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Showing posts with label Aviation. Show all posts

Adeleke Government Set to Activate Building of African Tourism International Airport Privately Owned in Osun

Adeleke Government Set to Activate Building of African Tourism International Airport Privately Owned in Osun






The Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Sen. (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, is set to activate the building of African Tourism International Airport, approved by the Federal Government since 2019, in Ila-Orangun, Osun State.


The privately owned/financed International Airport which will be the first of its kind in West Africa, was conceived by the Managing Director/CEO of Awol International Ltd, Ambassador Flt. Captain Nurudeen Ogunlade in 2017.


Awol International Ltd and Bead Aviation Airline SL is a Continental Conglomerate with speciality in the Aviation, Tourism and Cross-cultural Reintegration Industry among countries in the Caribbean, South America, United States of America and Europe.


The proposed takeoff of the Airport building at Ila-Orangun, Osun State as approved on 5th September 2019 by the Federal Government, was delayed by the previous administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.


In a letter captioned "approval to build African Tourism International Airport at Ila-Orangun, Osun State of Nigeria",  by the Director of Safety and Technical Policy, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. T. Alkali (Capt.), Capt. Ogunlade was urged to further liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the construction actualisation, in due course.


The letter read in part "sequel to the receipt of letter dated 7th June 2019, and subsequent visit of the Technical Team from the Ministry (Transportation) and its agencies on 24th - 26th July 2019, I am directed to convey approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the construction of a privately owned/financed Airport on the inspected site as attached at Ila-Orangun, Osun State".


The investment-friendly governor, His Excellency Sen. (Dr.) Adeleke through the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo has started holding talks with Awol International Ltd, to create an enabling environment for the commencement of the Airport construction immediately.


Meanwhile, the Orangun of Ila, HRM Oba Abdul-Wahab Kayode Adedeji Oyedotun has since confirmed the release of a parcel of land belonging to four families for the purpose of the Airport construction.


According to the Monarch, "I, Oba Abdul-Wahab Kayode Adedeji Oyedotun, Arutu Oluokun Bibire 1 (The Orangun of Ila and the paramount ruler of Ila-Orangun Kingdom/Land) hereby confirm that the underlisted families compound’s Chiefs have released their families compounds farmlands situate along Ila-Orangun/Osogbo Road and Ila-Orangun/Oyan Road to Ambassador Flt. Captain Nurudeen James Ogunlade, the Managing Director of Awol International Ltd of 86, old Offatedo/Ede Road, Prime Area, Osogbo, Osun State of Nigeria for the purpose of establishing African International Airport, Ila-Orangun, Osun State of Nigeria".


African Tourism International Airport privately owned is not new in the world, as Gatwick and London City international Airports in Britain and Atlanta international Airport in the United States of America are its examples.


Owing to the readiness of the Adeleke-led administration for the commencement of the Airport construction project, further engagements with the State team in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are ongoing.






The Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Sen. (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, is set to activate the building of African Tourism International Airport, approved by the Federal Government since 2019, in Ila-Orangun, Osun State.


The privately owned/financed International Airport which will be the first of its kind in West Africa, was conceived by the Managing Director/CEO of Awol International Ltd, Ambassador Flt. Captain Nurudeen Ogunlade in 2017.


Awol International Ltd and Bead Aviation Airline SL is a Continental Conglomerate with speciality in the Aviation, Tourism and Cross-cultural Reintegration Industry among countries in the Caribbean, South America, United States of America and Europe.


The proposed takeoff of the Airport building at Ila-Orangun, Osun State as approved on 5th September 2019 by the Federal Government, was delayed by the previous administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.


In a letter captioned "approval to build African Tourism International Airport at Ila-Orangun, Osun State of Nigeria",  by the Director of Safety and Technical Policy, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. T. Alkali (Capt.), Capt. Ogunlade was urged to further liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the construction actualisation, in due course.


The letter read in part "sequel to the receipt of letter dated 7th June 2019, and subsequent visit of the Technical Team from the Ministry (Transportation) and its agencies on 24th - 26th July 2019, I am directed to convey approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the construction of a privately owned/financed Airport on the inspected site as attached at Ila-Orangun, Osun State".


The investment-friendly governor, His Excellency Sen. (Dr.) Adeleke through the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo has started holding talks with Awol International Ltd, to create an enabling environment for the commencement of the Airport construction immediately.


Meanwhile, the Orangun of Ila, HRM Oba Abdul-Wahab Kayode Adedeji Oyedotun has since confirmed the release of a parcel of land belonging to four families for the purpose of the Airport construction.


According to the Monarch, "I, Oba Abdul-Wahab Kayode Adedeji Oyedotun, Arutu Oluokun Bibire 1 (The Orangun of Ila and the paramount ruler of Ila-Orangun Kingdom/Land) hereby confirm that the underlisted families compound’s Chiefs have released their families compounds farmlands situate along Ila-Orangun/Osogbo Road and Ila-Orangun/Oyan Road to Ambassador Flt. Captain Nurudeen James Ogunlade, the Managing Director of Awol International Ltd of 86, old Offatedo/Ede Road, Prime Area, Osogbo, Osun State of Nigeria for the purpose of establishing African International Airport, Ila-Orangun, Osun State of Nigeria".


African Tourism International Airport privately owned is not new in the world, as Gatwick and London City international Airports in Britain and Atlanta international Airport in the United States of America are its examples.


Owing to the readiness of the Adeleke-led administration for the commencement of the Airport construction project, further engagements with the State team in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are ongoing.

NIGERIA AIR: HOW SIRIKA RENTED AIRCRAFT FOR 'STATIC DISPLAY'

NIGERIA AIR: HOW SIRIKA RENTED AIRCRAFT FOR 'STATIC DISPLAY'

By Ismail Adebanjo


IN his desperation to remove shame of failure and convince his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, that he succeeded, Minister of Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, made a last minute deal with Ethiopian Airlines, to repaint two of its aeroplanes for a STATIC DISPLAY in Nigeria on Friday May 26.





According to our findings, this was to justify his promise to deliver Nigeria Air before May 29.


To achieve the desperate plot, Sirika had to enter into a quick agreement with his associates in Ethiopia Airlines to rent two of the aircraft on their inventory to be used to convince Nigerians that he delivered.


According to our investigations, the two aircrafts were flown to Turkey were they were repianted and furnished in Nigeria's colours before they were sneaked into Nigeria for a static display which would hold at 4pm on May 26. They are due back in Addis Ababa after the static display. 


Already, Sirika's office had sent out invitations to government officials, emirs and stakeholders to grace the static display, which would hold in Abuja.


Investigations into Sirika's desperation to close the deal which had raised many questions, show that the Minister had wanted to armtwist the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to wave all registration processes and grant the airline a licence to operate in Nigeria despite not meeting regulatory requirements. 


However, the Authority, it was gathered, insisted on strict observation of the mandatory registration processes.


According to NCAA regulations, an applicant for an Airlines Operators Certificate (AOC) must show proof of ownership of at least three aircraft, which must also be registered in Nigeria.


The NCAA insistence on strict observation of the process, we gathered, irked Sirika because his rented aircraft do not meet the requirement.


According to regulatory sources, the two rented aircraft are registered in Ethiopia and not in Nigeria as required by law.


However, Sirika was said to have begged to be allowed to fly them into Nigeria for DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT before President Buhari and his incoming successor in order to clear the shame of failing to deliver.


Though NCAA turned down the request, Sirika deviced a new terminology unknown in the industry to insist that the aircraft would be used for STATIC DISPLAY only.


According to our sources, one other hurdle facing Sirika's Nigeria Air is that it is just at the second stage of its license acquisition process, which is manual submission.


Our source said Sirika wanted the processes waived in order to remove shame of failure on him and the government.


It was further gathered that insistence by NCAA on due process forced Sirika to attempt the sack of the NCAA Director General. However, his move failed because of new regulations in the NCAA Act, which legally mandated an action by the Senate and board of the agency before the DG could be sacked.


We further learnt that his desperation to force the hands of NCAA on the project got the ire of global aviation regulatory body, the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), which warned Nigeria of dire consequences should the aviation regulation procedures be waived in favour of Nigeria Air.


Specifically. ICAO was said to have told Nigeria that it would be catastrophic for it to breach regulations for Sirika.


