Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Italian Painter Turns a Private Jet Into a Work of Art]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/14/italian-painter-turns-a-private-jet-into-a-work-of-art/http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/14/italian-painter-turns-a-private-jet-into-a-work-of-art/http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/14/italian-painter-turns-a-private-jet-into-a-work-of-art/#commentsFiled under: ,

Painted Jet

Renowned Italian sculptor and painter Mimmo Paladino has become the first person to turn a private jet into a work of art with the installation of a customized Piaggio P.180 Avanti II aircraft at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

Dubbed the "Cacciatore di Stelle" (Star Hunter), Paladino's plane (above) will be on display in the famed luxury shopping mecca through April 28. Paladino decorated the turboprop with ancestral symbols, constellations and geometrical designs in homage to the skies in which it travels.

The plane is part of an exhibition of Paladino's work hosted by Milan's historic Palazzo Reale, including more than 50 of his artworks from the '70s to the present day. The P.180 Avanti was chosen for the project as an expression of "Italian genius in design and engineering."

LuxistItalian Painter Turns a Private Jet Into a Work of Art originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart jetartistItalyMilanMimmi PaladinoPiaggioprivate jetThu, 14 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[HondaJet Hits 489 MPH as First Deliveries Approach]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/05/hondajet/http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/05/hondajet/http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/05/hondajet/#commentsFiled under:

HondaJet

Aviation enthusiasts have been closely following the development of the HondaJet. Designed and engineered by the same Japanese motor company that builds everything from cars and motorcycles to lawnmowers and robots, the HondaJet is a thorough re-think of a private jet.

It's been a long time in the making, having started with research as far back as the 1980s and making its first flight in late 2003. Now the HondaJet has made its first FAA-certified test flight, achieving a top speed of 489 miles per hour at 30,000 feet -- by far surpassing the CBR sport bike, the Acura NSX sportscar and Honda F1 cars as the fastest thing the company has ever produced.

The jet is configured to carry five passengers in addition to the pilot and co-pilot. Powered by General Electric jet engines, the aircraft designated HA-420 will be built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Orders are being taken now at around $3.65 million, with production planned for 70 units per year and deliveries targeted for late 2012.

LuxistHondaJet Hits 489 MPH as First Deliveries Approach originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda jethondajetjetprivate jetTue, 05 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The $60 Million iPad-Controlled Gulfstream G550 Private Jet]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/01/gulfstream-g550-i-pad-private-jet/http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/01/gulfstream-g550-i-pad-private-jet/http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/01/gulfstream-g550-i-pad-private-jet/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Spain-based industrial designer Stefan Radev has given the $60 million Gulfstream G550 private jet a makeover, including cool iPad controls à la P. Diddy's Solemates superyacht. From the exterior livery to the seating arrangements, Radev's design scheme is simple, elegant and ergonomic. It's also full of eco-friendly touches like bamboo woodwork.

Natural light is emphasized in the airy interior design with oversized oval-shaped windows and neutral tones complementing the bamboo in an open-plan layout equally suited to working or lounging. iPads and iPods also control the various climate and entertainment functions for the passengers. It's just a concept at this point, but easily made real with enough money.

Gallery: Gulfstream G550 iPad Concept

LuxistThe $60 Million iPad-Controlled Gulfstream G550 Private Jet originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleGulfstreamGulfstream G550interior designiPadiPad jetiPad yachtprivate jetprivate planeStefan RadevFri, 01 Apr 2011 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The World's Top Luxury Toys for Men]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/29/luxury-toys-for-men/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/29/luxury-toys-for-men/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/29/luxury-toys-for-men/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Luxury Toys for Men

What are the world's top luxury toys for men? Uber-luxe German publisher teNeues has the answer with its newest super-sized volume, Luxury Toys: For Men. The awesome Aston Martin One-77, so named because of its limited 77-example run and $1.7 million pricetag, appears on the cover.

Other supercars that make the cut, including the Audi R8 GT, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Jaguar XKR Special Edition, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, and Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Quite the garage.

Covering transportation, style, accessories and dream vacations, the massive 220-page volume features 138 giant full-color photographs and text in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Not based merely on price, the selections show how "emotion and finesse can be combined with spectacular aesthetic purity."

