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Venezuela on Monday rejected a US terrorist designation of an alleged drug cartel as a "ridiculous lie" amid a major American military buildup in Caribbean waters."Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous lie from the Secretary of the Department of State, Marco Rubio, who designates the alleged Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organisation... to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.Washington's listing of the "Cartel de los Soles" (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organiSation officially took effect on Monday, opening the door to new forms of US pressure on leftist President Nicolas Maduro.US President Donald Trump's administration alleges that the shadowy group is run by Maduro. No evidence has been made public to support the accusation of Maduro's involvement in the group.The designation is part of a US campaign against drugs and illegal immigration from Latin America.The US has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier and other military forces in Caribbean waters as part of the Trump administration's anti-drugs campaign, but officials in Caracas suspect that the United States is mounting an operation to topple Maduro, Venezuela's leftist leader.US forces have killed at least 83 people in air strikes on boats accused of ferrying drugs in international waters since September, according to an AFP tally of publicly released figures. But no evidence has been made public that drugs were in the boats.However, with a major military presence now deployed in the Caribbean, including an aircraft carrier, the FTO designation will give legal cover for more pressure on the Venezuelan authorities.The Cartel of the Suns is responsible for "terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere," Rubio said on November 16.The Trump administration has been vague about how far it is willing to go in Venezuela, but the huge military build-up and regular killings of people in small boats have rattled nerves -- and prompted concerns in Washington that the US military may be breaking the law.On Saturday, six airlines announced they were canceling flights to Venezuela due to safety concerns.The US Federal Aviation Administration on Friday urged civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to "exercise caution" due to the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela."

The Federal Aviation Administration resumed traffic at Reagan Washington National Airport on Tuesday after briefly halting operations because of a bomb threat against a United Airlines plane.The FAA said operations were resuming after earlier issuing a ground stop due to a reported security issue. Passengers were removed from the plane, and the aircraft was moved away from the terminal while authorities investigated.A person briefed on the matter said a bomb threat had been made against the plane and in an abundance of caution the plane was being checked.United referred questions to the FBI. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Reagan Airport is just five miles from the White House and U.S. Capitol and the FAA imposes special security restrictions around the airspace.FlightRadar24, a flight tracking site, said the issue was prompted by an unconfirmed threat against a United flight that had arrived from Houston.More than 190 flights have already been delayed at Reagan Airport, according to FlightAware.

The State of Qatar participated in the opening ceremony of the North Bund International Shipping & Aviation Forum 2025, held in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. The State of Qatar's delegation to the forum was led by His Excellency Consul General of the State of Qatar in Shanghai, Rashed bin Mubarak Al Khater. The Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai Municipality, Chen Jining, attended the ceremony, alongside the Minister of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Liu Wei, and the Mayor of Shanghai, Gong Zheng, in addition to high-level international participation.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has partnered with Qatar Airways, following the airline’s record deals in the aviation industry -- the largest widebody aircraft order in its history and the largest wide-body engine deal in GE Aerospace history. The partnership will bolster Qatar Airways’ aviation eco-system in support of its expanding world class fleet. QFZ and Qatar Airways have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance Qatar’s competitiveness as a global aviation and logistics hub. The partnership will drive economic growth by establishing an “aviation cluster” in the Ras bu Fontas free zone to support the maintenance and expansion of Qatar Airways' growing world-class fleet.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, QFZ CEO, and Engineer Badr Mohammed al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group COE, in a signing ceremony attended by senior officials from both organisations and key representatives from Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors.The agreement outlines a phased plan beginning with an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) in Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone, followed by additional specialised technical sites. It also includes a customs-free corridor connecting the free zone to Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port. Qatar Airways will extend corporate and cargo privileges to QFZ tenants and invite its partners and suppliers, including international companies in the aviation sector, to set up operations in the free zones.Sheikh Mohammed said, "This strategic agreement with Qatar Airways demonstrates our commitment to positioning Qatar’s free zones as a leading hub for logistics and aviation services. By combining the world-class infrastructure and expertise of Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways, we are confident this partnership will attract more companies to establish supply chain hubs and maintenance, repair, & operations services in Qatar, contributing to economic growth in line with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030."Al-Meer said, “We are delighted to announce our agreement with the Qatar Free Zones Authority to establish top-tier facilities and cultivate local expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. This strategic partnership not only supports the growth of our expanding fleet but also enables us to deliver world-class services to airlines across the region and beyond. By investing in advanced infrastructure and talent development, we are supporting the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 to strengthen Qatar’s role as a global aviation hub and setting new benchmarks for operational excellence and reliability. “The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors, with far-reaching benefits for businesses operating within Qatar Free Zones. Both QFZ and Qatar Airways are committed to enhancing Qatar’s business environment to anchor the State of Qatar’s reputation as a destination of choice for investors.

