EU to end antitrust exemption for cargo shipping starting 2024: Cargo shipping companies will no longer benefit from the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER) starting April 2024, Hellenic Shipping News reports, citing EU antitrust regulators. The exemption allowed shipping companies with a combined market share below 30% to join together to offer cargo transport services, provided they did not set prices or divide markets among themselves. “Given the small number and profile of consortia falling within the scope of the CBER, the CBER brings limited compliance cost savings to carriers and plays a secondary role in carriers’ decision to cooperate,” the outlet quoted an EU executive as saying.

Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft deliveries plummeted to their lowest level in over two years in Septemberdue to a string of issues at a major supplier, The Wall Street Journal reports. Production of the company's best-selling jet is operating at 50% of the company’s target due to several production disruptions. The most recent issue is the discovery of misdrilled holes on the 737 MAX 8 aft pressure bulkheads. The USD 100 mn jet accounts for the lion’s share of the company’s production.

Despite Boeing's earlier projection of producing an average of 38 new 737s monthly, only 22 were made in September, according to data from research firm Aero Analysis Partners/AIR. Earlier this week, Boeing announced that it shipped 15 new 737 aircraft to global airlines in September, marking the lowest monthly figure since sending out 11 planes in May 2021. The delays have affected several airline customers’ ability to expand their services amid the post-pandemic travel rebound. Boeing and Airbus are grappling with supply and worker shortages and order backlogs. Airbus, however, has maintained its lead in aircraft deliveries with 55 jets delivered in September.

Tags: