India orders airlines to check fuel switches on Boeing jets after deadly crash
South Korea said it would also order a similar measure, despite Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) telling airlines and regulators in recent days that the locks were safe.
A preliminary report into the Air India jet crash, which killed 260 people, found the switches had almost simultaneously flipped from the run position to cut-off shortly after take-off.
The report noted a 2018 advisory from the FAA, which recommended but did not mandate operators of several Boeing models, including the 787, to inspect the locking feature of the switches to ensure they could not be moved accidentally.
In an internal memo on Monday, local time, Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson said the investigation into the crash was far from over, with a final report expected within a year.
"The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions," he said.
India's directorate general of civil aviation said it had issued an order to investigate locks on several Boeing models including 787s and 737s, after several Indian and international airlines began making their own inspections of fuel switches.
The regulator oversees the world's third-largest and fastest-growing aviation market, with Boeing aircraft used by three of the country's four largest airlines.
A spokesperson for the South Korean transport ministry said checks there were in line with the 2018 advisory from the FAA, but it did not give a timeline on when they would be completed.
Boeing referred questions from Reuters to the FAA, which was not immediately available to comment outside regular hours.
Some other global airlines have been weighing their own inspections or begun their own checks.
In a statement, Japan's JAL said safety was its top priority.
"We are closely monitoring the investigation into the incident and will implement any necessary inspections based on its findings," it said.
Air India Group started checking the locking mechanism on the fuel switches of its Boeing 787 and 737 fleets over the weekend and had discovered no problems yet, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
About half of the group's 787s have been inspected and nearly all of its 737s, the source added, saying inspections were set to be completed in the next day or two.
On Sunday, Reuters reported that Boeing and the FAA privately issued notifications to airlines and regulators that the fuel switch locks on Boeing planes were safe and checks were not required.
The Air India crash preliminary report said the airline had not carried out the FAA's suggested inspections because the FAA's 2018 advisory was not a mandate.
It also said maintenance records showed that the throttle control module, which includes the fuel switches, was replaced in 2019 and 2023 on the plane involved in the crash.
ABC/Reuters
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
an hour ago
- SBS Australia
'Bullying, yelling, sexual harassment, underpaid': study finds one in three young workers are ripped off
Deshal Patel moved to Australia from India for higher education, and sought part-time work to get through her studies. Her first job at a jewellery store paid well below the minimum wage. "I was getting paid $13 an hour. I was getting paid in cash, obviously there was no superannuation or penalty rates when I worked over the weekends. My other co-workers were also getting paid the same rate and we didn't have any formal contract or anything like that." In total, Ms Patel says she worked seven jobs where she was underpaid, and in some cases, mistreated. "Bullying, harassment or your employers yelling at you. I also experienced sexual harassment at some of the workplaces, and my experience is not an isolated incident. I know a lot of my friends, peers and co-workers have experienced something very similar. I hear the story again and again, so I would say this is a widespread problem and not an isolated experience." Ms Patel is among the one in three young workers who have been ripped off by employers, according to a new study. Its co-author is Professor John Howe from Melbourne University's Law School. He says young migrants are among the most vulnerable to workplace exploitation. "So if you're on a visa, then you might be worried, whether rightly or not, about losing that visa if you make a complaint. In the case of people from a non-English speaking background, if their English is not great, they may not understand their rights or may not feel confident enough to raise an issue let alone make a complaint." In a survey of more than 2,800 workers under 30, the study found a third of respondents were paid $15 per hour or less. 36 per cent weren't allowed to take breaks they were entitled to, while a similar number, 34 per cent, weren't paid for trial shift work. As many as 60 per cent had to pay for work-related uniforms, equipment and training. "The report's damning but certainly not surprising." Yolanda Robson is director of the Melbourne-based Young Workers Centre, which has spoken to more than 65,000 young people during outreach programs. "If you are a person who identifies as young or queer or coming from a migrant background, then we know you're inherently more at risk of workplace exploitation. That is just fact, that you are over-represented and more likely to be injured at work, taken advantage of, bullied, discriminated on the job. We see it all the time at the Young Workers Centre." And for young people who have recently entered the workforce, she has this message: "Getting taken advantage of doesn't build resilience. What builds resilience is knowing what your rights are and actually going about asserting them with your fellow co-workers. That's what builds resilience, not being exploited." Desha Patel says migrants like her are particularly vulnerable, and she's calling for greater action to stop workplace exploitation. "I really hope to see some systemic changes where these employers are held accountable and we can actually prevent wage theft and harassment in the first place. The onus shouldn't be on workers to hold these employers accountable. We already have these laws. I wish the government and other agencies work together to better implement these laws." In a statement to SBS, a spokesperson for the Fair Work Ombudsman says it proactively checks employers are doing the right thing, and prioritises education and assistance for vulnerable young workers.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Global shares gain before key US earnings and data
Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session. Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session. Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session. Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Major airline drops huge sale, new route
Jetstar is celebrating its expansion into the Philippines with the launch of two direct routes from Brisbane and Perth, with flights starting at $188. From November 27, the budget airline will offer year-round flights direct from Perth to the Manila, with seasonal flights direct from Brisbane to Cebu launching from December 3. Starting at midday Tuesday, Jetstar will offer sale one-way fares from Brisbane to Cebu from $188, and one-way fares from Perth to Manila from $199. The sale for tickets for Brisbane to Cebu will end at 12pm on July 16, while the discounted fares from Perth to Manila will end on Friday July 18 unless sold out prior and excluding checked bags. Jetstar will debut its new services to the Philippines from November. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NCA NewsWire The services will operate three times a week, using the new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which the airline said is quieter and more fuel-efficient. As part of the expansion, Jetstar will redeploy its wide-bodied Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR and A320neo aircraft. The expansion into the Philippines is an 'exciting milestone' for the airline, Jetstar Group chief executive Stephanie Tully said. 'From the pristine beaches of Cebu to the vibrant energy of Manila, these new routes offer greater value options for an overseas holiday,' she said. 'As demand for low-cost international travel continues to grow, our pipeline of new aircraft is helping us deliver even more low fares to new destinations – so our customers can take off more, for less.' The airline has launched a sale as part of its expansion. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Brisbane Airport chief executive officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said the new flight path 'strengthens important ties for Queensland's large Filipino community' and makes it easier for families to reconnect 'while boosting trade and business between two regions'. 'We know Queenslanders love to experience new destinations and Cebu will deliver in spades with gorgeous islands and people, rich Spanish colonial history, and vibrant street food culture, it is a tropical getaway waiting to be discovered,' he said. 'This new route marks Brisbane Airport's 34th direct international connection, which is the most ever, continuing our commitment to expanding travel opportunities and bringing the world closer to Queensland.'
