Wings

Up We Go: Space Adventures For the Risk Tolerant Explorer

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) — Dec 17th 2010 at 9:01AM

Many of us still view space travel as a Star Wars idea, something beyond reality, or at least the reality we know and are comfortable with. To many, the wild blue yonder is something to admire, not to fly into, much less OUT of. But there are some whose exploration interests take them really above and beyond, defining the ultimate form of risk tolerance, the result of a deeper form of human curiosity. Space Adventures enlivens and quenches that curiosity, as it is a company that arranges space flights for private citizens. And as of this year, 2010,it is the only company that has arranged space flights for self-funded individuals. At present, seven customers have flown a total of three months in space, and have traveled 36 million miles. But it is NOT cheap! Flights to the ISS (International Space Station) are approximately $40M. A mind-boggling amount. Yet, there are other adventures and experiences that cost less. Read on!

Tags: commercial space flight, commercial space travel, commercial spaceflight, Cosmonaut Training, EVA Training, Soyuz-TMA, Space Adventures, Space Flights, Space travel, Spacewalks, Zero-G Gravity Flights

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SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight A Success

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Dec 9th 2010 at 3:01AM

SpaceX has become the first non-governmental entity to launch a spacecraft into orbit and recover it safely back on Earth. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Space Launch Complex-40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and propelled the Dragon spacecraft into a 186 mile circular orbit. The capsule circled the Earth twice before firing its four thrusters and reentering the atmosphere. It touched down in the Pacific Ocean and boats and aircraft recovered the unmanned re-usable capsule. Dragon's next flight, scheduled for the middle of next year, will demonstrate the spacecraft's ability to rendezvous with the orbiting lab and future plans include filling it with cargo and eventually an astronaut.

This could be the first of a whole fleet of privately built space vehicles as the commercial space industry ramps up. The private rocket and spacecraft could be hauling astronauts to the space station in two to three years, leaving the NASA budget available to focus on more ambitious projects including trips to Mars. SpaceX, was founded by Elon Musk, who is also behind the electric car company Tesla. It launched a Falcon 9 rocket in June, but that test was done without an real capsule.

Tags: dragon, elon musk, falcon 9, spacex

$44 Million Yacht Tops Robb Report's 'Ultimate Gifts'

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 2nd 2010 at 8:02AM

It seems that Robb Report, the glossy chronicle of the filthy rich, has come back down to Earth a bit after last year's offering of the world's most expensive Christmas present, a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. Each year the profligate publication features an Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal offering of over-the-top exclusives. This year's sybaritic selections top out at a measly $44 million, which gets the recipient Aquos Yachts' 164-ft. expedition superyacht Star Fish to be delivered in 2012 and a luxurious three-week, 10-person charter trip aboard her sister ship, the 148-ft. Big Fish, while you're waiting. Among the other big ticket items for the price-is-no-object set:

Tags: Bahamas, Bugatti, Bugatti Veyron, diamonds, fighter jet, gifts, Holiday 2010, magazines, Parmigiani, private jet, Robb Report, safari, submersible, supercar, superyacht, theme park, wealth, yacht

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Dubai Considers Selling Share in Emirates Air

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Nov 29th 2010 at 8:02PM

As Dubai's debts continue to mount, the emirate is considering selling a piece of one of its prized assets. The emirate could put a share of Emirates Airlines up for sale. Dubai and its state-controlled companies are approximately $110 billion in debt even after a helping hand from Abu Dhabi last year. Much of the debt comes due over the next two years and so extreme capital-building measures may be necessary.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Emirates airlines said at a press conference that the emirate is "working on opening the capital of some of our leading companies to the public." The control of the airline would remain with Dubai.The airline has experienced rapid growth and recorded a profit nearly every year. The company had a record profit increase of 248 percent in the last fiscal year and has said it could hit $1 billion in profits this year.

The luxury airline isn't the only state-owned property that could be opened to the public, DP World, which operates ports around the world, may also be part of this program.

Tags: dubai, Emirates Airlines, united arab emirates

Sir Richard Branson to Serve as an Air Asia Stewardess

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Nov 23rd 2010 at 7:02PM

t may not be what everyone would call a good time, but if your sense of adventure includes being served cocktails by one of the world's richest men dressed in a skirt, then head on over to Air Asia. Because in short order, they'll have none other than Sir Richard Branson serving as a stewardess aboard one of their flights.

