wow laki trinhil National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen speaks at a news conference in Taipei yesterday.Photo: Chang Chia-ming, Taipei Times SECURITY:Taiwan is in talks with Amazon about collaborating on Kuiper broadband communication satellites to harden its telecommunications infrastructure in a potential conflict with China By Jonathan Chin / Staff writer, with CNA 請繼續往下閱讀... Taiwan is launching the “Chip Team Taiwan” initiative to forge robotics, drones and space industry supply chains to decrease dependence on China, National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) said yesterday. Wu made the remarks at a news conference marking the conclusion of the 12th quadrennial National Science and Technology Conference in Taipei. The integration of semiconductor manufacturing would boost the indigenous tech and defense sector’s growth, he said. 請繼續往下閱讀... Taiwan has achieved a lot in terms of manufacturing of chips, but lacks the innovation necessary for sustaining industrial capabilities, which are key to resilience, including sovereign artificial intelligence drones and space tech, he said. Under the Chip Team Taiwan initiative, chipmakers would join forces to accomplish the nation’s smart tech, innovative economy, social balance and net zero carbon emission goals, he said. The initiative is to focus on improving the capability to develop drones, the space industry, communications satellites and multi-functional robots, he said. The government’s priority is to supply chips to meet national defense and security needs, especially in drones, while plans for robotics would be disclosed in a few months, he said. The nation’s semiconductor sector should dedicate more of its production to meet domestic needs instead of catering to foreign clients, he said. Trade partners should rest assured that Taiwan is committed to secure and resilient supply chains not dependent on parts supplied by China, Wu said, adding that the team’s corporate members would be disclosed later. Separately, Reuters yesterday reported that Taiwan is engaged in talks with Amazon.com about collaborating on the tech giant’s Kuiper constellation of broadband communications satellites. The negotiations are part of Taipei’s effort to harden its telecommunications infrastructure in a potential conflict with China, akin to Ukraine’s defensive use of SpaceX’s Starlink network against Russia’s invasion, it said, citing Wu. A Ministry of Digital Affairs spokesperson said Taiwan is considering a partnership with Amazon, but the talks are still in the early stages. Amazon is one of the service providers that could potentially meet Taiwan’s national security and performance requirements, they said, adding that redundancies are necessary for a resilient communications infrastructure. The ministry is carrying out a program to establish a non-geostationary satellite communications network consisting of 773 stations for national defense and emergency response, they said. Eutelsat OneWeb and SES-operated satellites form the network’s backbone, they said, adding that the ministry aims to achieve 24-hour coverage by the end of the year. The program’s success is crucial for maintaining the nation’s military and political command during contingencies, they added. The news of Taiwan holding talks with Amazon came after reports dating back months suggesting a rift between the nation’s officials and SpaceX chief executive officer Elon Musk, a close ally of US president-elect Donald Trump. In February, the US House of Representatives Committee on China demanded that Musk ensure US troops in Taiwan can use Starshield, the military version of Starlink, after multiple sources told a congressional committee that SpaceX had denied service to the nation. Last month, Musk allegedly asked Taiwan-based suppliers to move manufacturing abroad, citing “geopolitical concerns,” the Guardian said in a report. Additional reporting by Reuters 新聞來源: TAIPEI TIMES 不用抽 不用搶 現在用APP看新聞 保證天天中獎 點我下載APP 按我看活動辦法

I’M A Celebrity's stars suffered a raging hangovers after their boozy party as Danny Jones joked one of his campmates can join McFly. The cast went wild as they received a surprise boozy trip out of camp during yesterday's installment. 5 I’m A Celebrity's stars suffered raging hangovers after their boozy party Credit: ITV 5 Melvin Odoom looked a little worse for wear Credit: ITV 5 Danny Jones jokingly offered GK Barry a place in McFly after hearing her singing abilities Credit: ITV But, after a night at the Jungle Arms, they woke up feeling a little worse for wear. Oti told the Bush Telegraph: “I only had two glasses but I felt like I had a rough night! Everyone is waking up with hangovers, we’re all hanging this morning.” However, the campmates were in high spirits, as they reflected on the night before. Danny said to GK about her singing ability: “I’ve already spoken to your agent, you’re booked on for next year.” Adding: “You’re gonna replace Tom for a bit.” more on I’m A Celebrity Reality Check Fake rocks and security - Jane Moore spills I’m A Celebrity’s secrets Maura said of her