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• Starlink satellite internet is chosen by Italian rail operator Italo for its trains

  Italian high-speed train operator 'Italo' announced on Thursday that it will introduce SpaceX Starlink across its fleet, becoming the first major train company in the world to use the satellite connectivity service from low-Earth orbit. Elon Musk’s Starlink is gaining popularity among airlines that want to provide Internet access to their passengers. Other rail operators have also begun testing the system, but they are not yet ready to adopt it. Last year, the Italian state railway - Ferrovie dello Stato - ran a trial with two providers including Starlink. ScotRail, a Scottish rail company, also conducted a Starlink six-week trial in 2025. The French state-owned railway company SNCF is considering combining low-Earth-orbit satellite solutions with terrestrial networks. Italo?said that its decision was made after nearly a year's worth of?testing. The roll?out is expected to be completed in 2027 and aims to?provide?passengers with stable,?high speed connectivity for?streaming and video calls, as well as work onboard. (Reporting and editing by Gavin Jones, Claudia Cristoferi)

• Sources say DAE Capital is close to a deal with Macquarie Airfinance to purchase aircraft leasing company.

  Two industry sources have confirmed that DAE Capital, a Dubai-based aircraft lessor, is "closing" in on a deal to buy Macquarie AirFinance's leasing platform. Two firms declined to comment on a request. DAE, along with Saudi Arabia's AviLease and Qatar’s Lesha Bank, was reported to be a final contender for the Macquarie aircraft lease?assets in?January. The sale of aircraft follows a round of competitive bidding, as the demand for planes soars. Commercial planesmakers Boeing & Airbus are unable to meet demand. This has created a 'great opportunity for lessors who can sell their aircraft at premium multiples. In 2017, ?Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Buy Tickets Dublin-based AWAS is the world's tenth largest aircraft lessor. Reporting by?Allison Lampert and Tim Hepher, in Montreal and Paris respectively; editing by Edmund Klamann & Chizu Nomiyama)

• Seven bodies discovered after Chinese tour bus plunges in frozen lake in Russia’s Siberia

  The Russian emergency ministry reported that seven bodies were 'found' in Lake Baikal, a frozen lake in southeastern Siberia. A tour bus with eight Chinese tourists was thrown into the water after the ice cracked as they crossed it on Friday. Igor Kobzev, the regional governor of Irkutsk, said on Telegram that one of the Chinese tourists had escaped. The prosecutors' office in the region also confirmed the opening a criminal investigation. Rescuers used an underwater camera to inspect the scene, and diving operations are planned. In a?statement, it said: "The depth of the accident site is 18 metres (59 ft)." Tourists are attracted to Lake Baikal in the north of Mongolia. It is the deepest freshwater body of water on earth. In recent years, Chinese tourism to Russia has increased due to the closer ties between 'the two neighbours as well as the introduction of visa-free travel for both countries. Helen Popper, Reporting and Editing

• Airport operator Aena in Spain has raised its fees.

  The carriers rejected the plan on Wednesday for the period 2027-2031. Aena already has approval from Spain's competition regulator to increase the maximum passenger charge by?6.5% this year to 0.68 euro. Aena has said that although fees can influence?ticket prices Aena's proposed increases, which are still subject to approval, could be lower at smaller Spanish Airports and remain "competitive". Aena said in a press release that the proposed fee increase would amount to 0.43 euro more per year from?2027-2031. The National Airlines Association ALA rejected this proposal, calling it unjustified. It said that the proposed increase was equivalent to a 3,8% annual rise. The lobby group instead called for a 4,9% reduction in annual air traffic over the period, arguing Aena underestimated the projected growth. Airlines predict that this will rise by 3.6% per year, rather than the 1.3% estimated by Aena. According to the operator, Spanish airports will handle up to 1.6 billion passengers in 2027 and 2031 as traffic growth slows down from post-pandemic recovery. Aena intends to triple its investment by 2027 and over the next five years. A government approval is required for at least 10 billion euro. ($1 = 0.8445 euros) (Reporting and editing by David Latona, Alexander Smith, and Corina Pons)

• Aena, the Spanish airport operator, wants to increase airline fees by 0.43 euro per year until 2031

  Spanish airport operator, 'Aena' will propose to raise a fee it charges airlines per passenger of?0.43 euro a year between 2027-2031 in order to fund a 13 billion euro investment plan ($15.4 billion), which includes upgrading terminals and handling a?growing passenger traffic. The operator has already'secured approval' from the competition watchdog CNMC for a?increase of 6.5% in 2026 to the maximum passenger charge to 0.68 Euros. Aena stated that although fees could?affect?the price of airline tickets, the proposed increases would be lower in smaller Spanish airports, and remain "competitive". Aena anticipates that Spanish airports will handle up to 1,6 billion passengers between 2027 and 2030, even as the traffic growth slows down from its post-pandemic recovery. The operator intends to 'triple its investment' from 2027 over the next five-year period. The government will need to approve at least 10 billion euros of this spending.

