Congress members request repeal of refund rule affecting travel advisors
The Society has lobbied against the policy, which requires the merchant of record for airline tickets to refund customers if flights are canceled, regardless of whether they have the funds. While agencies are not often not the merchant of record for air sales, they are when they buy blocks of seats at wholesale prices and resell them with a markup.
Nine Republican members of the House of Representatives signed a letter to DOT secretary Sean Duffy urging a review of the policy. They are Beth Van Duyne (Texas), Mike Bost (Illinois), Scott DeJarlais (Tennessee), French Hill (Arkansas), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), Rich McCormick (Georgia), Maria Elvira Salazar (Florida), Pete Stauber (Minnesota) and Daniel Webster (Florida).
In the letter, the lawmakers wrote that since the rule went into effect last October, "travel agencies have been accountable for financial compliance in a situation they have no control over."
Constituents have reported the rule is "a substantial hardship for their small businesses," they added. "Travel advisors and agencies often operate on slim margins and the rule requires them to front capital they often do not have."
ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby said, "Requiring small business travel advisors to extend credit from their own pockets to pay airline refunds is a gross misplacement of responsibility that must be rectified, and I applaud these members of Congress for recognizing this inequity and taking our plight to new leadership at the DOT.
"Fixing this misguided rule remains ASTA's top policy priority, and the support of Congress will go a long way toward that goal."
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Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
[Latest] Global Naphthalene Derivative Market Size/Share Worth USD 10.52 Billion by 2034 at a 4.11% CAGR: Custom Market Insights (Analysis, Outlook, Leaders, Report, Trends, Forecast, Segmentation, Growth Rate, Value, SWOT Analysis)
[220+ Pages Latest Report] According to a market research study published by Custom Market Insights, the demand analysis of Global Naphthalene Derivative Market size & share revenue was valued at approximately USD 7.05 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.32 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 10.52 Billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.11% between 2025 and 2034. The key market players listed in the report with their sales, revenues and strategies are INEOS, Hikal Limited, Sinopec Corp., Reliance Industries Ltd., Jubilant Pharmova Limited, Solvay SA, Evonik Industries AG, Saudi Aramco, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., BASF S, Capitol Chemical Corporation, Merck KGaA and others. Austin, TX, USA, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled 'Naphthalene Derivative Market Size, Trends and Insights By Source (Coal Tar, Petroleum, Other), By Form (Liquid, Powder), By Derivative (Phthalic Anhydride, Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid, Naphthols, Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Others), By End User (Textile, Oil & Gas, Paints & Coatings, Pulp & Paper, Construction, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034' in its research database. 'According to the latest research study, the demand of the global Naphthalene Derivative Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 7.05 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.32 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 10.52 Billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.11% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.' Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Naphthalene Derivative Market @ Overview As per the industry experts at CMI, the naphthalene derivatives market is maturing rapidly, propelled by growing demand from construction, agrochemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Industry leaders such as INEOS, Hikal, Sinopec, and Reliance are increasing production volumes while implementing green chemistry practices designed to reduce their environmental impact. In North America emphasis falls on advanced downstream uses and production processes that align with evolving regulations. European companies stress REACH compliance, pursue bio-based substitutes and weave their products into broader sustainable infrastructure plans. Asia-Pacific producers are expanding local capacity and pouring resources into lower-toxicity formulas that meet both industrial demand and rapid urban growth. Across all regions circular-economy initiatives, ESG targets and strategic collaborations remain key engines of innovation and of the market's upward trajectory. Key Trends & Drivers Growth in the Textile Sector: Growth in the global Textile sector continues to reinforce the requirement for naphthalene derivatives used as building blocks in dyes and pigments. These chemicals deliver colour strength, light-fastness, and compatibility with synthetic fibres, making them essential as modern fabric finishing agents. In February 2023 Huntsman finalized the sale of its Textile Effects division to Archroma, a move that enlarged Archroma's portfolio and underscored the former segments strength. This kind of transaction illustrates how chemicals for textiles are gaining strategic weight within the larger specialty-chemicals