Celine Dion rendition: “There’s a lot of jealousy down in camp this morning, I think a few of them might be threatened over my success as a singer when I leave here.” Reflecting on the day’s vote off result, Danny said: “We’re all feeling quite positive about today because, to end in the Jungle Arms, it’s such a high to go out on!” In last night's episode, Maura Higgins delivered the news that they had a chance to visit the Jungle Arms. Excited, the group were left wondering what they would have to do to gain entry. Most read in Reality exit error I'm A Celebrity suffers very awkward tech blunder after Melvin's exit Alan Alone Alan Halsall admits he’s gutted to lose I’m A Celeb ‘wife’ Tulisa after eviction 'DISGUSTED' Wallace thrust groin at my face THREE TIMES on Masterchef, says contestant Mum Warns I'm A Celeb star Maura Higgins' mum sends strict warning to Pete Wicks Former Love Island star Maura said: "I'm telling you now, I will go to lengths to get my glass of wine, you watch." Echoing a similar sentiment, social media star GK Barry declared: "Let's get a glass of prosecco! I've never walked so fast in my life." Maura Higgins breaks silence on romance with Pete Wicks on I'm A Celeb with major confession time stamp Afterwards, the nine campmates arrived at the Kangaroo Court challenge area. They found a seating area, a DJ booth and three dance booths. To win their place in the Jungle Arms, they had to take part in a game of Jungle Musical Statues. Hosted by Kiosk Kev, the campmates split up into groups of three. Kev played tracks from "Jungle on the Dance Floor" as the celebrities entered the dance booths. In a twist on musical statues, they needed to strike the correct dance pose and hold for ten seconds. Both Maura and GK were respectively put off by critters - putting their treat in jeopardy. While things generally didn't to go plan at first after failed attempts. But by the end, all nine campmates successfully won a place in The Jungle Arms. The thrilled group received a buffet of pizza and chips, accompanied with a drink of their choice. Music was also provided, thanks to a guitar, keyboard and a microphone for singing. In a fun twist, GK Barry sang McFly's Obviously - in front of campmate Danny Jones. The line-up also had a group singalong of The Communards' Don't Leave Me This Way. Of course, campmate Reverend Richard Coles was a member of the 1980s band. Maura took on Celine Dion's power ballad It's All Coming Back To Me Now. Laughing, the reality star quipped: "Celine is going to be obsessed with me!" Danny tackled Livin On A Prayer, while Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse sang I Have Nothing. Melvin Odoom treated his co-stars to a rendition of classic tune Hey Ya, with the group dancing along. Read more on the Scottish Sun DECEMBER MISERY Scots face blizzards and travel chaos as weather map reveals 75mph storm CHOC OFF Mums fume at Poundland’s ‘rotten’ advent calendar they thought was ‘for dogs’ I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here continues nightly at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." 5 I'm A Celeb's campmates paid a visit to the Jungle Arms last night Credit: ITV 5 The celebs were determined to reach the Jungle Arms Credit: ITV

Wien, Austria, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurora Finanzen , a rapidly growing trading platform specializing in delivering high-impact results for German investors, has officially cemented its position as the leading choice for crypto and financial trading in 2024. With a combination of cutting-edge technology, AI-driven trading tools, and an unmatched commitment to client success, Aurora Finanzen is setting a new standard in the trading industry. The Announcement: Leading the Trading Revolution In a bold move that has captured the attention of the trading community, Aurora Finanzen announced record-breaking performance metrics for the year. With an average success rate exceeding 95% in its advanced algorithmic trading strategies and a growing user base of satisfied investors, the platform has effectively outpaced its competitors. The company's zero-fee structure and state-of-the-art AI-powered tools have been pivotal in attracting both seasoned and novice traders. Aurora Finanzen has reported a 200% increase in active users over the past year, a milestone attributed to its user-friendly platform and the promise of delivering consistent returns even in volatile markets. " Aurora Finanzen 's success is a direct result of our relentless focus on innovation and client satisfaction,” said the company's CEO. "We are proud to offer German investors a platform that not only simplifies trading but also delivers consistent, high-value returns. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of the industry by continuously raising the bar.” Relevance in Today's Market Aurora Finanzen's performance comes at a time when market uncertainty and economic challenges have made investors more cautious about their financial choices. The platform's ability to navigate these challenges with precision and deliver profitability has positioned it as a trusted partner for traders seeking stability and growth. What sets Aurora Finanzen apart is its tailored approach to trading. The platform leverages advanced machine learning and AI algorithms to provide actionable market insights, helping users make informed decisions quickly. This technological edge ensures that clients can capitalize on opportunities in real-time, maximizing their potential for success. Moreover, Aurora Finanzen 's zero-fee structure eliminates a significant barrier for traders, making the platform accessible to all. By removing hidden costs, the company allows users to retain more of their profits-a key factor driving its popularity in Germany. Expert Insights and Client-Centered Approach The company's leadership emphasizes the importance of combining advanced technology with a personalized trading experience. "While technology is at the heart of our platform, our real strength lies in understanding the needs of our clients,” the CEO added. "Our team is dedicated to providing tools and resources that empower investors to achieve their financial goals, no matter their level of experience.” Aurora Finanzen's success stories highlight its ability to deliver results. From beginner traders experiencing their first significant profits to professional investors scaling their portfolios with ease, the platform has proven to be a game-changer in the industry. Its innovative AI tools have been credited with enabling users to identify lucrative opportunities and mitigate risks effectively. One long-term user shared, " Aurora Finanzen has completely transformed the way I approach trading. The platform's AI tools are incredibly accurate, and I've been able to see consistent growth in my investments. It's by far the best trading platform I've ever used.” Staying Ahead of the Competition Aurora Finanzen's rise to the top is no accident. The company continuously invests in research and development, ensuring that its platform evolves to meet the demands of an ever-changing market. By staying ahead of industry trends and incorporating client feedback, Aurora Finanzen remains uniquely positioned to outperform its competitors. Key features that have driven the company's success include: Aurora Finanzen invites investors across Germany to experience the future of trading. Whether you're a seasoned trader looking to scale your portfolio or a beginner eager to make your first trade, Aurora Finanzen provides the tools, insights, and support needed to succeed in today's fast-paced market. About Aurora Finanzen Aurora Finanzen is a leading trading platform specializing in AI-driven solutions for crypto and financial markets. Committed to empowering clients with innovative tools and unparalleled support, Aurora Finanzen has become Germany's top choice for trading success. Disclaimer: Trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary. Aurora Finanzen does not guarantee profits and is not responsible for losses incurred through trading activities. CONTACT: Sophia Becker aurorafinanzen sophia-at-aurorafinanzenbot.com

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Pak Navy inducts offshore patrol vessel Yamama into fleet Vice Admiral highlights additional set of capabilities that PNS YAMAMA brings to Pakistan Navy’s operations Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi (5th right in 1st row) in a group photo along with commissioning crew onboard newly commissioned Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS YAMAMA, at Constanta Port, Romania on December 18, 2024. — Facebook@PakistanNavy ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS YAMAMA, at Constanta Port, Romania. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi who was chief guest on the occasion, handed over the traditional Scroll to the Commanding Officer of PNS YAMAMA. Deputy Fleet Commander of the Romanian Navy, Rear Admiral Marian Ciobotaru, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania, Arshad Jaan Pathan, were also present on the occasion. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Guest emphasized the significance of this project and highlighted the additional set of capabilities that PNS YAMAMA brings to the Pakistan Navy’s sphere of operations. He further stated that these platforms are designed to enhance the full spectrum of the Navy’s maritime operations. Earlier this year, the Pakistan Navy inducted the first ship of OPV Batch II into its fleet on September 6. Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi commended the exceptional professionalism and dedication of DAMEN Shipyards and expressed confidence in the prospects of future cooperation in delivering cutting-edge technologies to the Pakistan Navy.Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. ( NYSE:FCPT – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, November 11th, Zacks Dividends reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.355 per share by the financial services provider on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. This is a boost from Four Corners Property Trust’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. Four Corners Property Trust has increased its dividend by an average of 3.6% annually over the last three years. Four Corners Property Trust has a dividend payout ratio of 123.5% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Four Corners Property Trust to earn $1.70 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.42 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 83.5%. Four Corners Property Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:FCPT opened at $27.45 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $28.43 and a 200-day moving average of $27.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a current ratio of 0.17. Four Corners Property Trust has a twelve month low of $22.38 and a twelve month high of $30.93. The firm has a market cap of $2.66 billion, a PE ratio of 25.65 and a beta of 1.12. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on FCPT. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Four Corners Property Trust in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $33.00 price objective for the company. Wells Fargo & Company restated an “overweight” rating and set a $32.00 target price (up previously from $28.00) on shares of Four Corners Property Trust in a research report on Tuesday, October 1st. JMP Securities reiterated a “market perform” rating on shares of Four Corners Property Trust in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Finally, Barclays initiated coverage on Four Corners Property Trust in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $31.00 price objective for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Four Corners Property Trust presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $30.60. Check Out Our Latest Report on Four Corners Property Trust About Four Corners Property Trust ( Get Free Report ) FCPT, headquartered in Mill Valley, CA, is a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership, acquisition and leasing of restaurant and retail properties. The Company seeks to grow its portfolio by acquiring additional real estate to lease, on a net basis, for use in the restaurant and retail industries. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Four Corners Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Four Corners Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Dalfa Cattle Show from Jan 17 A person holding the leash of a cow. — Facebook@dalfapak/File KARACHI: The fourth edition of the Dalfa Cattle Show will take place from January 17-19 at the Expo Centre here in Karachi. A briefing in this regard was held at the Governor House which was attended by key stakeholders from agriculture and livestock sectors. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); In his message, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori discussed the importance of public-private partnerships for economic stability and urged innovation in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He highlighted that such initiatives are vital for the growth and development of the national economy.CEO of Badar Expo Zohair Naseer, while addressing the event, reflected on the journey of the Dalfa Expo and Cattle Show. He noted, “We started with just 12 exhibitors, and now, with the support of the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan, we have grown to over 200 exhibitors.” He further revealed that this year, they aim to target African markets, with over 30 exhibitors from countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Ethiopia joining the show. “This will open new opportunities for export to our local sectors,” he added. Senior Joint Director at the State Bank of Pakistan Nadeem Khanzada highlighted that livestock contributes 14 per cent to the national GDP and emphasised on the need to support small farmers. Patron-in-Chief Dalfa Haris Mithani expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the show: “our journey has reached an important milestone. The show plays a crucial role in promoting key sectors of the country that are vital for the national economy.” Mithani acknowledged the contributions of various sectors including dairy, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and advanced technology, which have been instrumental in the success of the event. Vice Chairperson of the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) Bilal Khan Kakar announced that the next edition of Dalfa will be hosted in Balochistan, with full support from the provincial government. He stressed that Balochistan, which holds the largest share in the livestock sector, has not yet utilised its full potential, particularly in the blue economy, and the upcoming show will help raise awareness about its significance.Creative Group Nominated for SITE 2025 Crystal Award for Most Creative Solution Deployed to Overcome Adversity