• Documents show that Epstein attempted to create a web of powerful connections across the Middle East.

  The U.S. Department of Justice's documents reveal that embattled financier Jeffrey Epstein attempted to create a network of powerful political figures and businessmen in the Middle East. DP World announced that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem resigned from his position as chairman and chief executive. Two sources who have direct knowledge of the matter said that the decision was made after Bin Sulayem’s name appeared on the Epstein files and his relationship with a late convicted sex offender came under increased scrutiny. Bin Sulayem and Epstein exchanged emails in which they discussed sexual relationships between Bin Sulayem and women Epstein had helped him meet. Bin Sulayem informed Epstein in an email dated November 9, 2007 that he met a woman of this type in New York. He did not identify her and said they had no sexual relations. He wrote: "Yes, after many attempts over several months, we were able to meet in NY," adding that it was a miscommunication because "she only wanted some BUSINESS!" I only wanted some PUSSYNESS!" Dubai's ruler also issued on Friday a decree that appointed a new chairman of Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, which was one of the many roles Bin Sulayem had held. I was able review independently only some Epstein files relating Bin Sulayem but was unable determine what exactly led to Bin Sulayem's departure from DP World, although sources stated, without giving further details, that the documents were the reason. Bin Sulayem has not responded to any requests for comments on his departure. DP World declined comment. COOKING TOGETHER Epstein described Bin Sulayem in an email exchange as funny, trustworthy, and a foodie. Epstein went on to say Bin Sulayem is a Muslim who does not drink alcohol and prays 5 times a day. A photograph, which was included in an email but is now publicly available, shows Epstein and Bin Sulayem cooking together and looking relaxed. Epstein did not provide the full name of who he sent it to. Bin Sulayem did not comment publicly on Epstein’s description of his relationship or the emails he sent about it. It is not criminal to be named in a file. Bin Sulayem was questioned by DP World financial backers about his past after the U.S. Congress pointed out that Bin Sulayem’s name appeared on files released by U.S. Department of Justice. Bin Sulayem didn't respond to these concerns publicly. British International Investment and Canada's second largest pension fund, both UK-based development finance agencies, said they would stop investing in DP World because of Bin Sulayem alleged ties with Epstein. We are horrified by the allegations that have emerged in the Epstein case A spokesperson for BII said, "Files regarding Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem", without specifying which allegations he meant. We will not make any new investments in DP World until they have taken the necessary actions. La Caisse, a Canadian pension fund, said that it would "pause additional capital deployment along with the company" until DP World clarified and took "the necessary steps". In a press release issued after the leadership change at DP World on Friday, BII praised DP World's decision. It said that it was looking forward to "continuing our partnership to advance development of key African Trading Ports". La Caisse stated that "the company took appropriate measures" as well as its intention to "move swiftly to work with DP World’s new leadership in order to continue our partnership for port projects throughout the world". Bin Sulayem didn't immediately respond to a question from La Caisse asking him for a comment about the actions taken by BII. DP World declined to comment. Contacts Network The DOJ's large collection of documents, including emails and text messages, shows that Epstein used his wealth to establish relationships with influential people in finance, politics, academia, and business all over the world. The report was unable determine whether Epstein's advice was taken into account by his contacts in the Middle East. Epstein attempted to give advice to Qatari political and business figures, according to the DOJ documents examined by. This was during the blockade of Qatar imposed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2017-21. Qatar had denied the accusations. Epstein, in an exchange with Sheikh Jabor Jasim Al Thani of the ruling family and Qatari businessman Jabor Yousuf Jassim al Thani, urged Qatar "to stop kicking and arguing...let's let the heat go down a little". He stated that "the current Qatari team is weak" and that "FM's lack of experience is evident." Qatar's Foreign Minister at the time was Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He is now both Prime Minister and Foreign minister. Sheikh Mohammed is yet to comment publicly on Epstein’s portrayal. Qatar's International Media Office declined to comment on the exchange when asked about it. The office handles media requests from the Prime Minister. No response was received to a request sent via email to three Qatari companies where Sheikh Jabor holds the position of chairman, nor to a text message sent to someone who, according the documents?released? by the DOJ?, is employed in Sheikh Jabor?s office. Epstein encouraged Doha to establish ties with Israel in order to remain in good standing with Donald Trump who was in his first term of office as U.S. President. Epstein suggested that the Gulf State either recognize Israel or donate $1 billion to an anti-terrorism fund. Qatar stayed true to its independence. In 2021 the countries that had been blocking Doha restored their ties. The Trump administration has also strengthened its ties with Qatar. Discussion on SAUDI ARAMCO's IPO Epstein talked about Saudi Aramco’s initial public offering through dozens of emails. Epstein warned in an email exchange on September 10, 2016 with a person called?Aziza alahmadi and former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larson, that Aramco's initial public offering could expose Saudi Arabian assets to seizure and lawsuits. Saudi Aramco refused to comment on the emails. Alahmadi was not available for comment, and it was impossible to determine her role in Epstein's actions. Epstein, in an email dated 16 October 2017 and sent to Alahmadi as well, suggested that China be given the option to purchase a $100 billion stake in Aramco, rather than pursuing a conventional IPO. Epstein said this would allow for liquidity, while limiting their exposure to the public markets. Saudi Aramco refused to comment on the emails. Roed Larsen didn't immediately reply to an email sent via his attorney asking for comments. The DOJ documents show that Epstein also had a presence in Egypt. In some emails, Epstein was asked for help by a member of the Mubarak family - the wife Gamal Mubarak. This request came in 2011 after the ouster of the former president and the subsequent legal problems. The emails did not specify what type of assistance was requested and it was impossible to determine whether Epstein tried to intervene on behalf of the family. One lawyer was emailed for comment and another was texted. Both represented Gamal Moubarak. No immediate response was received.

