Advertisement

Talking points

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...

HK Phil's Edo period draws to a close

The Hong Kong Philharmonic will host an open rehearsal for the media, as part of events marking the end of what it calls its artistic director and chief conductor Edo de Waart's (pictured) 'eight glorious seasons with the orchestra'. Today's occasion will include performances by the orchestra, 11 'stellar artists' and the Shanghai Opera House Chorus 'in three brilliant programmes meticulously designed by the maestro', according to the Phil's statement.

Higher surcharge for mainland air travellers

The cost of travelling by air on the mainland increases, as all China's domestic airlines raise their fuel surcharge. According to the new standards, every adult passenger will have to pay an additional 10 yuan for each flight. If the route is shorter than 800 kilometres the surcharge will be increased to 80 yuan (HK$98.40) from 70 yuan. On routes longer than 800 kilometres the surcharge goes up to a record 150 yuan, from 140 yuan. The surcharge will be halved for child passengers.

Energy company to rescue North Sea oil rig

A team of experts from energy giant Total is poised to fly by helicopter to a stricken North Sea gas platform to assess how to stop a potentially explosive leak. The French company evacuated the Elgin rig off the Scottish coast on March 25 because of the leak, which the company says is costing it US$2.5 million a day and has become its worst problem in the North Sea in a decade. Total has said that it will call on Texas-based Wild Well Control, which helped to stop the massive oil spill from BP's Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2-3x faster
1.1x
220 WPM
Slow
Normal
Fast
1.1x