Santa Colin Cowherd hands out Christmas presents to several NFL teams this holiday season, including the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers. The Philadelphia Eagles needed Tanner McKee to step into Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys as Kenny Pickett left with a rib injury. The Eagles selected McKee in the sixth round of the 2023 draft out of Stanford. But he had never seen any action in a regular-season game. With Jalen Hurts already out and Pickett in the locker room, McKee took the reins and the team didn’t really miss a beat. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee reacts after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) McKee found star wide receiver A.J. Brown with 2:44 left in the third quarter for a 20-yard touchdown pass. It was the first touchdown pass of his career. But Brown made a major faux pas by throwing the football into the stands at Lincoln Financial Field. He didn’t realize it was McKee’s first touchdown pass until he got back to the sideline. PATRIOTS FANS CHANT 'FIRE MAYO' AS TEAM SUFFERS BLOWOUT LOSS TO CHARGERS Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) launches the football into the stands after catching a touchdown pass during the second half on Sunday. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) Luckily, Eagles fans support their own and the team got the ball back. McKee then hit DeVonta Smith for a 25-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The team went up 41-7 at the point. They won the game by the same score and clinched the NFC East title. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown gestures toward the stands after realizing the football he launched onto the stands was quarterback Tanner McKee's first career touchdown. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP If Pickett is hurt next week, McKee may be in line to start in the season finale against the New York Giants . Philadelphia will likely sit its key players until the wild-card round of the playoffs begins. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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Creative Group Nominated for SITE 2025 Crystal Award for Most Creative Solution Deployed to Overcome AdversityTwo children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school

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The rollout of ultra-high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi is well underway at the national airline, Qatar Airways, with the carrier exceeding its own previously planned timeline of 14 jets by the end of the year. Starlink can now be found on 16 aircraft, with more joining over the coming weeks as new Starlink kits arrive from SpaceX in the US. Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed al-Meer last week explained the rollout would have been even faster if the carrier could receive more Starlink kits at a faster rate. The integration of Starlink Wi-Fi represents a key component of Qatar Airways' "2.0 Vision", spearheaded by al-Meer, which prioritises innovation and digitisation. In terms of connectivity onboard, and the entertainment options it can provide, the move to champion Starlink puts Qatar Airways ahead of the competition in the region, which is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world. The first aircraft to be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi was a Boeing 777-300ER. The airline is intending to roll out Starlink across all of its modern fleet by the end of next year. Qatar Airways’ Starlink Wi-Fi is free to all passengers, regardless of their class of travel, and will remain free. There are no packages or price plans, no data caps or other limitations. It’s free, ultra-high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi. This is a significant departure from the traditional model, where in-flight Wi-Fi is often a premium service, especially on international long-haul flights. Historically, airlines around the world have charged passengers varying rates depending on the class of service, flight duration, and data usage, with costs sometimes exceeding $30 for just a few hours of patchy, unstable internet access. Traditional in-flight Wi-Fi systems typically rely on two types of technologies: air-to-ground and satellite-based connectivity. Air-to-ground networks operate by connecting to cell towers on the ground, with airplanes switching from tower to tower as they fly. However, this type of system is often limited to certain regions and becomes less effective over oceans and remote areas. Satellite-based systems, which have been more commonly used on long-haul international flights, offer wider coverage but have historically been constrained by the capacity and speed of traditional geostationary satellites, resulting in frustratingly slow speeds. Unlike traditional satellites, Starlink utilises a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that are positioned much closer to the Earth's surface. This allows for faster data transfer, lower latency, and a more stable connection. The key advantages of LEO satellites lie in their ability to provide a broader and more consistent coverage compared to the geostationary satellites typically used for inflight Wi-Fi. Because they orbit closer to Earth, they can relay data more quickly, reducing the time it takes for information