In brief: Wayward jetliner repeatedly contacted
Washington – After a Northwest Airlines plane flew past Minneapolis last month, air traffic controllers asked the pilots repeatedly for explanations about why they didn’t heed radio calls, according to transcripts released on Friday.
The Oct. 21 flight had been out of contact for 77 minutes before the pilots responded. The pilots told controllers right away that they had been distracted, but didn’t give details, according to the transcript of their radio conversations released by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Air traffic controllers ultimately had the pilots perform several turns to verify that they were in control of the plane. It landed safely in Minneapolis, and was met at the gate by police.
Associated Press
GM planning to launch new Opel models
Frankfurt, Germany – General Motors Co.’s top European official said Friday that a plan for Opel to be unveiled next month will include a schedule to launch new models and a financial break-even target.
Nick Reilly’s comments in an official GM blog came as the U.S. automaker finalizes its restructuring plan for Opel and British sister brand Vauxhall, a program it has said will result in about 9,000 job cuts across the continent.
Associated Press
Ethanol producer may reopen plant
Boise – A shuttered southern Idaho ethanol refinery could resume fuel production, citing improved market conditions.
California-based Pacific Ethanol Inc. filed documents in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware this week asking for permission to reopen its plant in Burley, Idaho. A court hearing is set for Dec. 14.
In addition to falling corn prices that reduce its raw material costs, Pacific says the market is being buoyed by a pending federal deadline to allow ethanol blends in gasoline to increase from 10 percent to 15 percent.
The company says more favorable market conditions have produced “positive revenues” at its plant in Boardman, Ore., the only one of Pacific’s four facilities still operating.
Associated Press
Wal-Mart store closure legal, court rules
Toronto – The Supreme Court of Canada said Friday that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. was entitled to close a store in Quebec in 2005, seven months after workers voted to become the first Wal-Mart in North America to unionize.
The highest court in Canada ruled 6-3 that the multinational had the right to shut down the outlet in Jonquiere, Quebec, and lay off 190 employees.
Justice Ian Binnie wrote for the majority, saying that the court had “endorsed the view that no legislation obliges an employer to remain in business.”
Associated Press