Boeing, FAA Reportedly Review Wiring Issue On 737 MAX

Boeing Co (BA), who has been reeling under the impact of the two crashes related to the 737 Max, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration are reviewing a wiring issue that could potentially cause a short circuit on the aircraft, according to reports.

The 737 Max aircraft were grounded by airlines worldwide in March 2019 following two deadly crashes within a short span of five months that killed a total of 346 people.

The New York Times reported that Boeing’s internal audit, which conducted the review at the request of the FAA, found that two bundles of wiring are too close together, opening the potential for a short circuit.

Boeing is currently working to design separating the wiring bundles if necessary, the report said.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that the FAA is considering mandatory flight-simulator training before U.S. pilots can operate 737 MAX jets again. FAA earlier rejected such training mandates.

Last month, Boeing’s chief executive officer Dennis Muilenburg resigned, after he repeatedly failed to contain the fallout from the 737 MAX crashes.

New chief of China's Hong Kong liaison office hopes city returns to the 'right path'

• Luo Huining, 65, replaced Wang Zhimin, who had held the post since 2017.
• Reuters reported in November that Beijing was considering potential replacements for Wang, in a sign of dissatisfaction with the liaison office's handling of the crisis in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong has seen more than six months of pro-democracy protests which have sometimes turned violent.

The new head of China's liaison office in Hong Kong, the most senior mainland official based in the territory, said on Monday China was the strongest backer of the Asian financial hub, which he hoped would return to "the right path".

Luo Huining, 65, replaced Wang Zhimin, who had held the post since 2017.

In November, Reuters reported exclusively that Beijing was considering potential replacements for Wang, in a sign of dissatisfaction with the liaison office's handling of the crisis in Hong Kong, which has seen more than six months of pro-democracy protests.

The liaison office, which reports to China's State Council, or cabinet, is a platform for Beijing to project its influence in the city, and has faced criticism there and in mainland China for misjudging the situation in the Chinese-controlled territory.

‘1917’ Wins Top Golden Globe, Scrambling the Race for Oscars

The Golden Globes lived up to their reputation as Hollywood’s most unpredictable awards show.

“1917,” a World War I epic from director Sam Mendes and Universal Pictures, won the prize for best drama Sunday from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, inserting itself into an Oscar race just ahead of its wide release in theaters. Mendes also took home the prize for best director.

“1917” beat out four other movies, including three contenders from Netflix Inc.: “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes.” Netflix won just two prizes on the night, one for its TV show “The Crown” and another for “Marriage Story.”

But if any movie emerged as a frontrunner for the best-picture Oscar, it is Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” which won the Golden Globe for best film comedy. Tarantino also won best screenplay, while Brad Pitt, co-star of the Sony Corp. film, won for best supporting actor.

U.S. Condemns Move By Venezuela’s Ruling Party To Seize Congress

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced on Sunday a move by Venezuela’s ruling Socialist party to install a new head of Congress after armed troops blocked opposition legislators, including their leader Juan Guaido, from entering parliament.

Pompeo also congratulated Guaido on being re-elected president of the National Assembly, given the illegitimacy of the Socialists’ takeover, and said Washington continued to support him, the National Assembly and free and fair elections.

“I congratulate Juan Guaido on his re-election as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly and condemn the failed efforts of the former Maduro regime to negate the will of the democratically elected National Assembly,” Pompeo said in a statement.

Troops with riot shields blocked Guaido from entering parliament for what was expected to be his re-election as head of Congress, allowing President Nicolas Maduro’s party to hand the post to legislator Luis Parra. Parra was recently expelled by an opposition party over corruption allegations.

Opposition legislators quickly re-elected Guaido – who is recognized by dozens of nations as Venezuela’s rightful leader – in a session at the headquarters of a pro-opposition newspaper.

“Maduro continues to ignore the constitution and will of the Venezuelan people,” Pompeo added. “No regime thugs, no jail cells, and no bribery or intimidation can subvert the will of the Venezuelan people.”

Avation Plc In Preliminary Talks About Potential Sale Of Company – Quick Facts

Avation plc (AVAP.L) said its Board is undertaking a comprehensive review of the strategic options open to it in order to maximise value for shareholders. The Board has appointed Wells Fargo Securities as its financial adviser to assist with its review.

Avation plc noted that it is now considered to be in an offer period as defined in the Code of The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers. The company also confirmed that it is in preliminary discussions with one interested party about a potential sale of the company.