to travel back and forth. For passengers, this means less buffering, faster page loads, and the ability to engage in bandwidth-heavy activities such as the streaming of live sports, gaming, or even video calls while in the air. Starlink's technology also enables airlines to offer a higher capacity network, which is particularly important for modern travellers who often board flights with multiple connected devices. Whether it's watching Netflix, or gaming, passengers can expect the onboard internet experience to mirror what they would get on the ground, in some cases, even better—an achievement that has, until now, remained elusive. Starlink is installed directly at the airline’s technical facility in Doha, and does not require the aircraft to be out of service for more than a couple of days, speeding up the rollout. Qatar Airways may be the first major international airline to begin rolling out Starlink, but they are not alone in recognising the potential of this SpaceX technology for passengers. In North America, Hawaiian Airlines has made headlines by becoming one of the first US carriers to announce a partnership with Starlink. The airline also offers the service for free to passengers on both its inter-island and transpacific routes. Hawaiian Airlines has stated that Starlink Wi-Fi will allow it to offer a seamless experience for passengers, from streaming video to conducting business while in the air. Another operator is JSX, the semi-private jet service based in the US, which has already started offering Starlink Wi-Fi on select routes. The airline, which operates small jets primarily on shorter routes, was one of the first to showcase Starlink’s capabilities. JSX has highlighted the fact that the low-latency, high-speed internet from Starlink offers a competitive edge, allowing them to appeal to business travelers looking for a more connected, premium experience. From 2025 onwards, Air France will progressively roll out Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity service for a “ground-like” experience. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has been exploring the potential of integrating Starlink Wi-Fi into its fleet. While no formal roll-out plan has been announced yet, the airline has been testing the system to evaluate its feasibility for wider deployment. If successful, Delta would join the growing list of global carriers eager to enhance their onboard experience through SpaceX’s revolutionary satellite technology. Airlines are now recognising that offering a robust internet experience is no longer an optional luxury but a core component of the passenger experience. With its global network of LEO satellites, Starlink is positioned to become the go-to provider for airlines that want to offer this premium service. The author is an aviation analyst. X handle @AlexInAir. 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Longtime Wahoo boys basketball coach Kevin Scheef resignsPhoto by Gabriel Dillard The City of Fresno Professional Employees Association (CFPEA) ended its two-day strike after striking a deal with the city. In a news conference at City Hall, Mayor Jerry Dyer was joined by CFPEA President Jesse Gonzalez in announcing the end of CFPEA’s strike in Fresno and the continuation of city services. “Yesterday, we [said] that we were more than willing to sit down and meet at any time, even during the holidays, and the leadership of [CFPEA] took us up on that,” Dyer said. Dyer said that the agreement the union and the city came to is within the nearly $2.5 million the city council offered. Details of the agreement have not been released yet, with Gonzalez saying that he wants his membership to be informed first before details are released to the public. “I feel confident that what we came up with yesterday will meet their needs for the time being so that we would be able to move forward,” Gonzalez said regarding the contract agreement. Now, the CFPEA board must review and vote to accept or deny the agreement, which is anticipated to happen after the holidays on the week of Jan. 6. City Manager Georgeanne White thanked workers who remained on the clock yesterday to keep city services going, saying that the city’s contingency plans were able to allow half of the Fresno Area Express’ routes to continue during the strike. However, officials acknowledged that numerous bus routes were canceled as a result of the CFPEA’s strike in Fresno on Tuesday. “Our city employees are what make the city run [and] we’re very appreciative of what they do every day,” White said, adding “our employees are deserving of every penny that they earn.” According to Dyer, decreasing revenues for the city has led to one-year contracts instead of multi-year ones. This means that by March of 2025, multiple contracts, including CFPEA, will be open again for negotiations. The City of Fresno Professional Employees Association (CFPEA) ended its Nearly 33 million companies in the U.S. may be required The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission has a new acting CEO Attorneys for a Bakersfield baker took her case to a