Continue reading The World's Top Luxury Toys for Men

LuxistThe World's Top Luxury Toys for Men originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aston Martinaston+martin+one-77astonmartinone-77Audemars PiguetAudi R8booksHublotjetsluxury booksluxury carsluxury goodsluxury toysLuxury Toys For Menmens luxuryMercedes-Benz SLS AMGRolls-RoycesupercarsteNeueswatchesyachtsTue, 29 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxe Travel Tip: JetBlue's New Direct Service to Turks & Caicos]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/jetblue-direct-service-turks-and-caicos/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/jetblue-direct-service-turks-and-caicos/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/jetblue-direct-service-turks-and-caicos/#commentsFiled under: ,


Thanks to JetBlue, it's now a whole lot easier to get to one of our favorite luxe travel destinations, the Turks & Caicos islands. The eco-friendly airline known for its style and value just introduced direct service to the Caribbean hotspot's Providenciales island from New York's JFK and Boston's Logan airports. The flights leave JFK daily.

Continue reading Luxe Travel Tip: JetBlue's New Direct Service to Turks & Caicos

LuxistLuxe Travel Tip: JetBlue's New Direct Service to Turks & Caicos originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesbeachBostonCaribbeanislandsJetBluejetblue+service+to+turks+and+caicosjetblueservicetoturksandcaicosJFK airportLogan airportluxury resortsluxury travelresortstravelTurks CaicosThu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/14/the-classicist-thoroughbreds-bourbon-and-private-planes-from-f/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/14/the-classicist-thoroughbreds-bourbon-and-private-planes-from-f/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/14/the-classicist-thoroughbreds-bourbon-and-private-planes-from-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet
Private jet juggernaut Flexjet is offering an alluring incentive to new fractional owners via a promotion with Kentucky's Keeneland, one of the world's leading thoroughbred racing and auction facilities. The three-day Unbridled experience centers around the 2011 Breeders' Cup World Championships this fall. Known as the thoroughbred industry's most prestigious championship event, the Breeders' Cup attracts fierce competition for the richest prize-money event in the world with over $26 million in purses at stake. There's a lot more to the Unbridled experience, however, as you'd expect considering the cost for a 1/16th fraction (or 50 hours / year) on one of the company's Learjet 40XRs starts at $362,500.

Each owner and their guest will enjoy the Breeders' Cup races in the comfort of a finish-line owner's suite at the iconic Churchill Downs, one of the world's greatest racetracks and home of the Kentucky Derby, as well as an invitation to attend sun-up morning workouts. A one-on-one meeting with a renowned thoroughbred trainer and an insider's look at a famed horse farm are also in the offing. The Unbridled experience is available in limited quantities at no extra charge for Flexjet customers purchasing a new fractional share now through June 12, 2011; the all-inclusive experience takes place November 3 - 6.

Gallery: Flexjet Unbridled Experience

Challenger 300Breeder's CupChurchill Downs21c Museum HotelBuffalo Trace

Continue reading The Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet

LuxistThe Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>21c Museum HotelBombardierbourbonBreeders CupBuffalo TraceChurchill DownsdistilleryequestrianeventsFlexjetfractional ownershiphorse breedinghorse farmhorse racinghorsesjetsKeenelandKentuckyKentucky Derbylear+jet45Learjetlearjet45Louisvilleluxury travelPrivate jetprivate planespiritssportsstablesthe SouththoroughbredwhiskeyMon, 14 Mar 2011 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Carry-On Baggage Costs Taxpayers $260 Million]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/carry-on-baggage-costs-taxpayers-260-million/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/carry-on-baggage-costs-taxpayers-260-million/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/carry-on-baggage-costs-taxpayers-260-million/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Carry-On Baggage Costs Taxpayers $260 Million

Frequent flyers often prefer to fit everything they need into a carry-on bag instead of checking luggage. With the hassles of air travel constantly on the rise, this simple step means eliminating the wait at the baggage carousel upon arrival, and can often mean cutting to the head of the line when checking in. After all, it doesn't cost anything (except forgoing your checked baggage allowance). Well, not to the passenger, anyway. And not to the airline, either. But it does cost the taxpayers.

According to Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, carry-on luggage is costing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) some $260 million every year. The figure reportedly came up when testifying before Congress last week on a debate over whether to raise the $5 TSA surcharge tacked on to every airline ticket. The question is whether Congress will opt to either raise that surcharge or place further restrictions on hand luggage to decrease its operating costs and make air travel that much more difficult.

