JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

 

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202

 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Tuesday  November 04,  2025

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	88.78	0.00	0.00	88.78	88.78
EUR/USD	1.1526	0.0011	0.095341	1.1539	1.1537
GBP/INR	116.5283	0.148201	0.127019	116.6306	116.6765
EUR/INR	102.2316	0.525505	0.511405	102.3665	102.7571
USD/JPY	154.178	0.187988	0.122078	154.00	153.99
GBP/USD	1.3138	0.0014	0.106447	1.3128	1.3152
DXY Index	99.895	0.090996	0.091174	99.754	99.804
JPY/INR	0.576	0.0001	0.017361	0.5763	0.5761

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

U.S. Tariffs: Latest Developments

The global tariff environment continues to shift as 2025 draws to a close. Recent measures by the U.S. and China — including cuts to fentanyl-related and other key tariffs, suspended rare earth export controls, and expanded agricultural purchases — alongside trade adjustments by Brazil and South Korea, are altering the landscape for global supply chains.

U.S. eases Brazil tariffs, finalises China trade deal, and South Korea agrees retroactive auto tariff cuts: 30 October 2025

Recent moves by the U.S., China, Brazil, and South Korea signal major changes to tariffs, trade deals, and export controls. Companies should stay alert to evolving regulations to manage cost and supply chain impacts.

U.S.-China trade deal: Tariffs, rare earths, and agricultural purchases

Following discussions between President Trump and President Xi, the two sides reached a one-year trade agreement, expected to be reviewed annually.

Key elements include:

·        Tariff reductions: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods drop from 57% to 47%, including a fentanyl-related tariff cut from 20% to 10%.

·        Rare earths reopened: China lifts its export controls on rare earth minerals for one year, critical for semiconductors and defence tech.

·        Agricultural commitments: China pledges large purchases of U.S. soybeans and sorghum, offering relief to American farmers.

·        Port fee suspension: Both sides agreed to pause reciprocal port fees, easing global shipping costs.

·        Fentanyl enforcement: China will strengthen controls on fentanyl precursors, a key U.S. concern.

·        BIS 50% affiliates rule: Went into effect on September 29th and will be suspended in exchange for China delaying their rare earth export controls.

·        Annual review mechanism: This deal is designed to be revisited yearly introducing a “subscription diplomacy” model.

President Trump is expected to visit China in April 2026, with President Xi planning a reciprocal U.S. visit later next year.

Awaiting confirmation and implementation details on this.

Some details about the latest tariff changes are still being confirmed. So far, no specific exemptions have been announced for the U.S.–China tariff reductions, although the U.S.–Vietnam agreement does include provisions for auto parts.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies have not yet issued official guidance explaining how the changes will be applied or what new requirements may follow.

At present, the U.S.–China one-year agreement is believed to have taken effect on 29 October 2025, following the meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi. The U.S.–Vietnam deal is expected to apply retroactively from 1 November 2025.

South Korea: 15% tariff on autos retroactive to 1 November

South Korea’s government has agreed to a trade deal that lowers tariffs on goods outside the Section 232 actions to 15%, including automotives manufactured in Korea. The reduced rate will apply retroactively from 1 November 2025, giving importers and exporters greater predictability in planning supply chains.

U.S. Senate votes to end 40% tariff tranche on Brazil

A majority of U.S. senators voted 52-48 to terminate the emergency underpinning an additional 40% tariff on most Brazilian goods. The vote saw four Republicans join the Democratic caucus. This decision removes a significant barrier to trade with Brazil and could ease costs for businesses importing Brazilian products.

The resolution now heads to the Republican-controlled House, where it is expected to be shelved. Even if it passed the House, Trump is likely to veto the measure. The vote is seen as symbolic, but it signals growing bipartisan resistance to unilateral tariff actions.

Quad’s Indo-Pacific port vision faces headwinds as US policy turns inward

If the Quad becomes a part-time alliance, experts warn, the Indo-Pacific’s smaller economies will simply drift to whoever invests fastest — and today, that is China.

The Quad’s ambitious plan to reshape the Indo-Pacific maritime architecture through next-gen port alliances, cybersecurity cooperation and supply chain resilience is now facing serious uncertainty, driven primarily by Washington’s increasingly inward turn.

