Boeing shares leap on reports the 737 Max could fly again within weeks February 6, 2020 Boeing shares surged more than three percent this afternoon on reports the troubled 737 Max passenger aircraft could fly again within weeks. US Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson said on Thursday international air safety regulators were likely to agree on the design fixes needed to return the Boeing 737 Max aircraft to service. “On the [...]
Malaysian PM says payments in high-value deals not bribes following Air Asia allegations February 6, 2020 The Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad said today that payments to offset high-value orders could not be considered bribes. Mahathir was responding to questions from reporters on a controversial sponsorship deal the owners of Air Asia struck with plane maker Airbus. The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said last week as it concluded a [...]
Royal Mail shares tumble as strikes threaten turnaround plan February 6, 2020 Royal Mail shares have tumbled more than eight per cent after it warned that the outlook for the next financial year “is challenging”, adding that threats of industrial action will hurt its turnaround plan. Revenue at the 500-year-old company grew 3.7 per cent in the nine months to the end of the year, however, as [...]
Free the e-scooters and unleash a British transport revolution February 6, 2020 The e-scooter revolution is happening at breathtaking speeds — but because of archaic laws, the United Kingdom is missing out. E-scooters can be legally purchased in Britain, and have become an increasingly common sight on the streets. They are, however, unlawful for use on public roads, cycle paths and pavements under the Highways Act 1835 [...]
DEBATE: Is 2035 too soon to ban petrol and diesel new car sales? February 6, 2020 Is 2035 too soon to ban petrol and diesel new car sales? Alex Buttle, director of car selling comparison website Motorway.co.uk, says YES. The government already had its work cut out to meet its previous 2040 deadline, and endless confusion over Brexit and the car industry’s future haven’t helped consumer confidence to make the switch [...]
Government defends handling of SWR’s future after union says passengers are left ‘in limbo’ February 5, 2020 The Department for Transport (DfT) has denied claims by a major union that it has left passengers and staff “in limbo.” The RMT union has demanded the government provide an update on talks to secure the future of the troubled South Western Railway (SWR). However, the government has defended its handling of the process. “We [...]
UK new car sales fall in January as industry condemns 2035 ban February 5, 2020 The number of UK new car sales fell 7.3 per cent at the start of 2020, according to industry figures released today. Sales of new diesel cars plummeted 36 per cent year on year in January, their worst performance in 20 years, statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed. And [...]
Lookers makes changes at the top after ‘challenging’ 2019 February 5, 2020 Car dealership chain Lookers today announced a raft of changes to its senior leadership, with Mark Raban and Cameron Wade announced as the firm’s chief executive and chief operating officer. In November Andy Bruce and Nigel McMinn stepped down from Lookers’ board after the firm issued a profit warning. Raban moves into the top job [...]
Babcock chief steps down after four years in top job February 5, 2020 Babcock, the UK-based defence infrastructure company, today announced that its chief executive Archie Bethel will retire after four years in the top job. Bethel joined the FTSE 250 firm in 2004 and held a variety of posts, such as head of its maritime and technology division, before becoming the group’s chief in 2016. While at [...]
Air Asia chief executive Tony Fernandes denies $50m bribery claims February 4, 2020 The chief executive of Malaysian airline Air Asia Tony Fernandes today denied allegations he was paid a $50m (£38m) bribe via his Formula 1 team by aircraft giant Airbus. Prosecutors alleged Airbus paid a bribe of $50m through sponsorship of the now-defunct Caterham F1 team which was owned by Fernandes to win orders from Air [...]