• Accounts show that Access World Logistics is under pressure due to an arbitration claim.

  Show reports that an?arbitration suit filed in Hong Kong by the owners of the global?logistics firm Access World could cause financial risk for the group. This could have a ripple effect?throughout international metals markets. In a statement filed in October by Access?World's?accounts, it was stated that "a material uncertainity exists which may cast doubt on its ability to continue as a continuing concern". It linked this to a $14.8million arbitration claim made against Global Capital Merchants. Access World, a major logistics player that owns and rents warehouses for metals, including copper, has not revealed who made the claim or why. It did not reply to a comment request. Access World's London Metal Exchange warrants - which confer?ownership-- totaled more than 260,000 metric tonnes at the end January. This is about 20% of LME. If Access World loses an arbitration case, some of its subsidiaries could be named as guarantors and held liable. They may also find themselves unable to pay the?rent for warehouses that they rent, causing them to doubt the fate of the metals there. LME claims that its warehouse agreements protect the metals stored in LME registered facilities. The exchange responded to a comment request by saying that only the warehouse company was allowed to keep LME metal in a warehouse approved by the LME, and then only in the case of non-payment of rent or other charges. Five metals industry sources claim that such facilities are still locked by their owners, since the contracts they have with warehousing companies who lease them, and not the LME. It is hard to estimate the impact on metals pricing and liquidity of such actions, but Glencore's former owner Access World, which sold it in 2022, may be affected, as it continues to use Access World storage facilities and remains its largest client. The company responded to a comment request by saying that the cases were not related to Access World and would not have any material impact on Glencore. Three people with knowledge of the situation said that Access World had to sell some warehouses to pay the rent on warehouses it leased, including in New Orleans by 2024. Last year it fell behind in rent payments at the Port of Johor Malaysia. Port of Johor has not responded to any requests for comments.

• Accounts show that Access World Logistics is under pressure due to an arbitration claim.

  Accounts seen by show indicate that an arbitration case filed in Hong Kong, against the owners, of the global?logistics firm Access World, could cause financial risk for the group, with ripple effects on international metal markets. In a statement filed in 'Access World's accounts?last October, it was stated that "a material uncertain exists which?may -cast doubt on the group?s ability to continue as a?going concern". It linked this to an arbitration claim of $14.8 million filed against Global Capital Merchants. Access World, a major logistics player that owns and rents warehouses for metals, including copper, has not revealed who made the claim or why. Access World's stock under the London Metal Exchange warrant, a document that confers ownership, exceeded 260,000 metric tonnes at the end January. This is about 20% of total?LME. If the Access World subsidiary loses the arbitration, it will be liable to pay the claim. The squeeze may also make the Access World subsidiary unable to pay the rent for the warehouses that they lease. This could cast doubt on the fate of the metals stored there. LME's warehouse agreements protect metals at LME-registered sites, according to the LME. The exchange responded to a comment request by saying that only the warehouse company was allowed to keep LME metal in an LME-approved warehouse. This would be in the case of non-payment of rent or other charges. Five metals industry sources claim that such facilities are still locked by their owners, since they have contracts with the warehousing companies who lease them, and not the LME. It is hard to predict the impact that such actions could have on metals pricing and liquidity, but Glencore, Access World’s former owner who sold?the firm in 2022, may be affected, as it continues to use their storage facilities and remains its largest client. The company responded to a comment request by saying that the cases were not connected to Access World’s business and would not have any material impact on Glencore. Access World had to sell some of its warehouses to pay for the rent of warehouses that it leased, including in New Orleans by '2024. Last year it fell behind in rent payments at the Port of Johor Malaysia. Port of Johor has not responded to any requests for comments.

