Virgin Atlantic to launch First Solo Non-Stop Aircraft to Circumnavigate the Earth

Virgin Atlantic Airways announced today that it is to launch the first solo piloted aircraft to fly non-stop around the world. The aircraft will be piloted either by Steve Fossett, Sir Richard Branson's partner in his last global ballooning record attempt, or Sir Richard himself. Steve is lead pilot with Richard as reserve pilot. Both Steve and Richard are multiple world record holders and between them probably hold more records than any other pair of adventurers. Both pilots are undertaking a rigorous training regime to prepare them for the physical and technical challenges of flying solo round the world.

The record attempt is due to take off and return from a central US location and is scheduled to take place next year. It is hoped the attempt will be successfully completed within 80 hours.

The aircraft, designed by aviation legend Burt Rutan, is being built in the Mojave Desert by Scaled Composites. It is a single pilot, single engine turbofan aircraft designed for non-stop global circumnavigation. The structure of the plane is entirely made from composite material and will be ultra light. The aircraft will fly up to 52,000ft (17,000 metres) and travel between 19,000 and 25,000 miles (between 32,000 and 40,000 km) at speeds in excess of 250 knots (285 mph, 440 kph). The engine is being produced by Williams Engines and recalibrated for the special requirements of the aircraft.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

"Virgin Atlantic is delighted to launch this historic, exciting and environmentally important project. Flying an aircraft solo around the world without stopping or refuelling is the last great aviation record left inside the Earth's atmosphere.

"At a time when BA is retiring the greatest achievement in aviation of the last century it is fitting that Virgin Atlantic should unveil a plane which is designed to make the first great aviation achievement of this century. Like Concorde, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will be a sleek and slim aircraft but will be super fuel efficient. The manufacturers of the plane and the engine will generate unique data on improving future aircraft efficiency which will help develop a new generation of more fuel efficient commercial aircraft."

Steve Fossett, pilot, commented:

"The First Solo NonStop is a grand endeavour. Flying around the world has always been a great romance and adventure. To do it first by airplane alone and non-stop will be very special. If successful I hope to earn a place in aviation history in the legacy of Wiley Post who was first to fly round the world solo. In July, 1933 Post made it around with eleven stops and in under 8 days. I hope to make it with no stops and in under 80 hours.

"This will require all of my abilities as a pilot, it will test my endurance, and it will demonstrate the finest in lightweight aircraft construction and improvements in jet engine fuel efficiency that have never before been achieved. I am supported by a team and the technology to pull it off."

Sir Richard Branson, reserve pilot, added:

"With this attempt Virgin Atlantic is going back to its roots. Back in the 80's when we launched Virgin Atlantic we had a limited marketing budget and by attempting (and setting!) a number of marine and aviation records we put Virgin Atlantic firmly on the map. This time round we also benefit from Steve Fossett's high profile, particularly in the US where he is recognised as the king of record breakers.

"A number of Virgin Atlantic staff will also be playing key roles in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer project. I am pleased to confirm that Kevin Stass, Virgin Atlantic's Route Planning Manager, will be the Mission Control Director for the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. He will be supported by Ian Craft, from our US office in mission control and Alex Tai, one of Virgin Atlantic's Captains, will pilot the chase plane and will also support the project on a number of issues."

The aircraft livery has been created by Start Design, and is a modification of Virgin Atlantic's own livery adapted to suit Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer's striking aerodynamic design.

A dedicated web site - www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com - will provide details of the project. It will give updates on its progress over the coming months and will provide an unprecedented level of live coverage of the record attempt during the flight itself. The site is being designed and managed by Conchango and hosted by Energis.

Throughout 2003 Virgin Atlantic has commemorated the centenary of flight through a series of initiatives including Richard Branson flying a working replica of the Cayley Flyer (the aircraft which launched manned flight in 1853) and the airline's sponsorship of the Bognor Birdman.

Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain's second largest carrier serving the world's major cities. Now based at both London's Gatwick and Heathrow airports, it operates long haul services to twenty two destinations world-wide as far apart as Las Vegas and Shanghai.

Virgin Atlantic currently has a fleet of 27 aircraft which includes twelve 747s, ten Airbus A340-300s and five A340-600s.

Sir Richard Branson's previous record attempts

1984 Virgin Atlantic Challenger I Boat - first attempt to win the Blue Riband for Britain

1986 Virgin Atlantic Challenger II Won the Blue Riband for Britain

1987 Virgin Atlantic Flyer First and only crossing of the Atlantic by hot air balloon

1991 Virgin Pacific Flyer First and only crossing of the Pacific by hot air balloon

1991 Virgin Pacific Flyer Longest duration and furthest flight ever (6900 miles) by hot air balloon

1991 Virgin Pacific Flyer Fastest flight ever in any balloon (211 knots)

1998 Last Virgin Global Challenger attempt Bad weather forced the balloon down just off the coast of Hawaii

Steve Fossett Biography

Steve Fossett is among the world's greatest adventurers. His first solo balloon flight round the world is a milestone in aviation. On previous global attempts he made the first balloon crossing of the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, and the first ocean crossings of the South Atlantic, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale awarded him the 2002 Gold Air Medal, the highest honour an aviator can receive.

Steve Fossett is also one of the world's most accomplished sailors. He currently holds 14 official world records, including 2 sailed solo, as certified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. Fossett made sailing history in October 2001 with his transatlantic record of 4 days 17 hours - shattering the previous record by 43 hours 35 minutes, at more than 7 knots increase in average speed. New and exciting endeavors are in the sport of gliding where he has recently set world speed records for 500 km, 750 km and 1000 km.

Steve also holds the Round The World records for medium weight airplanes (in both directions) as well as the U.S. transcontinental records for non-military airplanes and unlimited turboprops. In addition, he has completed premier endurance sports events including the Iditarod, Ironman Triathlon, and the English Channel swim.

Steve Fossett is supported by Michelob ULTRA, Chelton Flight Systems and ACG carbon prepreg.