industry. Moreover, across numerous emerging markets demand for high-performance, sustainable dyes continues to exceed available supply. Given that global clothing consumption is gradually increasing and that the industry is now placing a higher value on sustainable chemical input, it is not surprising that textiles continue to be a key consumer of naphthalene derivatives. In many emerging markets, demand for high-performance, eco-compliant dyes is still outpacing supply. As worldwide demand for clothing continues to rise, manufacturers increasingly seek consistent supplies of chemical precursors. For this reason, naphthalene derivatives remain a staple input in the textile value chain. Industrialisation in Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific bloc still absorbs the largest volume of naphthalene derivatives because living standards are rising, textile use is expanding, and sweeping infrastructure programs in India, Indonesia and similar markets are forging new demand. Construction activity is robust, chemical output is recovering, and consumers are buoyant across most of the region. Reflecting this trend, a joint venture announced in November 2022 will soon build a high-purity naphthalene plant in Indonesia, securing local feedstock and trimming import reliance. Request a Customized Copy of the Naphthalene Derivative Market Report @ That decision illustrates a broader industrial shift toward regionally anchored production. Asia-Pacific also enjoys relatively low operating costs, government incentives, and geographic closeness to major consumers. Demand from housing, transport, and textiles adds further momentum. Accordingly, the region maintains its position as the world's largest and fastest-growing market for these specialty chemicals. Focus on Water-Reducing Agents: Sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF) is now a cornerstone of concrete admixtures, helping contractors cut water content while keeping the mix workable. With architects looking for more sustainable and more efficient buildings, the role of specialty chemical formulations, in construction called additives, is continuing to increase. In March 2023 Vinati Organics announced VINPLAST-245, a new superplasticizer that is a high-performance admixture that helps facilitate the concrete-mixing process. By improving the durability of the overall material, delivery of the additive lowers the carbon footprint for every truckload that is placed on-site. Engineers worldwide-from bridge builders to high-rise contractors-now specify the sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde blend to secure green project ratings. Fast urban growth and smart-city plans are driving that trend, and specialists see the product staying at the forefront. Consequently, SNF has solidified its position as the flagship option within the naphthalene derivative family. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2025 USD 7.32 Billion Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 10.52 Billion Market Size in 2024 USD 7.05 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 4.11% CAGR Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Key Segment By Source, Form, Derivative, End User and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. (A free sample of the Naphthalene Derivative report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2024 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2025 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Naphthalene Derivative report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Naphthalene Derivative Market Report @ SWOT Analysis Strengths: The market for naphthalene derivatives enjoys broad use in construction, textiles, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, which fuels steady demand. Key intermediates such as superplasticizer SNF, phthalic anhydride, and naphthols serve high-volume segments where performance is critical. A well-established production network, concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, keeps supply reliable and costs competitive. Mature processing technologies, supported by extensive logistics, provide dominant suppliers a durable edge in pricing and responsiveness. Vertically integrated companies like INEOS and Sinopec control feedstock through to finished products, insulating profits against market swings. The chemical versatility of naphthalene derivatives opens pathways for advanced performance materials and specialty formulations. Collectively, these advantages drive consistent global growth and reinforce market resilience. Weaknesses: Even with a diverse customer base, the sector remains sensitive to fluctuations in coal tar and petroleum feedstock costs. Stringent regulations targeting VOC emissions and toxic by-products from some processes add layers of compliance expense. Smaller operators often struggle to meet sustainability benchmarks, which can narrow margins and limit investment. The slow evolution of bio-based substitutes keeps the industry anchored to fossil-derived feedstocks for the foreseeable future. Disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic revealed logistical chokepoints within global supply chains and highlighted just-in-time vulnerabilities. Furthermore, specialty derivatives demanding ultra-high purity raise capital and operational hurdles for many producers. Taken together, these challenges can decelerate innovation rates, particularly in