A critical U.S. pilot messaging system operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced a second outage this year on Saturday before resuming operations, the agency said.
The outage of the "Notice to Airmen", known as NOTAM, system lasted more than three hours due to a hardware issue before the system restored operation, said the agency.
The system also underwent a temporary outage in early February this year.
The key system provides pilots, flight crews and other users of U.S. airspace with critical safety notices, such as taxiway lights going out at an airport, nearby parachute activity, or a specific runway being shut down for construction.
The FAA said it is closely monitoring the situation.
Key US pilot safety messaging system resumes operations after 2nd outage this year
The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday decided to maintain its target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5-3.75 percent, in line with market expectations.
"Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has been little changed in recent months. Inflation remains somewhat elevated," said the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) in a statement.
Nevertheless, "uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated. The implications of developments in the Middle East for the U.S. economy are uncertain. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the statement said.
"In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent," the statement said. "In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks."
In the statement, the FOMC reiterated its strong commitment to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.
Of the 12 FOMC members, 11 voted for keeping the rate unchanged. Stephen Miran voted against the action. He preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points at the meeting.
U.S. Fed keeps interest rate unchanged at 3.5-3.75 pct
