At least 100,000 “ghost flights” could be flown across Europe this winter because of EU airport slot usage rules, according to analysis by Greenpeace. The deserted, unnecessary or unprofitable flights are intended to allow airlines to keep their takeoff and landing runway rights in major airports, but they could also generate up to 2.1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions – or as much as 1.4 million average petrol or diesel cars emit in a year – Greenpeace says. – Guardian
Bereaved families in England and Wales face increased costs from Wednesday as probate fees rise by up to 76%. Applications for probate, which grants permission to deal with the estate of someone who has died, will now cost a flat rate of £273. Previously the fee was £155 if a solicitor applied on behalf of a family and £215 for those who applied direct. – Guardian
The owner of the Wolseley, a celebrity haunt in London’s West End, has been pushed into administration by an angry investor embroiled in a row with its co-founder. Minor International, the largest shareholder in the restaurant’s parent company Corbin & King, said it had appointed FRP as an administrator amid growing concerns that the business needed “strong financial support to survive and succeed”. – Telegraph
Elon Musk is in line to reap in excess of $35 billion of stock awards in the coming months despite the slide in Tesla’s shares. The world’s second-richest man is set to secure five tranches of share options in the electric carmaker over the next year, according to analysts, as it ramps up production and meets a series of targets tied to his controversial compensation package. – The Times
The City regulator has announced a clampdown on financial firms that try to sidestep paying compensation to burnt customers by improperly using insolvency techniques, with the prospect of fines, bans and court action for culprits. The Financial Conduct Authority said that there had been an increase in the number of firms developing proposals such as schemes of arrangement or other restructuring plans to shield themselves from liabilities to consumers, particularly redress orders. – The Times
