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FAA overtime costs are on the rise as hiring is slow, according to a report
A report released by the National Academies of Sciences on Wednesday revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration has seen its overtime costs for air traffic control increase more than 300 percent since 2013, due to hiring restrictions and an incorrectly allocated workforce. According to the report, the FAA air traffic controllers in 2024 will have logged 2.2 millions hours of overtime, costing them $200 million. The report also stated that "overtime usage may be due in part to inefficient scheduling by the controllers at the facilities." Since 2013, the average number of hours worked per air traffic control officer has increased by 308%, or 126 per year. In the report, it was also stated that despite an increase of 4% in air traffic, controllers spent less time on managing positions. In a 2024 report, an independent FAA panel that assessed the risks of fatigue among controllers called for mandatory periods of rest after raising "serious concern." The FAA has only hired two-thirds the number of air traffic controllers that its staffing models call for, as the staffing dropped by 13%. In many places, controllers are required to work six-day weeks and must work mandatory overtime. The FAA stated that it would analyze the study, its recommendations, and note it is on schedule to hire at least 2,00 controllers in this year. The Trump administration is seeking at least $20 billion for modernizing air traffic control. This includes new airport equipment that will prevent near-misses and incentives to increase air traffic controller recruitment and retention. By 2024, almost a third (32%) of air traffic control centers had fallen below their staffing targets by 10%, and 22% were 15% below. This was due to hiring constraints, which included two government shutdowns as well as the COVID-19 epidemic. The National Academies' report stated that the FAA "should critically evaluate its models, improve them when possible, and go back to its current practice of adjusting staffing targets to reflect facility-specific issues."
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Ambassador says US is working to evacuate Israeli citizens who wish to leave.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee stated in a Wednesday post on X that the United States was working to evacuate U.S. Citizens who wish to leave Israel. This includes arranging cruise ship departures and flights. Huckabee stated that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is working on evacuation arrangements. He urged Americans to sign up with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Program for regular updates. "Urgent notice! US citizens who want to leave Israel - US Embassy @usembassyjlm will be working on cruise ship departures & evacuation flights. Huckabee said that you must enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). The State Department didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Uncertain was the number of Americans who wanted to leave Israel, or if the U.S. Military would help with evacuation flights. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has changed his position from calling for an end to the war between Iran and Israel that has been raging for five days to suggest the United States could join in. According to Israeli authorities, Iran has launched around 400 missiles towards Israel since Friday. Of these, 40 of them have penetrated the air defences and killed 24 people.
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Constellium: Clearing the fog in supply chains for plane suppliers
Constellium, a maker of aluminium products, said that Airbus's efforts to resolve supply chain issues which affected demand last year have helped improve visibility for aviation suppliers. Airbus has been unable to increase production due to bottlenecks, particularly in the engine supply chain. However, the jet manufacturer still maintains a delivery date of 2025. Constellium, the largest supplier of aluminum for planes in the world, has seen its aerospace business suffer a drop in volume since last year. At the Paris Airshow, Philippe Hoffmann said, "Things have become more reassuring. We are less in the fog at an industrial level." Hoffman added that Boeing will also accelerate its deliveries after it integrates Spirit AeroSystems. He added that increased deliveries from the two global aircraft manufacturers, as well as a reduction in current inventories, would likely boost demand throughout the supply chain over the next two to three years. Hoffmann said that the longer-term outlook for aluminum in aerospace is healthy. Airbus has orders for models such as its A320 single aisle jet which are aluminium-intensive. Reporting by Gus Trompiz. Mark Potter edited the article.
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Serbia wants to renew gas agreement with Russia at the 'best possible price'
In an interview given on Wednesday, the head the state gas company said that Serbia was working on a gas deal with Russia. It will receive the best price available in Europe. Dusan Bjatovic, head of Srbijagas said that Europe, like Serbia, would be forced to return to Russian gas in order to meet its energy requirements at a reasonable price. Serbia was one of the few remaining Russian gas consumers in Europe last year, with around 3 billion cubic meters. It is seeking to join the European Union. This week, the EU proposed a legally-binding ban on the imports of Russian natural gas and LNG by the end 2027. Bajatovic stated that the new contract would begin in September and last for either three or ten years. The price issue is resolved. Bajatovic stated that the price would be excellent, and it would be the lowest in Europe. He refused to provide details as commercial negotiations were still ongoing. Bajatovic stated that the future of gas markets would be determined by Russia, the United States and China, both as major producers and consumers, and Europe will have to accept it. It's mathematics. "You cannot solve the equation for gas supplies to Europe with acceptable prices without Russian gas", he said at the sidelines of Russia’s main economic event in St Petersburg. Most Western CEOs have shunned the conference because of the conflict in Ukraine. Bajatovic said he supported the idea that U.S. investors buy the Nord Stream pipeline beneath the Baltic Sea. The Nord Stream was damaged by explosions back in 2022, and since then hasn't delivered any gas. (Reporting and editing by Mark Trevelyan, David Evans, and Gleb Bryanski)
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Keep your distance from Iran when passing through the Hormuz Strait