regions with weaker regulatory oversight. Opportunities: Global infrastructure ramp-ups keep pushing the need for naphthalene-based superplasticizers in concrete, making the market positively hungry for the product. Concurrently, greener reformulation and green chemistry breakthroughs are opening up space for bio-derived or low-emission naphthalene alternatives. Early-stage economies in Latin America and Southeast Asia represent largely untouched construction and textiles demand just waiting to be cultivated. Greater research on high-performance niches, from industrial coatings to pharmaceutical-grade uses, broadens the funnel for value-added sales stories. Forming strategic alliances with technology and specialty chemical firms could fast-track that product development. Securing environmental certificates and staying ahead of ESG targets further sharpens competitiveness in tightening regulatory arenas. Taken together, these opportunities open new revenue channels and expand the company's global footprint. Threats: Harsh environmental rules, especially in Europe and North America, cast uncertainty on the future of coal-tar-derived grades and on the production processes that rely on them. At the same time, rival chemistries-polycarboxylate ethers and bio-based plasticizers-are becoming harder to ignore and harder to outsell. And because many feedstocks travel the crude-oil chain, wild fluctuations in crude prices inevitably wobble the cost structure of petroleum-derived raw materials and squeeze margins. Geopolitical friction and fresh trade barriers, from tariffs to export quotas, cloud forecasts and can abruptly change international supply-and-demand patterns. Project delays in infrastructure spending naturally pull through SNF volumes in the construction sector and stifle consumption. Moreover, consumers loud demands for biodegradable offerings may steer attention-and ultimately R&D dollars-away from traditional naphthalene chemistries. Collectively, these external headwinds risk putting long-term market stability on shaky ground. Request a Customized Copy of the Naphthalene Derivative Market Report @ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Naphthalene Derivative market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Naphthalene Derivative market forward? What are the Naphthalene Derivative Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Naphthalene Derivative Market caters to? What will be the fastest-growing segment or region? In the value chain, what role do essential players play? What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the Naphthalene Derivative market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2025−2034 Market Dynamics – Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation – A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape – Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Naphthalene Derivative Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ Regional Perspective The Naphthalene Derivative Market can be divided across different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This is a cursory overview of each region: North America: Growth across the North American naphthalene-derivative market comes primarily from the construction sector, the oil-and-gas industry, and specialty-chemical formulations, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly driving innovation and consumption. The region's advantages include robust research-and-development activity, clear regulatory pathways, and steady increases in public-works funding, particularly in sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde (SNF) superplasticizers and next-generation, environmentally friendly coatings. In May 2023 an American company introduced its next-generation superplasticiser specifically engineered for 3D-printed concrete used in highway projects, a move that highlights the growing industry preference for high-performance materials in modern infrastructure. Because regulators and investors are pressuring builders to adopt smarter, more sustainable solutions, analysts expect steady year-on-year growth in demand for advanced chemical admixtures. Additional momentum stems from new green-building codes and the increasing use of digital construction tools, both of which strengthen the case for these naphthalene derivatives. Europe: Europe's market for naphthalene derivatives is increasingly influenced by strict environmental rules, a push for sustainable practices, and rising demand from the automotive, coatings, and specialist construction industries. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are among the first major economies to replace traditional chemicals with greener alternatives that meet REACH rules and align with circular-economy goals. In June 2023 Vinati Organics received an EcoVadis Gold rating for its sodium naphthalene formaldehyde exports, reflecting that the market now favors responsibly produced, low-carbon materials. That accolade enhanced the firms visibility among suppliers throughout EU construction markets. In addition, green certifications, ESG targets, and low-VOC trends continue to nudge manufacturers toward cleaner formulations. By setting the worlds toughest standard, Europe remains the driving force behind industry innovation and market change. Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific remains the largest and fastest-growing market for naphthalene derivatives, a direction sustained primarily by China, India, and Southeast Asia. Their industrial push, rapid urbanization, and expanding textile production combine to increase demand year on year. The region not only manufactures these products at scale but also pioneers new downstream grades, evidence includes rising output of sodium naphthalene formaldehyde and phthalic anhydride. In March 2024 India commissioned a 200,000-ton-per-annum facility in Gujarat, improving the local supply of resins and plasticizers while gradually lowering imports. Chinese companies have meanwhile enlarged sodium naphthalene formaldehyde lines to service markets across Asia and into Africa. Cost-competitive production, supportive policy frameworks, and a broad internal customer base together cement the regions leadership position. The new production plants currently being planned are expected to sharpen the company's competitive edge and, at the same time, raise export volumes. LAMEA: Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are quickly becoming a lively market for naphthalene derivatives, thanks to major infrastructure projects, higher agricultural budgets, and greater use of these chemicals in oilfield operations. Brazil together with the Gulf Cooperation Council states now accounts for the lions share, applying the products to strengthen concrete, improve agrochemicals and create corrosion-resistant coatings. In November 2023 a Brazilian supplier rolled out an alkyl-naphthalene-sulfonate dispersant designed for pesticide mixes in soybean-growing regions, improving product stability in humid tropical weather. At the same time, Middle Eastern contractors are incorporating sodium-naphthalene-formaldehyde additives into landmark schemes like Saudi Arabias NEOM. Though regional output is still small, local demand is steady and gradually replacing imports as innovation centers take root. Request a Customized Copy of the Naphthalene Derivative Market Report @ (We customized your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customizing your report.) Still, Looking for More Information? Do OR Want Data for Inclusion in magazines, case studies, research papers, or Media? Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@ Browse the full 'Naphthalene Derivative Market Size, Trends and Insights By Source (Coal Tar, Petroleum, Other), By Form (Liquid, Powder), By Derivative (Phthalic Anhydride, Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid, Naphthols, Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Others), By End User (Textile, Oil & Gas, Paints & Coatings, Pulp & Paper, Construction, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034' Report at List of the prominent players in the Naphthalene Derivative Market: INEOS Hikal Limited Sinopec Corp. Reliance Industries Ltd. Jubilant Pharmova Limited Solvay SA Evonik Industries AG Saudi Aramco LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. BASF SE Capitol Chemical Corporation Merck KGaA Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Naphthalene Derivative Market @ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. Best price guarantee Free 35% or 60 hours of customization. Free post-sale service assistance. 25% discount on your next purchase. Service guarantees are available. Personalized market brief by author. Browse More Related Reports: : Propylene Oxide Market Size, Trends and Insights By Production Method (Propylene Oxidation, Chlorohydrin Process), By Application (Polyether Polyols, Propylene Glycol, Glycol Ethers, Specialty Surfactants, Others), By End User (Automotive, Construction, Packaging, Furniture and Bedding, Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 : Propylene Glycol Market Size, Trends and Insights By Source (Petroleum-based, Bio-based), By Grade (Industrial Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, Others), By End-Use Industry (Transportation, Building & construction, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 : Polypropylene Glycol Market Size, Trends and Insights By Grade (Industrial Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade), By Application (Polyurethane Production, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Lubricants & Hydraulic Fluids, Adhesives & Sealants, Food & Beverage), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 : Blue Ammonia Market Size, Trends and Insights By Technology (Steam Reforming, Autothermal Reforming, Glasification, Electrolysis), By Application (Fertilizer Production, Power Generation, Marine Fuel, Transportation Fuel), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 : Bio Based Propylene Glycol Market Size, Trends and Insights By Type (1,2-Propylene Glycol, 1,3-Propylene Glycol), By Application (Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR), Antifreeze & Coolants, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Food & Beverages, Others) and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 : Specialty Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Market Size, Trends and Insights By Material Type (Based Carboxylated, Bimodal), By Application (Printing Rubber Rollers, Extrusion & Calendering, Injection Molding, Adhesive, Sealant & Mastic, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 : Recycled Ocean Plastic Market Size, Trends and Insights By Source (Bottles, Fibers, Foams, Others), By Polymer Type (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyurethane (PUR)), By Industry (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Furniture, Aerospace and Defence), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034 The Naphthalene Derivative Market is segmented as follows: By Source Coal Tar Petroleum Other By Form Liquid Powder By Derivative Phthalic Anhydride Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Naphthols Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts Others By End User Textile Oil & Gas Paints & Coatings Pulp & Paper Construction Others Regional Coverage: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Rest of North America Europe Germany France U.K. Russia Italy Spain Netherlands Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea Taiwan Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America This Naphthalene Derivative Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to the following Questions. What Developments Are Going On in That Technology? Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Naphthalene Derivative Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information? What Was the Global Market Status of the Naphthalene Derivative Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Naphthalene Derivative Market? What Is the Current Market Status of the Naphthalene Derivative Industry? What's Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What's Market Analysis of Naphthalene Derivative Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Naphthalene Derivative Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports? What Is Naphthalene Derivative Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact On Naphthalene Derivative Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends? What Are Market Dynamics of Naphthalene Derivative Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Naphthalene Derivative Industry? Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Naphthalene Derivative Market @ Reasons to Purchase Naphthalene Derivative Market Report Naphthalene Derivative Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors. Naphthalene Derivative Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment. This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market. Naphthalene Derivative Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region. The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled. Extensive company profiles comprising company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players. The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions. Naphthalene Derivative Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the global Naphthalene Derivative market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole. Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth. Buy this Premium Naphthalene Derivative Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Naphthalene Derivative market analysis. The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Naphthalene Derivative market is covered in the report, as well as those companies' strategic product development ambitions. According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report offers comparable data for the important regions. For each segment mentioned above, actual market sizes and forecasts have been given. Who should buy this report? Participants and stakeholders worldwide Naphthalene Derivative market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Naphthalene Derivative industry. Managers in the Naphthalene Derivative sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Naphthalene Derivative market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Naphthalene Derivative products' market trends. Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans. Request a Customized Copy of the Naphthalene Derivative Market Report @ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work toward achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI offers a comprehensive solution, from data collection to investment advice. Our company's expert analysis digs out essential factors that help us understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts utilize client insights to inform strategies for estimating future declines, forecasting opportunities for growth, and conducting consumer surveys. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact Us: Joel John CMI Consulting LLC 1333, 701 Tillery Street Unit 12, Austin, TX, Travis, US, 78702 USA: +1 737-734-2707 India: +91 20 46022736 Email: support@ Web: Blog: Blog: Blog: Blog: Buy this Premium Naphthalene Derivative Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The 20-minute flight that became the world's first airplane hijacking
