Canadian airline executives in the hot seat over carry-on bag fees say the federal government needs to reform this country's aviation system if it wants travel to become more affordable. The CEOs of Air Canada and WestJet are appearing before a parliamentary committee Friday to answer questions about their recent decisions to introduce carry-on bag fees for travellers. Air Transat and Porter Airlines also testified Friday before the standing committee on transport, infrastructure and communities. The executives faced tough questions from parliamentarians, who summoned them to testify following Air Canada's announcement earlier this month that customers paying a basic fare can only bring on a personal item and will have to check carry-on bags for a fee. Air Canada's move follows an earlier decision by WestJet to introduce an "UltraBasic" fare class that allows passengers to carry no more than a laptop bag or small backpack on board. The developments are part of an ongoing trend in the aviation sector, which has seen airlines rely increasingly on ancillary fees for formerly bundled services that range from checked bags to on-board snacks and Wi-Fi access. Committee members on Friday challenged the airline CEOs about the layers of add-on fees, arguing they are making air travel increasingly unaffordable for Canadians. "Do you truly believe this is acceptable at a time when Canadians' pocketbooks are hurting?" said Liberal MP Angelo Iacono. Another Liberal MP, Vance Badawey, challenged WestJet — a private company that does not publicly release its financial information — to open up its books and disclose its profit margins. "Because at the end of the day, that's why we're here right now," Badawey said. "We're here for affordability for the passengers." But the airline executives said by offering passengers a choice of fare categories with different service levels, they are actually making travel cheaper for Canadians. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said 1.2 million Canadians have chosen the airline's UltraBasic fare since it was introduced in June, resulting in lowered travel costs as that fare is on average 14 per cent lower than WestJet's next-cheapest option. "This is savings that are important in a time where there's an affordability crisis," von Hoensbroech said in an interview Friday morning. "So I think we actually do something that's good ... And I do understand the perception that is out there, but I think it's also important to share the facts." Von Hoensbroech said it's easy for politicians to be "bashing airlines" because the affordability crisis is real. But he said if the federal government really wants to lower the costs of air travel, significant reforms to the system are needed. He said air travel in Canada is among the most expensive globally, due in part to government policies and third-party fees. Navigation fees, security charges, airport improvement fees and other taxes and fees can add up to $100 to the price of a ticket, von Hoensbroech said. He said the government needs to freeze hikes in third-party fees and charges to allow Canada's aviation sector to compete globally. He also said the federal government should cease charging rent to airports for the land they sit on, allowing airports to reinvest these funds into infrastructure and services instead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:AC) Amanda Stephenson, The Canadian PressGREEN BAY, Wis. -- The right knee injury that cornerback Jaire Alexander has been dealing with over the past three weeks -- and the one that forced him out of his return last Sunday after only 10 snaps - could see him sit out more time, but the Green Bay Packers cornerback doesn't expect his season is over. Alexander told The Athletic on Thursday that he sustained a torn PCL when he hobbled off the field on the final defensive play of the Oct. 28 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars . Alexander sat out the next game, a Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions . He returned to practice after the Week 10 bye and went into last week's game against the Chicago Bears expecting to play on a limited rep count but dropped out before halftime. Editor's Picks Latest NFL Week 12 buzz: What we're hearing on Daniel Jones' benching, GM candidates and playoff races 2d Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler 49ers TE Kittle vows to play Sunday vs. Packers 1d Nick Wagoner "I stayed here the whole bye week trying to hopefully come back and make an impact for the team," Alexander told The Athletic. "It was a game-time decision at that, so we didn't know ... until, you know, few minutes before the game if I would play or not." Alexander, a two-time All Pro, did not say what a reasonable timetable for his return. "I just need more than 21 days of non-contact," he said. "It just needed more time because to take three weeks off and not do much, that still wasn't enough." Earlier this season, he sat out Weeks 4 and 5 games because of groin and quadriceps injuries. Since the start of the 2021 season, when he appeared in only four regular-season games because of a shoulder injury, he has played in only 34 of a possible 61 games -- or 56%. All but one of the 27 games he sat out was because of injury; he served a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team in 2023. Second-year pro Carrington Valentine probably would start Sunday against the 49ers if Alexander can't play. Alexander did not practice Wednesday or Thursday this week.San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell is done with the team after refusing to enter the game on Thursday night. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the split was necessary based on Campbell's actions. A starter in 12 of the first 13 games, Campbell went to the bench with the return of previous starter Dre Greenlaw. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Cardlytics reports that card-linked cash-back offers represent a strategic stocking stuffer for smart shoppers navigating the expensive holiday landscape. Click for more. Holiday spending hacks: How to unwrap savings without sacrificing festive cheer
NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global lighting market size is estimated to grow by USD 54.76 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.89% during the forecast period. Growing number of developments and lighting product launches is driving market growth, with a trend towards advances in automotive lighting systems. However, sustainability issue in the lighting industry poses a challenge.Key market players include Acuity Brands Inc., ams OSRAM AG, Bridgelux Inc., Dialight Plc, Digital Lumens Inc., Eaton Corp. Plc, Ennostar Inc., General Electric Co., GrowRay Lighting Technologies, Havells India Ltd., Hubbell Inc., IDEAL INDUSTRIES Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., LSI Industries Inc., Lumileds Holding BV, Panasonic Holdings Corp., Sharp Corp., SMART Holdings Inc., Syska Led Lights Pvt. Ltd., and Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Lighting Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.89% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 54.76 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 6.45 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 45% Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK Key companies profiled Acuity Brands Inc., ams OSRAM AG, Bridgelux Inc., Dialight Plc, Digital Lumens Inc., Eaton Corp. Plc, Ennostar Inc., General Electric Co., GrowRay Lighting Technologies, Havells India Ltd., Hubbell Inc., IDEAL INDUSTRIES Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., LSI Industries Inc., Lumileds Holding BV, Panasonic Holdings Corp., Sharp Corp., SMART Global Holdings Inc., Syska Led Lights Pvt. Ltd., and Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. Market Driver The lighting market is witnessing significant trends in various sectors including interior designing, photography, and scientific research. LED lights are leading the charge with their energy efficiency and long life span, replacing traditional incandescent, CFL, LFL, HID, and halogen bulbs. Scientists are also exploring the use of LEDs for growing plants and in developing countries for off-grid solar solutions. In the automotive sector, LED lighting is becoming standard in headlamps and taillights, while solar is powering outdoor lighting in urban cities and commercial buildings. Effective manufacturers like Signify are launching energy-efficient luminaires and smart lighting systems, reducing electricity consumption and operating costs. The Biden Harris Administration is promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability initiatives, driving demand for cost-effective, energy-saving solutions. Smart lighting solutions are also being integrated into HVAC, security, and building automation systems, improving urban infrastructure and reducing logistics inefficiency. The horticulture sector is using LEDs for growing plants, and smart LED bulbs are being used in advertising, aviation, medical devices, and camera flashes. The market for LED lights in residential sector, retail, and commercial buildings is expected to grow significantly due to their cost-effectiveness and life expectancy. The semiconductor industry is also investing in research and development to improve the performance and affordability of LEDs. However, environmental degradation and energy problems remain challenges that need to be addressed, making energy efficiency and environmental sustainability key priorities. The CEA systems and EcoLink range are also gaining popularity for their smart outdoor lighting solutions. The market for LED fixtures in real estate, parking lots, and smart cities initiatives is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Adaptive lighting systems are gaining popularity in both commercial and automotive industries due to their enhanced safety and comfort features. These systems are designed to improve visibility during nighttime and low-light conditions, particularly around curves and hills. Traditional headlights illuminate the road directly ahead, leaving the sides unlit. In contrast, adaptive headlamps adjust their beams according to steering input, ensuring the vehicle's path is illuminated. Additionally, when climbing a hill, conventional headlights may point upward, reducing visibility. Adaptive lighting systems address these issues, providing a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The lighting market faces various challenges in sectors like interior designing, photography, and scientific research, requiring different types of lights such as white light for houses and LEDs for plants. Scientists are focusing on energy-efficient LEDs to reduce electricity consumption and environmental degradation. Developing and under-developing nations face energy problems, with off-grid solar sector solutions gaining popularity. Effective manufacturers like Signify offer energy-efficient luminaires and smart lighting systems. In the residential sector, capital costs and logistics inefficiency hinder LED adoption over incandescent, CFL, LFL, HID, halogen, and fluorescent bulbs. LEDs are increasingly used in automotive, retail, and commercial sectors due to energy costs and long life expectancy. Smart LED bulbs and outdoor lighting systems are cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for real estate, urban cities, highways, commercial buildings, and parking lots. Governments and organizations promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Biden Harris Administration's focus on smart cities and the CEA systems' Color Rendering Index. The horticulture sector uses specialized LED lighting for plant growth, while building automation systems integrate HVAC, security, and smart lighting solutions. In industries like aviation, advertising, medical devices, camera flashes, traffic signals, and automotive headlamps, energy-efficient lighting is essential for reducing electricity consumption and operating costs. Solar and LED fixtures are becoming increasingly popular in developing nations, while smart outdoor lighting solutions are cost-effective and eco-friendly. In conclusion, the lighting market faces challenges in various sectors, including cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Effective manufacturers like Signify offer energy-efficient solutions, while governments and organizations promote initiatives to address these challenges. The future of lighting lies in smart, energy-efficient, and cost-effective technologies like LEDs and solar. The lighting market faces a significant challenge in ensuring sustainability as the demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions, such as CFLs and LED lighting, increases. The limited supply of rare earth elements, like those used in Phosphor-based LEDs, can lead to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Addressing sustainability concerns in the lighting industry is crucial to prevent potential growth hindrances. Companies must explore alternative sources for rare earth elements or develop new technologies using less of these materials to maintain a steady supply and keep costs competitive. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This lighting market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 General lighting 1.2 Automotive lighting 1.3 Backlighting Type 2.1 LED technology 2.2 Traditional technology Geography 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 General lighting- The general lighting market encompasses various lighting solutions including lamps, electronics, consumer luminaires, systems, and professional luminaires and systems. This segment is the most widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications such as homes, offices, factories, streets, stadiums, and theaters. Market leaders like Signify NV, OSRAM, and IDEAL INDUSTRIES Inc's Cree dominate this segment. The introduction of LED technology has significantly boosted the general lighting market. LEDs offer several advantages over traditional lighting sources, including low maintenance cost, long lifespan, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness. The continuous price reduction of LEDs further enhances their appeal. Developed countries are witnessing the trend of connected lighting, where lighting fixtures can be controlled via smartphones. Although not yet mainstream, this innovation will add a new dimension to the general lighting segment, contributing to the growth of the global lighting market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The lighting market encompasses various applications of light for interior designing, photography, and scientific research. LED lights have revolutionized the industry with their energy efficiency and long lifespan, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). Scientists continue to explore the properties of white light, impacting electricity consumption and energy costs. Metals play a crucial role in lighting production, while electricity is the primary power source. LEDs are not just limited to residential and commercial use but also extend to automotive headlamps, aviation, advertising, and traffic signals. The Biden Harris Administration's focus on energy efficiency and sustainability further boosts the market growth. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a critical factor in evaluating the quality of light for various industries, including horticulture and medical devices. Building automation systems, HVAC, security, and smart lighting solutions are integral components of modern infrastructure. LED lighting and CEA systems are at the forefront of innovation, offering advanced features and energy savings. Camera flashes and lighted wallpapers cater to niche markets, while the horticulture sector benefits from specialized grow lights. Market Research Overview The lighting market encompasses various applications, from interior designing and photography to scientific research and automotive industries. Lighting solutions range from LEDs to traditional incandescent, CFL, LFL, HID, and halogen bulbs. Scientists continue to innovate, developing energy-efficient luminaires and light control systems. Plants and urban cities benefit from LEDs, while developing and under-developing nations explore off-grid solar sector solutions. Effective manufacturers produce cost-effective, energy-efficient LED fixtures for residential and commercial sectors, including houses, malls, stores, restaurants, hospitals, schools, parking lots, and real estate. Solar and semiconductor industries play crucial roles in reducing electricity consumption and environmental degradation. Smart LED bulbs and outdoor lighting systems, along with building automation systems, HVAC, and security, contribute to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability initiatives. The Biden Harris Administration smart cities, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, while various industries, including aviation, advertising, and medical devices, utilize specialized lighting solutions. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application General Lighting Automotive Lighting Backlighting Type LED Technology Traditional Technology Geography APAC Europe North America Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lighting-market-to-expand-by-usd-54-76-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-new-product-launches-and-developments-market--evolution-powered-by-ai---technavio-302314004.html SOURCE Technavio © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
( MENAFN - GetNews) The Seoul Metropolitan government will host the media art event Winter Festa: 2024 SEOULLIGHT GWANGHWAMUN, under this year's theme,“Luminous Axis,” from December 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025, throughout the Gwanghwamun area. This event will feature a media façade show on an international scale, accompanied by luminous axis sculptures by renowned artists displayed throughout Gwanghwamun Square, as well as various interactive content, all set spectacularly against the stunning backdrop of Gwanghwamun. Together, these elements will provide audiences with a captivating media art experience that harmoniously blends light, art, and technology. Seating areas will be arranged to enhance audience immersion, and various interactive events, such as Wish Light 2025, will be held. Additionally, it will feature various attractions, including a collaborative exhibition with Netflix hit series Squid Game Season 2, as well as a vibrant New Year Countdown. The main exhibition of the Gwanghwamun Media Façade will feature the signature media façade,“Luminous Symphony: The Symphony of Light,” David Hartono's“A Shining Journey,” David Hugonot Petit's“Suprême Ultime (Past - Present – Future),” Javier Cañal Sanchez's“ELEMENTAL SYMPHONY,” Yim Tae Kyu's“erehwon,” and five additional artworks selected through an open call. Video Link: Additionally, a new artwork by actor Ha Jung-woo will be showcased at the Yukjo Plaza Lighting Axis Cube, while media art pieces selected through a student contest will be projected onto the exterior wall of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts' Atelier Gwanghwa. Visitors can also experience a variety of lighting installations, including citizen participation message videos at Haechi Plaza and media art content at the State Council Site-Historic Heritage Plaza. A variety of attractions and events will take place throughout Gwanghwamun Square, culminating in a New Year Countdown to welcome 2025, which will kick off at 11:30 PM on December 31. 2024 SEOULLIGHT GWANGHWAMUN, running from December 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025, will operate daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For more details about the event, please visit the official website at MENAFN13122024003238003268ID1108991890 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Toronto Argonauts sign American running back Kevin Brown