The fatal accident, which killed 132 people, comes at a time of geopolitical tension and sensitivities are heightened because it involves China's state-owned airline & largest US exporter.
The MU5735 crash that killed 132 Chinese is a tragedy, but there is no end to conspiracy theories in a world rife with disinformation. Weibo is replete with them.
While there have been a handful of crashes in which an airliner plunged from cruising altitude, few, if any, fit the extreme profile of the Boeing 737-800.
The six-year-old single-aisle jet is part of the NG, or Next Generation, era that preceded the 737 Max, which was subjected to a global grounding after two deadly crashes.
The C-17 can carry large combat equipment & troops or undertake humanitarian aid. Besides India & the US, it is also in service with Qatar, Kuwait, UK, Australia, UAE & Canada.
Boeing is slimming down its manufacturing base around Seattle & planning to close a production line, as the aircraft market has been gutted by the pandemic.
Industry says manufacturers have 2-4 weeks of buffer stocks, but prolonged disruption could push up shortage risks, especially of consumables like IV and syringes.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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