[Source: TREND-News.com]

LuxistCarry-On Baggage Costs Taxpayers $260 Million originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air travelairportcarry-onjanet napolitanosecuritytransportation security administrationtsaTue, 08 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Flexjet Partners with Abercrombie & Kent]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/flexjet-partners-with-abercrombie-and-kent/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/flexjet-partners-with-abercrombie-and-kent/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/flexjet-partners-with-abercrombie-and-kent/#commentsFiled under: ,

Flexjet Partners With Abercrombie & Kent
Luxury travel enthusiasts will be pleased to hear about a new partnership between adventure travel company Abercrombie & Kent and jet share leader Flexjet. Flexjet customers will now have complimentary access to Abercrombie & Kent's travel experts to plan dream vacations, and Abercrombie & Kent's travelers will receive generous benefits when purchasing Flexjet options. Marco Polo Club members, Abercrombie & Kent's most frequent travelers, will receive benefits on Flexjet fractional purchases or jet cards, while Flexjet fractional customers will be treated to a three-year Marco Polo Club membership and customized itineraries to coincide with the use of their private jet.

"We continue to seek and pioneer new ways of exploring the globe and admire this same ambition in Flexjet," said Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Executive Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent. "We're pleased to be forging this relationship with a top aviation solutions provider that is also known for setting industry standards and look forward to introducing its customers to some of our favorite hidden corners of the world." Born as a safari outfitter in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent's unparalleled travel services now extend around the globe to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, bringing unexpected comforts and amenities to remote destinations.

Gallery: Flexjet x Abercrombie & Kent

LuxistFlexjet Partners with Abercrombie & Kent originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abercrombie KentAbercrombie and Kentaviationluxury travelprivate jetprivate planesafariTue, 08 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurocopter X4 Will Be the Next Must-Have Heli]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/01/eurocopter-x4-will-be-the-next-must-have-heli/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/01/eurocopter-x4-will-be-the-next-must-have-heli/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/01/eurocopter-x4-will-be-the-next-must-have-heli/#commentsFiled under:

eurocopter x4 heli
We all want one of Eurocopter's experimental Rolls-Royce powered X3s. But while that is several years away from production the company's new X4 model is reportedly going to be available a lot sooner. The X4, a next-generation medium twin billed as a replacement for the AS365 Dauphin / EC155, could be available by the end of the year, priced at several million dollars. Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling recently promised the X4 will be "a game changer" featuring "a new way of flying". Insiders speculate this means a five-blade design with fly-by-wire controls and a brand new cockpit with iPad-style interfaces. Compared with the Dauphin, the X4 will have an increased payload and enhanced performance and be safer and more environmentally friendly. We're holding out for the Hermes edition.

LuxistEurocopter X4 Will Be the Next Must-Have Heli originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftEurocopterEurocopter X3Eurocopter X4helicopterSikorsky X2Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Demi Moore Flies to Sundance in Style with JetSuite]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/27/demi-moore-flies-to-sundance-in-style-with-jetsuite/http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/27/demi-moore-flies-to-sundance-in-style-with-jetsuite/http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/27/demi-moore-flies-to-sundance-in-style-with-jetsuite/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back in 2008 my colleague Deirdre Woollard first reported on the plans for JetSuite, a new private aviation company from the founders of JetBlue. Now the company has gotten off the ground in high style with help from the likes of Demi Moore, who just took a JetSuite flight to the Sundance Film Festival. JetSuite's fleet of 4-seat Embraer Phenom 100 jets are the best, most fuel-efficient aircraft in their class with speeds up to 450 miles per hour, an operating altitude of up to 41,000 ft, a stylish interior cabin designed by BMW and the largest baggage compartment in its category. The company provides service to major cities (AKA "SuiteSpots") throughout the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. They aim to make the luxury of flying private more accessible and affordable with prices starting at just $999 for a one-way flight - for the whole plane. Moore, who has flown JetSuite before, has praised its ease, convenience and privacy. "She loves that she can depart whenever she wants, not have to deal with long security lines, and leave her shoes, belts, and jewelry on," an insider tells us.