However, the leadership of other regulatory agencies, which were not protected by law like the NCAA, were not so lucky as Sirika fired them for insisting that due process must be observed in the creation of Nigeria Air.


Sirika's desperation has also raised questions about the actual owners of Nigeria Air. While the minister had said that Ethiopian owns 51 percent equity of the airline, industry experts are asking for full disclosure as to the value of the 51% equity.


They also want to know the share capital of the airline and have full disclosure on what other equity stakeholders contributed to it.


According to an industry operator "the minister's desperation clearly points to something shadowy. He should have put a lot things to rest by telling Nigerians who the equity stakeholders are and the monetsry value of their shareholding in the airline.


"He said that Nigeria owns only 5%. That means we are a minority shareholder. So, why are the majority shareholders not fighting for their investment to see the light of day? Or, did they just throw away the value of 51% equity shareholding? These are questions that Sirika has refused to ask which has made many Nigerians to believe, that the desperation he has shown so far, including disobeying valid court orders, are indications that this project may be his own personal slice of the cake".


Another aviation expert stated that Sirika may be moving fast to clean the shame that comes with failure in fraudulent schemes.


According to him, "the man is simply running about in a desperate show of shame and to deceitfully hoodwink President Buhari and make him feel that Nigeria Air has been achieved. It would also amount to deceiving the incoming government to believe that Nigeria Air was actually handed over to it. This is nothing else but fraud.


"The minister has been on this project for God-knows-how-long. He has waisted several billions on it without result. Now, he is in desperate chase for validation on a project that is not even on the table. Nothing else could be more fraudulent and I believe the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the game they bare up to".



By Ismail Adebanjo


IN his desperation to remove shame of failure and convince his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, that he succeeded, Minister of Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, made a last minute deal with Ethiopian Airlines, to repaint two of its aeroplanes for a STATIC DISPLAY in Nigeria on Friday May 26.





According to our findings, this was to justify his promise to deliver Nigeria Air before May 29.


To achieve the desperate plot, Sirika had to enter into a quick agreement with his associates in Ethiopia Airlines to rent two of the aircraft on their inventory to be used to convince Nigerians that he delivered.


According to our investigations, the two aircrafts were flown to Turkey were they were repianted and furnished in Nigeria's colours before they were sneaked into Nigeria for a static display which would hold at 4pm on May 26. They are due back in Addis Ababa after the static display. 


Already, Sirika's office had sent out invitations to government officials, emirs and stakeholders to grace the static display, which would hold in Abuja.


Investigations into Sirika's desperation to close the deal which had raised many questions, show that the Minister had wanted to armtwist the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to wave all registration processes and grant the airline a licence to operate in Nigeria despite not meeting regulatory requirements. 


However, the Authority, it was gathered, insisted on strict observation of the mandatory registration processes.


According to NCAA regulations, an applicant for an Airlines Operators Certificate (AOC) must show proof of ownership of at least three aircraft, which must also be registered in Nigeria.


The NCAA insistence on strict observation of the process, we gathered, irked Sirika because his rented aircraft do not meet the requirement.


According to regulatory sources, the two rented aircraft are registered in Ethiopia and not in Nigeria as required by law.


However, Sirika was said to have begged to be allowed to fly them into Nigeria for DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT before President Buhari and his incoming successor in order to clear the shame of failing to deliver.


Though NCAA turned down the request, Sirika deviced a new terminology unknown in the industry to insist that the aircraft would be used for STATIC DISPLAY only.


According to our sources, one other hurdle facing Sirika's Nigeria Air is that it is just at the second stage of its license acquisition process, which is manual submission.


Our source said Sirika wanted the processes waived in order to remove shame of failure on him and the government.


It was further gathered that insistence by NCAA on due process forced Sirika to attempt the sack of the NCAA Director General. However, his move failed because of new regulations in the NCAA Act, which legally mandated an action by the Senate and board of the agency before the DG could be sacked.


We further learnt that his desperation to force the hands of NCAA on the project got the ire of global aviation regulatory body, the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), which warned Nigeria of dire consequences should the aviation regulation procedures be waived in favour of Nigeria Air.


Specifically. ICAO was said to have told Nigeria that it would be catastrophic for it to breach regulations for Sirika.


However, the leadership of other regulatory agencies, which were not protected by law like the NCAA, were not so lucky as Sirika fired them for insisting that due process must be observed in the creation of Nigeria Air.


Sirika's desperation has also raised questions about the actual owners of Nigeria Air. While the minister had said that Ethiopian owns 51 percent equity of the airline, industry experts are asking for full disclosure as to the value of the 51% equity.


They also want to know the share capital of the airline and have full disclosure on what other equity stakeholders contributed to it.


According to an industry operator "the minister's desperation clearly points to something shadowy. He should have put a lot things to rest by telling Nigerians who the equity stakeholders are and the monetsry value of their shareholding in the airline.


"He said that Nigeria owns only 5%. That means we are a minority shareholder. So, why are the majority shareholders not fighting for their investment to see the light of day? Or, did they just throw away the value of 51% equity shareholding? These are questions that Sirika has refused to ask which has made many Nigerians to believe, that the desperation he has shown so far, including disobeying valid court orders, are indications that this project may be his own personal slice of the cake".


Another aviation expert stated that Sirika may be moving fast to clean the shame that comes with failure in fraudulent schemes.


According to him, "the man is simply running about in a desperate show of shame and to deceitfully hoodwink President Buhari and make him feel that Nigeria Air has been achieved. It would also amount to deceiving the incoming government to believe that Nigeria Air was actually handed over to it. This is nothing else but fraud.


"The minister has been on this project for God-knows-how-long. He has waisted several billions on it without result. Now, he is in desperate chase for validation on a project that is not even on the table. Nothing else could be more fraudulent and I believe the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the game they bare up to".



737 Max: Boeing sounds alarm on new problem, advises grounding of jets again

737 Max: Boeing sounds alarm on new problem, advises grounding of jets again


(RT) Just a few months after Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft were allowed to return to the skies the company announced a new problem with the ill-fated jets, calling for dozens of planes to be grounded over issues with the electrical system.

“Boeing has recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 MAX airplanes prior to further operations,” the Chicago-based manufacturer said in a statement on Friday.

The multinational said it was working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the “production issue.” It also said that the problem doesn’t affect the entire fleet, but a specific group of planes.

The company has pledged to provide further directions on “appropriate corrective actions.”

“The recommendation is being made to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system,” the corporation said.Boeing neither specified which 16 airlines are affected by this alert nor disclosed the number of planes with the problem.

The Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner made headlines after two nearly new planes crashed within five months. The fatal crashes, which occurred in Indonesia and Ethiopia, killed all 346 people on board.

The incidents prompted a lengthy safety review and all the jets were grounded worldwide for 20 months, from March 2019 through November of 2020.

In November, the FAA cleared Boeing’s 737 MAX to fly, having approved the fixes that the manufacturer made to the malfunctioning safety system, which was blamed for the crashes. Several countries, including China, haven’t cleared the plane to fly yet.

Boeing reportedly had to sustain damages exceeding $20 billion as a result of the tragedies caused by its latest generation, single-aisle workhorse.




(RT) Just a few months after Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft were allowed to return to the skies the company announced a new problem with the ill-fated jets, calling for dozens of planes to be grounded over issues with the electrical system.

“Boeing has recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 MAX airplanes prior to further operations,” the Chicago-based manufacturer said in a statement on Friday.

The multinational said it was working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the “production issue.” It also said that the problem doesn’t affect the entire fleet, but a specific group of planes.

The company has pledged to provide further directions on “appropriate corrective actions.”

“The recommendation is being made to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system,” the corporation said.Boeing neither specified which 16 airlines are affected by this alert nor disclosed the number of planes with the problem.

The Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner made headlines after two nearly new planes crashed within five months. The fatal crashes, which occurred in Indonesia and Ethiopia, killed all 346 people on board.

The incidents prompted a lengthy safety review and all the jets were grounded worldwide for 20 months, from March 2019 through November of 2020.

In November, the FAA cleared Boeing’s 737 MAX to fly, having approved the fixes that the manufacturer made to the malfunctioning safety system, which was blamed for the crashes. Several countries, including China, haven’t cleared the plane to fly yet.

Boeing reportedly had to sustain damages exceeding $20 billion as a result of the tragedies caused by its latest generation, single-aisle workhorse.



