Freshly launched at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Orient Express Corinthian is the first jewel of the Orient Express Sailing Yachts collection. 

More space per guest than any similar sailing yacht

A true sailing yacht,  far removed conceptually and aesthetically from a conventional cruise liner, with a sense of space and privacy that feels almost indecently generous, it offers more space per guest than other any similar craft, with just 54 Suites for 110 guests. Two hundred and twenty metres of pure statement, OE Corinthian uses pioneering Solid Sail technology, its three majestic masts rising over 68 metres, with glass fibre and carbon sails that catch the wind that can reach up to 15 knots. And when extra propulsion is needed liquefied natural gas, LNG,  takes over.

Mediterranean and Adriatic summers and Caribbean winters

Following a moment of glamour at the Cannes Film Festival bookings will open for sailings from 19 July, and from May to October OE Corinthian will sail in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic to winter in the Caribbean. Stops on the summer sailings will include Monte Carlo, Portofino, Venice, Amalfi and Sicily. At a pre-launch press conference Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor, the French hospitality giant that owns the Orient Express brand described the project as “a journey rooted in discovery, unhurried time, excellence, and elegance.”

©AliceMesguich

All suites have dedicated butlers

Intimate and refined with an aesthetic that whispers Art Deco, the interiors are a quiet nod to the golden age of the Orient Express trains and throughout there are arm tones of beige offset by deeper burgundy, adding richness yet maintaining a feeling of sleek elegance,  The Panoramic Suites, the only ones without balconies, have ceiling to floor windows that let the light pour in. The Duplex Suites unfold over two levels, and the Penthouse Suites with XL terraces, also have separate dining areas.  All suites have a dedicated butler and in total there are 170 crew members - that’s 1.6 per guest, in case you were wondering how seriously Orient Express takes the quality of their service.

Eight restaurants helmed by 18-star Michelin chef Alléno

Dining is a whole performance, curated by Yannick Alléno who holds 18 Michelin stars. The eight restaurants include the exclusive La Table de l’Orient Express - just 6 tables and a double-height ceiling - which is not included in the all-inclusive formula, because exclusivity must remain exclusive. Same story for the treatments in the Guerlain Spa, naturellement.

Sister ship Orient Express Olympian will launch in 2027

There is also a library of international classics, eight bars and lounges, a theatre, a cinema and even a recording studio as well as an unusual 16-metre lap pool under the sails which can be privatized, as can the whole yacht for private or corporate events and happenings.  The Marina at the stern with its own pool has direct access to the sea and an area for water activities. In 2027 Corinthian's twin, the Orient Express Olympian, will be launched at the same St. Nazaire shipyard....because one icon is never enough.

The new bilateral codeshare agreement between ITA Airways and Volotea sees the two airlines further expanding travel opportunities. 

Volotea's Rome Fiumicino hub 

Offering passengers a comprehensive combined network featuring up to 104 available routes, the agreement centres on Volotea’s existing network to Rome Fiumicino and ITA Airways’ network at the Rome hub, enabling more efficient connections between numerous European destinations and significantly expanding connection options. Once the technical implementation is complete it will enable increased connectivity via Rome Fiumicino to Italian and European destinations within the ITA Airways network including Milan Linate, Catania, Palermo, Brindisi, Trieste, Genoa, Reggio Calabria, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Zurich, Tirana and Amsterdam, whilst also offering new routes via the Madrid and Barcelona hubs to destinations such as Murcia, Asturias and Vitoria, operated by Volotea.

Enabling ITA Airways to expand its destinations

At the same time, the agreement strengthens Volotea’s commercial visibility in new European markets and enables ITA Airways to expand its offering by including destinations served by the low-cost carrier’s network. These include cities such as Asturias, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Lourdes/Tarbes, Nantes and Strasbourg, with further connection opportunities thanks to links via Spain.

"Comfort, accessibility and quality of service at the forefront"

“Building on the path set out by the interline agreement signed last year, followed by the joint bid submitted for the territorial continuity tender in Sardinia, this partnership is the natural evolution of a process that allows us to offer our passengers an even greater number of destinations and travel combinations, whilst keeping comfort, accessibility and quality of service at the forefront, ” ” said Carlos Muñoz, founder and CEO of Volotea.

Improving connectivity to and from Rome 

“With the codeshare agreement with Volotea, a highly reliable partner, we are further expanding travel opportunities for our customers,- added Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager ITA Airways, -improving connectivity to and from Rome Fiumicino and making it easier to reach numerous destinations in Italy and Europe with a single ticket.”

ItaliAbsolutely, together with the Municipality of Reggio Calabria, recently hosted the fam trip "Unexpected South - beyond the classic Italian journey " for international buyers. 