For nearly two decades, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue — Australia, India, Japan and the United States — has symbolised democratic coordination in the world’s most strategic shipping theatre. More than 50 per cent of global maritime trade passes through these waters.

The Quad’s very genesis was humanitarian — born out of the 2004 tsunami response — and later formalised in 2007 under the late Shinzo Abe’s plan for “Asia’s Democratic Security Diamond” to protect open sea lanes amid China’s aggressive rise.

While the idea briefly stalled in 2008, the 2017 revival brought sharper focus: maritime security, resilient supply chains, disaster response, satellite-enabled maritime domain awareness, and skills and logistics partnerships.

India today leads multiple initiatives — including MAITRI for skill development and the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network — demonstrating that the Quad is not just a military-strategic grouping, but an economic and resilience engine for the region.

Safeguarding trade

Ports are now the front line. With 90 per cent of global trade moving by sea, ports have evolved into data-rich digital and green infrastructure platforms. At India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership was unveiled — a flagship effort aimed at cybersecurity-anchored smart port infrastructure, digital transparency, green financing, and creation of AI-driven logistics ecosystems across the Indo-Pacific.

For India, ports are national economic assets as 95 per cent of its export-import cargo moves by sea. Currently, the port capacity has doubled under Sagarmala and green hydrogen hubs at Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin are being positioned to push decarbonisation.

Vizhinjam’s emergence as a deepwater transshipment hub is expected to cut logistics costs by 30–50 per cent and redefine India’s trade competitiveness.

But the central question now being debated in strategic circles is: can Quad port cooperation survive if the US becomes transactional?

At an Ananta Centre conference held with the Ports Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs, senior diplomat K. Nagaraj Naidu cautioned that digitisation without security is a direct threat.

He pointed to recent European port cyberattacks linked to Russia, Iran and China, and warned that research vessels sometimes conceal their real objectives. Without transparent governance frameworks — especially in technology adoption and digital corridors like IMEC — India argues that ports can again become geopolitical hostages.

Shifting political stance

This argument is now colliding with a shifting political weather in Washington.

US President Donald Trump’s April 2025 executive order — “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” — prioritises domestic shipbuilding and home-port investments. Trade tariffs have again become a weapon.

A landmark Biden-Xi tariff cut deal (from 57 per cent to 47 per cent) sought de-escalation, but Trump’s tariff regime has already hammered Indian exports, visa restrictions have fuelled distrust, and US lawmakers are now pushing Beijing to curb Iran.

Strategists fear that the US may again slip into withdrawal mode — just as it did from the TPP in 2017 — creating a vacuum for China’s Belt and Road.

If the Quad becomes a part-time alliance, experts warn, the Indo-Pacific’s smaller economies will simply drift to whoever invests fastest — and today, that is China.

The Quad’s strength was always its consistency. The question is whether America still believes in multilateralism strongly enough to stay in the boat.

3 reasons India can’t bow to Trump’s Russian oil pressure

Amid growing speculation that the long-awaited USD 500 billion India–US trade pact is nearing completion, finalising the deal may prove challenging. US President Donald Trump has indicated that India will reduce its imports of Russian oil — a condition that could pose significant risks to India’s energy security.

Industry experts suggest that while the deal could slash tariffs on Indian exports from the current 50 per cent to around 15–16 per cent, the requirement to curb Russian oil imports could place a substantial strain on the nation’s exchequer.

Recently, addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said that he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the discussion primarily centred on trade, with both nations working on “some great deals.”

He reiterated that India would significantly reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil and had already begun cutting back.

India has so far maintained its position that such imports are essential for energy security and driven by economic considerations. Here are the three reasons why India cannot reduce Russian oil imports significantly.

Threatening India’s exports

India refines Russian crude into diesel, ATF, and petrochemical feedstocks like naphtha, which are used in OMC facilities such as IOC’s Paradip and BPCL’s Kochi plants to produce plastics, fertilisers, and chemicals. This supports OMCs’ Rs 1.5 trillion capex plan for petrochemical integration and revenue diversification.

As the world’s sixth-largest chemical producer and third in Asia, India exports to over 175 countries, with petrochemical exports reaching USD 20.4 billion in FY2024. The sector—worth USD 220 billion and employing over two million people—is projected to touch USD 300 billion by 2025, driven by initiatives like the Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs).