ARIK AIR: A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN IN NIGERIA

ARIK AIR: A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN IN NIGERIA


On the 7the of March 2021 I boarded an ArIk  fight from Abuja to Benin. The flight was 5.50pm from Benin. The take off from Benin Airport was traumatic and clearly indicative that the plane was not in order.


 We however managed to land at Abuja Airport after 1 hour 15 mins.

I was to return back to Benin on the 8the March 2021 at 4.15 pm with same aircraft.

After an hour delay, we managed to take off. 15 minutes into the flight, there was an announcement from the pilot that the flight cannot continue. The reason given was that there is an opening somewhere may be a door. The plane is to return back to Abuja before any disaster.


One hour after the announcement, the plane was still hovering around and could not land. The pilot explained that he had to burn out fuel before landing. At this time, those praying have ceased. Those wailing have become quiet too.


Suddenly the pilot announced that he was about to land. He assured us that fire brigade was fully mobilised on ground as well as NEMA. Tension increased once more inside the aircraft. Prayers started once more 

However we managed to land at the Abuja Airport .


Two passengers confirmed that they had two previous experiences with the same aircraft. Another narrated how one of the aircraft engine had failed to start in an aborted Lagos - Abuja flight.

I have not recovered from the trauma .

I am told that the particular aircraft is still flying.


It appears that AMCON the new managers of Arik Air is only interested in recouping the debt owed by Arik Air which they have purchased from the banks. And in doing that, passengers lives don't matter.

This is a warning to all air travelers. ARIK AIR IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN UNLESS URGENT STEPS ARE TAKEN TO GROUND THEIR AIRCRAFTS WHICH ARE NO LONGER SERVICEABLE.


R. O lsenalumhe Esq ( Benin based legal practitioner)


On the 7the of March 2021 I boarded an ArIk  fight from Abuja to Benin. The flight was 5.50pm from Benin. The take off from Benin Airport was traumatic and clearly indicative that the plane was not in order.


 We however managed to land at Abuja Airport after 1 hour 15 mins.

I was to return back to Benin on the 8the March 2021 at 4.15 pm with same aircraft.

After an hour delay, we managed to take off. 15 minutes into the flight, there was an announcement from the pilot that the flight cannot continue. The reason given was that there is an opening somewhere may be a door. The plane is to return back to Abuja before any disaster.


One hour after the announcement, the plane was still hovering around and could not land. The pilot explained that he had to burn out fuel before landing. At this time, those praying have ceased. Those wailing have become quiet too.


Suddenly the pilot announced that he was about to land. He assured us that fire brigade was fully mobilised on ground as well as NEMA. Tension increased once more inside the aircraft. Prayers started once more 

However we managed to land at the Abuja Airport .


Two passengers confirmed that they had two previous experiences with the same aircraft. Another narrated how one of the aircraft engine had failed to start in an aborted Lagos - Abuja flight.

I have not recovered from the trauma .

I am told that the particular aircraft is still flying.


It appears that AMCON the new managers of Arik Air is only interested in recouping the debt owed by Arik Air which they have purchased from the banks. And in doing that, passengers lives don't matter.

This is a warning to all air travelers. ARIK AIR IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN UNLESS URGENT STEPS ARE TAKEN TO GROUND THEIR AIRCRAFTS WHICH ARE NO LONGER SERVICEABLE.


R. O lsenalumhe Esq ( Benin based legal practitioner)

Russia's Ultrafast Manned Soyuz MS-17 Spacecraft Docks to International Space Station - Video

Russia's Ultrafast Manned Soyuz MS-17 Spacecraft Docks to International Space Station - Video




 On Wednesday, Russia's Soyuz-2.1a carrier with Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft was launched from the Baikonur spaceport and is set to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in a record-breaking three hours.


This is owing to its ultrafast two-orbit flight plan, according to Sputnik report. The Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft, carrying Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Ryzhikov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins, is due to dock at the ISS at 11:52 a.m. Moscow time (08:52 GMT). 

The crew is expected to deliver equipment that will allow to detect and eliminate an air leak, previously discovered in the Russian Zvezda module.




 On Wednesday, Russia's Soyuz-2.1a carrier with Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft was launched from the Baikonur spaceport and is set to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in a record-breaking three hours.


This is owing to its ultrafast two-orbit flight plan, according to Sputnik report. The Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft, carrying Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Ryzhikov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins, is due to dock at the ISS at 11:52 a.m. Moscow time (08:52 GMT). 

The crew is expected to deliver equipment that will allow to detect and eliminate an air leak, previously discovered in the Russian Zvezda module.

Russian Su-27 intercepts US aircraft for 3rd time this week

Russian Su-27 intercepts US aircraft for 3rd time this week

The incident is the third time Russian jets have intercepted US drones and planes near the border, with three separate cases also reported last week.

The Russian military on Friday announced it had detected foreign aircraft over the Black Sea, approaching the country’s borders.

“To identify the targets, a Su-27 fighter from the air defence forces of the Southern Military District was dispatched. The crew of the Russian fighter approached the air targets to a safe distance and identified them as US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft and US Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft”, the National Defence Centre said.

The flight of the Russian fighter took place in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, the official statement stressed. It also noted that the US aircraft didn’t violate the border.

According to recent reports, American planes have approached the Russian border over the Black Sea at least 6 times since the beginning of the month.



Source: Sputnik
The incident is the third time Russian jets have intercepted US drones and planes near the border, with three separate cases also reported last week.

The Russian military on Friday announced it had detected foreign aircraft over the Black Sea, approaching the country’s borders.

“To identify the targets, a Su-27 fighter from the air defence forces of the Southern Military District was dispatched. The crew of the Russian fighter approached the air targets to a safe distance and identified them as US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft and US Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft”, the National Defence Centre said.

The flight of the Russian fighter took place in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, the official statement stressed. It also noted that the US aircraft didn’t violate the border.

According to recent reports, American planes have approached the Russian border over the Black Sea at least 6 times since the beginning of the month.



Source: Sputnik

US seized 4 Iranian fuel tankers ( Luna, Pandy, Bering and Bella) destined for Venezuela - WSJ

US seized 4 Iranian fuel tankers ( Luna, Pandy, Bering and Bella) destined for Venezuela - WSJ

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The Wall Street Journal quoted U.S. officials as saying that the American government for the first time seized ships it said were transporting Iranian fuel in violation of the sanctions imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has seized the cargo of four tankers it was targeting for transporting Iranian fuel to Venezuela, U.S. officials said Thursday, as it steps up its campaign of maximum pressure against the two heavily sanctioned allies.

A senior U.S. official told The Associated Press that no military force was used in the seizures and that the ships weren’t physically confiscated. Rather, U.S. officials threatened ship owners, insurers and captains with sanction to force them to hand over their cargo, which now becomes U.S. property, the official said.

Last month, U.S. prosecutors filed a lawsuit over the seizure of the gasoline carried by four tankers that Iran is trying to ship to Venezuela, in the latest attempt by the Trump administration to increase economic pressure on the two countries, according to Reuters.

The lawsuit aims to stem the flow of oil sales revenue to Iran, which Washington has imposed sanctions over its nuclear program, ballistic missiles and influence across the Middle East.

The Wall Street Journal, citing officials, said the four ships, the Luna, Pandy, Bering and Bella, have been stopped on the high seas in recent days and are now on their way to Houston.

Iran had sent six oil tankers to Venezuela, expressing its willingness to continue its oil shipments to the Latin American country, if Caracas requested more.

A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said: “Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed that Tehran is ready to continue its oil shipments to Venezuela if Caracas requests more.”

The Iranian authorities also announced that their institutions would export oil derivatives to several countries in Asia and Africa, including Arab and Gulf countries.

Prosecutors alleged the four ships were transporting to Venezuela 1.1 million barrels of gasoline. But the tankers never arrived at the South American country and then went missing. Two of the ships later reappeared near Cape Verde, a second U.S. official said.

According to WSJ, Both officials agreed to discuss the sensitive diplomatic and judicial offensive only if granted anonymity.

Iran’s ambassador to Venezuela, Hojad Soltani, pushed back on what would appear a victory for the U.S. sanctions campaign, saying Thursday on Twitter that neither the ships nor their owners were Iranian.

“This is another lie and act of psychological warfare perpetrated by the U.S. propaganda machine,” Soltani said. “The terrorist #Trump cannot compensate for his humiliation and defeat by Iran using false propaganda.”