Shipping sources reported on Wednesday that commercial ships were sailing near Oman, and maritime agencies are advising them to avoid Iran's water around the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict between Israel, and Iran is at risk of escalating. Iran has threatened in the past to close down the Strait of Hormuz in response to Western pressure. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect trade and global oil prices. Ships sailing to Hormuz have taken the latest precaution to reduce risks. They are now sailing near the coast of Oman for most of their journey. The Gulf of Oman has a width of 200 miles (320 kilometers) and borders Oman, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. Its territorial waters are 12 miles. The narrowest point of Hormuz is 21 miles (33 kilometers) wide. Two shipping lanes, in each direction, are only 2 miles (3km) wide. According to data from the MarineTraffic platform, a larger group of ships were sailing closer to Omani waters on Wednesday. Most Iranian-flagged boats were also sailing in Iranian waters. The Greek Shipping Ministry issued a statement Tuesday stating that "Greek-flagged ships should sail away from Iranian waters when they are in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, as much as possible." Ayatollah Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, said Wednesday in a statement that was read out by a TV presenter that his country would not accept the call of Donald Trump for a unconditional surrender. This is his first public comment since Israel bombarded Iran on Friday. Iran responded with deadly bombardments across Israel. In recent days, electronic interference with commercial ship-navigation systems has increased around the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts report that the average earnings of supertankers, which can carry up to 2 million barrels per day, have risen in recent weeks to $50,000 from $20,000 just a week earlier. The Combined Maritime Forces JMIC Information Center, a multinational U.S.-led organization, said in an alert that "the regional threat level continues to be significant, as both Iran and Israel continue their strikes." It added that the maritime risk level was elevated. QatarEnergy instructed its tankers on Tuesday to stay outside the Strait of Hormuz, and only enter the Gulf the day before loading. This was in response to military strikes by Israel and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz. Reporting by Jonathan Saul and Renee Maltezou; Editing by Rod Nickel
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US Senate committee votes on FAA nominee June 25,
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee is set to vote on Donald Trump's nomination for the Federal Aviation Administration head. This comes as the agency struggles with safety concerns and a persistent shortage of air traffic control officers. Bryan Bedford, the CEO of Republic Airways, has been critical of the FAA leadership and culture. He told the Senate Commerce Committee that he will hold Boeing "accountable" for delivering a safe, high-quality plane. Boeing declined to make a comment. Bedford revealed he spoke with Elon Musk on February 25, who, according to documents published Wednesday, said that he wanted to hire a "technologist to run the FAA." Bedford disagreed with Musk and suggested that the FAA could "hire or contract competent technology help." Bedford stated that Musk believed the FAA's biggest problem was the lack internal development and software tools. Musk did not respond immediately to requests for comments. Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary in Paris this week, gave the strongest indication that the Trump administration was moving towards lifting the cap of 38 planes per month on Boeing's 737 MAX Production imposed in January 2020 after a midair emergency involving a 737 MAX 9 lacking four key bolts. Duffy told CNBC that Boeing is on the right track. "I want the FAA to move when Boeing is ready to expand its capacity." After a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army chopper on January 29, near Washington Reagan National Airport, calls to modernize our nation's air-traffic control system increased. The 67 passengers on the plane died. The FAA has facilities that are at least 50 years old. These aging systems have caused delays on numerous occasions. Newark Airport has been plagued by technology issues that have delayed hundreds of flights. Flights have been delayed by a persistent controller shortage. Many controllers work six-day weekends and mandatory overtime. About 3,500 air traffic control positions are not enough to meet the FAA's target staffing levels. Rod Nickel edited the Rod Nickel Reporting by David Shepardson
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Iran and Israel accuse each other at UN Shipping Agency over sea routes
On Wednesday, Iran and Israel both accused one another of endangering the commercial activity around the Gulf and Red Sea in the UN's Shipping Agency as their military conflict escalated. Iran's delegation said at a meeting of the International Maritime Organization security committee that Israel has recently extended its "unlawful attack" to include petrochemicals and gas infrastructures in Asalouyeh, along Iran's Gulf Coast. Iran's livestreamed statement to delegates of the IMO said that "These actions directly threaten international maritime security as well as the global energy supply chains." If the international community does not take immediate and concrete steps to stop this unlawful aggression, a sea escalation is imminent. Iran has threatened to close down the Strait of Hormuz in response to Western pressure. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect trade and global oil prices. Shipping sources reported on Wednesday that maritime agencies are advising commercial ships to avoid Iran's water around Hormuz. Ehsan Khandouzi, the former Iranian Economy Minister, has stated that only with Iranian approval should tankers and liquified gas cargoes transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Alikhamenei rejected Donald Trump’s demand on Wednesday for unconditional surrender. However, the U.S. President said that his patience was running out and he did not give any indication as to his next move. Israel's delegation told delegates that Iran was "openly and violently" threatening the IMO's fundamental principle of global navigation safety, in part through its support for Yemen's Houthi milita, whose attacks disrupted shipping via the Suez Canal, and Red Sea, over the past few years. "Iran turned our entire region, and the Red Sea in particular, into a conflict zone." Israel stated that Iran's political, military and financial support of the Houthi Rebels has allowed a maritime terror campaign against civilian vessels. It seeks to weaponize world's busiest shipping lanes, take international shipping hostage and impose violence on its will. The London-based IMO regulates the safety and security in international shipping, and prevents pollution. It has 176 member states. A spokesperson for the IMO said that the Maritime Safety Committee took note of Israel's and Iran's statements on Wednesday. There has been increasing pressure on the agency that it is becoming politicised. In 2023, Russia stated that the IMO would be renouncing its technical role due to "external pressurization", which had an impact on the fair treatment for all member countries. The United States' proposal to withdraw the bid to host an event on the sea in 2023 led to the rejection of Iran's offer. (Reporting and editing by Alexandra Hudson.)