Nature, culture, gastronomy and B2B meetings

Combining nature, culture, gastronomy and encounters with local stakeholders, the event offered the group of selected interntional buyers a curated immersion into this lesser known yet deeply authentic corner of Southern Italy.  Reggio Calabria's tourism councillor Giovanni Latella says the fam trip offered a rich and authentic discovery of Reggio Calabria and its wider territory, combining culture, history, nature, and genuine local experiences. The itinerary had been carefully designed to showcase not only the city itself but also a selection of lesser known yet remarkable towns across both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts.

Exploring the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts

The buyers explored charming destinations such as Cinquefrondi, Galatro with its thermal baths, and San Giorgio Morgeto on the Tyrrhenian side, alongside Locri, Stilo, Bivongi, and Pazzano on the Ionian coast. "These locations are deeply rooted in the heritage of Magna Graecia, and offer a unique blend of history, traditions, and unspoiled beauty that remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism."

A new Civic Museum for Reggio Calabria

In the city of Reggio Calabria the group of buyers experienced one of the most beautiful seafronts in Italy, museums and places of culture. "We are currently investing significantly in tourism development, with new openings such as the Civic Museum and future projects like the Museum of the Se, while beyond the coast, the nearby Aspromonte mountains provide opportunities for nature and even winter sports, said Councillor Latella. 

"The city has great appeal for the younger generation"

The Councillor also emphasizes other key strengths: the airport located within the city, the excellent rail connections, and efficient mobility noting further that "the city has great appeal for the younger generation, thanks to its universities, year-round events, and lively atmosphere, and it is famous for the production of bergamot, a symbol of the region that is used in gastronomy, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics."

ITA Airways is expanding its services from Delhi, India and Bangkok Thailand to Rome Fiumicino ahead of the 2026 summer peak season.

Growing demand for direct flights between the Far East and Italy

The additional flights are in response to growing demand for direct connections between the Far East and Italy. Throughout August 2026, ITA Airways’ direct flight from Bangkok to Fiumicino will increase from three to five weekly frequencies, whilst the route between Delhi and  Fiumicino will become a daily service with seven weekly frequencies. The new flights are already bookable via all the carrier’s distribution channels.

"A concrete sign of confidence in the market"

“At a time when the geopolitical landscape makes the possibility of reaching Italy from Asia via direct and reliable connections even more valuable, the increase in frequencies from Delhi and Bangkok in August 2026 is a concrete sign of confidence in the market and in ITA Airways’ ability to respond swiftly to passenger demand, whilst ensuring continuity and quality of service,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of the airline.

Flights operated by ITA and its partners

The aim is to offer passengers greater security and a wider choice for travellers from Thailand and India to reach, via Rome, the summer destinations within the ITA Airways network and those of its partners in Italy, Europe, Africa, North and South America.

Venice and China are getting even closer thanks to Air China’s new direct route from Marco Polo Airport to Beijing which is due to debut in July.

Venice will now have flights from Beijing and Shanghai 

The announcement came on the sidelines of the 16th session of the Italy-China Joint Economic Commission, held recently in Beijing and chaired by Minister Antonio Tajani alongside Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. Minister Tajani, via his social media channels, revealed the launch of the new flight for Venice which is he city'ssecond direct link with China, following the Shanghai route which began in September 2024 and currently boasts an average load factor of 85%.

A new bridge between China and Italy

“This new milestone, which forms part of our commitment to the continuous expansion of Marco Polo’s long-haul flight network, creates a new bridge between China and Italy, helping to strengthen the economic and cultural ties and exchanges that Venice, with its history, was among the first to forge and develop,” commented Enrico Marchi, chairman of the Save Group. -

The Shanghai flights have an 85% load factor

"For Venice Airport this is the second direct connection, following the one with Shanghai launched a year and a half ago. This was an immediate success with steadily growing passenger numbers, which have led to a gradual increase in weekly frequencies, reaching an average load factor of 85%, continued Marchi. I would also like to mention the launch last week at Montichiari Airport – also part of the North-East hub managed by SAVE – of a cargo flight on the Xi’an-Brescia route. On this important day, we take pride in the tangible contribution that the Save Group makes to transport and the economy of the vast area it serves and of the entire country.”

Just west of Milan, beyond the last suburban edges, the Naviglio Grande is a stretch of canal that offers one of the most understated yet unusual weekend escapes near the Lombard capital. 

The focus is on the quiet rural landscape

And the discovery starts with the journey itself. From Milan visitors can follow the Naviglio Grande by bicycle or on foot, moving steadily away from Milan’s buzzing cafés and aperitivo bars into a tranquil rural landscape. The canal, once engineered under Leonardo da Vinci’s influence, becomes narrower and the rhythm slower, inviting visitors to explore Italy’s quieter side.