It is not clear where the vessels — the Bella, Bering, Pandi and Luna — or their cargoes currently are. But the ship captains weeks ago turned off their tracking devices to hide their locations, said Russ Dallen, a Miami-based partner at brokerage Caracas Capital Markets, who follows ship movements.

The Bering went dark on May 11 in the Mediterranean near Greece and has not turned on its transponder since, while the Bella did the same July 2 in the Philippines, Dallen said. The Luna and Pandi were last spotted when they were together in the Gulf of Oman on July 10 when the U.S. seizure order came. Shipping data shows that the Pandi, which also goes by Andy, is reporting that it has been “broken up,” or sold as scrap, Dallen said.

As commercial traders increasingly shun Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro’s socialist government has been increasingly turning to Iran.

In May, Maduro celebrated the arrival of five Iranian tankers delivering badly needed fuel to alleviate shortages that have led to days-long gas lines even in the capital, Caracas, which is normally spared such hardships.
Profile Picture
The Wall Street Journal quoted U.S. officials as saying that the American government for the first time seized ships it said were transporting Iranian fuel in violation of the sanctions imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has seized the cargo of four tankers it was targeting for transporting Iranian fuel to Venezuela, U.S. officials said Thursday, as it steps up its campaign of maximum pressure against the two heavily sanctioned allies.

A senior U.S. official told The Associated Press that no military force was used in the seizures and that the ships weren’t physically confiscated. Rather, U.S. officials threatened ship owners, insurers and captains with sanction to force them to hand over their cargo, which now becomes U.S. property, the official said.

Last month, U.S. prosecutors filed a lawsuit over the seizure of the gasoline carried by four tankers that Iran is trying to ship to Venezuela, in the latest attempt by the Trump administration to increase economic pressure on the two countries, according to Reuters.

The lawsuit aims to stem the flow of oil sales revenue to Iran, which Washington has imposed sanctions over its nuclear program, ballistic missiles and influence across the Middle East.

The Wall Street Journal, citing officials, said the four ships, the Luna, Pandy, Bering and Bella, have been stopped on the high seas in recent days and are now on their way to Houston.

Iran had sent six oil tankers to Venezuela, expressing its willingness to continue its oil shipments to the Latin American country, if Caracas requested more.

A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said: “Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed that Tehran is ready to continue its oil shipments to Venezuela if Caracas requests more.”

The Iranian authorities also announced that their institutions would export oil derivatives to several countries in Asia and Africa, including Arab and Gulf countries.

Prosecutors alleged the four ships were transporting to Venezuela 1.1 million barrels of gasoline. But the tankers never arrived at the South American country and then went missing. Two of the ships later reappeared near Cape Verde, a second U.S. official said.

According to WSJ, Both officials agreed to discuss the sensitive diplomatic and judicial offensive only if granted anonymity.

Iran’s ambassador to Venezuela, Hojad Soltani, pushed back on what would appear a victory for the U.S. sanctions campaign, saying Thursday on Twitter that neither the ships nor their owners were Iranian.

“This is another lie and act of psychological warfare perpetrated by the U.S. propaganda machine,” Soltani said. “The terrorist #Trump cannot compensate for his humiliation and defeat by Iran using false propaganda.”

It is not clear where the vessels — the Bella, Bering, Pandi and Luna — or their cargoes currently are. But the ship captains weeks ago turned off their tracking devices to hide their locations, said Russ Dallen, a Miami-based partner at brokerage Caracas Capital Markets, who follows ship movements.

The Bering went dark on May 11 in the Mediterranean near Greece and has not turned on its transponder since, while the Bella did the same July 2 in the Philippines, Dallen said. The Luna and Pandi were last spotted when they were together in the Gulf of Oman on July 10 when the U.S. seizure order came. Shipping data shows that the Pandi, which also goes by Andy, is reporting that it has been “broken up,” or sold as scrap, Dallen said.

As commercial traders increasingly shun Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro’s socialist government has been increasingly turning to Iran.

In May, Maduro celebrated the arrival of five Iranian tankers delivering badly needed fuel to alleviate shortages that have led to days-long gas lines even in the capital, Caracas, which is normally spared such hardships.

Video: Moment US F-15 intercepts Iranian civilian airliner over Syria

Video: Moment US F-15 intercepts Iranian civilian airliner over Syria


At approximately 8:30 P.M. (local time), two U.S. F-15 jets approached an Iranian civilian airliner over southeastern Syria.


According to reports, the U.S. F-15 jets approached the Iranian Mahar Air aircraft from a distance, as the Pentagon claimed the airliner was approaching the Al-Tanf region, which is currently under American control near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders.

The incident was caught on film by all parties involved, including passengers on the Mahan Air flight, who shared the terrifying moments that the F-15 approached the airliner.

The latest incident in Mideast tensions marked the first time during the Syrian war that the U.S. has intercepted an Iranian airliner or any civilian aircraft over the Arab Republic. AMN

At approximately 8:30 P.M. (local time), two U.S. F-15 jets approached an Iranian civilian airliner over southeastern Syria.


According to reports, the U.S. F-15 jets approached the Iranian Mahar Air aircraft from a distance, as the Pentagon claimed the airliner was approaching the Al-Tanf region, which is currently under American control near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders.

The incident was caught on film by all parties involved, including passengers on the Mahan Air flight, who shared the terrifying moments that the F-15 approached the airliner.

The latest incident in Mideast tensions marked the first time during the Syrian war that the U.S. has intercepted an Iranian airliner or any civilian aircraft over the Arab Republic. AMN

United States says interception of Iranian aircraft was to ensure safety of American forces in Syria

United States says interception of Iranian aircraft was to ensure safety of American forces in Syria

These outlaws must be stopped before disaster - Iranian Zarif

The U.S. Central Central Command confirmed on Friday, that an F-15 fighter approached the Iranian plane to verify its identity and to ensure the security of U.S. forces at the Al-Tanf base in Syria.

“An American F-15 fighter carried out a routine air mission in the coalition forces area in Tanf area in Syria and approached the Mahan civilian plane tonight at a safe distance of about 1,000 meters, so that it could be seen,” the command said in a statement.

On Thursday, Passengers on plane were injured over Syria after the pilot changed altitude to avoid collision with a US fighter jet, according to Iranian media, but the United States military said its F-15 kept a safe distance.

The Iranian plane  belonging to Mahan Air was heading from Tehran to Beirut when the pilot staged a safety manoeuver, in an incident that Iran's Foreign Ministry said would be investigated.

 Iran has since dismissed the US explanation as "unjustified and unconvincing".

"The harassment of a passenger plane on the territory of a third country is a clear violation of aviation security and freedom of civilian aircraft," Laya Joneydi, vice president for legal affairs, was quoted as saying by Iranian media.

Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States of risking a disaster.

Zarif said the U.S. illegality and lawlessness upon lawlessness must stop against the Islamic State of Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it would study the details of the incident regarding the interception of the Mahan aircraft, vowing to take political and legal measures against the U.S. after the investigation.

The pilot of the Iranian passenger plane, which is affiliated with Mahan, confirmed that the military aircraft that intercepted the plane were American.

“The plane that dangerously approached us and posed a threat to us was American because I contacted the fighter pilots and identified themselves as Americans,” the pilot told Iranian television.

Beirut International Airport also announced that a number of passengers were wounded on the Iranian plane that landed at the airport after being subjected to air harassment by an unidentified war plane.

 the head of the Beirut airport told Reuters News Agency that all the passengers left the plane, some with minor injuries. 

The plane arrived back in Tehran in the early hours of Friday, the Fars news agency reported.

This is the latest incident in the series of tensions between Tehran and Washington, with ties deteriorating since 2018 when US President Donald Trump exited Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed regime of sanctions that have battered Iran's economy which Tehran has variously described as economic terrorism against the Persians.

US and Israel have long accused Mahan Air of transporting weapons to Iran-backed armed groups in Syria which may have been one of the reasons why the US chose to take a closer look at the aircraft to check whether there were passengers on board.

Also, the US imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran's foreign ministry then sent a protest note  to the Swiss Embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, warning that if any accident happens on the plane's return flight to Tehran, it will be the US's responsibility.