Sponsored and attended by Minister of Transport His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization has held a reception for the delegations of ICAO’s Member States, on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly.The ICAO Council President H.E. Salvatore Sciacchitano, ICAO Secretary General H.E. Juan Carlos Salazar, several ministers, heads and representatives of Member States’ delegations, and several accredited ambassadors in Canada, were also in attendance.In his remarks, H.E. the Minister welcomed the attendees, and thanked the ICAO for its efforts for developing air navigation and transportation, stressing Qatar's firm commitment to supporting the ICAO’s mission and objectives to ensure aviation’s safety and security, and promote the sustainable growth of this vital industry globally.Wrapping up the event, Mr. Mohamed Faleh Al-Hajri, in charge of managing the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, appreciated ICAO’s Council President and Secretary General.

His Excellency Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani met separately with the Minister of Civil Aviation of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Sameh Ahmed El Hafny and Deputy Minister of Transport of Canada Arun Thangaraj, on the sidelines of Qatar's participation in the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The meetings discussed aspects of cooperation between Qatar and each of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Canada in areas of civil aviation and ways to enhance and develop them, particularly air transportation related activities.

The State of Qatar signed an Open Skies Air Services Agreement with the Solomon Islands on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly. ‏The agreement was signed by Mohamed bin Faleh Al Hajri, In Charge of Managing Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, and HE Frederick Kologeto, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation of the Solomon Islands. ‏Under the agreement, designated carriers from both countries may operate unlimited passenger and cargo flights with full traffic rights, further enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in air transport.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), aimed at enhancing co-operation in civil aviation.**media[361685]**The MoU was signed by QCAA Acting President Mohammed bin Faleh al-Hajri and CASSOS chairperson Nari Williams-Singh. The signing took place on the sidelines of the CARICOM Forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Regional Co-operation in Aviation Safety and Security for a Sustainable Future for All," in conjunction with the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), currently taking place in Montreal, Canada.**media[361686]**The agreement aims to bolster co-operation in various areas, including aviation safety, security, air navigation, and environmental sustainability. It also focuses on capacity building and professional development in the civil aviation sector, contributing to sectoral growth and integration of aviation systems both regionally and globally.**media[361687]**On the sidelines of the assembly, al-Hajri also held bilateral meetings with key international aviation leaders, including Deputy Administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau; Director General of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, Alexander D'Orsogna; and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, Pengiran Dato Shamhary Mustapha.The meetings discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation, support joint initiatives within ICAO, and exchange views on key issues on the agenda of the 42nd ICAO Assembly.

