Up, Up And Away! Hot-air Balloonist Set To Beat World Record
Sumaira FH Published July 22, 2016 | 03:18 PM
SYDNEY, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd july,2016) - A Russian adventurer who took to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a round-the-world trip is set to break the current record when he lands in Australia Saturday, his crew said. Fedor Konyukhov, who had previously conquered both the north and south poles solo, and set a record sailing a 27-meter-long (89-feet) boat round the world alone, is on the final leg back to Western Australia after departing the state on July 12. "We would expect him to break the record and land tomorrow afternoon," flight coordinator John Wallington told AFP from the Western Australian town of Northam.
If Konyukhov makes a successful landing, he will break the record set by late adventurer Steve Fossett in 2002, when he was the first person to fly solo around the world in a balloon, in 13 days. "It has been very hard...
after several nights over the Indian Ocean where he was closer to Antarctica than Australia," his son Oscar Konyukhov, who is part of the support team, said. "But he just called us and said he's OK. He's ready to see the Australian coast," he told national broadcaster ABC Friday.
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
49 seconds ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
11 minutes ago -
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
24 minutes ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
24 minutes ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
1 hour ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
1 hour ago
-
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
1 hour ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
2 hours ago -
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
2 hours ago -
Oman, UAE deluge 'most likely' linked to climate change: scientists
2 hours ago -
BHP launches $38.8 billion takeover bid for rival Anglo American
2 hours ago -
Saudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
2 hours ago