These outlaws must be stopped before disaster - Iranian Zarif

The U.S. Central Central Command confirmed on Friday, that an F-15 fighter approached the Iranian plane to verify its identity and to ensure the security of U.S. forces at the Al-Tanf base in Syria.

“An American F-15 fighter carried out a routine air mission in the coalition forces area in Tanf area in Syria and approached the Mahan civilian plane tonight at a safe distance of about 1,000 meters, so that it could be seen,” the command said in a statement.

On Thursday, Passengers on plane were injured over Syria after the pilot changed altitude to avoid collision with a US fighter jet, according to Iranian media, but the United States military said its F-15 kept a safe distance.

The Iranian plane  belonging to Mahan Air was heading from Tehran to Beirut when the pilot staged a safety manoeuver, in an incident that Iran's Foreign Ministry said would be investigated.

 Iran has since dismissed the US explanation as "unjustified and unconvincing".

"The harassment of a passenger plane on the territory of a third country is a clear violation of aviation security and freedom of civilian aircraft," Laya Joneydi, vice president for legal affairs, was quoted as saying by Iranian media.

Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States of risking a disaster.

Zarif said the U.S. illegality and lawlessness upon lawlessness must stop against the Islamic State of Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it would study the details of the incident regarding the interception of the Mahan aircraft, vowing to take political and legal measures against the U.S. after the investigation.

The pilot of the Iranian passenger plane, which is affiliated with Mahan, confirmed that the military aircraft that intercepted the plane were American.

“The plane that dangerously approached us and posed a threat to us was American because I contacted the fighter pilots and identified themselves as Americans,” the pilot told Iranian television.

Beirut International Airport also announced that a number of passengers were wounded on the Iranian plane that landed at the airport after being subjected to air harassment by an unidentified war plane.

 the head of the Beirut airport told Reuters News Agency that all the passengers left the plane, some with minor injuries. 

The plane arrived back in Tehran in the early hours of Friday, the Fars news agency reported.

This is the latest incident in the series of tensions between Tehran and Washington, with ties deteriorating since 2018 when US President Donald Trump exited Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed regime of sanctions that have battered Iran's economy which Tehran has variously described as economic terrorism against the Persians.

US and Israel have long accused Mahan Air of transporting weapons to Iran-backed armed groups in Syria which may have been one of the reasons why the US chose to take a closer look at the aircraft to check whether there were passengers on board.

Also, the US imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran's foreign ministry then sent a protest note  to the Swiss Embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, warning that if any accident happens on the plane's return flight to Tehran, it will be the US's responsibility.

Airport services group Swissport says to axe over 4,000 UK jobs

Airport services group Swissport says to axe over 4,000 UK jobs

Swissport, the airport services group, on Wednesday said it planned to axe more than 4,000 jobs or about half its UK workforce, as the coronavirus pandemic keeps planes grounded, AFP reported.


"When aircraft aren't flying, our source of revenue disappears," Jason Holt, CEO of Swissport UK & Ireland, said in a statement, adding that "upwards of 4,000" were set to lose their jobs. The Swiss-based company told staff that up to 4,556 out of 8,500 could go, British media reported.

"As of May, revenue has dropped by around 75 percent across our business," Holt said. Swissport "must adapt to the unfortunate reality that there simply aren't enough aircraft flying for our business to continue running as it did before COVID-19; and there won’t be for some time to come."

The global aviation sector has been slammed by the virus, with German carrier Lufthansa cutting 22,000 jobs and other airlines slashing thousands of posts combined.

As governments ease their lockdowns, airlines are taking to the skies once more to transport passengers but experts warn that it could take a several years to return to the pre-virus number of daily flights.

bcp/rfj/bmm
Swissport, the airport services group, on Wednesday said it planned to axe more than 4,000 jobs or about half its UK workforce, as the coronavirus pandemic keeps planes grounded, AFP reported.


"When aircraft aren't flying, our source of revenue disappears," Jason Holt, CEO of Swissport UK & Ireland, said in a statement, adding that "upwards of 4,000" were set to lose their jobs. The Swiss-based company told staff that up to 4,556 out of 8,500 could go, British media reported.

"As of May, revenue has dropped by around 75 percent across our business," Holt said. Swissport "must adapt to the unfortunate reality that there simply aren't enough aircraft flying for our business to continue running as it did before COVID-19; and there won’t be for some time to come."

The global aviation sector has been slammed by the virus, with German carrier Lufthansa cutting 22,000 jobs and other airlines slashing thousands of posts combined.

As governments ease their lockdowns, airlines are taking to the skies once more to transport passengers but experts warn that it could take a several years to return to the pre-virus number of daily flights.

bcp/rfj/bmm

COVID-19: Lufthansa says 22,000 jobs to go

COVID-19: Lufthansa says 22,000 jobs to go

German airline Lufthansa on Thursday said it would have to slash 22,000 full-time jobs as the recovery in demand for travel following the coronavirus pandemic will be muted.
"The recovery in demand in the air transport sector will be slow in the foreseeable future," the airline said, adding that the group would operate about 100 fewer aircraft after the crisis.

This will lead to "a total of 22,000 fewer full-time positions in the Lufthansa Group, half of them in Germany". 

 

German airline Lufthansa on Thursday said it would have to slash 22,000 full-time jobs as the recovery in demand for travel following the coronavirus pandemic will be muted.
"The recovery in demand in the air transport sector will be slow in the foreseeable future," the airline said, adding that the group would operate about 100 fewer aircraft after the crisis.

This will lead to "a total of 22,000 fewer full-time positions in the Lufthansa Group, half of them in Germany". 

 

Russian space agency boss says not upset by manned SpaceX launch, but BOEING should be

Russian space agency boss says not upset by manned SpaceX launch, but BOEING should be

The US finally getting a crewed spaceship in no way means the end of Russia’s space program, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said, insisting that the Soyuz still remains the most cost-efficient way to get people to the ISS.

After SpaceX’s Crew Dragon delivered two astronauts to the International Space Station – the first US spaceship to do so after nine years – at the end of May, US media not only praised Elon Musk’s company, but also piled scorn on the Russian space program.

It was “strange” when some in the US, including NASA officials, “started making wreaths for the ‘funeral’ of Russian Soyuz,” Rogozin wrote in an opinion piece for Forbes magazine, published Monday. While the Russian space chief’s social media rivalry with Musk and his past quotes played a role in the reaction, he made a stand for the iconic Russian spacecraft that ferried US astronauts to orbit all those years after the Space Shuttle program shut down.

Rogozin rejected the claim that the manned launches by SpaceX – which said it would charge the astronauts for seats starting from $55 million – would be so cheap that Russia would start reserving Crew Dragon seats for its cosmonauts.

The US officials repeating that claim “just got bedeviled in a mass of figures,” he said. While Russia did charge the US $90 million a seat for Soyuz launches, Rogozin maintains the Russian crewed rocket launches still remain more cost-efficient than those of SpaceX's Falcon 9.

While SpaceX has made partial reusability of the Falcon a key marketing point, both Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner – which is only expected to carry out its first mission next year – are launched to orbit by heavy rockets, while Soyuz requires a cheaper medium class booster, he said.

“Therefore, our space launches cost much less than the American ones,” making Soyuz “unparalleled” when it comes to delivering people to the ISS, Rogozin wrote.

He even compared the spaceship to the AK-47 rifle, saying that both Soviet designs were not only extremely reliable, but also continuously improved all the time. Soyuz is such a workhorse that it will continue to fly even after Russia’s next-generation Orel (Eagle) spaceship is introduced.

It’s not our mood that Elon Musk spoiled on May 30, but that of his countrymen from Boeing, by starting flight tests ahead of them. It’s their war, not ours. Our space transport system has been operational for a long time and without interruptions.

He did point out that SpaceX could hardly argue to be the “first private company” to launch humans into space, given that NASA had subsidized both SpaceX and Boeing to the tune of $8 billion to develop rivaling spaceships. Musk’s company was the first to complete testing and perform its launch.

Roscosmos decided to maintain cooperation with NASA even in the face of sanctions introduced by Washington against Moscow – including Rogozin personally – and continued delivering Americans to the ISS for years at the expense of Russia's own crews, Rogozin reminded.

It’s only because of Russia that NASA “didn’t have to use a trampoline” to launch astronauts to space, Rogozin wrote, referencing his notorious joke from six years ago.


