Richard Branson to develop aircraft to fly solo around the world

Airline Industry Information, Oct 23, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Sir Richard Branson has reportedly revealed a new aircraft that he hopes will become the first to be piloted solo around the world.

The aircraft, to be called Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, is expected to be able to complete a round-the-world journey in 80 hours and fly at an altitude of more than 50,000ft. The single-pilot, single-engine aircraft is being built in the Mojave Desert in California by a company called Scaled Composites.

The aircraft will be piloted either by record-holder Steve Fossett or Sir Richard, who will be reserve pilot, reported Scotsman.com.

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