Virgin Atlantic Globalflyer "Ultimate Flight" record attempt to land at Kent Airport
20.12.05
Steve Fossett and Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced that NASA's Kennedy Space Center will be the launch site for "The Ultimate Flight", which will see Steve Fossett pilot the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft in order to set the record for the longest flight of all time. The landing site will be Kent Airport in the UK.
The flight will see Steve Fossett - aviation's most prolific record breaker - will fly over 700 miles further than any aircraft or balloon has flown. He said 'The longest distance airplane flight is possible with the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer but is a huge challenge. To have NASA's support on this attempt gives this record attempt the best possible start. The Ultimate Flight will take me to the very edge of my ability and endurance.'
'We are also delighted to announce that Kent International Airport has been selected as the preferred landing site for the record-breaking effort. The airport has the right facilities for this unique aircraft which will have travelled over 26,000 miles before making its landing at Kent International.
"We would like to thank both Kennedy Space Center and Kent International Airport for supporting the record attempt and we look forward to working with them early next year.'
The aircraft is expected to be repositioned to Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, Florida on January 6, with the record attempt scheduled for launch in February 2006. Exact dates are dependent on favourable weather and jet stream conditions.
At 15,000 feet, the Space Shuttle landing runway is one of the few runways in United States that is suitable for the long takeoff roll of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Kent International Airport, near London, has one of the longest runways in the UK and will be the airport where the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will land.
A dedicated website - www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com - will provide updates and details of the record attempt including an unprecedented level of live communication from the aircraft during the flight itself.
To book uk airport hotels or uk airport parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great uk airport parking and uk airport hotels price comparison pages.