Given its growing role in global supply chains, experts argue that India cannot afford to compromise its energy and industrial stability under tariff pressures from the US.

Energy security at stake

To cut reliance on crude imports, India’s major PSUs are accelerating energy diversification to meet the net-zero 2070 and 500 GW non-fossil capacity 2030 targets.

Companies like ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and NTPC are leading the shift toward renewables, green hydrogen, biofuels, and natural gas. ONGC plans a Rs 1 trillion investment by 2030 for 10 GW of renewables and has partnered with NTPC for solar and hydrogen ventures.

IOCL is advancing 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2025–26, while BPCL and HPCL are investing in biofuels and hydrogen infrastructure. NTPC targets 60 GW of renewables by 2032.

Supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission and PLI schemes, these efforts aim to reduce import dependence and strengthen energy resilience. However, experts caution that until these initiatives fully materialise, India will continue importing crude—especially from Russia—to safeguard energy security and sustain export competitiveness.

Impact India-Russia ties?

India–Russia trade has deepened since the 2022 Ukraine conflict, evolving into a key strategic partnership. Bilateral trade touched a record USD 68.7 billion in FY2024–25, driven by India’s USD 63.8 billion in imports—mainly discounted crude oil, fertilisers, and defence equipment—and USD 4.9 billion in exports like pharmaceuticals, agri-products, and chemicals.

Both nations aim to reach USD 100 billion by 2030, supported by cross-investments of over USD 36 billion in energy, petrochemicals, and infrastructure.

For India, Russian crude remains vital for energy security, saving around USD 17 billion since 2022 and reducing Middle East dependence. Meanwhile, India provides Russia with a steady market amid Western sanctions, ensuring mutual supply chain stability.

Any reduction in India’s oil imports from Russia, however, could strain this growing partnership—impacting trade volumes, investment flows, and the strategic balance both nations have carefully built.

With the USD 500 billion “Mission 500” India–US trade goal on the horizon, experts warn that President Trump’s hardline stance could further complicate this delicate equilibrium between energy security and diplomatic priorities.

India’s oil giants, SCI set to launch shipping JV by December; fleet procurement to follow

The agreement lays the foundation for joint ownership, acquisition, operation, and management of specialized vessels—primarily crude oil tankers and petroleum product carriers—to strengthen India’s energy logistics and maritime self-reliance.

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is on track to formalise a landmark joint venture (JV) with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) by December 2025, with immediate plans to begin procuring a dedicated fleet of vessels for fuel transportation.

The JV stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 20, 2025, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

The agreement lays the foundation for joint ownership, acquisition, operation, and management of specialized vessels—primarily crude oil tankers and petroleum product carriers—to strengthen India’s energy logistics and maritime self-reliance.

“The joint venture will be formalized by December this year. Immediately thereafter, we will initiate procurement of new vessels designed specifically for efficient and secure transportation of fuel. This is a decisive step toward building a resilient, India-controlled energy supply chain,” SCI Chairman and Managing Director, Captain Binesh Kumar Tyagi said on the sidelines of India Maritime Week 2025.

SCI, a Navratna PSU commanding a fleet of 57 vessels—including 18 crude oil tankers—will anchor the maritime expertise, while IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL contribute their dominance in refining and fuel distribution. The partnership aims to reduce dependency on foreign shipping, stabilize domestic fuel supply chains, and enhance energy security in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

With the JV now poised for formal launch within weeks, the consortium is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting India’s rising crude import needs while supporting global clients like Shell and Chevron.

As procurement plans take shape, the JV marks a bold leap in integrating India’s oil and shipping sectors—promising cost efficiency, operational synergy, and strategic autonomy in an unpredictable global energy landscape.

PSA Mumbai welcomes Largest Container Ship call with arrival of MSC MICOL

With a capacity of 24,346 TEU, the vessel measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, following the advanced MGX24 design that spans 24 bays long and wide.

The arrival of MSC MICOL marks a major milestone in mega-ship handling capabilities at PSA Mumbai, reaffirming the terminal’s readiness to accommodate next-generation vessels and further strengthening India’s position in global container shipping networks. 