Gallery: JetSuite Takes Off with Demi Moore

LuxistDemi Moore Flies to Sundance in Style with JetSuite originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWDemi MooreEmbraerJetBlueJetSuiteprivate jetSundanceThu, 27 Jan 2011 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Miracle On The Hudson Plane Heads To North Carolina Museum]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/06/miracle-on-the-hudson-plane-heads-to-north-carolina-museum/http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/06/miracle-on-the-hudson-plane-heads-to-north-carolina-museum/http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/06/miracle-on-the-hudson-plane-heads-to-north-carolina-museum/#commentsFiled under: ,


In January 2009 US Airways Flight 1549 plunged into the Hudson River, in January 2010, the Airbus A320-214 was listed for auction. Now in January 2011 it looks like the plane will finally come to rest in Charlotte, North Carolina, the place the flight was originally headed. The plane,which lost power in both its engines after a collision with a flock of geese and thanks to the quick thinking of the flight crew made a safe river landing, will end up at the Carolinas Aviation Museum in North Carolina. The museum is working on an agreement that would make Airbus A320 a permanent exhibition.

After the Airbus A320-214 was lifted from the water it ended up in a salvage yard in Kearny, New Jersey. The plane is not exactly flight ready, the wings are separate from the fuselage and the plane has severe water damage and still bears the impact of the crash. It was treated with a corrosion inhibitor but has been otherwise untouched for months. The inside of the plane's fuselage still contains the food carts and seats. The museum hopes to have the plane trucked down from New Jersey and eventually reassembled. It could be on display as soon as May.

LuxistMiracle On The Hudson Plane Heads To North Carolina Museum originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airbus A320 plane went down in the Hudson River off of 50th StreMiracle on the Hudsonus airways flight 1549Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean Air Has Luxurious Plans For The A380]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/29/korean-air-has-luxurious-plans-for-the-a380/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/29/korean-air-has-luxurious-plans-for-the-a380/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/29/korean-air-has-luxurious-plans-for-the-a380/#commentsFiled under:


Korean Air has announced what it plans to do with its double-decker Airbus A380 plane. The airline plans to turn the entire upper deck of an Airbus A380 into a luxurious space for business class passengers with lie-flat seats. When the A380 has its first flight next May it will offer just 407 seats total, the lowest number of any commercial A380 to date. There will be room for 94 passengers on the upper deck, 301 economy seats and 12 first class suites in the nose of the plane. The company has ordered at total of 10 planes. The second, third and fourth planes are set to arrive in July or August.

LuxistKorean Air Has Luxurious Plans For The A380 originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a380airbus a380korean airWed, 29 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[China's Growing Appetite For Private Planes]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/27/chinas-growing-appetite-for-private-planes/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/27/chinas-growing-appetite-for-private-planes/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/27/chinas-growing-appetite-for-private-planes/#commentsFiled under:


The growing Chinese appetite for luxury goods has boosted many different sectors. The next might be the private aviation industry. Recent reports says that China is lifting many of its restrictions on airspace, allowing private jets to travel more freely in and out of the country. Private flights used to require a week's notice but now flight plans can be approved more quickly. Part of the reason for the loosening of the rules is that Chinese executives are now investing in more places around the world and need faster access.

Manufacturers of helicopters and small private planes are moving in to the territory. According to the AFP, France's Dassault Falcon just moved its Asia office from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Although there are only around 150 business jets in China, it is expected that will change very rapidly. Eventually Dassault plans to sell around 10 business jets a year in China, at a list price of between $30 and $50 million. Private jet maker Gulfstream already has a strong foothold in the country with a 63 percent market share on large-cabin business jets in China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

The interest in private jets will also probably extend to makers of helicopters and smaller planes including Eurocopter, Bell, Robinson, Agusta and Cessna. It will also be boom time for pilot training and could benefits resorts that will be able to construct helipads and offer weekend getaways for the growing wealthy Chinese population.

LuxistChina's Growing Appetite For Private Planes originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadassaultgulfsteamprivate jetsMon, 27 Dec 2010 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet Meets Heli: Rolls-Royce Powered Eurocopter X3]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/21/jet-meets-heli-rolls-royce-powered-eurocopter-x3/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/21/jet-meets-heli-rolls-royce-powered-eurocopter-x3/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/21/jet-meets-heli-rolls-royce-powered-eurocopter-x3/#commentsFiled under: ,


Eurocopter's ultra-cool X3 prototype (above), which combines the technology of a turboprop plane with traditional helicopter engineering, just attained an airspeed of 180 knots (207 mph) in level flight in testing in Istres, France. The X3, which was not operating at full power, is expected to break the official helicopter speed world record by the time testing is complete. Over the last few months of testing the X3 has performed such feats as reaching an altitude of 12,500 ft. and maneuvering with left and right turns at bank angles of up to 60°. Utilizing a Dauphin helicopter airframe, the X3 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. In terms of sheer speed it still may not top Sikorsky's experimental X2 which we wrote about last month, but its stylish looks and jet-like features should more than make up for it.