(RT)

The US finally getting a crewed spaceship in no way means the end of Russia’s space program, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said, insisting that the Soyuz still remains the most cost-efficient way to get people to the ISS.

After SpaceX’s Crew Dragon delivered two astronauts to the International Space Station – the first US spaceship to do so after nine years – at the end of May, US media not only praised Elon Musk’s company, but also piled scorn on the Russian space program.

It was “strange” when some in the US, including NASA officials, “started making wreaths for the ‘funeral’ of Russian Soyuz,” Rogozin wrote in an opinion piece for Forbes magazine, published Monday. While the Russian space chief’s social media rivalry with Musk and his past quotes played a role in the reaction, he made a stand for the iconic Russian spacecraft that ferried US astronauts to orbit all those years after the Space Shuttle program shut down.

Rogozin rejected the claim that the manned launches by SpaceX – which said it would charge the astronauts for seats starting from $55 million – would be so cheap that Russia would start reserving Crew Dragon seats for its cosmonauts.

The US officials repeating that claim “just got bedeviled in a mass of figures,” he said. While Russia did charge the US $90 million a seat for Soyuz launches, Rogozin maintains the Russian crewed rocket launches still remain more cost-efficient than those of SpaceX's Falcon 9.

While SpaceX has made partial reusability of the Falcon a key marketing point, both Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner – which is only expected to carry out its first mission next year – are launched to orbit by heavy rockets, while Soyuz requires a cheaper medium class booster, he said.

“Therefore, our space launches cost much less than the American ones,” making Soyuz “unparalleled” when it comes to delivering people to the ISS, Rogozin wrote.

He even compared the spaceship to the AK-47 rifle, saying that both Soviet designs were not only extremely reliable, but also continuously improved all the time. Soyuz is such a workhorse that it will continue to fly even after Russia’s next-generation Orel (Eagle) spaceship is introduced.

It’s not our mood that Elon Musk spoiled on May 30, but that of his countrymen from Boeing, by starting flight tests ahead of them. It’s their war, not ours. Our space transport system has been operational for a long time and without interruptions.

He did point out that SpaceX could hardly argue to be the “first private company” to launch humans into space, given that NASA had subsidized both SpaceX and Boeing to the tune of $8 billion to develop rivaling spaceships. Musk’s company was the first to complete testing and perform its launch.

Roscosmos decided to maintain cooperation with NASA even in the face of sanctions introduced by Washington against Moscow – including Rogozin personally – and continued delivering Americans to the ISS for years at the expense of Russia's own crews, Rogozin reminded.

It’s only because of Russia that NASA “didn’t have to use a trampoline” to launch astronauts to space, Rogozin wrote, referencing his notorious joke from six years ago.


(RT)

Moscow: It was US that violated Open Skies Treaty, Russia still willing to save pact essential to European security

Moscow: It was US that violated Open Skies Treaty, Russia still willing to save pact essential to European security

Russia's Su-57 stealth jet
America's departure from the Open Skies arms control treaty would be a blow to European security, a Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushkosaid after President Donald Trump indicated that the US will withdraw.

Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Moscow will do everything in its power to salvage the Open Skies Treaty (OST) after the US signalled its intention to withdraw from one of the few remaining arms-control pillars, Moscow said, rejecting claims it violated the pact, RT reported.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement “if the US exits the Treaty, a blow will be dealt to a rather fragile balance of interests of its parties. As a result, not only the OST will suffer, but also the European security framework as a whole.”

Moscow said Russia is still willing to save pact as it is essential to European security after US President Donald Trump announced he would be withdrawing from the agreement that allows reconnaissance planes to overfly the territory of its signatories.

In force since 2002, the treaty currently involves 35 states, including Russia and the US, and is considered to be one of the cornerstones of the global arms control mechanism, aimed at reducing the possibility of a military conflict breaking out due to the lack of transparency.

The ministry said that Russia is poised to try to resuscitate the treaty through negotiations with the US, noting that such talks should also address Russia’s own concerns over Washington not holding up its end of the bargain.

“Russia is doing everything possible to keep the treaty intact and believes it’s necessary to reconcile the existing differences through negotiations within The Open Skies Consultative Commission, taking into account concerns expressed by all parties, including problems with the US and their allies’ implementation of the treaty,” the ministry said.

Announcing the US’ intention to pull out of the agreement, Trump pointed a finger at Russia, accusing it of failing to abide by its provisions – an allegation which Moscow has categorically denied.

Recurrent talk in Washington about ditching the treaty over the pretext of alleged Russian “violations” has prompted “serious concerns” in Moscow, the ministry went on, arguing that Russia's moves to restrict some of the flights were either a tit-for-tat response to similar restrictions imposed by US allies, or were provided for by the treaty itself.

The US is yet to send an official note to Moscow about its intent to leave the treaty. Trump administration officials who briefed the media on the reasoning behind the US move cited Russia's restricting flights over Moscow, the republic of Chechnya, as well as near Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia recognised both as independent states in 2008, after they came under attack by the government in Tbilisi, while the US still considers them Georgian territory.

Responding to the accusation, the ministry said that while it has indeed barred observation flights within 10 kilometers of the border of the two Caucasian republics, it did so after Georgia – which is also party of the treaty – refused to heed its obligations, denying the flyover of Russian reconnaissance missions over its own territory.

Limiting the altitude of surveillance flights over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad was done within the scope of the OST, to ensure that the region is not subject to the “more effective level of surveillance than the rest of Russia, as well as the territories of the other parties to the treaty, such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia,” the ministry said.

The ministry denied allegations that it flouted the agreement by preventing the US and Canada from carrying on with a scheduled flight near the Center-2019 drills, which were held in southern Russia and Central Asia in September 2019 and involved around 128,000 troops and more than 20,000 pieces of hardware.

It was impossible to ensure security of the joint US-Canadian mission at the time due to the rapidly changing situation during the active phase of the large-scale war games, the ministry explained. 

When offered an alternative timeframe for the flight, Washington and Ottawa refused to proceed, Moscow said.
Russia's Su-57 stealth jet
America's departure from the Open Skies arms control treaty would be a blow to European security, a Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushkosaid after President Donald Trump indicated that the US will withdraw.

Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Moscow will do everything in its power to salvage the Open Skies Treaty (OST) after the US signalled its intention to withdraw from one of the few remaining arms-control pillars, Moscow said, rejecting claims it violated the pact, RT reported.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement “if the US exits the Treaty, a blow will be dealt to a rather fragile balance of interests of its parties. As a result, not only the OST will suffer, but also the European security framework as a whole.”

Moscow said Russia is still willing to save pact as it is essential to European security after US President Donald Trump announced he would be withdrawing from the agreement that allows reconnaissance planes to overfly the territory of its signatories.

In force since 2002, the treaty currently involves 35 states, including Russia and the US, and is considered to be one of the cornerstones of the global arms control mechanism, aimed at reducing the possibility of a military conflict breaking out due to the lack of transparency.

The ministry said that Russia is poised to try to resuscitate the treaty through negotiations with the US, noting that such talks should also address Russia’s own concerns over Washington not holding up its end of the bargain.

“Russia is doing everything possible to keep the treaty intact and believes it’s necessary to reconcile the existing differences through negotiations within The Open Skies Consultative Commission, taking into account concerns expressed by all parties, including problems with the US and their allies’ implementation of the treaty,” the ministry said.

Announcing the US’ intention to pull out of the agreement, Trump pointed a finger at Russia, accusing it of failing to abide by its provisions – an allegation which Moscow has categorically denied.

Recurrent talk in Washington about ditching the treaty over the pretext of alleged Russian “violations” has prompted “serious concerns” in Moscow, the ministry went on, arguing that Russia's moves to restrict some of the flights were either a tit-for-tat response to similar restrictions imposed by US allies, or were provided for by the treaty itself.

The US is yet to send an official note to Moscow about its intent to leave the treaty. Trump administration officials who briefed the media on the reasoning behind the US move cited Russia's restricting flights over Moscow, the republic of Chechnya, as well as near Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia recognised both as independent states in 2008, after they came under attack by the government in Tbilisi, while the US still considers them Georgian territory.

Responding to the accusation, the ministry said that while it has indeed barred observation flights within 10 kilometers of the border of the two Caucasian republics, it did so after Georgia – which is also party of the treaty – refused to heed its obligations, denying the flyover of Russian reconnaissance missions over its own territory.

