Policy & Regulation News

Wall Street Journal

Senate Democrats seek records on SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield restrictions in Ukraine

Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have asked Elon Musk to preserve documents and communications related to SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield services in Ukraine, including restrictions on Ukrainian access. The request cites concerns that outages or limits could expose vulnerabilities in systems relied on by Ukraine and the U.S. government.

FlightGlobal

AAPA urges practical government support as fuel costs rise, adopts resolutions on passenger rights and cabin safety

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines called for timely government support as carriers face sharply higher fuel prices and operational problems. At its 70th Assembly of Presidents, the group adopted four resolutions, including passenger-rights regulation—a subject absent from its resolutions since 2018—and cabin safety.

Bloomberg

Texas attorney general-elect pledges ‘tremendous scrutiny’ of potential Tesla-SpaceX merger

Nathan Johnson said he would closely examine a possible tie-up between Tesla and SpaceX, warning about corporate concentration. The companies, both among Texas’ most valuable, are weighing a merger; Johnson’s comments signal that state-level antitrust review could become a factor in any transaction.

FlightGlobal

IAG seeks delay to SAF sub-mandates, warning of multibillion-dollar fines

IAG’s sustainability chief says the airline group could face multibillion-dollar fines if it cannot comply with sustainable aviation fuel sub-mandates, with the resulting costs passed on to passengers. Fuel producers, meanwhile, are urging policymakers to leave the mandates unchanged.

Space Intel Report

High activity

NASA awards Viasat, SES and Astranis NEXUS contracts worth up to $1.07 billion for TDRS-compatible relay services

The contracts will support development of Ka-band relay services compatible with NASA’s aging Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet. Viasat received a Phase 1 award under the NEXUS initiative, which is intended to provide a path to satellite communications services through the three selected companies.

ch-aviation

TUI Airways seeks U.S. foreign charter operator status

TUI Airways is seeking U.S. foreign charter operator status, according to a report in Commercial Aviation News. The available article summary does not provide details on the application, the operations sought or a regulatory decision.

FlightGlobal

Heathrow chief says debate on third runway should shift to ‘how, not if’

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the discussion should focus on how to build a third runway, as Chancellor John Healey reiterated the UK government’s support for expanding the London hub. The comments signal renewed political backing, but the articles provide no details on timing or delivery plans.

FlightGlobal

Heathrow airport chief sees runway debate shift to ‘how, not if’