Feb162017

News story: CMA investigates Heineken/Punch Taverns pubs acquisition

HM Government
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The CMA has opened an investigation into Heineken’s proposed acquisition of part of the Punch Taverns pubs portfolio.

The first phase of the investigation is currently scheduled to last until 24 April 2017. During this period, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will assess whether the deal could reduce competition and choice for customers.

If it could reduce competition, the CMA would launch an in-depth merger investigation, which lasts up to 24 weeks, unless the merging parties offer undertakings which address any competition concerns identified.

More details will be available on the investigation case page shortly. Interested parties and individuals are invited to submit their views to lasse.burmester@cma.gsi.gov.uk by 2 March 2017.

Feb162017

Electronic fence to be launched in Baiyun Airport

East Asia
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An airplane flies over the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, June 6, 2012. [Xinhua photo]

With the development of drones, airliners’ safety has been threatened in recent years. Since the beginning of 2017, the safety of some airliners was influenced by drones.

Huang Hao, vice-general manager from Baiyun International Airport, said they are designing an electronic fence to block unmanned aircraft from flying in sensitive areas.

Huang also said they will establish the electronic fence to block UVA within airport boundaries. Once UVA enters into its boundary, the electronic fence system will disturb the UVA system and make it return automatically. Also, the Baiyun International Airport will cooperate with the local government and the police to strengthen the safety campaign and the daily monitor.

Yang Jieqiong, the deputy secretary-general of Shenzhen UAV Industry Association, said that there are more than 50,000 unmanned aerial vehicle (UVA) players in China, and more than half of them are in the Pearl River Delta region. The number of the UVA players is still increasing rapidly. Most of players do not have qualifications for UVA operation.

Technical measures could be taken to block UVA from the airport, said Yang. However, these technical measures have not been used in airports in Guangdong Province. Moreover, Yang calls for strengthening law enforcement and establishing real-name registration system for UVA players to ensure the safety of airliners.

The electronic fence is expected to be launched within the year.