Limiting the altitude of surveillance flights over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad was done within the scope of the OST, to ensure that the region is not subject to the “more effective level of surveillance than the rest of Russia, as well as the territories of the other parties to the treaty, such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia,” the ministry said.

The ministry denied allegations that it flouted the agreement by preventing the US and Canada from carrying on with a scheduled flight near the Center-2019 drills, which were held in southern Russia and Central Asia in September 2019 and involved around 128,000 troops and more than 20,000 pieces of hardware.

It was impossible to ensure security of the joint US-Canadian mission at the time due to the rapidly changing situation during the active phase of the large-scale war games, the ministry explained. 

When offered an alternative timeframe for the flight, Washington and Ottawa refused to proceed, Moscow said.

US airlines endorse temperature screenings

US airlines endorse temperature screenings

A US trade group representing major airlines says its members support having the government do temperature checks of passengers as long as necessary during the coronavirus crisis.

Airlines for America said the checks will add a layer of protection for passengers as well as airline and airport employees. The association said passenger screening is the responsibility of the Transportation Security Administration.

"Having temperature checks performed by the TSA will ensure that procedures are standardised, providing consistency across airports so that travelers can plan appropriately."

According to Reuters, a U.S. official said Saturday no decision has been made on whether to mandate the checks, but said the issue is the subject of extensive talks among government agencies and with U.S. airlines and added a decision could potentially be made as early as next week.

One possible route would be for a pilot project or to initially begin temperature checks at the largest U.S. airports. Questions remain about what the government would do if someone had a high temperature and was turned away from a flight.

U.S. officials said the temperature checks would not eliminate the risk of coronavirus cases but could act as a deterrent to prevent people who were not feeling well from traveling.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske told employees during a town hall meeting Wednesday that no decision had been made regarding possible temperature checks of passengers at airports and that questions remained about where such checks might take place and which agency might perform them.

“It’s been a discussion that’s been ongoing for several weeks now,” he said.

A TSA spokesman did not immediately comment Saturday.

Frontier Airlines said on Thursday it would begin temperature screenings for all passengers and crew members on June 1 and bar anyone with a temperature at or exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C).

The move, the first among major U.S. airlines, followed the industry mandating facial coverings for all passengers and heightened cleaning procedures to address coronavirus concerns.


The airline group said having temperature checks performed by the TSA “will ensure that procedures are standardized.”

The endorsement comes amid signs of a modest travel rebound from historic lows. On Friday, TSA screened 215,444 people at airport checkpoints, the first time the number topped 200,000 since March 26. But that is still a fraction of the 2.6 million screened on the equivalent day last year.
A US trade group representing major airlines says its members support having the government do temperature checks of passengers as long as necessary during the coronavirus crisis.

Airlines for America said the checks will add a layer of protection for passengers as well as airline and airport employees. The association said passenger screening is the responsibility of the Transportation Security Administration.

"Having temperature checks performed by the TSA will ensure that procedures are standardised, providing consistency across airports so that travelers can plan appropriately."

According to Reuters, a U.S. official said Saturday no decision has been made on whether to mandate the checks, but said the issue is the subject of extensive talks among government agencies and with U.S. airlines and added a decision could potentially be made as early as next week.

One possible route would be for a pilot project or to initially begin temperature checks at the largest U.S. airports. Questions remain about what the government would do if someone had a high temperature and was turned away from a flight.

U.S. officials said the temperature checks would not eliminate the risk of coronavirus cases but could act as a deterrent to prevent people who were not feeling well from traveling.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske told employees during a town hall meeting Wednesday that no decision had been made regarding possible temperature checks of passengers at airports and that questions remained about where such checks might take place and which agency might perform them.

“It’s been a discussion that’s been ongoing for several weeks now,” he said.

A TSA spokesman did not immediately comment Saturday.

Frontier Airlines said on Thursday it would begin temperature screenings for all passengers and crew members on June 1 and bar anyone with a temperature at or exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C).

The move, the first among major U.S. airlines, followed the industry mandating facial coverings for all passengers and heightened cleaning procedures to address coronavirus concerns.


The airline group said having temperature checks performed by the TSA “will ensure that procedures are standardized.”

The endorsement comes amid signs of a modest travel rebound from historic lows. On Friday, TSA screened 215,444 people at airport checkpoints, the first time the number topped 200,000 since March 26. But that is still a fraction of the 2.6 million screened on the equivalent day last year.

Russian radars tracked 24 foreign spy aircraft conducted reconnaissance near Russia’s borders over the past week

Russian radars tracked 24 foreign spy aircraft conducted reconnaissance near Russia’s borders over the past week

Russian radars tracked 24 foreign aircraft that conducted reconnaissance near Russia’s borders over the past week, the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported on Friday, citing the Defense Ministry’s data.

The infographics published by the newspaper show that 19 spy aircraft and five unmanned aerial vehicles conducted air reconnaissance along the Russian borders. 

All the flights by foreign aircraft were tracked by Russian radars, which excluded any violations of the national airspace, the newspaper said.

Russian pilots performed 186 flight shifts at 78 aerodromes over the past week as part of their combat training, the Defense Ministry said.
Russian radars tracked 24 foreign aircraft that conducted reconnaissance near Russia’s borders over the past week, the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported on Friday, citing the Defense Ministry’s data.

The infographics published by the newspaper show that 19 spy aircraft and five unmanned aerial vehicles conducted air reconnaissance along the Russian borders. 

All the flights by foreign aircraft were tracked by Russian radars, which excluded any violations of the national airspace, the newspaper said.

Russian pilots performed 186 flight shifts at 78 aerodromes over the past week as part of their combat training, the Defense Ministry said.

#COCID19IMPACT: Irish airline Ryanair plans 3,000 job cuts over virus, called on European governments to cut taxes levied on air travel

#COCID19IMPACT: Irish airline Ryanair plans 3,000 job cuts over virus, called on European governments to cut taxes levied on air travel

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair said Friday that it plans to axe up to 3,000 pilot and cabin crew jobs, with air transport paralysed by the coronavirus pandemic, according to an AFP report.

Dublin-based Ryanair added in a statement that most of its flights will remain grounded until at least July and predicted it would take until summer 2022 before passenger demand recovers.

The airline said that they may also need to cut pay by up to 20 per cent, close a number of bases across Europe and reduce employees unpaid leave.

The statement blamed their financial downturn on the "unprecedented Covid-19 crisis, the grounding of all flights from mid-March until at least July, and the distorted State Aid landscape in Europe."

The statement added: "The level playing field will be distorted by competing against legacy airlines who are receiving over €30 billion of State Aid, in clear breach of both EU competition and State Aid rules.

"This unlawful and discriminatory State Aid will be challenged by Ryanair in the European Courts."

The low-cost airline has grounded 99 per cent of its fleet due to coronavirus.
Ryanair said that while they expected some flight services to return by them, they still expected their passenger number to be less than half of their original target for July to September.

They expected to carry less than 100 million passengers in their full financial year ending in March 2021, less than 65 percent of it's original target.

Ryanair said that consumer confidence will be impacted by public health restrictions, "such as temperature checks at airports and face coverings for passengers and staff on board aircraft."

Ryanair said it expected discounts to be issued to travellers to stimulate demand with below-cost selling from some airlines with large financial reserves.

They called on European governments to cut taxes levied on air travel.

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair said Friday that it plans to axe up to 3,000 pilot and cabin crew jobs, with air transport paralysed by the coronavirus pandemic, according to an AFP report.

Dublin-based Ryanair added in a statement that most of its flights will remain grounded until at least July and predicted it would take until summer 2022 before passenger demand recovers.

The airline said that they may also need to cut pay by up to 20 per cent, close a number of bases across Europe and reduce employees unpaid leave.

The statement blamed their financial downturn on the "unprecedented Covid-19 crisis, the grounding of all flights from mid-March until at least July, and the distorted State Aid landscape in Europe."

The statement added: "The level playing field will be distorted by competing against legacy airlines who are receiving over €30 billion of State Aid, in clear breach of both EU competition and State Aid rules.

"This unlawful and discriminatory State Aid will be challenged by Ryanair in the European Courts."

The low-cost airline has grounded 99 per cent of its fleet due to coronavirus.
Ryanair said that while they expected some flight services to return by them, they still expected their passenger number to be less than half of their original target for July to September.