A 12th-century Abbey

In the little town of Morimondo the Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery set in flat farmland and reached not by road but on water and towpaths, rises unexpectedly from the fields. Brick-built, austere, and deliberately free of ornament, it is a textbook expression of Cistercian monastic life.

The tranquil village invites wandering

Inside the Abbey is calm with light filtering in, and an architecture that encourages stillness and reflection. Outside, the small village of Morimondo maintains a low profile with just a few shops, a handful of local restaurants in which to discover simple local foods, and long stretches of countryside that invite wandering and relaxation. 

Easy to reach from Milan

Trains from Milan reach nearby Abbiategrasso in under 40 minutes, followed by a short taxi ride or cycle along the canal. By car the journey is equally easy, making it suitable for a one- or two-night stay. And once in the area the best way to move around is by walking or cycling which are ideal ways to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. For a weekend, Saturday can be devoted to the canal route and the Abbey visit, followed by a relaxed meal featuring local Lombard cooking. Sunday offers time for long walks along the water, a quiet observation of agricultural life, and an easy return to Milan by early afternoon. For information. www.italia.it/en/lombardy/milan/naviglio-grande?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Busitalia Busitalia bought the Italian team and Olympic flag to the Quirinale Palace in Rome. 

The return of the Olympic flag 

The Trenitalia subsidiary was a key player in transport services for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, and it recently accompanied the Italian Olympic Team to the Quirinale Palace for the return of the Olympic flag, the athletes travelling to the flag-return ceremony at the on a Busitalia open-top bus. 

An open-top Busitalia bus

For the occasion, Busitalia provided a vehicle featuring the ‘Italia Team’ livery to highlight the celebratory nature of the event. Two other coach buses with a dedicated ‘Look of the Games’ livery were used to transport the staff. Busitalia also ensured the delegation’s transport to the official visit to the Vatican for the meeting with Pope Leo XIV the following day.  The open-top bus made available to the Italian medallists is part of the fleet of City Sightseeing Italia, a company acquired by Busitalia in January 2026, with the aim of promoting integration between rail, local transport and sightseeing services through intermodal solutions that extend the value chain of tourist transport and contribute to the enhancement of cities and the national cultural heritage.

Over two million passengers during the Games

Alongside the expansion of high-speed and regional train services, new bus routes such as Padua–Cortina and Milan–Livigno were introduced during the Games, also with a view to integrated train-plus-bus transport. During the Games, Busitalia managed the transport service for athletes, sports staff and the media, "providing more than 500 buses every day across three different regions,- explained Serafino Lo Piano, CEO and general manager Busitalia. - 12 routes were in operation, totalling 110,000 journeys, and over two million passengers were transported.”

Cathay Pacific has announced a passenger capacity change from mid-May to end-June, sparked by the ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East.

Adjusting fuel surcharges to mitigate rising jet fuel prices

The Middle East situation continues to negatively impact the price of jet fuel, which has increased significantly since the beginning of March and remains at highly elevated levels, placing huge cost pressure on airlines around the world.  A statement from Cathay Pacific details the measures currently being taken: "In the past month we have pursued every suitable means to keep our flights operating as normal. This includes adjusting the fuel surcharges in an attempt to mitigate the surge in jet fuel prices." 

Consolidating a small number of flights

"Despite our best efforts, the measures we have taken to mitigate the heightened fuel costs have not been enough,- continues the statement. -Cutting back on capacity has always been our last resort. Regrettably we have to consolidate a small number of Cathay Pacific passenger flights from 16 May 2026 to 30 June 2026, as well as a small number of HK Express passenger flights from 11 May 2026 to 30 June 2026, to mitigate part of the increased costs."  For Cathay Pacific some 2% of total frequencies during the period will be cancelled, involving mostly regional flights and a small number of Australia, South Asia and South Africa flights.  

Protection for passengers

All affected customers will be offered protection onto flights departing within 24 hours of their originally scheduled flights. For HK Express, about 6% of total frequencies during the period will be cancelled, with nearly all affected customers offered protection onto flights departing within 24 hours of their originally scheduled flights. All affected customers were notified of their updated flight details by Monday 13 April. A decision has also been made to continue suspending Cathay Pacific’s Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights until 30 June 2026 in view of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.  

"Maintaining network and frequencies as much as possible" 

With attention to the needs of passengers a priority for the Hong Kong-based carrier, the impact on customers has been minimized as much as possible. "These consolidation decisions are not taken lightly, and we apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused." Beyond June, Cathay Pacific and HK Express plan to operate all scheduled passenger flights, subject to developments of the Middle East situation and jet fuel price in the coming months. "During these unprecedented times, we shall remain agile in our response while striving to maintain our network and frequencies as much as possible for our customers, business partners and the Hong Kong international aviation hub."