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Month: September 2025

Uber set to offer Monaco helicopter rides after Joby’s Blade acquisition

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/09/2025

Joby Aviation has announced it will integrate Blade’s air mobility services into the Uber app from 2026, following its acquisition of Blade’s passenger business in August. The move brings Blade’s Monaco and Riviera operations – including the high-traffic Nice-Monaco route – closer to a new, electric future under Joby’s leadership, and marks a major step in Joby and Uber’s long-term urban air mobility partnership.

In August 2025, California-based aviation company Joby completed its acquisition of Blade’s global passenger business, which includes Blade Europe and its scheduled services in New York, Los Angeles, and the South of France. The deal gives Joby immediate access to Blade’s extensive infrastructure and more than a decade of operational experience in short-haul vertical air mobility.

This acquisition also places Joby in control of the air mobility network that Blade has built in the Principality, stemming from its 2022 purchase of Monacair’s commercial passenger operations. That earlier deal made Blade the exclusive provider of scheduled helicopter transfers between Monaco and Nice, a critical corridor for business and leisure travellers in the region.

Blade’s Monacair link strengthens Monaco’s role

Monacair, founded by Stefano Casiraghi and long associated with the Princely Family, became a central part of Blade’s European ambitions when the American company took over its passenger-facing operations in 2022. Blade retained the Monaco branding, but took over responsibility for marketing, booking, and customer experience, while flight operations remained under Monacair’s control.

The addition of Blade’s Monaco routes to the Uber app is expected to simplify how passengers book helicopter transfers in and out of the Principality, particularly for those already using Uber for ground transportation.

Uber app to feature Blade flights in 2026

Joby and Uber confirmed that Blade’s services – including those in the French Riviera – will be available to book via the Uber app from next year. The move is part of a wider strategy to build customer familiarity with air mobility options ahead of the launch of Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in key markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and the UAE.

JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby, said the integration would bring “the magic of seamless urban air travel” to Uber customers around the world, while laying the groundwork for the introduction of quiet, zero-emissions aircraft in the years ahead.

Andrew Macdonald, President and COO of Uber, added that advanced air mobility would “deliver safe, quiet, and sustainable transportation to cities around the world” through the combined scale and expertise of Joby and Blade.

A new chapter for Monaco’s air connections

Monaco’s close proximity to Nice Airport and its status as a hub for luxury and executive travel have made the helicopter link between the two cities one of Europe’s busiest. With the Blade brand now under Joby’s leadership, and bookings soon available via Uber, Monaco’s key air route is once again at the forefront of innovation.

Longer-term, the partnership could lead to the eventual deployment of all-electric air taxis on the route, aligning with the Principality’s environmental goals and commitment to future-focused mobility solutions.

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AI generated photo of Uber helicopter flying over Monaco created by Cassandra Tanti, photo of Monaco by Cassandra Tanti 

Monaco formally recognises Palestinian state during UN summit

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/09/2025

Prince Albert II has announced that Monaco will formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining more than 145 other countries in backing a two-state solution to the conflict.

The declaration came on Monday 23rd September during a United Nations General Assembly summit in New York, where several European nations, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta, also made similar announcements.

Prince Albert II calls for ‘balanced and sustainable’ peace

In his address, Prince Albert II reiterated Monaco’s long-standing position of supporting both Israel’s right to security and Palestine’s right to statehood. “Since the beginning, my country has defended Israel’s right to live within safe and recognised borders and to enjoy security therein, as well as the right of the Palestinian people to have a sovereign, viable and democratic state,” he said.

The Prince added: “Today, we wish to reaffirm our unwavering support to Israel’s existence, and we also wish to recognise Palestine as a state under international law.” His remarks were met with applause in the chamber.

Conditions for progress

Prince Albert II said that a sustainable peace settlement must depend on clear preconditions, including the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.

“The solution must be balanced and sustainable,” he said, stressing Monaco’s support for a two-state framework “based on the existence of two national entities.”