The development resulted from a friendly bet between two Formula One team owners: Branson and his Virgin Racing team on one hand, and Tony Fernandes and his Lotus Racing team on the other. Both are newcomers to the sport, and both own their own airlines (Virgin Atlantic and Air Asia, respectively). So they made a little wager: whoever's team fared worse in this, their first season on the grid, would have to serve as a flight attendant – in drag – on the other's airline.

Having won the bet, Fernandes plans to place Branson on a long-haul flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to London, England – a flight for which he'll be selling tickets to raise money for charity.

Tags: air asia, branson, flight attendant, richard branson, sir richard branson, stewardess, tony fernandes, virgin

Sikorsky X2 Helicopter Sets World Speed Record

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Nov 12th 2010 at 6:02PM

Sikorsky has just revolutionized the world of aviation with their amazing X2 prototype (above), officially the world's fastest helicopter after clocking over 250 knots (287.69 mph) on a test run, setting a new world speed record in the process. The X2, which uses a pair of coaxial rotor systems rather than the single rotor found on most choppers, easily beat the current world record of 216.46 knots (249.1 mph) set by the British-built Westland Lynx ZB-500 in 1986. The X2 is roughly twice as fast as Sikorsky's famed Blackhawk, and its tail rotor faces backward like the propeller on a boat in order to provide thrust. Even with its unusual design the X2, which features fly-by-wire controls, can maintain superlative low speed handling, efficient hovering, autorotation safety, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. It will likely be several more years before the aircraft is ready to go into production at a cost of several million dollars however.

[via JamesList]

Tags: aviation, helicopter, helicopters, Sikorsky, world record

Hone Your Photography Skills on a Private Jet Tour of Central & South America

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Nov 11th 2010 at 10:01AM

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jay Dickman (above) is leading an incredible 16-day private jet tour of Central and South America, part of the National Geographic Expeditions program, set to take place from Mar 26 - Apr 10, 2011. Dickman, a National Geographic Expert who has covered events as diverse as the war in El Salvador to the Olympics for numerous publications including National Geographic magazine, is part of the Olympus Visionary Program, a group of prestigious professional photographers who all use Olympus cameras like the brilliant new PEN E-PL1 for professional and personal assignments. The luxe trip via a custom Boeing 757 takes you through lush rain forests, magnificent mountain ranges, lively cities, and the legacies of mighty civilizations.

Destinations include Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Costa Rica, from "the soaring pyramid temples of the ancient Mayans to the alluring grace of Argentina's tango, and from the awe-inspiring rush of Iguazú Falls to the serene rain forests of the Amazon", with luxury hotel stays in between. As the excursion is priced at $46,950 per person, you'll obviously want to make sure you get great photos – which Dickman helps ensure, leading photographic expeditions and discussing technical as well as aesthetic issues that make for great photography and photographs. Book your seats now as space is limited.

Tags: Brazil, camera, Costa Rica, digital camera, Jay Dickman, luxury travel, National Geographic, Olympus, Olympus PEN E-PL1, Peru, photographer, photography, private jet, South America

United Airlines Creates Oprah-Themed Plane To Celebrate Her Final Season

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Nov 5th 2010 at 5:02AM

It bears her signature but the plane shown above isn't Oprah's personal plane, it's a special Boeing 757 from United Airlines. The company had the plane painted to honor Oprah Winfrey and the final season of her popular talk show.

The aircraft is newly painted with Oprah logos on the nose, tail and the body of the plane (a time-lapse video of the painting is after the jump). Inside, the plane has a specially decorated interior and passengers will be greeted by a video welcome from Winfrey. The plane had its inaugural flight from Chicago where Oprah films her show. During the first flight from Chicago to Los Angeles one lucky passenger was was given enough United Mileage Plus miles for a trip around the world and other passengers received a monogrammed "Oprah 25" fleece blanket. United has also created the United Million Mile Giveaway -- a sweepstakes that will give one million United Mileage Plus miles to one lucky winner each month through May and offers Oprah Store e-cards as additional prizes. The special Oprah paint job will last until Oprah's show winds up next May.

Tags: oprah, oprah winfrey, Oprah Winfrey Show, the farewell season, united airlines cancellations

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NetJets Acquires Marquis Jet

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Nov 5th 2010 at 4:01AM

There's a little consolidation happening in the private jet business. Berkshire Hathaway's NetJets announced an agreement to purchase Marquis Jet, a top seller of private jet cards for an undisclosed amount. Per the terms of the deal, Marquis Jet became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NetJets. Marquis sells cards that offer 25 hours of flight time on NetJets aircraft. The newly branded Marquis Jet Card by NetJets will continue to be a part of a full set of private jet services offered by NetJets which previously only sold increments as small as 50 hours. In a statement NetJets Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Sokol said that by bringing NetJets and Marquis Jet together "we combine the unquestioned industry leaders in safety and Owner service and, simultaneously, we create the finest sales and marketing organization in private aviation."

