Air France has begun rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, with the first five aircraft in its fleet now offering the service to passengers.
The pioneering connectivity programme, first announced in autumn 2024, makes Air France the first major European airline to provide free, secure and fast in-flight internet. By the end of this year, the company expects 30% of its fleet to be equipped, with full coverage across all aircraft by the end of 2026.
With the system, passengers can enjoy stable broadband speeds that allow them to stay in touch with loved ones, follow global news, stream TV, films and series, and even play multiplayer video games. Multiple devices can be connected at the same time, whether smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Expanding across the fleet
So far, two Embraer 190s, two Airbus A220s, and one Airbus A350 have been fitted with Starlink equipment, marking the first step in a progressive fleet-wide rollout that will also cover Air France’s regional aircraft.
Access to the service is simple: customers log in with their Flying Blue account, the Air France-KLM group’s frequent flyer programme. For those who are not yet members, a free account can be created on board in just a few clicks.
During the transition, aircraft not yet equipped with Starlink will continue to offer a free messaging service for Flying Blue members, while non-members can purchase broader connectivity. Complimentary access remains in place for Flying Blue Ultimate and La Première customers.
After mounting frustration from Amid rising commuter frustration, the Monaco Government has suspended roadworks on the moyenne corniche until 5th October, aiming to ease traffic and revise the project’s impact on peak-hour flow.workers and residents, the Monaco Government has ordered the suspension of disruptive roadworks on the moyenne corniche until 5th October. Talks are now underway to rethink the project’s traffic impact.
The Monaco Government announced on Thursday 25th September that it has stepped in to suspend a major construction project on the moyenne corniche, following extensive dialogue with the Mairie of Cap-d’Ail and the project’s developer. The move comes after serious traffic congestion caused by the works left daily commuters to the Principality facing severe delays.
Effective since Wednesday, the suspension will remain in place through to Sunday 5th October.
Recognising the impact on travel into and out of Monaco, the Government described the conditions as “intolerable” for both workers and local residents.
Plans in motion to reduce peak-hour pressure
The Government says that discussions are actively continuing between all parties to revise the construction plan, but it has reaffirmed that any continuation of the project must include measures that prevent lane closures during peak traffic hours.
Just days after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, the countdown to a global ocean protection framework has officially begun. From January 2026, the long-awaited agreement will enter into force, paving the way for a historic transformation in how the planet’s international waters are governed.
A high-level event held in New York this week, From Nice to New York: Activating the High Seas Treaty!, marked the turning point. Hosted on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the celebration drew leaders from France, Chile, Ireland and beyond, alongside environmental advocates including actor Sigourney Weaver.
The milestone follows more than two decades of negotiation. Now, with the 60-ratification threshold reached — thanks to Morocco’s signature last Friday — the Treaty will officially become international law on 17th January 2026.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chilean President Gabriel Boric were among those who welcomed the moment, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the Treaty “a monumental achievement” that “sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity.”
Why the Treaty matters
The High Seas — which cover nearly half the Earth’s surface and more than two-thirds of the ocean — remain largely unprotected. Just 1% of these waters are currently safeguarded, despite their critical importance to global biodiversity, climate regulation, and food security.
The Treaty provides the legal foundation to change that. Once in force, it will allow countries to propose marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters. Signatory nations will then vote on these proposals, creating a pathway to meet the global 30×30 target: protecting 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.
It also establishes stricter rules for environmental impact assessments and fosters fairer access to marine genetic resources — a crucial step for equity among developed and developing nations.
The road ahead: from ratification to real impact
While reaching 60 ratifications in just two years has been called “record time” by environmental policy experts, attention now turns to implementation.
“The era of exploitation and destruction must end,” said Greenpeace International Executive Director Mads Christensen. “Our oceans can’t wait, and neither can we.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Minderoo Foundation are among the groups pledging millions to support the rollout of protections, monitoring systems, and capacity-building for small island states and developing countries.
Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of WWF International, called the Treaty “a turning point for two-thirds of the world’s ocean,” and a “positive catalyst” for global collaboration.
The Yacht Club de Monaco has once again honoured innovation and ocean advocacy at the 5th edition of the La Belle Classe Explorer Awards. Presented under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the awards mark a defining moment in Monaco’s commitment to yachting with purpose, recognising vessels that push boundaries not only in design, but in their dedication to science, sustainability and the public good.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, where Yacht Club de Monaco hosted its annual Owners Lunch, welcoming 64 superyacht owners flying the YCM flag. The gathering, representing over 2,300 linear metres of yachts, was a striking show of Monaco’s influence in the global yachting scene and a fitting backdrop for the announcement of this year’s award recipients.
YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri opened the ceremony with the message: “With this ceremony, we want to demonstrate that yachting can be an agent of change.”
The awards aim to recognise yachts not just as symbols of luxury, but as platforms for exploration, science, and storytelling.