International backdrop

Around 80% of United Nations member states have now recognised a Palestinian state, a trend that has gathered momentum as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza and settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

Israel’s rejection of summit

Israel strongly opposed the summit. Danny Danon, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, said that Israel and the United States “will not participate in this charade,” reiterating his government’s rejection of unilateral recognition without a negotiated peace agreement.

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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

With new marinas and bold investment, Egypt plans to enter superyacht market

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2025

Egypt is set to turn heads at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show as it unveils an ambitious strategy to position itself as a premier destination for luxury yachting. With cutting-edge marinas, competitive services, and unique access to both the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, the country says it will rival the Mediterranean’s most prestigious ports.

Spearheaded by Minister of Transport Kamel Al-Wazir and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s delegation will highlight the nation’s transformation into a key yachting and maritime tourism hub. “We invite global yachting and tourism leaders to discover Egypt’s incomparable diversity, where timeless civilisation meets endless blue horizons,” said Minister Fathy ahead of the show.

Modern marina developments in destinations such as Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and El Gouna boast state-of-the-art berthing facilities, round-the-clock security, full-service maintenance, and VIP hospitality – all at more accessible rates than those found in traditional Mediterranean or Caribbean ports.

From coral reefs to ancient temples

In Egypt, guests can dive coral sanctuaries in the Red Sea by morning and tour the temples of Luxor and Aswan by private jet in the afternoon. Along the Nile, boutique yachts and dahabiyas deliver a serene blend of river cruising and exclusive cultural exploration.

Looking ahead, Egypt plans to host regattas, rallies, and maritime festivals, supported by sustainability-focused policies aimed at protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Its strategic location, enhanced infrastructure, and direct access through the Suez Canal all reinforce its growing role on the world yachting map.

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Photo: Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, credit: Andres Siimon, Unsplash

Monaco’s graduate employment commission sets ambitious 2025 goals after record year

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/09/2025

Monaco’s Commission for Graduate Integration (CID) has unveiled ambitious plans for 2025-2026, following a successful year that saw 98 young graduates placed in employment. 

These plans were unveiled during a press conference on September 12th in the presence of Héloïse Boin, the commission’s project manager, and Christophe Robino, Minister of Health and Social Affairs.

The commission’s most significant new project will be the creation of a CID Alumni Network, connecting more than 2,480 graduates who have been supported since the organisation’s creation in 2010. The network aims to foster mentoring relationships between established professionals and new graduates entering the job market.

“Since 2010, we’ve followed 2,480 young people through the Commission for Graduate Integration,” said Héloïse Boin. “I think it’s really interesting to promote sharing between former graduates, of whom I was once part myself, and young people arriving on a job market without necessarily having networks.”

The commission is also expanding its reach, with services now available to all young people with connections to the principality, rather than just residents and Monégasques.

Additionally, a new digital platform is being developed to improve internal management, featuring CV database and better tracking systems for supported graduates. A dedicated newsletter for the commission’s 269 partner companies will also strengthen relationships with employers.

Strong 2024 performance

These plans follow an impressive year for the commission. Of the 183 young people assisted in 2024, 75 were Monégasques, with 98 successfully placed in employment – 75 in private sector roles and 23 in public service. The commission also supported 24 expatriate Monégasques and their partners seeking to return to work in Monaco.

Meanwhile, the organisation hosted more than 51 events throughout the year, including innovative formats designed to engage young job seekers. A  new youth space at the Employment Forum provided 210 graduates with individual interviews, while walking meetings during the No Finish Line charity event offered informal career discussions.

However, Boin highlighted the commission’s role in presenting market realities: “We don’t orient – we insert. It’s not about receiving a student who doesn’t know where they’re going to orient themselves, it’s about factually presenting what an activity represents and in which sector there are opportunities or not.”

Technology and adaptation

The commission is also adapting to technological change, particularly the increasing use of artificial intelligence by young graduates. While many of them use AI tools like ChatGPT for cover letters, the commission’s staff highlights the importance of understanding and personalising such content.

“We see straight away that they’re written by ChatGPT,” Boin noted. “We don’t tell these young people not to use it, we tell them to use it wisely.” During mock interviews, candidates must be able to explain and defend what they’ve written in their applications.