Korean Port Receives First Containership in 57 Years with New China Route

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries approved the route in late July and completed the operational plan in October. The plan calls for weekly service between China’s Qingdao and Jeju.   

Jeju was designated as a trading port in 1968, but it has mostly seen smaller cargo ships, the fishing fleet, and has become a popular stop for cruise ships. Ferries also maintain service to the Korean mainland, but containers have had to be transhipped from Korea’s main seaports.

The service is being initiated by China’s Shandong Port Equipment Group with one of its recently built containerships. The first ship departed China on October 16, arriving at Jeju on October 18.

It was the 712-TEU containership SMC Rizhao (8,800 dwt). Having entered service in 2023, it is 118 meters (387 feet) in length. The ship is reported to be well-suited to the service as it has 109 reefer plugs to permit the export of frozen fish.       

The vessel arrived with 40 containers of Chinese imports, including furniture and electronics. It was reported to have loaded 10 containers of processed seafood for export to China.     Chinese officials highlighted it as an important new trade route and part of the country’s efforts to build regional services. China looks to export building materials and other products to Jeju.

The Koreans said it would provide a two-day faster service, permitting containers not to have to be transshipped through Inchon. This, they said, would also result in costs up to 62 percent lower. In addition to seafood, Jeju officials said they expect to export bottled water and cosmetics to China and will use the new service to attract manufacturing companies.

The SMC vessel will depart China every Monday, arriving in Jeju port on Wednesday. It will return to China the following Saturday.

Report: EU to Work with Flag States to Increase Shadow Tanker Inspections

The European External Action Service (EEAS) will be presenting a draft position paper to members on Monday, October 20, reports POLITICO, with a goal of finalizing the declaration by the end of November. They report that the paper cites the support by the tankers of Russia’s energy industry and income for Russia, as well as the environmental and safety issues posed by the shadow fleet. 

It also cites the potential for the tankers to be used in hybrid warfare, highlighting the unidentified drone sightings in Northern Europe. Both Germany and Denmark have said they suspect the drones were launched from vessels off their coasts. The EEAS also cites the need to crack down on false flag operations.

The reports said that the EU has already begun negotiations with flag states with a goal of reaching bilateral agreements that would provide additional authority to board and inspect suspect vessels. The EU in the spring authorized states to demand proof of insurance from vessels sailing through their zones, and several states have independently said they would be inspecting the tankers. Denmark announced a new inspection program for tankers anchoring in a popular spot near the entrance to the Baltic.

The report says the EU is also considering extending the efforts to support elements for the tanker fleet. Key among these it mentions bunkering services as a potential target.

French President Emmanuel Macron had urged member states to get more aggressive, citing France’s detention of the notorious shadow tanker Boracay. He said that even a few hours' delay would negatively impact the tankers’ operations. France stopped the tanker on suspicion that it was operating under a false flag and held it for several days in October.

The EU is also working on its 19th sanctions package, which is reported to include more than 100 additional tankers. It will also accelerate the efforts to end Russian oil and gas imports. Reuters writes that the package will be presented to member states for adoption likely within the next week. 

European officials have talked of a renewed urgency to increase the pressure on Russia as the war in Ukraine drags on. They have said Russia is showing little regard for the peace efforts and cite the increase in attacks on Ukraine over the past few months.

‘No Kings’ protests draw large crowds in US cities to decry Trump

Organizers expected millions of people to turn out by day’s end at more than 2,600 planned rallies in major cities, small towns and suburbs, challenging a Trump-led agenda that has reshaped the government and upended democratic norms with unprecedented speed since he took office in January.

By all accounts, the demonstrations were largely festive, often featuring inflatable characters and marchers dressed in costumes. The demographically mixed crowds included parents pushing youngsters in strollers alongside retirees and people with pets in tow. Little, if any, lawlessness was reported.

 “There is nothing more American than saying, ‘We don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest,” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, a progressive organization that led planning of Saturday’s events.   Demonstrators filled Times Square in New York City, where police said they made “zero protest-related arrests” even as more than 100,000 people rallied peacefully across all five boroughs.  

Events in Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago and Seattle also drew crowds that each appeared to encompass thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people.  

