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Air Transat Faces Flight Suspensions Amid Pilot Strike Notice

  Air Transat has announced it will gradually suspend flights starting Monday following a 72-hour strike notice issued by its pilots’ union. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing roughly 700 pilots, delivered the notice after nearly a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the airline’s parent company, Transat A.T. Inc. Background The union filed the strike notice on Sunday, giving pilots the legal right to walk off the job as early as Wednesday. Last week, pilots voted 99% in favor of strike action , underscoring their frustration over stalled contract talks. ALPA leaders emphasized that pilots do not want to strike but feel compelled to act after management failed to meet demands for a modernized agreement. Airline Response Air Transat confirmed it will begin suspending flights gradually between December 8 and 9 to prepare for a possible full shutdown. The company stated it is working “around the clock” to reach a deal and minimize disruption for trave...
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Beijing Strikes Back: China Imposes New Port Fees on U.S. Vessels

US President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with China's President Xi Jinping during the G20 leaders summit in 2019.



China has announced it will impose additional port fees on U.S.-linked vessels beginning October 14, in a direct response to Washington’s decision to levy similar charges on Chinese ships.

According to China’s Ministry of Transport, the new fees will apply to vessels owned or operated by American companies or individuals, as well as ships built in the United States or flying the U.S. flag. The charges will be assessed per voyage, with rates set to rise annually through 2028.

The move mirrors U.S. measures that will require Chinese-built or operated ships to pay fees at their first American port of call. Analysts warn that the tit-for-tat escalation could significantly increase costs for global shipping companies, with some fees potentially exceeding $1 million for large container vessels.

The announcement comes amid heightened trade tensions, with both sides signaling a willingness to expand economic pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump has also threatened further tariff hikes on Chinese imports, while Beijing has hinted at tighter export controls on rare earth materials.

Industry experts caution that the standoff could disrupt supply chains and add new volatility to global trade, particularly as both nations prepare for upcoming negotiations.



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