Latest news with #refit
BBC News
28-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
US preparing Qatari jet that will be used as Air Force One for Trump
Preparations are underway to refit a Qatari jumbo jet that is expected to serve as Air Force One for President Donald Trump, CBS, the BBC's US news partner, reports. The Boeing aircraft - valued at $400m (£300m) - is being donated by Qatar as an "unconditional" gift, with any necessary retrofitting costs being borne by the US deal has ignited criticism from both Trump's detractors and some allies, with a few calling it a "bribe" from a foreign power. The White House has insisted that taking the aircraft is legal, and pledged that it will be donated to Trump's presidential library once he leaves office. Current rules suggest US officials can only accept gifts under $480. According to a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US defence department seen by CBS, the aircraft will be donated "as is", with the Pentagon overseeing all the modifications necessary before it can be used as part of Air Force One - the president's official mode of air transport. The plane will also need to undergo security inspections, including sweeps for surveillance or espionage devices, before it can operate."Nothing in this MOU is, or shall be interpreted or construed as an offer, promise or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence or corrupt practice," the document says. "The parties affirm that the donation is a bone fide gift." News that the US was accepting the Qatari plane earlier this year sparked fierce and immediate backlash from both sides of the US political spectrum - including from Trump's conservative base. "I think the technical term is 'skeezy'," said conservative Daily Wire commentator Ben Shapiro on his podcast."Qatar is not allegedly giving President Trump a $400m jet out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts," he said. "They try to stuff money into pockets in totally bipartisan fashion."Laura Loomer, an influential right-wing social media influencer, has said that accepting the plane would be a "stain" on the administration. The BBC has contacted the White House for comment on the plans. Why does the US need a new Air Force One? The current presidential fleet includes two 747-200 jets that have been operational since 1990, along with a set of smaller and somewhat secretive 757s. In February, the US president said he was "not happy" with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing over two new Air Force One aircraft that he had been expecting to receive directly from the firm. At the time, he suggested that the administration could "buy a plane or get a plane, or something". Is it legal to accept the plane? Trump has previously called the gift from Qatar a "great gesture" that he would be "stupid" to turn down. But critics argue that the donation may be Democratic Senator Adam Schiff quoted a section of the US constitution that states that elected officials cannot accept "any any kind whatever" from a foreign government without approval from Congress. According to current rules, US officials can only accept gifts valued at less than $480 (£358) - making the aircraft gift unprecedented. The White House has pushed back on any suggestion that the donation would be illegal. "The legal details of that are still being worked out," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this year. "Of course, any donation to the government is always done in full compliance with the law." Trump has suggested that the plane would go to the "library" after he leaves the White House. Presidential libraries commonly house an archive of documents, and a privately-funded museum of memorabilia. How much will the retrofit cost? The total cost to retrofit the aircraft remains uncertain, but experts agree it could be extraordinarily modifications would include installation of advanced security systems, ability to refuel mid-flight, and protection against electromagnetic pulses from nuclear have suggested the retrofit could quickly run into hundreds of millions - or possibly a billion - anonymous defence official told CBS that funds could be redirected from the overfunded Sentinel system, which is focused on the creation of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles to replace aging Cold War-era platforms.
The Independent
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
A first look at new Celestyal Discovery cabins after cruise ship refit
More passengers will be able to sail with Celestyal following a refit on one of the cruise brand's ships. The 1,360-capacity Celestyal Discovery has completed a refit, which includes 47 new cabins. Among the new cabins are 30 junior dream suites and two grand horizon suites located above the bridge with 15.5m² balconies, increasing the ship's premium capacity by more than 50 per cent. Another 15 interior Cosmos Cabins have also been added, pushing capacity up by 7.4 per cent overall. The new cabins were developed with design agency AMK, incorporating elements inspired by the regions the ship visits. The ship is currently sailing its Mediterranean season and will head to the Arabian Gulf in December for its maiden deployment in the region. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: 'This winter's refit programme on board Celestyal Discovery speaks volumes about our continued investment into our guest experience. 'We've not only added more balcony staterooms but enhanced our premium cabin options to meet growing demand for more space and comfort, while preserving the small-ship charm and personal service that we're known for. 'These images showcase just how far we've come, and we're incredibly proud to be taking Celestyal Discovery to the Arabian Gulf for the very first time this December.' Celestyal Discovery will make its Arabian Gulf debut on 12 December 2025, joining sister ship Celestyal Journey, which returns to the region on 6 December, with a Grand Prix celebratory sailing. The ships will offer a season of three-, four- and seven-night cruises from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, with sailings scheduled until March 2026 and set to continue for the next three consecutive years. Celestyal is currently offering up to 60 per cent off across 87 sailings from June 2025 to March 2027 if you book by 31 August 2025. All promotional fares include meals, soft drinks, wifi, port fees and gratuities. Guests will also receive 25 per cent extra on all credit added to their CelestyalPay tab before departure, earning up to €250 (£213) on-board credit.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- BBC News
Ferry moved into the water as refit nears completion
A ferry service said work on its vessel Lynher was continuing following a "significant milestone" in its refit process. Tamar Crossings said a period in dry dock in Falmouth had enabled work to be carried out on replacing systems and equipment on the prows and hull. It added the "out of water" inspections showed further essential work was required, which increased the time in the next stage of the work could only be completed with the vessel in the water, resulting in Lynher being moved to a berth alongside the dock. Rolls Royce While in the dry dock Lynher was repainted both above and below the Crossings said dry docking allowed inspections to be carried out by its team and regulators to ensure that the vessel would be safe for a further five years. Initial works also took place to replace the outdated computer control system, it said. The new control system, supplied by Rolls Royce, would need to be integrated with the ferry's existing equipment. Tamar Crossings added that the next stage of the complex work could only be completed with the vessel in the water. It said work on this phase was scheduled to begin on Thursday and would take two weeks to complete. It would then need to pass the Harbour Acceptance Testing before it could return to is expected to return to Torpoint in the middle of June, depending on weather and sea conditions, Tamar Crossings said. It added that a combination of bad weather at the start of the refit process and the impact of carrying out additional vital repairs meant Lynhers return to the water was later than originally planned. The service will continue being provided by the two remaining ferries, one leaving each side of the river every 15 minutes between 06:30 and 22:00 BST. There will also be a single half-hourly night service ferry from 22:00 to 06:30.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside the Royston corner shop that sells goods from a major supermarket
A Glasgow convenience store has undergone a major transformation. Ali's Nisa Royston has been given a brand new look, with a focus on the Co-op Own Brand range. Store owner Raheem Ali Razaq has invested in a full refit for the store, which includes a redesigned layout, an enhanced product range, and modernised in-store branding. Read more: Glasgow businesses celebrate success at World Championship Scotch Pie Awards (Image: Supplied) It now features new internal graphics, a 3D fascia, and bold window vinyls to give it a fresh new feel. The revamp has also seen an increased amount of Co-op Own Brand products across the store. Clear shelf-edge labelling, branded gondola ends, and eye-catching signage have been brought in to help customers easily identify these products. The store has also enhanced its chilled range, incorporating more Co-op products and a wider selection of soft drinks. Moreover, new technology has been introduced to improve the shopping experience and security. A 65-inch digital media screen has been installed at the front of the store, advertising offers to passing customers. This is complemented by in-store digital screens showcasing promotions and community news. Advanced AI theft detection technology, provided by RETaiL AI, has also been introduced. The store also features a Post Office and a Food to Go section, designed to offer essential services and fresh meal options under one roof. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Nurse gears up to take part in global motorcycle event Raheem, who took over the family business in December 2024, said: "Our customers love the Co-op range – it's one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK, and we've made it a key part of our offer. "We've worked hard to make it more visible across the store, and the feedback has been fantastic. "We're proud to serve our local area and this investment reflects that. "It's not just about new signage – it's about offering the right range, improving security, and creating a store our community can feel proud of. "I'd also like to thank Robin from High Tech Media for the brilliant digital media screens, and our hardworking staff whose efforts have been vital in delivering this transformation." To support the relaunch, Raheem has commissioned billboard advertising in high-footfall areas, including near Celtic Park. He has also signed the store up to Co-op's Peckish delivery app. The store is now set to celebrate its transformation with a Community Day at the end of June, inviting customers to come and see the changes and thank them for their continued support.