Christophe Robino also explained the need for human oversight of AI tools: “Artificial intelligence should remain a help for humans, but humans must not be enslaved by AI. I think this is something that should really guide us today – we must be extremely careful.”

Financial incentives

Partner companies benefit from pre-screened candidates and can claim back employer contributions – 100 per cent for Monégasque hires and 50 per cent for others – provided they commit to two-year employment contracts. This arrangement helps ensure stable employment while supporting both graduates and employers.

Lastly, the commission has also enhanced its communication strategy with regular activity on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, monthly newsletters and targeted information flyers for both young people and businesses. This multi-channel approach aims to better inform young people about employment opportunities, competitions and events in the principality.

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Main photo credit: Direction de la Communication-Stéphane Danna

From books to battlefields: Irish stories are set to sweep Monaco this October

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/09/2025

The Princess Grace Irish Library will host two fascinating talks this October, each exploring a different side of Ireland’s history. 

The first event is set to take place on October 2nd at 7pm, where Martin Doyle, books editor of The Irish Times, will offer insights into contemporary Irish literature. After having interviewed more than 50 authors for his book titled ‘Irish Writes in Conversation’, 1991-2025, featuring authors from Brian Moore to Sally Rooney and Claire Keegan, he will discuss the art of interviewing and assess the finest Irish fiction of the past 50 years, with particular focus on works set abroad.

Doyle is also the author of ‘Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Home Place’ and brings 35 years of experience as an arts journalist. The talk aligns with this year’s library theme: ‘The reach and impact of Irish diaspora.’

Three weeks later, on October 21st at 7pm, Patrick Downes, Chair of the Lucas Foundation, will deliver a lecture titled ‘Valour Without Borders: Irish Honour on the Global Battlefield.’ This marks the first time the prestigious Lucas Lecture has been presented outside Dublin’s Royal Dublin Society.

Downes will explore centuries of global conflict during his talk, unveiling stories from soldiers who often remain untold, lost in history. His talk will guide listeners from the windswept trenches of the Crimea to the mountains of Afghanistan, exploring honours awarded to Irish soldiers marked by courage and sacrifice.

Both events take place at the library on the first floor. Tickets for Martin Doyle’s talk cost €10 and include a drink, available online through Weezevent. Both lectures will be followed by drinks receptions

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Main photo credit: Mathias Reding, Unsplash

Barclays Monaco CEO Gérald Mathieu departs amid private bank restructure

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2025

Barclays Private Bank has confirmed the departure of Gérald Mathieu, CEO of its Monaco operations and former Head of Private Bank Europe and Middle East, following a strategic overhaul of its European business model.

The move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort at Barclays Private Bank International, which has led to the elimination of several regional leadership roles, including Mathieu’s. The bank said it is shifting to what it describes as a “market-led approach”, aimed at simplifying local structures and centralising client service operations.

Key leadership role cut

Gérald Mathieu’s position as Head of Private Bank Europe was removed entirely in the shake-up. His responsibilities as CEO of Barclays Monaco have now been handed on an interim basis to Olivier Franceschelli, who will report directly to Annabelle Bryde, Head of Private Bank International.

A Barclays spokesperson confirmed the decision, saying: “In Europe, this includes changes to senior leadership. The role of Head of Private Bank Europe has been removed, and as a result, Gérald Mathieu has decided to leave Barclays.”

Bank consolidates regional structure

The reorganisation is intended to reduce overlap between jurisdictions and streamline management across Barclays’ international wealth business. “The approach puts the client at the centre and organises global resources across locations to best meet their needs, irrespective of jurisdiction and booking centre,” the bank said in a statement.

Barclays has said the new model is designed to better coordinate client coverage, prospect management, and strategy, though it also reflects the bank’s decision to consolidate regional power under fewer executives.

Mathieu’s exit follows previous role shifts

Mathieu joined Barclays in 2010 and held a number of senior posts, including CEO of Barclays Switzerland, before moving into his Monaco-based leadership roles. That position in Switzerland has been held by Rahim Daya since 2021.

While Barclays did not provide further detail on Mathieu’s future plans, the bank made clear that his departure was linked directly to the internal restructuring, rather than a broader executive turnover.

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