From left to right: Olivier Archambeau; Professor Patrick Rampal; Matthias du Verle; Richard Wiese; Robert Calcagno; Christian Kempf; Bernard d’Alessandri. Source: YCM
Technology & Innovation Award: M/Y Valor
Feadship’s newly delivered 79.5-metre Valor was recognised for its bold commitment to sustainable propulsion. The yacht features hybrid systems, silent operation technology, and an advanced battery bank—despite challenges surrounding weight and recycling—placing it among the most eco-conscious yachts on the water today.
“We have 5.34MW of electrical energy on board, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly yachts on the planet,” said owner David McNeil. The yacht also runs on HVO biofuel, underlining its ambitious approach to decarbonisation. “It’s incredible, and we are very honoured to be here at the YCM,” he added.
Environment & Ethics Award: S/Y Cat Art Explorer
In the Environment and Ethics category, the 46.5-metre aluminium catamaran Cat Art Explorer, built by Perini Navi, impressed the jury with its unique blend of art, science and environmental education. Billed as a “floating museum”, the vessel raises awareness across the Mediterranean, linking culture with conservation.
With renewable energy drawn from photovoltaic panels and the ability to cross oceans, Cat Art Explorer sets a new standard in purpose-driven sailing. “We are indeed promoting art around the Mediterranean,” said Captain Olivier Gamberini. “It’s a large-scale project, and I am very happy to be here representing them all.”
David McNeil and his wife, owners of M/Y Valor, winner of the Technology and Innovation Award, with Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles;and Richard Wiese.
Steering yachting toward a better future
The international jury, chaired by Richard Wiese of The Explorers Club in New York, included specialists in innovation, marine science, and environmental strategy. Wiese praised Monaco not only as a capital of design and superyachts, but as “a community of people driven by a nobility of purpose.”
In line with this vision, YCM will continue to spotlight these projects during Monaco Ocean Week 2026. All participating yachts in this year’s awards were also invited to adopt the SEA Index, a tool developed by the Club to measure and reduce environmental impact.
Main photo: Princess Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles; Olivier Gamberini, Captain of S/Y Cat Art Explorer, winner of the Environment and Ethics Award; and Richard Wiese.
The second edition of the Art and Luxury Fair opened Wednesday at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, featuring an exclusive showcase of international craftsmanship under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II.
Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme attended the opening ceremony, thanking co-organiser Annette Wijdom and presenting her nature-inspired jewellery c0llection to guests. The Princess personally assisted visitors in trying on pieces from her ‘De Parme Design’ collection, crafted by Monégasque jeweller Isabelle Fissore.
Among the notable exhibitions was Italian brand ILNI, whose founder Carmela shared her personal story behind her sustainable handbag designs. “There was an expensive bag that I really liked in a store and I thought to myself ‘if I still want it in two weeks, I’ll come back and get it,'” she explained. “Two week later I went back and bought it. However, when I walked out, I realised I was wearing the skin of an animal. This made me truly reflect.”
The revelation led her to examine her grandmother’s timeless handbag, which is where the inspiration for ILNI’s cruelty free, made-to-order designs, began. “With this design in mind of my grandmother’s bag, I decided to make vegan handbags,” she said. The collection now features innovative materials including grape leather, with her grandmother’s original bag displayed alongside the modern interpretations. In addition, the bags, often decorated with diamonds, encompass exclusively lab-ethically grown diamonds.
ILNI bags from grape leather, photo by Monaco Life.
The fair’s unique format allows visitors to observe artists and craftspeople work in real-time, all while enjoying cocktails provided by La Distillerie de Monaco. Among the standout displays are Dutch pop artist Hayo Sol’s striking paintings, including notable works featuring Princess Grace and Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc.
The event continues until September 26th, with free admission from 2pm to 5pm daily. Private evening events from 6pm to 8pm feature masterclasses from La Distillerie de Monaco and jewellery lectures.
Prince Albert II met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday ahead of addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he delivered a powerful call for peace and respect for international law in the face of ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On Wednesday 24th September, Prince Albert II met briefly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations headquarters in New York, reaffirming the Principality’s support for Ukraine.
The meeting came just moments before the Prince took the stage at the General Assembly, where world leaders gathered for one of the most significant diplomatic forums of the year. Accompanied by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Monaco’s UN Ambassador Isabelle Picco; and Julie Donati of the Prince’s Cabinet, Prince Albert stood alongside Monaco’s closest diplomatic allies in calling for renewed global commitment to peace and multilateralism.
Prince Albert II address the United Nations in New York. Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace
Monaco’s clear stance on Ukraine and global security
In his 9:45am address to the General Assembly, the Prince described today’s world as “multipolar”, where national interests increasingly overshadow shared global ideals. He warned of the erosion of international security and called for a return to the core principles of the United Nations: sovereign equality, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for international law and human rights.
“Monaco firmly condemns the war of aggression against Ukraine and the suffering it causes for civilian populations,” said Prince Albert. “I reiterated this message moments ago to President Volodymyr Zelensky.”
He concluded with a strong appeal for diplomacy: “I hope that a just, lasting, and negotiated peace agreement can be found as soon as possible—one that guarantees security and meets the aspirations of the Ukrainian people.”