Beyond the TarmacAirlines are estimated to need 500mn tonnes (Mt) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to achieve the industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.This can be achieved from two main sources- biomass and power-to-liquid, according to the International Air Transport Association.Biomass has the potential to produce more than 300Mt of bio-SAF annually by 2050. Some of this potential could be limited by use for competing sources. This potential could be expanded by unlocking additional feedstocks or through efficiency gains and technology improvements over intervening decades.Power-to-liquid (PtL) will be required to reach 500 Mt of SAF production annually by 2050. Maximising the volumes of cost-effective bio-SAF will reduce the pressure on e-SAF to bridge the gap.In all cases, to maximise SAF output, it will be essential to improve conversion efficiencies, accelerate technology rollout, enhance feedstock logistics, and invest in better infrastructure required to scale up commercial facilities across all regions.Recently, IATA in partnership with Worley Consulting, has published a study demonstrating that sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock exists to enable the airline industry to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.All feedstocks considered meet stringent sustainability criteria and do not lead to changes in land use.The study also identified significant barriers in using that feedstock for SAF production, namely the slow pace of technology rollout that would enable SAF to be produced from varied sources and competition with other potential users of the same feedstock.Currently, the only commercially scaled SAF production facilities use HEFA technology, for example converting used cooking oil into SAF.Policies allocating biomass feedstock to hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation must be prioritised.According to the report, there are sufficient sustainable feedstocks and SAF production technologies to decarbonise aviation and meet the net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.With the right policies and investments, more than 300Mt of SAF from biomass feedstocks could be produced annually by mid-century and around 200Mt from e-SAF.Enhancing the feedstock supply chain infrastructure, scaling up novel sources that meet sustainability criteria, and ensuring that the feedstocks identified for SAF production are made available to the air transport industry remain a major challenge.Other major challenges, according to IATA, are: Accelerating technology rollout to unlock new SAF production technologies, especially PtL, including reliable access to the low-cost renewable electricity, hydrogen, and carbon capture infrastructure, which are all required as part of the PtL production method.Achieving coordinated government policies to support innovation, and investment to create a fully functioning SAF market, unlocking new economic opportunities.Rallying regional leadership, with North America, Brazil, Europe, India, China, and Asean identified as key drivers of global SAF output.Activating the energy industry to invest in SAF production capacity, support technology commercialisation, and align their business strategies with global decarbonisation goals.IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh said: “We now have unequivocal evidence that if SAF production is prioritised then feedstock availability is not a barrier in the industry’s path to decarbonisation.“There is enough potential feedstock from sustainable sources to reach net zero carbon emissions in 2050. However, this will only be accomplished with a major acceleration of the SAF industry’s growth. We need shovels in the ground now.”“With this study it becomes clear that we can make SAF the solution it needs to be for aviation’s decarbonisation. The potential to turn SAF feedstock into real SAF production is in the hands of policymakers and business leaders, particularly in the energy sector.“The conclusion of this study is an urgent call to action. We have just 25 years to turn this proven potential into reality,” said Walsh.Industry analysts say hitting net-zero aviation by 2050 is huge, technically possible, but it won’t happen by accident.The industry must scale SAF fast, modernise fleets, squeeze out operational savings, build hydrogen and PtL capacity, and deploy robust policy and finance — all co-ordinated internationally and backed by strict sustainability and verification — to credibly reach net-zero by 2050.

Safety, sustainability and efficiency will be top on IATA’s priority list as the International Air Transport Association gets ready for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal from September 23 to October 3.ICAO has already accepted some 14 working papers authored by IATA covering a wide range of topics for the Assembly’s consideration.IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh noted, “IATA will be participating in the ICAO Assembly with safety, sustainability and efficiency at the top of our priority list. It is critical that we secure stronger support for SAF production and CORSIA as key enablers of aviation’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.“Equally, we need agreement to follow the principles and provisions of the Chicago Convention to avoid patchworks of debilitating tax measures and passenger rights regulations. And we must shore-up safety with timely accident reports, mitigations for GNSS interference and preservation of critical radio-frequency spectrum.”Global standards, many of which are developed by governments through ICAO, are crucial for safe, efficient and increasingly sustainable aviation operations worldwide.These standards are developed with the expertise and input of airline operators’ worldwide working with ICAO member states. The ICAO Assembly is a once-every-three-year opportunity for states to align on ICAO’s work programme as it addresses aviation’s most pressing issues.“The criticality of global standards to global aviation cannot be underestimated. I am optimistic for the outcomes of this Assembly. Everybody wants flying to be safe, efficient and more sustainable. So, we have a common agenda with governments. Indeed, many of our submissions to the Assembly are simply asking governments to more effectively implement what they have already agreed. The coming weeks in Montreal are essential to set the agenda, but even more important is the following three years of work to achieve what is agreed,” Walsh added.

