn that these cuts could have strategic implications, as China has invested heavily in research. Bertoldi stated, "In China as far as I'm aware, this type of research is supported by colleagues who moved back to China." (Reporting from Mike Stone in Washington, Editing by Matthew Lewis.)
US utilities struggle with the massive power demand for data centers by Big Tech
U.S. Electric utilities are receiving massive requests for additional power capacity, as Big Tech searches the country to find viable locations for data centers that can keep up with AI's compute demands. In a survey of 13 U.S. major electric utility earnings transcripts, nearly half of the utilities received inquiries from data centers for power volumes that would exceed peak demand or their existing generation capacity. That's all they supply to businesses and homes. This metric reflects the sheer magnitude of oncoming needs for data centers. The power industry now faces a challenge that will affect billions in investment. How to meet demand?
Utilities announced additional capital expenditures in the billions this year. Some utilities have even doubled their investment plans for five years.
Underestimating the demand can lead to an unstable grid and a greater chance of blackouts. Ratepayers may be on the hook if utilities overbuild.
Investors and other experts in power said that tech companies approach multiple power utilities within the same state or across multiple states to seek multiple bids for a single project. This complicates matters by causing power demand forecasts to be inflated.
Jon Gordon, director of the Advanced Energy United trade group for clean energy, which includes clean power users and large energy consumers like data centers, said: "What we are seeing is this enormous proposed influx"
It is very difficult to predict the future demand for utilities because of their size and secrecy.
James Richmond, CEO at e2Companies (a provider of energy management systems), said that the data center process will be a competitive bidding from three companies on many markets. "That one third, automatically, will win and the two-thirds will drop out."
Big Demands
Sempra, for example, said that Oncor Electric in Texas, which services the Dallas area, had received requests for an additional 119 Gigawatts. This is almost four times the peak power usage on their system.
PPL, based in Allentown, Pa., said that it received more than 50 GW data center requests. This includes at least 9GW which are already advanced stages of development.
Oncor stated that it will only include data centers in its budget plan after it has signed contracts with the developer or the operator, and secured collateral such as a letter or credit guarantee, cash or an affiliate guarantee.
Kerri Dunn, spokesperson for the company, said: "We think these agreements encourage accurate information sharing and project planning certainty."
PPL's spokesperson stated that the company will only spend money on a project if there is an agreement.
The pipeline of data center-driven demand in Evergy territory in Kansas and Missouri has almost doubled, reaching more than 11 GW by the end of 2024. This is slightly higher than the total demand expected for the entire utility system in 2025.
States are starting to notice. Pennsylvania may create a clearinghouse for data center requests to get a better understanding of the soaring demand forecasts. This was revealed by a representative of the Pennsylvania Governor's Office during a recent panel discussion.
Jacob Finkel is the deputy secretary of state for Josh Shapiro.
"RISK OF UNDERBUILD"
Big Tech could also abandon projects that take years to complete due to inflation, increasing interest rates and limited land.
According to several industry sources, in 2024 the cost of building a megawatt would be around $12 million. Richmond noted that the cost of building data centers has risen dramatically since then. The rising capital costs may limit utilities' ability to meet the demand for new facilities, according to Barclays analyst Nick Campanella.
He said that there was a risk of building too much.
There are signs that the requirements for next-generation AI may change, in addition to cost increases. DeepSeek, a new AI model, promises to use less computing power, and potentially less electricity. It only requires a fraction of the current data center chips.
Data centers consume a lot of energy because they have so many chips. Fewer chips means less infrastructure and power to support them. This includes the energy-guzzling systems for cooling. TD Cowen analysts have reported that Microsoft, one of the top investors in AI data centers with plans to spend $80 billion in this year, has pulled back on projects in the United States and Europe that would require 2 GW in electricity.
(source: Reuters)