• Air India and Germany's Lufthansa to increase passenger traffic

  Air India and Lufthansa have announced plans to 'fly more passengers between India and Europe, and collaborate on areas such as route planning and IT infrastructure. The airlines are hoping to take advantage of the newly concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The partnership will first focus on increasing traffic between India, and Lufthansa’s core markets, Germany, Austria. Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. Later, the partnership would expand to include the rest of Europe and India. The codeshare agreement currently covers 145 routes in 15 Indian cities, 29 European cities, and 20 countries. The partnership's scope will be finalised once a comprehensive business agreement is formed, which will then be subjected to regulatory approval. Air India and Singapore Airlines signed a framework of cooperation in?January to allow the carriers to increase routes, reduce overlap, and enhance their collaboration more generally. Singapore Airlines owns a 25% stake in Air India.

• Russia's Taman Port damaged by Ukrainian drone attack

  The governor of Russia's Krasnodar Region said that a Ukrainian drone had 'damaged' the 'Black Sea port' of Taman in Russia, which handles oil, grain, and coal, among other commodities. Veniamin kondratyev, in a Telegram post, said that two people were injured when an oil storage tank and warehouse, as well as terminals, suffered damage?in Volna Village, which is the site of Taman Port. Kondratyev stated that more than 100 people worked to extinguish several fires in the port. Separate attacks on the resort city of Sochi and the village of Yurovka near the seaside town Anapa had caused less damage, he said. Ukraine's General Staff said that they had struck the port complex on Sunday. Kyiv resumed its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure after the expiration of a U.S.-brokered'moratorium' on such strikes. Russia has repeatedly targeted the energy and utility infrastructure of Ukraine, cutting electricity and heating to hundreds of thousands of people during an unusually cold winter. According to industry sources, about 4,16?million tons?of oil products?were shipped through Taman in the past year.

• Olympic Games-From the Games to everyday life: Milan's tram driver shortage

  Stefano De Blasio, a Milan tram driver, was thrilled to see Italian motorcycling champ Valentino Rossi wearing his uniform and ferrying President Sergio Mattarella from Milan's San Siro stadium to the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. De Blasio said, "It gave us a feeling of satisfaction and value for the work that we do every day." He was sitting in the wooden seats of an old tram at the city depot, where the streetcars of the network begin and finish their daily trips. Mattarella, the Italian financial capital's symbol, is carried in one of Milan’s 125 historic Carrelli Trams. Between 2006 and 2019, local transport company ATM overhauled the rattling vehicles, which have been in service since late 1930s. They restored their original yellow and cream livery, and upgraded their mechanical systems. It may be easier to revamp them than to address the driver shortage in the city's bus and tram networks, a problem that ATM, which is owned by the city, faces along with other local transport operators across Europe. One issue is the?rising costs of living in Milan following a real estate bubble, as well as the growing competition among e-commerce delivery companies for drivers. A survey conducted by Eurocities - a network of more than 200 European cities, including Milan - revealed that public transport was struggling with a shortage of staff. 35% of the mayors surveyed reported this as a major problem, which is disrupting service and driving up costs. AMOUNTS OFFERED TO ATTRACT DRIVERS Entry-level wages for bus and tram drivers in Milan are around 1,500 euros ($1,780). Shifts of 6 and a 1/2 hours are required to ensure that services run for the entire?day. ATM, who had to cut back on some bus and tram service, has taken a variety of measures to fill the gap. These include paying for the required public transport licenses, offering initial rent assistance for new hires, and providing a monthly bonus to drivers. The company has also started a project for 150 apartments to be built on the former site of an old company depot in Milan. The company stated that the initiatives allowed it to employ 607 people by 2025. This reversed the trend of leaving employees and hiring new ones at the end last year. Franco Fusca is a local?official for the FIT-Cisl Union. He says ATM is still facing a driver shortage of up to 300. ATM employs approximately 4,000 drivers. According to Nicola Biscotti of the Italian transport association ANAV, there is a shortage of around 8,000-9,000 drivers in Italy. Gabriele Grea is a researcher at Bocconi University in Milan, and a lecturer on?urban mobility' management. She said that the trend has gotten worse since the pandemic. Grea stated that the salary of a public transportation driver was not always competitive, despite it being a job that requires a lot of time and is one of the most stressful. "Companies now try everything." "But the reality is that this is a difficult job to sell," said he. WATCHING CITY CHANGE De Blasio began his career as a?tram driver at ATM around a decade back. He has seen the city change from his taxi, and the emergence of new mobility options, such as e-bikes and scooters, which require greater attention. In the video that was shown at the Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony, Mattarella can be seen giving back a "soft toy" to a child after they dropped it in a tram. De Blasio remembered a similar experience from his own life. He spotted the phone between the rails of a train while stopped at a traffic signal. He stopped, picked up the bag and returned it to the owner. Later, he learned that this person was a well-known anti-mafia activist. "He appreciated my little gesture. He sent me a thank you letter and also sent it to the company. "I was incredibly proud of myself," he said.

