Latest news with #MAX
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Russia passes law punishing searches for 'extremist' content
Russians will face fines if they search online for "extremist" content under a new law that tightens censorship and could have sweeping ramifications for digital privacy and the fate of WhatsApp in the country. The legislation, approved on Tuesday by parliament's lower house, the State Duma, has drawn criticism from some pro-government figures, as well as opposition activists. Opponents say the fines it prescribes, of up to 5,000 roubles ($63.82), could open the door to tougher charges and penalties. The Ministry of Justice's list of extremist materials stretches to more than 500 pages. Entities banned in Russia for carrying out "extremist activities" include late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund, the "international LGBT movement" and US tech giant Meta Platforms. On Friday, lawmakers who regulate the IT sector said Meta-owned WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market as it was likely to be added to a list of restricted software. The new legislation targets people who knowingly search for extremist materials online, including through virtual private networks that millions of people across Russia use to bypass censorship and access banned content. "This bill concerns a very narrow group of people, who look for extremist content because they themselves are already one step away from extremism," Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Duma's information technology committee, told Duma TV. Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev said law enforcement would have to prove that users intended to view extremist materials and that merely accessing platforms would not be penalised. It was not immediately clear how the authorities would determine intent in an online search. The lack of clarity has left many feeling uneasy. Yekaterina Mizulina, head of Russia's League for a Safe Internet, a body founded with the authorities' support, criticized the law's "vague wording" and warned the law could spark a wave of fraud, blackmail and extortion. "For now, the law applies only to the search for extremist materials, but there is no guarantee," Mizulina wrote on Telegram. "The list could be expanded in a couple of days." Sarkis Darbinyan, founder of digital rights group Roskomsvoboda, said he expected people to start unsubscribing from certain channels and deleting apps. "I think this is one of the main tasks that has been set: to create fear, to create such uncertainty so as to increase the level of self-censorship among the Russian internet audience," Darbinyan told Reuters. Shadaev told the Duma that fines on the Russian population were preferable to banning platforms like WhatsApp and Google in Russia. Moscow has long sought to establish what it calls digital sovereignty by promoting home-grown services, including a new state-backed messaging app, MAX, but many people across Russia still rely on foreign platforms. Opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin, who tried unsuccessfully to run against Vladimir Putin in a presidential election last year, led a protest outside the Duma on Tuesday and promised to continue protesting the bill's passage through the upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, before it becomes law on Sept. 1. "These amendments have caused a level of resistance in Russian society that has not been seen for a long time," Nadezhdin said, pointing to the surprisingly high number of lawmakers voting against the proposed legislation in the Duma, which rarely sees serious dissent. The law was approved with 68 percent of the vote. There were 67 votes against the legislation, or 14.9 percent, and 22 abstentions. (Reuters)
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
India's Akasa Air sees Boeing deliveries picking up in coming years
NEW DELHI: India's Akasa Air expects a pick up in plane deliveries from Boeing over the coming years and to reach its target for a fleet of 226 aircraft by 2032, up from 30 currently, chief financial officer Ankur Goel said on Tuesday. The airline expects available seat kilometers - a measure of passenger-carrying capacity - to increase by more than 30% this fiscal year, on top of 50% growth the year before. Goel did not provide a year-by-year breakdown of deliveries, but said they were expected to increase over the period, in a press briefing in India's capital city. Earlier this year, Reuters reported that Akasa Air's top executives were privately criticising Boeing for delayed plane deliveries and were scrambling to assuage hundreds of anxious pilots who were idle without work. The Mumbai-based low-cost airline, which started operations about three years ago, has ordered 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Deliveries have been delayed as the 737 MAX programme faced regulatory scrutiny after a mid-air cabin panel blowout last year and suffered the effects of a seven-week workers' strike. Air India jet skids during landing in Mumbai, damaging aircraft and runway Goel did not provide profit or revenue data for fiscal year 2024-25. The year before, Akasa's revenue quadrupled to $356 million, but its loss widened to $194 million from $86 million. Akasa had a domestic market share of 5.3% in May, compared with the combined 90%-plus commanded by leader IndiGo and Air India Group. Akasa, started with the backing of the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, dubbed India's Warren Buffett, went on a hiring spree and began international flights to Qatar and Saudi Arabia within two years of its launch. Despite challenges, Akasa in February raised an undisclosed amount of new capital from Indian billionaire Azim Premji's investment arm and Jhunjhunwala's family.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Akasa Air aims to have 226 planes in fleet by 2032, says CFO Ankur Goel
Continuing with its expansion, Akasa Air aims to have 226 planes in its fleet by 2032, with an annual capacity addition of 25-30 per cent, the airline's Chief Financial Officer Ankur Goel said on Tuesday. Launched in August 2022, Akasa Air currently flies to 23 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX planes. At a briefing in the national capital, Goel said the airline is focused on cost leadership. Akasa Air has placed orders for 226 Boeing 737 MAX planes, and 30 of them are currently being operated by the carrier. The airline aims to have 226 aircraft by 2032, Goel said and added that the fleet capacity growth will be around 25-30 per cent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) in the seven-year period.
Fintech News ME
4 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Air Europa's Investment Potential in the GCC Aviation Market
Javier Hidalgo is once again positioning Globalia—and its airline Air Europa—at the center of global aviation's most strategic routes. The recent launch of the direct route between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Etihad Airways, not only strengthens commercial ties between Europe and the Gulf but also showcases the group's long-term international strategy. 'The opening of the Abu Dhabi route marks a milestone in Air Europa's growth, both in terms of connectivity and global positioning,' said Javier Hidalgo, CEO of Globalia. A strategic bridge with Etihad Airways On June 25, 2025, Air Europa and Etihad Airways officially launched their new intercontinental route, connecting Madrid and Abu Dhabi. The partnership includes a codeshare agreement, enabling passengers from Spain and Latin America to access over 40 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania through Etihad's hub. This agreement enhances Air Europa's relevance in long-haul travel and strengthens its footprint in a region with rising demand and investment opportunities. A sustainable and profitable airline Air Europa's ability to attract international attention stems from more than just its network. Since 2015, the company has reduced its CO₂ emissions by over 21%, as confirmed in its 2024 Sustainability Report. With a goal of reaching 30% by 2030, the airline is implementing structural changes focused on: Fleet modernization, including the addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the first 737 MAX. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use on routes such as Madrid-Havana and Madrid-Buenos Aires. Technological innovation, such as OptiClimb and electric ground vehicles. This transformation is part of the 'Vuelo 2030' strategic plan, with more than 40 environmental and operational actions in progress. 'We're demonstrating that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand in aviation,' emphasized Javier Hidalgo. Why the Gulf sees potential in Air Europa The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has become a hotspot for strategic investments in European airlines. Sovereign wealth funds like ADQ (Abu Dhabi), QIA (Qatar), and PIF (Saudi Arabia) have previously backed players such as IAG, Lufthansa, and ITA Airways. Air Europa, with its modern fleet, Latin American connectivity, and green transformation plan, represents an attractive partner for future joint ventures or investment rounds. While no formal negotiations have been announced, the launch of the Madrid–Abu Dhabi route is widely interpreted as a step towards deeper commercial ties. Javier Hidalgo and Globalia's international momentum Javier Hidalgo's leadership has been instrumental in repositioning Globalia as a forward-looking group, focused on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-border partnerships. His presence in the UAE—home to influential business and aviation networks—reflects the ambition to expand beyond traditional markets. As Europe and the Middle East deepen their aviation collaboration, Air Europa could become the next success story connecting continents through strategic vision, green technology, and long-term value creation.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
U.S. judge sets hearing date to end Boeing criminal prosecution, Reuters says
A U.S. judge said he will hold a hearing on August 28 by the request of the Justice Department and Boeing (BA) to approve an agreement allowing the company to avoid prosecution related to two fatal 737 MAX plane crashes, David Shepardson of Reuters reports. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week.