The decision is part of the NetJets 10-year business plan, which also includes the consolidation of U.S.-based business functions and an order to purchase up to 125 new aircraft. The company is also planning major expansion into China. Last year NetJets laid off pilots but it is bouncing back. BusinessWeek mentioned that in August that NetJets had a $114.5 million pretax profit in this year's second quarter.

The Columbus Dispatch also reports that NetJets promoted Jordan Hansell to president. He was previously NetJets' chief legal counsel. David Sokol, who was tapped by Warren Buffett to run NetJets last year, will keep the title of CEO. Hansell will be supported by Adam Johnson and Bill Noe, two veteran NetJets employees, who have been named co-presidents of NetJets North America.

Tags: Marquis Jet, marquis jet card, netjets

New Bombardiers Will Be World's Most Expensive Business Jets

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Nov 2nd 2010 at 10:01AM

Canadian aviation company Bombardier is aiming to displace Gulfstream as the world's most expensive business jet with the introduction of two new models. The Global 7000 and 8000, which will cost about $65 million apiece, will beat the high-speed range of the $58.5 million Gulfstream G650. Both new private jets will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90; the 7000 will have a range of 7,300 nmi at Mach 0.85, while the 8000's range will top out at 7,900 nmi at Mach 0.85. Both will borrow elements from the existing Global Express XRS and 5000.

New wings, new tech and luxe amenities added to increased fuel efficiency will be the hallmarks of the new craft, aimed to appeal to ultra-wealthy customers in India, Asia and the UAE. The 7000 will have the largest cabin in business aviation while the 8,000 will boast the longest range. The 7000 will be able to fly from London to Singapore, New York to Dubai or Beijing to Washington non-stop with 10 passengers, while the 8000 can do Sydney to Los Angeles, Hong Kong to New York and Mumbai to New York non-stop with eight. Unfortunately the first one won't be ready for delivery until 2016.

Tags: aviation, Bombardier, Gulfstream, jet, most expensive, private jet, worlds most expensive

Sentient Jets Partners With The Boston Celtics

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 26th 2010 at 2:01AM

The Boston Celtics and private jet company Sentient Jet have announced a new partnership today. Sentient is now the Official Private Jet Partner of the Boston Celtics.

"We are proud to partner with Sentient Jet to provide our fans with unique and convenient access to best in class private aviation services," Boston Celtics Team President Rich Gotham said. "Their support of the Shamrock Foundation through this partnership will help the Celtics to better serve children in need throughout New England."

As part of the partnership, Sentient Jet will team with the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children's causes across the Boston area. Sentient Jet will also sponsor the Concierge Desk within the Boston Celtics Courtside Club, allowing VIP guests to book a private jet flight while enjoying a game at the Boston Garden.

Sentient is a Boston-based company which offers the Sentient Jet Membership Plus Card. Clients can choose from the Hawker 400XP, Citation Excel or Citation X or from four size categories for each trip. Through the 25-Hour Jet Card, individuals may purchase 25 hours of flight time on their choice of jet size and category at significant savings.

Sentient's CEO Marty Guinoo said. "We always appreciate the opportunity to be a part of a winning team and as a Boston-based company, without question this partnership has special meaning because it allows us to support the local community and fans. Go Celtics!"

Sentient has a variety of partners including Saks Fifth Avenue, the Breeder's Cup, the Leading Hotels of the World, the PGA Tour and American Express.

[via the Boston Globe]

Tags: boston celtics, nba, private jet, private jets, Sentient, sentient jets, SentientJets

Richard Branson Dedicates Spaceport America's First Runway

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 25th 2010 at 9:01PM

Sir Richard Branson was all smiles in New Mexico on October 22 as he and Governor Bill Richardson were on hand to open the world's first commercial spaceport in New Mexico. Spaceport America will be used by Virgin Galactic, Branson's space tourism company. The first commercial flights from the spaceport are planned to happen within the next 18 months.