• Olympic Games-From the Games to everyday life: Milan's tram driver shortage

  When Milan tram driver Stefano De Blasio watched the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics, he was thrilled to see Italian motorcycling champ Valentino Rossi don his uniform to transport President Sergio Mattarella from Milan's San Siro stadium. De Blasio said, "It gave us drivers a real sense of value and satisfaction in the work that we do every day." He was sitting on one of Milan’s oldest trams, at the city depot, where many streetcars of the network begin and finish their daily trips. Mattarella, the Italian financial capital's symbol, is carried in one of Milan’s 125 historic Carrelli Trams. Between 2006 and 2019, local transport company ATM overhauled the rattling vehicles, which have been in service since late 1930s. They restored their original yellow and cream livery, and upgraded their mechanical systems. It may be easier to revamp them than to address a driver shortage in the tram and bus network. ATM, which is owned by the city, faces the same challenge as many other local transport operators across Europe. One issue is the rising cost of living after a real estate boom in Milan, as well as growing competition from ecommerce delivery firms for drivers. A survey by Eurocities - a network of more than 200 European cities, including Milan - found that public transport in Europe is facing a severe staffing shortage. 35% of mayors cited the shortage of mechanics and drivers as a major problem, which is disrupting service and driving up costs. Incentives offered to attract drivers Entry-level pay for a bus driver or tram operator in Milan is around 1,500 euros ($1,780). Shifts are six and a quarter hours long to ensure that services run throughout the day. ATM, who had to?cut some bus and tram service, has taken a variety of measures to fill the gap. These include offering to pay the required public transport licenses, giving initial rent support to new hires, and providing a monthly bonus to drivers. The company has also started a project for 150 apartments to be built on the former site of an old company depot in Milan. The company stated that the initiatives allowed it to employ 607 people by 2025. This reversed the trend of leaving employees and hiring new ones at the end last year. Franco Fusca is a local official for the?FIT - Cisl union. He says ATM has a shortage of 300 drivers. ATM employs approximately 4,000 drivers. According to Nicola Biscotti of the Italian transport association ANAV, there is a shortage of around 8,000-9,000 drivers in Italy. Gabriele Grea is a researcher at Bocconi University in Milan and a lecturer on urban mobility management. She said that the trend has gotten worse since the pandemic. Grea stated that "the salary of a public transportation driver is not always competitive, even though the job requires a lot of time and is one of the most stressful." "Companies now try everything." "But the reality is that this is a difficult job to sell," said he. WATCHING CITY CHANGE De Blasio began his career as a tram driver at ATM a decade before. From his cab he has seen the city change, and the arrival of "new forms of transportation" - such as e-bikes and scooters. He said that those who do his job must pay even more attention to these new technologies. In the video that was shown at the Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony, Mattarella can be seen giving a soft toy back to a child after they dropped it onto a tram. De Blasio remembered a similar experience from his own life. He recalled a time when he was stopped at a traffic signal and spotted a phone between the rails. He stopped, picked it up, and returned it to the owner. Later, he discovered that this person was a well-known anti-mafia activist. "He appreciated my little gesture. He sent me a thank you letter and also wrote to the company. "I was incredibly proud," said he.