They expected to carry less than 100 million passengers in their full financial year ending in March 2021, less than 65 percent of it's original target.

Ryanair said that consumer confidence will be impacted by public health restrictions, "such as temperature checks at airports and face coverings for passengers and staff on board aircraft."

Ryanair said it expected discounts to be issued to travellers to stimulate demand with below-cost selling from some airlines with large financial reserves.

They called on European governments to cut taxes levied on air travel.

Pompeo calls on countries to block Iran’s Mahan Air after flight to Venezuela

Pompeo calls on countries to block Iran’s Mahan Air after flight to Venezuela

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on countries to close their airspace to Iran’s Mahan Air, as they recently transferred to supplies to Venezuela.

Pompeo said at a press conference at the Department of State that the aircraft belonging to Mahan Air, the largest Iranian airline, had delivered supplies to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government in recent days.

“Over the past few days, several aircraft belonging to this company have transported unknown support to the Maduro regime, the same airline that Iran used to transport weapons and fighters across the Middle East,” Pompeo said.

Pompeo added that the flights “must stop”, and that countries should deprive Mahan Air from flying through their airspace, just as many refused them access to their airports.

The U.S. first sanctioned Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and non-financial support to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

It is worth noting that a Venezuelan official said last week that his country had received materials used in the oil refining industry through an air shipment from Iran to restart the Kardon refinery, which is necessary to produce gasoline.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on countries to close their airspace to Iran’s Mahan Air, as they recently transferred to supplies to Venezuela.

Pompeo said at a press conference at the Department of State that the aircraft belonging to Mahan Air, the largest Iranian airline, had delivered supplies to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government in recent days.

“Over the past few days, several aircraft belonging to this company have transported unknown support to the Maduro regime, the same airline that Iran used to transport weapons and fighters across the Middle East,” Pompeo said.

Pompeo added that the flights “must stop”, and that countries should deprive Mahan Air from flying through their airspace, just as many refused them access to their airports.

The U.S. first sanctioned Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and non-financial support to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

It is worth noting that a Venezuelan official said last week that his country had received materials used in the oil refining industry through an air shipment from Iran to restart the Kardon refinery, which is necessary to produce gasoline.

Russia's Tu-142 aircrafts completed a 12-hour flight over the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas - Northern Fleet

Russia's Tu-142 aircrafts completed a 12-hour flight over the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas - Northern Fleet

INTERFAX - Tu-142 anti-submarine crews completed training flights in the far sea zone, the Northern Fleet reported on Wednesday.

“On April 29, 2020, two crews of the long-range anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142 of the Northern Fleet completed a planned training flight over the neutral waters of the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas.

The duration of the flight mission was more than 12 hours,” Interfax reported.

"At certain stages of the route, Russian planes accompanied by the Norwegian F-16 and F-35 fighters and the British Typhoon fighters," the SF headquarters informs.

It is noted that the flights "performed in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."

"The pilots have developed skills to complete a given course over reference-free terrain and coordinated actions when piloting in the absence of ground-based radio navigation aids.

 In addition, the crews trained to solve problems in the far sea zone and performed ice reconnaissance," the press release said.

According to the headquarters of the fleet, "flights of anti-submarine aircraft of the Northern Fleet are carried out as part of the combat training program for Tu-142 crews in the winter training period."

"Several flight crews of Tu-142 aircraft of the Northern Fleet fulfilled similar flight missions in February 2020," it was informed.
INTERFAX - Tu-142 anti-submarine crews completed training flights in the far sea zone, the Northern Fleet reported on Wednesday.

“On April 29, 2020, two crews of the long-range anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142 of the Northern Fleet completed a planned training flight over the neutral waters of the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas.

The duration of the flight mission was more than 12 hours,” Interfax reported.

"At certain stages of the route, Russian planes accompanied by the Norwegian F-16 and F-35 fighters and the British Typhoon fighters," the SF headquarters informs.

It is noted that the flights "performed in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."

"The pilots have developed skills to complete a given course over reference-free terrain and coordinated actions when piloting in the absence of ground-based radio navigation aids.

 In addition, the crews trained to solve problems in the far sea zone and performed ice reconnaissance," the press release said.

According to the headquarters of the fleet, "flights of anti-submarine aircraft of the Northern Fleet are carried out as part of the combat training program for Tu-142 crews in the winter training period."

"Several flight crews of Tu-142 aircraft of the Northern Fleet fulfilled similar flight missions in February 2020," it was informed.

NATO helicopter missing over sea between Greece and Italy, according to Greece air force

NATO helicopter missing over sea between Greece and Italy, according to Greece air force

A Canadian military helicopter operating as part of a NATO surveillance force has gone missing in international waters between Greece and Italy, the Greek air force said on Wednesday. According to an AFP report.

Initial reports said the helicopter had been 50 nautical miles off the Greek island of Kefalonia, it added.

The NATO helicopter was reported missing in the Ionian Sea, west of the Greek mainland, on Wednesday evening.

According to Greek Defense Ministry sources, the helicopter had taken off from a Canadian frigate. 

There were between three and six passengers in the helicopter.

The same reports suggest that the aircraft was participating in an Allied naval exercise of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, which is NATO’s standing maritime immediate reaction force.

The SNMG2 consists of four to six destroyers and frigates. Its role is to provide NATO with an immediate operational response capability.

NATO search and rescue teams are searching the sea area west of Kefalonia island at this moment.

Greek authorities said they have not been asked to help as the area is far off the Greek mainland and outside the area where the country has responsibility for search and rescue operations. The source said.
A Canadian military helicopter operating as part of a NATO surveillance force has gone missing in international waters between Greece and Italy, the Greek air force said on Wednesday. According to an AFP report.

Initial reports said the helicopter had been 50 nautical miles off the Greek island of Kefalonia, it added.

The NATO helicopter was reported missing in the Ionian Sea, west of the Greek mainland, on Wednesday evening.

According to Greek Defense Ministry sources, the helicopter had taken off from a Canadian frigate. 

There were between three and six passengers in the helicopter.

The same reports suggest that the aircraft was participating in an Allied naval exercise of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, which is NATO’s standing maritime immediate reaction force.

The SNMG2 consists of four to six destroyers and frigates. Its role is to provide NATO with an immediate operational response capability.

NATO search and rescue teams are searching the sea area west of Kefalonia island at this moment.

Greek authorities said they have not been asked to help as the area is far off the Greek mainland and outside the area where the country has responsibility for search and rescue operations. The source said.

Airbus posts 481 mln euro Q1 loss on coronavirus impact

Airbus posts 481 mln euro Q1 loss on coronavirus impact

Airbus reports first quarter net loss of 481mn euros under the impact of the #coronavirus crisis compared to a profit of 40mn euros ($43mn) in the same period last year, with revenues down 15.2 percent to 10.6bn euros AFP reported on Wednesday.

The European aeroplane manufacturer posted a loss of 481 million euros in the first quarter of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic as the company's revenue dropped by 15.2 per cent to 10.6 billion euros because of interruptions in aircraft delivery, Airbus said on Wednesday.

It posted a slump of 49 per cent to 281 million euros in its first-quarter adjusted operating profit. Airbus head Guillaume Faury made no new profit forecasts for the current year because of the unclear duration and consequences of the pandemic.


Airbus had already announced a production cut by about one third in its passenger jets due to the pandemic as its airline clients have suffered from a massive reduction in air travel due to the pandemic.

Many airlines are fighting for survival as the global aviation industry has been hit hard by the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Airbus reports first quarter net loss of 481mn euros under the impact of the #coronavirus crisis compared to a profit of 40mn euros ($43mn) in the same period last year, with revenues down 15.2 percent to 10.6bn euros AFP reported on Wednesday.

The European aeroplane manufacturer posted a loss of 481 million euros in the first quarter of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic as the company's revenue dropped by 15.2 per cent to 10.6 billion euros because of interruptions in aircraft delivery, Airbus said on Wednesday.

It posted a slump of 49 per cent to 281 million euros in its first-quarter adjusted operating profit. Airbus head Guillaume Faury made no new profit forecasts for the current year because of the unclear duration and consequences of the pandemic.


Airbus had already announced a production cut by about one third in its passenger jets due to the pandemic as its airline clients have suffered from a massive reduction in air travel due to the pandemic.

Many airlines are fighting for survival as the global aviation industry has been hit hard by the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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