On the West Coast, more than a dozen rallies occurred around the Los Angeles area, including the primary site downtown. In Seattle, demonstrators filled a parade route that stretched for more than a mile from downtown through the Seattle Center plaza around the city’s landmark Space Needle. More than 25,000 protested peacefully in San Diego, police said.

The protests reflected growing unease among many Americans, mainly on the ideological left, with developments such as the criminal prosecution of Trump’s perceived political enemies, his militarized immigration crackdown and the sending of National Guard troops into U.S. cities — a move Trump has said was aimed at fighting crime and protecting immigration agents. 

As his administration has tried to rapidly implement its policies, Trump has installed inexperienced loyalists throughout the ranks of his administration and sought to apply pressure on the news media, law firms and universities.  Saturday’s rallies were boisterous but orderly, with police largely keeping a low profile.

Demonstrators filled a street in Washington, D.C., to march toward the U.S. Capitol, chanting and carrying signs, U.S. flags and balloons, as a carnival-like atmosphere prevailed…Kevin Brice, 70, a military veteran among thousands of protesters streaming into the riverfront of Portland, Oregon, wore a black sweatshirt emblazoned with the slogan “No Kings since 1776″ – referring to the year of the Declaration of Independence. 

“Everything that I thought that I stood for while I was serving in the military seems to be at risk,” Brice said. “So even though I’m a lifelong Republican, I don’t support the direction the party is going…Kelly Kinsella, 38, standing among several thousand people outside the Colorado statehouse in Denver, was dressed as Lady Liberty with bloody tears dripping down her face.  

“Everyone comes to work stressed, and it’s because of the current conditions,” said Kinsella, who said she was motivated to turn out largely because of renewed inflation that she blamed on Trump’s tariff policies.

Trump has said little about Saturday’s protests. But in an interview with Fox Business aired on Friday he said that “they’re referring to me as a king – I’m not a king.”   House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, on Friday echoed a common refrain among his party, labeling the “No Kings” protests “the hate America rally.”

Vice President JD Vance, speaking on Saturday to a gathering of Marines at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, made no mention of the protests. But he criticized Democrats over the government shutdown that began early this month in a partisan standoff over federal appropriations…

  

/////       AIR  CARGO   NEWS   /////

ACT freighter salvage operation completed

                               ACT Boeing 747F salvage operation

Recovery operation concludes for freighter that crashed through a perimeter fence during landing approach, with investigators now handling wreckage analysis. Work to remove a freighter that last week veered off the North runway at Hong Kong International Airport into the sea has now been completed.

A team of removal experts today completed the salvage work to remove the cargo aircraft involved in the October 20 incident that saw two airport security workers tragically lose their lives.

Two salvage vessels lifted the remaining parts of the aircraft, including an aircraft engine and a landing gear, out of the sea after the fuselage, tail and other parts of the aircraft were removed and transported to a storage site for further handling by the Air Accident Investigation Authority.

The flight recorder, commonly known as “black box”, has been recovered, according to the airport authority.

The North Runway is now fully open after it was placed into standby mode last week as work on the recovery of the aircraft continued.

The ACT Airlines flight (UAE9788) was operating from Dubai’s Al-Maktoum International on behalf of Emirates and landed in Hong Kong just after 03:50 local time on 20 October.

The aircraft (TC-ACF) was carrying four crew members and is suspected to have lost control upon landing and veered off the North Runway before crashing through a fence into the sea, according to AAHK.

“At the time of the runway excursion, a patrol car from the Aviation Security Company Limited, with two airport security staff, was carrying out patrolling duty on the perimeter road outside the runway zone.

The patrol car fell into the waters after being hit by the aircraft,” AAHK said.

One of the security staff was certified dead at the scene, while the other was certified dead at the hospital.

 

AEI to launch Boeing 737-900ER conversion programme

AEI Boeing 737-900ER conversion

Aeronautical Engineers Inc is developing a Boeing 737-900ER freighter conversion with 206 cu m cargo volume and 26-tonne payload, targeting 2029 certification

Conversion firm Aeronautical Engineers Inc (AEI) is developing a conversion programme for Boeing 737-900ER aircraft with a planned launch date of 2029. AEI said the 737-900ERSF would have cargo carrying volume of 206 cu m and a payload capacity of just over 26 tonnes.