The event included a fly by with an aircraft carrying SpaceShip Two, the spacecraft which recently had its first solo test flight. For Branson, this is the realization of a long-held dream and Richardson proclaimed the event "a great day for the state of New Mexico." Tickets for the suborbital space rides aboard SpaceShipTwo cost $200,000 and the 150-minute flights will give space tourists around five minutes of weightlessness. Virgin Galactic has said that it already has more than $50 million in reservations for the flights.

One downside is that, as AOL News reported, a recent study shows that space travel could ramp up the speed of global warming. The engines on these ships produce more black carbon than normal engines and if the company launches regular, frequent space trips, the ships could deposit a layer of soot high in the stratosphere. The effects of regular space travel on ozone production could be seen in just 10 years.

Check out video of the dedication featuring Governor Richardson and Sir Richard Branson after the jump.

Tags: bill richardson, Richard Branson, sir richard branson, spaceport america, Virgin Galactic

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Pussy Galore's Helicopter Joins Bond's DB5 in London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 20th 2010 at 9:01AM

Back in June we reported on the historic offering of the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger during RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of London sale on Oct. 27. Now another eye-catching Goldfinger vehicle has just joined the lineup: famed Bond Girl Pussy Galore's 1960 Hiller UH -12 E4 helicopter (above). Expected to fetch up to $650,000, the historic aircraft has been completely restored to the highest standards and is in full flying condition. Also up for sale is the 1998 Jaguar XKR driven in the famous ice hotel chase scene by the villain Zao in 2002's Die Another Day. The car, fitted out with some wicked "weapons systems", is currently the property of the Jaguar Heritage Trust and is estimated at up to $55,000.

Tags: 007, Aston Martin, Aston Martin DB5, auctions, celebrity cars, helicopter, Jaguar, James Bond, London, movie cars, movies, RM Auctions, Sean Connery, UK

Lufthansa's Flavors of India Contest

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 7th 2010 at 12:01AM

Your cooking skills could win you a trip to India. Lufthansa is running the Flavors of India contest that invites people to submit creative and exotic Indian-based recipes in order to win the Grand Prize – two round-trip tickets to India and a three-day, two-night stay at one of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, which are located throughout India.

The promotion is available to U.S. residents and entrants do not have to be aspiring chefs to register and participate in the "Flavors of India" contest. The first step is to register at www.lufthansa.com/FlavorsOfIndia, and enter a weekly raffle with prizes such as an iPad, fine china, food processors, $50 gift certificates to renowned Indian restaurants in the U.S. and more. Registration is open for the duration of the contest, from September 15, 2010 – November 15, 2010. Tell a few friends and you can earn points if they register at the site. The individual that secures the most new registrants will win one Lufthansa round-trip economy class ticket to India.

From now until October 25, 2010, chefs can submit an Indian recipe of their own creation to win the grand prize. From October 25 – November 15, 2010 recipes are up for voting on www.lufthansa.com/FlavorsOfIndia. Chef Surender Mohan who hails from The Leela, Mumbai will review every recipe submission, and whomever created the dish that he designates as his personal favorite will receive an iPad.

Tags: contest, flavors of india, india, lufthansa, travel contest, travel contests

The Classicist: UK's Elite Meet & Greet at High Net Worth Event

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 4th 2010 at 9:02AM

Some of the UK's wealthiest citizens met up recently at Cotswold Airport in the heart of bucolic Gloucestershire to rub elbows while eyeballing the latest in supercars and private jets. The ultra-exclusive Elite 2010 event was organized by Aeronautics Ltd. and the Fine English Company, dedicated to the best in bespoke British luxury. 200 high net worth VIPs were in attendance at the occasion hosted by British Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy. The event benefited Fly2Help, a charity dedicated to helping those who have suffered disaster, difficulty or tragedy by allowing them to experience the fun and love of flying. We got an inside look at the proceedings thanks to Fine English Co. founder Benedict Wormald.

Aeronautics Ltd. are the UK Sales Representative for Hawker Beechcraft and specialize in the sales, acquisition, management and charter brokerage of private jets. Other participating organizations at Elite 2010 included Aston Martin Racing, the famed British marque's motorsports division; Coutts, the legendary private bankers to the Queen of England and the British Royal Family as well as famed figures from the Duke of Wellington, Charles Dickens and Lord Nelson to The Beatles; Von Essen Hotels, the private collection of individual country house hotels in the UK and France which includes the famous Cliveden, once home to an Earl, two Dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor; London's The Nth Degree Club Concierge, whose services include event management, private dining, exclusive chef's tables at top London restaurants and personal shopping; PremiAir Aviation; and Affinity Marketing Group.

Gallery: Elite 2010 UK