LuxistJet Meets Heli: Rolls-Royce Powered Eurocopter X3 originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eurocoptereurocopter+x3eurocopterx3Francehelicopterrolls+royceRolls-RoycerollsroyceSikorskysikorsky+x2sikorskyx2Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Holiday Gift Guide: Wine And Spirits Gift Packs]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/18/holiday-gift-guide-wine-and-spirits-gift-packs/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/18/holiday-gift-guide-wine-and-spirits-gift-packs/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/18/holiday-gift-guide-wine-and-spirits-gift-packs/#commentsFiled under: ,



Let's face it, the hour is nigh. Time is running out, and most likely patience and gifting creativity are following close behind. Don't fret, as these holiday gift packs have both brilliant packaging and a coveted payload contained within. Grab one and declare Holiday Shopping 2010 over.

Dom Pérignon Side By Side ($600)

Two bottles, two vintages. A Vintage 1996 and a Oenothèque 1996, both contained in one handsome case. Two birds, one stone. Next.

Continue reading Holiday Gift Guide: Wine And Spirits Gift Packs

LuxistHoliday Gift Guide: Wine And Spirits Gift Packs originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ardbegdom perignongift packsholiday gift guideholiday gift guide 2010macallanRare Wine Co.spiritswineSat, 18 Dec 2010 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Up We Go: Space Adventures For the Risk Tolerant Explorer]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/17/up-we-go-space-adventures-for-the-risk-tolerant-explorer/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/17/up-we-go-space-adventures-for-the-risk-tolerant-explorer/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/17/up-we-go-space-adventures-for-the-risk-tolerant-explorer/#commentsFiled under: ,


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!

Continue reading Up We Go: Space Adventures For the Risk Tolerant Explorer

LuxistUp We Go: Space Adventures For the Risk Tolerant Explorer originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial space flightcommercial space travelcommercial spaceflightCosmonaut TrainingEVA TrainingSoyuz-TMASpace AdventuresSpace FlightsSpace travelSpacewalksZero-G Gravity FlightsFri, 17 Dec 2010 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight A Success]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/09/spacex-falcon-9-flight-a-success/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/09/spacex-falcon-9-flight-a-success/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/09/spacex-falcon-9-flight-a-success/#commentsFiled under:


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.

LuxistSpaceX Falcon 9 Flight A Success originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonelon muskfalcon 9spacexThu, 09 Dec 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[$44 Million Yacht Tops Robb Report's 'Ultimate Gifts']]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/02/44-million-yacht-tops-robb-reports-ultimate-gifts/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/02/44-million-yacht-tops-robb-reports-ultimate-gifts/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/02/44-million-yacht-tops-robb-reports-ultimate-gifts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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:

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

Luxist$44 Million Yacht Tops Robb Report's 'Ultimate Gifts' originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BahamasBugattiBugatti Veyrondiamondsfighter jetgiftsHoliday 2010magazinesParmigianiprivate jetRobb Reportsafarisubmersiblesupercarsuperyachttheme parkwealthyachtThu, 02 Dec 2010 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dubai Considers Selling Share in Emirates Air]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/29/dubai-considers-selling-share-in-emirates-air/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/29/dubai-considers-selling-share-in-emirates-air/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/29/dubai-considers-selling-share-in-emirates-air/#commentsFiled under:

emirates airlinesAs 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.

LuxistDubai Considers Selling Share in Emirates Air originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dubaiEmirates Airlinesunited arab emiratesMon, 29 Nov 2010 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Richard Branson to Serve as an Air Asia Stewardess]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/sir-richard-branson-to-serve-as-an-air-asia-stewardess/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/sir-richard-branson-to-serve-as-an-air-asia-stewardess/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/sir-richard-branson-to-serve-as-an-air-asia-stewardess/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It 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.

LuxistSir Richard Branson to Serve as an Air Asia Stewardess originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air asiabransonflight attendantrichard bransonsir richard bransonstewardesstony fernandesvirginTue, 23 Nov 2010 19:02:00 EST