Coming up on today’s program, escalations arise as tensions heat up in the Red Sea, are shipping routes disrupted for 2024? Boeing 737 Max 9 has been grounded as issues were found on an Alaska Airlines flight, what does this mean for the aircraft makers going forward? And the Grand slam season has started again, how much can winners expect for each round played?

With the increasing attacks on the Red Seas by Houthi militants, large shipping couriers are now more than ever going around the Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the shorter and more popular Red Seas journey. With couriers opting to go around Africa, this increases not only the mileage, but also time and costs for moving products across Asia and Europe and now everyone is worried that another onslaught of inflation may arise. With ships being redirected around Africa, it is expected to increase shipping costs by about US$1 million in extra fuel for a round trip across Asia to Europe and also driving up insurance costs. Jet and Diesel fuel being transported from the Middle East to Asia are being delayed along with consumer goods, commodities, clothing and food between Asia and Europe. The tensions have also caused for both US and UK militant troops to now take more drastic measures in stabilising and maintaining the Red Sea. The disruptions and conflicts within the Red Sea aren’t going away anytime for now. So ships and large couriers, will have to continue using the more expensive and longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope as things continuously get heated in the Red Sea.

Now, the Boeing 737 Max 9 planes have been grounded again, this time after an Alaska Airlines flight panel blew out mid-air. Boeing had responded sharing they don’t mind any inspections of their 737 – 9 aeroplanes as they would have the same configuration as the Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing further shared that safety is their biggest concern and they are filled with deep regret for the impacts held on customers and passengers due to the recent blowout. This recent negative event has added to a long list of bad news and worries for Boeing, in particular the 737 Max line of airplanes. The current share price for Boeing has seen an even further reduction now closing at US$222.66 and the company is now valued at US$134.7 billion dollars, almost half their all-time market cap of US$248 billion dollars in 2019.

One of the most beloved sports of the royal family and fans alike, that is filled with high intensity, passion and determination. Played on a court with a racket, a ball and a net, I am talking about the lovable sport of tennis. The Australian Open has already gotten underway on January 7, 2024 and marks the start of the grand slam season for 2024. Equal pay has been a big topic in tennis over the years and so men and women’s champions will be carrying home the same pay.