These days, travel between the harbor cities of Hong Kong and Macao takes an hour by high-speed ferry. But from 1948 to 1961, when the two were still colonies of European powers, wealthy tourists could opt for a brief trip by air. Miss Macao was not a beauty queen. She was a Consolidated Model 28 Catalina seaplane that whisked travelers from Portuguese-controlled Macao to British-controlled Hong Kong, a 20-minute trip. These jaunts were called 'cigarette flights,' since the duration was about the length of time needed to smoke one — and you could, since there were no rules against smoking on planes. Back then, getting on a plane 'was like taking a bus,' says Dan Porat, a history professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. If they could afford it, passengers could buy their tickets as they boarded the plane, with no need to book in advance. The Macau Air Transport Company, a now-defunct branch of Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific flagship airline, operated two of these Catalina 'flying boats.' As Macao didn't have an airport or land cleared for a runway, the planes could take off from its coastal waters. Flying became a popular option for businessmen going between the two cities, especially those who were bringing in items like gold, since Macao was the only open gold market in East Asia at the time. But then, on July 16, 1948, Miss Macao failed to arrive at Hong Kong's Kai Tak airport. Officials in Hong Kong quickly sounded the alarm, and local police began searching the waters between the two cities. The only survivor, a 24-year-old Chinese rice farmer named Wong Yu, was rescued by a fisherman and taken to the hospital in Macao. According to multiple news reports at the time, one of Wong's legs was broken, and he was wearing a life jacket he'd managed to grab as the plane descended. Although Wong claimed to be an ordinary passenger and explained that the plane had exploded in midair, inconsistencies in his story and his questionable behavior — including trying to escape from the hospital — led authorities and the press to a different explanation: The Miss Macao crashed into the sea while being taken over by 'air pirates,' an incident that the China Mail, a Hong Kong English-language newspaper, called 'unparalleled in the history of aviation.' On the day it last took off, Miss Macao had two pilots in the cockpit: American captain Dale Cramer and Australian first officer Ken McDuff, both former military airmen. In total, there were 27 people on board: along with 24 passengers, there was a single flight attendant, Delca da Costa, a Portuguese national from Macao who was also McDuff's girlfriend. Four of the passengers, though, had no intention of going to Hong Kong. In a confession, Wong said that he and three fellow would-be thieves had sold everything they owned to buy the tickets, figuring that the proceeds from the crime would be worth it. As historian Luis Andrade de Sa explains in his book 'Aviation in Macau: One Hundred Years of Adventure,' shortly after the plane took off from Macao, the four hijackers quickly sprang into action, with one storming into the cockpit and demanding that the pilots surrender control of the aircraft. According to multiple historical accounts, the lead hijacker, Chiu Tok, had taken flying lessons in Manila and planned to take over captaining the plane once the pilots were subdued. However, he hadn't anticipated that Cramer would refuse to let go of the controls, nor that there would be resistance in the main cabin. As one passenger tussled with a hijacker, a gun went off. McDuff swung at Chiu Tok with an iron bar. The hijackers shot both pilots, and Cramer's body landed on the plane's joystick control, sending the aircraft plummeting into the South China Sea. An August 1948 article in Time magazine described the scene in colorful language, writing that the four hijackers 'looked hungrily' at the rich passengers they were targeting. Wong was picked up by a local boat and treated for his injuries. His story about surviving a midair explosion was quickly disproven when pieces of Miss Macao's wreckage were recovered, punctured by bullet holes. Getting the true account of events out of Wong wouldn't be easy. He was in poor physical and mental health, so police were reluctant to use harsh interrogation. Instead, they came up with an unorthodox plan: they filled the hospital with sleeper agents. Dozens of Chinese-speaking undercover police officers posing as patients were tasked with befriending Wong, and they eventually got him to admit what really happened on board Miss Macao. He confessed that the plan had been for the hijackers to seize control of the plane and redirect it to a town in Guangdong province in southern China, where the passengers and crew would be robbed of their valuables and then held for ransom. No one was supposed to die. The hijacking of the Miss Macao was so novel that no one had ever applied the word 'hijacking' to such a situation — press at the time called it 'air piracy.' The concept of scanning passengers with a metal detector before they boarded a plane was still decades away. Only the most cursory of security checks were carried out, with some items of luggage opened and searched. The hijackers had prepared for that — they'd tied their guns to their legs with black string, and the China Mail newspaper reported at the time that one had hidden bullets in the hollowed-out sole of his shoe. Although Wong eventually told the full story of what happened on board Miss Macao, there was confusion over how to prosecute him — and who would do it. Portuguese authorities in Macao said that because the plane was owned by a British company, Wong's trial would need to take place in Hong Kong. But because the hijackers were all Chinese, British officials in Hong Kong said the case was not in their jurisdiction either. Finally, in 1951, Wong was deported from Macao to mainland China, where he died not long after, at the age of 27. He never stood trial for robbery, murder or piracy. As for the two former colonial cities, their own air travel industries blossomed in the decades to come. Hong Kong became one of the world's biggest air hubs as its economy grew in the late 20th century. The city became