Beyond the TarmacThe lack of adequate returns is one of the biggest barriers discouraging investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production globally.SAF is currently much more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel, often 2–5 times higher depending on the feedstock and technology.Without subsidies, price support, or guaranteed demand, investors face low or negative margins, according to industry analysts.IATA’s SVP of Sustainability and Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen noted investment is needed to fund new SAF production facilities and other sustainability initiatives.“Certainly, money is available if investors think the returns will be there. The amount of finance available to artificial intelligence development speaks to the deep pockets that investors have if they believe in a project.“But the truth is that oil is bringing in about a 20% return while renewable energy is lagging at 5%. Bridging that gap requires the right policies and incentives from regulators.”Thomsen said: “The good news is that solar and wind power have already shown the way forward. SAF needs a similar level of investment to these now-established energy markets so regulators should be aware of the constituents of a good policy.“The blueprint for success is there,” says Thomsen. “And it all fits together because this leads back to the idea of radical collaboration. This is not about giving money to aviation, it is about investing in the energy transition. SAF is just one part of the biofuel complex that will drive advances in renewable power.”IATA says the Asia-Pacific region is aviation’s fastest-growing market and notable for its SAF production opportunities. India, Malaysia, and Vietnam are just a selection of countries in the region that could play crucial roles in SAF production.China, meanwhile, has a strong record in strategic planning and is invariably successful in implementing those plans, often before deadline. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2060 with peak emissions occurring before 2030.A SAF pilot project in China has been extended. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)'s 14th Five-Year Plan calls for over 20,000 tons of SAF consumption in 2025 and a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research Centre to develop standards and a certification system has been established.It is reported that more than 3mn tonnes of SAF production is either planned or in construction.China’s ability to be a trend-setter in SAF is important as SAF will do the heavy lifting if aviation is to reach net-zero by 2050. But Thomsen emphasises that decarbonisation is not just an industry issue.Thomsen suggests that if individual industries try to find their own solution each one will fail. “But together it is possible to succeed,” she adds.“Aside from the economic implications, countries that are forward-looking in this area can achieve greater energy independence. Refineries produce a slew of products so when we talk about SAF production, it is important to remember this is a small share of refined output.“The majority of renewable refined products will benefit other industries. This means that helping airlines obtain sustainable aviation fuel will give most other industries greater access to renewable fuels.”While airlines and regulators are pushing for SAF adoption, the fact remains that the demand is still relatively small and fragmented. Investors worry that commitments may not translate into long-term offtake agreements at profitable prices.Building SAF plants requires billions in upfront investment, with long payback periods. If policy frameworks or incentives such as tax credits, blending mandates, or carbon pricing are unclear, investors may find the risk-return profile unattractive.Many SAF feedstocks (including waste oils, crops and biomass) have alternative uses — like renewable diesel, bio-based chemicals, or even food. These alternatives can offer better returns, drawing investment away from SAF, experts say.Clearly, inadequate returns discourage SAF investment, which is why many experts emphasise the need for a combination of policy incentives, carbon pricing, and long-term purchase commitments from airlines to make SAF commercially viable.

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) is participating in the 9th Aviation Africa Summit, organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), currently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. QCAA Acting President Mohamed Faleh al-Hajri is heading Qatar's delegation to the event, which began Thursday and will continue over two days. The summit addresses several key themes, including the future of the aviation industry in Africa, prospects for sector growth, sustainability, safety, risk assessment, and the challenges facing aviation. It also covers airport development and emerging technologies in the field. In his opening remarks during the 'Regional Cooperation' session, al-Hajri emphasized that the future of aviation in Africa hinges on enhanced co-operation between governments, regulatory bodies, and regional and international organizations. He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment as a strategic partner of AFCACto supporting such co-operation and working with African nations to build capacity and unlock the full potential of the continent’s aviation sector. Al-Hajri also highlighted Qatar's role in supporting Africa’s aviation agenda on the international stage, particularly through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He noted that the Qatar Airways network of passenger and cargo services plays a vital role in connecting Africa with the rest of the world, significantly contributing to air connectivity, as well as the promotion of trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. He concluded by stressing that Qatar's partnership with AFCAC and civil aviation authorities across African countries reflects not only its commitment to cooperation with the continent, but also its prominent role in shaping the future of global aviation.