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Russia increased its railway gasoline exports in the period from January to May by a quarter
Two market sources and calculations show that Russia increased its gasoline exports via railway by about a quarter between January and may, owing to a easing of the fuel embargo. Russia has banned gasoline exports as of March 2024 in order to balance the excessive demand for petroleum and stabilize prices on the domestic market. Fuel supplied to members of the Eurasian Economic Union, led by Moscow, was exempted from this rule. In November, the government lifted an embargo on gasoline supplied by producers. However, it extended restrictions to other exporters such as independent traders or re-sellers. Drone attacks also hit several Russian refineries, including the NORSI oil refining facility in Nizhny Novgorod owned by Lukoil, a major gasoline producer. This led to a drop in fuel production as well as exports. Other major gasoline producers are Rosneft and Gazprom's Ryazan Refinery. Calculations based on sources' data show that the Baltic port Ust-Luga has been the primary destination for Russian gas exports so far in 2025. Between January and May, this figure rose by nearly 85%, or 0.72 million tons. Data from market sources revealed that in the first five month of 2025, gasoline exports from Russian refining plants to the Baltic Port of Vysotsk nearly doubled from the previous year to 150,000 tons. Fuel supplies to Mongolia, however, fell by 17% to 304,000 tonnes. Since the EU embargo against imports of Russian oil and products came into effect on February 20, 2023, Russia diverted its gasoline seaborne supply to countries in Africa, Asia, Turkey, and Brazil. According to market sources, in 2024 Russia will produce approximately 43.1 million tonnes of gasoline. It will export nearly 4.4 millions tons. (Reporting and Editing by Emelia Matarise Sithole)
What is the cause of the Iberian Power Outage and what will happen next?
Separate findings have been released by the Spanish government and the grid operator regarding the causes of the massive blackout that occurred in Spain and Portugal, on April 28. The blackout caused gridlock and thousands were left stranded in trains and elevators in cities across the Iberian Peninsula.
What caused the blackout?
In a report published on Tuesday, the Spanish government stated that the grid operator Redeia had miscalculated how much energy was needed in the system. The Spanish government blamed some thermal power plants that use coal, gas, and nuclear for not maintaining an appropriate voltage. As a result, grid operators were unable to cope when a sudden surge in voltage occurred, resulting in the power outage.
To maintain grid stability, voltage - which is the force driving electric current – must be maintained within a safe range.
Redeia stated on Wednesday that the cause of the power outage was a sudden surge in voltage. However, it blamed the conventional power plants for not being able to regulate the voltage. The company attributed the outage to anomalies that occurred during the disconnection of power plants from the network on April 28, and an unexpected surge in demand for electricity in the transport system.
Redeia has rejected the claim its miscalculation of energy mix was a major factor.
What should have happened?
Grid operators use a variety of tools to maintain the stability of power systems by ensuring they have the correct frequency, voltage and supply.
According to the government report, the number of generators available for voltage control was lower on April 28 than in previous weeks.
Redeia did not name the companies that operated the plants and failed to maintain proper voltage control.
Sara Aagesen, Spain's Minister of Energy, said at a Madrid press conference that the grid operator lacked sufficient capacity to regulate voltage.
Concha Sanchez, Redeia’s chief of operations, said that the grid had calculated the voltage support needed, but certain plants didn't respond as expected.
Where are the renewables to blame?
No. The government and Redeia both said that renewable energy sources are not to blame for the blackout.
Spain is Europe's largest producer of renewable energy, and solar power accounted for 59% at the time of blackout.
Sanchez, a Redeia representative, said that if conventional power plants had done their job of controlling voltage, there would not have been a blackout.
Did the French Power Link play a role?
When the power outage occurred, Spain exported electricity to France and Portugal.
Aagesen, the Energy Minister, explained that at 12 p.m. an "atypical oscillation" was detected in power system. Grid operator responded by implementing standard control procedures including reducing exports of electricity to France. These actions, while successful in reducing oscillations, also had a second effect, namely an increase in voltage.
What happens next?
On Tuesday, the government announced that it would propose measures to improve voltage control and strengthen the grid. The government also said it plans to improve the integration of the peninsula with European grid.
Redeia announced that it would release its complete report on Wednesday. The report of the government will be sent to the European Network of Transmission System Operators, which is conducting its own investigation.
A party found to be responsible for a blackout could be held liable for any losses that occurred during the outage.
(source: Reuters)