The model would be the "largest and most capable narrowbody freighter in AEI’s fleet”, offering “unmatched volume and payload advantages over existing B737 freighter platforms”.

The conversion will also have a Class-E maindeck compartment with rigid 9G barrier and smoke detection, reinforced floor structure to support high-density freight and e-commerce packages, an ANCRA cargo loading system and seating for five supernumerary passengers.

There will also be a 180-minute ETOPS option available. AEI is aiming to achieve US FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) in 2029, with European EASA and Chinese CAAC approvals to follow shortly thereafter.

"This is a strategic move to address the increasing demand for higher-capacity narrowbody freighters,” said Robert Convey, AEI senior vice president of sales and marketing.

“With the global e-commerce and express markets continuing to grow, the B737-900ERSF will provide operators with the right blend of payload, volume, and economics.”  The conversion programme is being developed under a licensing agreement with Boeing.

The narrowbody freighter market is currently experiencing oversupply after a number of 737 conversions were carried out during covid as aircraft owners sought deployment for their ageing aircraft.

There are around 500 737-900ER aircraft in the market today. The first 737-900ER was delivered to launch customer Lion Air in 2007, meaning that by the time the programme is launched, the first of the model will be more than 20 years old.

US airfreight forwarders warn of cargo backlogs as government shutdown continues

Shutdown

Industry body expresses concern over potential staffing shortages at critical agencies as congressional deadlock continues

The US Air Forwarders Association (AfA) has expressed its disappointment at the continuing Federal Government shutdown, warning it could create backlogs and disrupt supply chains.

Last week, congress was unable to come to an agreement to end the shutdown, meaning that millions of workers would not have been paid.

There are concerns that absence rates could rise if essential workers across the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) do not start getting paid soon.

“Air cargo depends on a functioning federal government,” said Brandon Fried, executive director, Airforwarders Association.

“TSA, FAA, and CBP employees are showing extraordinary dedication in difficult circumstances, but they cannot be expected to continue indefinitely without pay.

“Congress must find a way forward to end the shutdown, pay these essential workers, and restore confidence in the system that keeps goods and commerce moving.”

The AfA said that TSA officers are responsible for screening cargo and CBP officers "play a critical role" in processing import and export clearances.

"Reduced staffing will slow these operations, creating backlogs that damage supply chains and the wider US economy," the AfA said.

A shortage of FAA staff could disrupt schedules and compromise the efficiency of domestic and international air cargo routes, it added. 

The AfA said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and is ready to work with policymakers towards a resolution that "safeguards the stability, safety, and reliability of America’s air cargo network".

The shutdown began on 1 October after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree a new spending plan. It is the first shutdown in more than seven years.

While essential roles like air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will continue to work, there could be delays to certifications and approvals of new routes, while the furlough of support staff could affect several other areas of aviation.

New carrier Riyadh Air selects FlyUs for UK GSSA services

The appointment comes as the Public Investment Fund-backed airline begins operations with daily widebody flights to Heathrow.

Riyadh Air Boeing 787-9

New airline Riyadh Air has appointed FlyUs Aviation to provide General Sales Agent (GSA) services covering the UK and Ireland as flights get underway.

The contract started yesterday (26 October) and comes as the airline launched daily Boeing 787-9 flights into London Heathrow.

Under the agreement, FlyUs will oversee sales, customer support, and capacity management for the UK and Ireland, with bookings routed via its local teams.

The new carrier, which is backed by Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), has plans to connect Riyadh with 100 destinations by 2030.

“It is rare to see a new airline commence daily widebody operations into Heathrow, so being involved from the first departure is a real privilege,” said Carlo de Haas, president and chief executive, FlyUs.

“This partnership offers the market direct and reliable access into Saudi Arabia, a market of growing importance for manufacturing, e-commerce, perishable, and high-value logistics.”  De Haas pointed out that FlyUs also operates its own trucking fleet, providing daily temperature-controlled services to and from the Benelux and the UK. 

“For our forwarder clients in Europe, this means they will be able to benefit from Riyadh Air’s new route to Heathrow via our road feeder services,” he said. The nascent Riyadh Air is agreeing other new partnerships. In August, it was confirmed that it had selected SATS Saudia Arabia to provide cargo handling services at several airports across the country.

The five-year agreement includes cargo operations at the Riyadh Air hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), with further support to be provided at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.

