For some of the world’s wealthiest, checking off their travel bucket list just got easier. In April, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts announced it was in the process of converting a narrow-body Airbus A321LR aircraft to replace its current plane, which premiered in 2015 for lavish group excursions at $150,000 or more per ticket. This new jet has room for 48 passengers, larger bathrooms, more social areas, and interactive workshops onboard. Now the hotel giant has released its itineraries, set to take off in 2021. Two are back by popular demand. The Timeless Encounters journey focuses on vibrant city centers and tranquil islands in nine destinations, while the International Intrigue trip is a four-continent trek through cultural capitals, remote islands, and the African savanna. Four Seasons has also designed two brand-new offerings, using feedback from past customers, says Javier Loureiro, director of guest experience at Four … [Read more...] about Four Seasons releases new itineraries for $163,000 jet trips
Privately owned fighter jets
American trainer grades Pacquiao: It’s a 10
American trainer grades Pacquiao: It’s a 10 Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) - July 17, 2019 - 12:00am LAS VEGAS – Freddie Roach pulled his own luggage crossing the MGM Grand lobby Monday evening while Manny Pacquiao was hosting dinner for close to a hundred guests at his luxurious, two-storey suite on the 29th floor. Roach took the 269-mile, five-hour road trip from Los Angeles in his own car. Pacquiao and his family rode a customized van. The bulk of his friends and supporters packed an all-black bus with leather interior. Keith Thurman, who will defend his WBA “super” welterweight crown on Saturday, arrived just hours ahead, on board a private jet, from St. Petersburg in Florida with just a handful of companions. A Team Pacquiao insider said the Filipino ring icon is expecting a total of 600 guests that would require 120 rooms at the MGM. It’s fight week here in Vegas. Pacquiao, the only … [Read more...] about American trainer grades Pacquiao: It’s a 10
Turkey’s Erdogan says S-400s delivery for early July
ANKARA: Turkey expects the delivery of the controversial Russian S-400 missile defence system to begin in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying in Turkish media on Sunday (Jun 16)."I believe (S-400s) will begin to arrive in the first half of July. Colleagues in charge of the schedule are following the issue," Erdogan said according to CNN Turk broadcaster.Ankara's deal with Moscow has been a major source of tension between Turkey and the United States, with Washington threatening consequences including sanctions against its fellow NATO member.Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter earlier this month warning Turkey it must renounce the S-400 system by Jul 31 or Turkish pilots currently training on the F-35 fighter jet programme would be expelled from the US.Turkey plans to buy 100 US F-35s while a number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the warplane.Ankara has yet formally to respond to Shanahan's letter but Erdogan … [Read more...] about Turkey’s Erdogan says S-400s delivery for early July
Taiwan’s request for US tanks and missiles sparks China anger
TAIPEI: Taiwan on Thursday (Jun 6) confirmed it is hoping to buy state-of-the-art tanks and portable missiles from the United States in a proposed deal that drew an angry rebuke from China.Taipei's defence ministry has formally asked for 108 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, more than 1,500 Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles, and 250 shoulder-fired Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, it said in a statement.The request was proceeding "as normal", the ministry added.The US government has given Congress informal notification of its plan to sell the equipment in a deal worth US$2 billion, Bloomberg News reported.Beijing said it had "serious concerns" about the sale."We have repeatedly emphasised to the US to fully understand the extremely sensitive and damaging nature of their decision to sell arms to Taiwan, and abide by the One China principle," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing on Thursday.Taiwan has been ruled separately since the end of a civil war … [Read more...] about Taiwan’s request for US tanks and missiles sparks China anger