a financial capital and the gateway to mainland China. It outgrew Kai Tak Airport, which closed in 1998 and was replaced with the larger Hong Kong International, which is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world. Meanwhile, Macao International Airport opened in 1995. These days, the airport has a small exhibit about important aviation stories that happened there — including the hijacking of the Miss Macao. The story of the Hong Kong-Macao hijacking quickly fell out of newspapers. Many people in the nascent commercial aviation industry saw it as a terrible one-off and didn't believe that plane hijacking — or skyjacking as it was called at the peak of its popularity — would become commonplace. There was also a fear that too much coverage of the story would scare off would-be flyers. When the United States established the Federal Aviation Administration in 1958 to regulate air travel, the legislation made no mention of preventing skyjacking, a sign that it was still not seen as a significant issue. But the social unrest of the years that followed, and the growth and increasing affordability of air travel, changed all that, historians say. From 1968 to 1972, the airlines went through what became known as the 'golden age of hijacking,' a phrase popularized by Brendan I. Koerner in his book 'The Skies Belong to Us.' 'Every five and a half days, there was a hijacking,' says Porat, the history professor. 'This is the time where the industry is trying to develop. And basically, (hijacking) becomes a threat.' Some of the incidents followed the same plan as the Miss Macao incident — a group of hijackers would take over the plane, land it in a third location, rob the prisoners, and hold the passengers and/or the plane for ransom. Other hijackers claimed political reasons for taking over airplanes, demanding passage to North Vietnam, Algeria or Cuba, all of which were at odds with the United States. It happened the other way in a few cases, too. Individuals from countries behind the Iron Curtain — often members of the flight crew — would demand to be flown to a non-communist nation where they could claim political asylum. Hijacking became so common that airline head offices kept large amounts of cash on hand in case they needed to fork it over to a would-be hijacker, Koerner explains in his book. William Landes, a US economist and emeritus professor at the University of Chicago Law School, estimates that during this so-called 'golden age,' hijackings cost the aviation industry $219,221 per passenger. According to Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Porat, the hijacking of a 1968 plane by Palestinian militants was 'largely agreed upon in scholarly circles to be the first international act of international terrorism (via) the hijacking of a plane.' Three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine took over El Al Flight 426, which was traveling from Rome to Israel, and diverted the plane to Algeria. The non-Israeli passengers and crew were allowed to leave and board a plane to France, while 40 male Israelis were held for 40 days before being released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Although everyone on board El Al 426 survived, skyjackings had become too big to ignore. The cost to airlines was astronomical, and industry executives were fed up. As Koerner puts it, 'By the end of 1972, the skyjackers had become so reckless, so dismissive of human life, that the airlines and the federal government had no choice but to turn every airport into a miniature police state.' Porat agrees. Although there was initially pushback from travelers, there had been enough high-profile hijackings that safety had become a significant concern. And they acquiesced, agreeing to walk through metal detectors, have their luggage X-rayed, and more. 'We're so used to this being searched thing that it's quite incredible,' Porat says. In 1970, the UN Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, a multilateral agreement to proscribe and punish the hijacking of planes, was approved at The Hague. It called hijackings 'a matter of grave concern,' adding that 'unlawful acts of seizure or exercise of control of aircraft in flight jeopardize the safety of persons and property, seriously affect the operation of air services, and undermine the confidence of the peoples of the world in the safety of civil aviation.' In 1971, US President Richard Nixon appointed Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. the country's first — and so far only — 'hijacking czar.' Davis wanted to impose strict screening procedures at airports but was met with pushback from the aviation industry, which believed that passengers would balk at the rules and give up on air travel. Still, in 1973, Nixon introduced mandatory metal detector screenings for all passengers in the United States and X-rays for all bags. And the 9/11 attacks, closely followed by the attempted bombing of a Paris-to-Miami flight with explosives hidden in a shoe, brought on the familiar grueling security checks of today — none of which, for all the industry's fears in the Nixon era, discouraged the public from flying. What happened on the Miss Macao was not a singular story. It was the first of many aviation incidents that would transform the way humans travel by air. Before 'the golden age of hijacking' or the September 11, 2001 attacks, one nearly forgotten seaplane set a new age of aviation into motion.