Meanwhile, in September, the airline selected Unilode to supply and manage the carrier’s ULDs.

Logistics UK welcomes government review of airports policy

Heathrow Airport

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander announced the review last week, with the updated policy document expected for consultation by summer 2026

UK supply chain organisation Logistics UK has welcomed news that the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS).

Last week, the UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander announced the review, which is expected to help fast-track plans to add a new runway at Heathrow.

The ANPS sets the parameters against which the planning application would be judged and the government is hoping to publish the updated document for consultation by the summer of 2026.

Logistics UK senior policy manager Alexandra Herdman said: "Logistics UK has been calling for reform of the national planning system to enable airport expansion where there are sound economic and supply chain benefits.

"We are therefore pleased to see that the government has announced a review of the ANPS, and we look forward to engaging with the consultation.

“UK airports already handle 2.6m tonnes of freight every year, and £95.6bn of Gross Value Added across all sectors of the UK economy is currently dependent on airfreight exports.

"With the government demanding growth from all areas of the economy, the development of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton is an ideal opportunity to develop international trade and UK plc through airfreight.

“It is also important to recognise that innovation in aviation is moving at pace. Airspace modernisation, aircraft design and sustainable aviation fuel mean the sector is moving towards cleaner and quieter skies while driving economic growth across the whole economy.”

The review of the ANPS will include considering four key tests that any proposed scheme for Heathrow expansion will have to meet, including on climate change, noise, air quality and contributing to economic growth across the country.

This will ensure planning applications to build a third runway progress fast enough for a final planning decision to be made within this Parliament. Alexander said: "As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe. Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country."

Etihad Cargo to launch flights to UK’s East Midlands Airport

The Abu Dhabi carrier's new service reflects East Midlands Airport's growing appeal as a cargo hub, with volumes rising 17.4% year on year between May and July.

East Midlands Airport apronlines

Etihad Cargo has become the latest airline to add flights to the UK’s East Midlands Airport (EMA) as it looks to capitalise on the airport’s fast turnaround times.

The Abu Dhabi hubbed airline launched its first flight today using one of its Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. In total, Etihad will fly to the Midlands airport twice per week.

Etihad Airways chief cargo officer Stanislas Brun said: “Introducing a new freighter service to East Midlands Airport is an important step for Etihad Cargo as we continue to expand our global footprint.

“As the UK’s major hub for airfreight and cargo operations with direct access to key distribution networks for both domestic and European deliveries, this route allows for fast turnaround times and efficient customs handling.”

Etihad is the latest cargo carrier to add flights to EMA airport in recent months.

In May, Central Airlines became the first China-based operator flying into East Midlands, on behalf of Chinese logistics firm YunExpress. Since then, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo and Saudia Cargo have all started running China-UK routes via East Midlands Airport.

Meanwhile, last year UK freighter airline One Air shifted its operations from Heathrow to East Midlands.  Since then, its fleet has grown from two to four aircraft, including a 777F, which began operating new scheduled services last month.

Another is due to arrive before the end of the year to take the total to five. As a result of the cargo service wins, the airport saw its volumes increase 17.4% year on year between May and July.

It has reconfigured its aprons to increase the number of stands available for cargo aircraft to help handle the extra demand and FedEx and ground handling firm Swissport have both recently announced improvements to their on-site facilities to increase capacity.

EMA commercial director Adam Andrews said: "I’m pleased that Etihad Cargo has announced regular flights to East Midlands Airport – our strategic central location and ease of operation make us a great choice for quick access to all parts of the UK."

 

I hope you have enjoyed reading the above news letter.                                                    

Robert Sands

Joint Managing Director

Jupiter Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd

Casa Blanca, 3rd Floor

11, Casa Major Road, Egmore

Chennai – 600 008. India.

GST Number : 33AAACJ2686E1ZS.

Tel : + 91 44 2819 0171 / 3734 / 4041

Fax : + 91 44 2819 0735

Mobile : + 91 98407 85202

E-mail : robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in

Website : www.jupiterseaair.com 1Branches  : Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.

Associate Offices : New Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin & Hyderabad.

 

Thanks  to  :  Container  News,  Indian Seatrade, Cargo Forwarder Global  &  Air Cargo News.