₦airaland Forum

THE PLANE:
Bill Gates reportedly owns a Dassault Falcon 7X valued at $41M.
WHY IT'S COOL:
The designers of this jet decided to fully create every piece of this aircraft as a virtual model in order to optimize performance and spot challenges before it even got to the production stage.
Like its sibling the Falcon 900, it is designed to operate in high and hot conditions thanks to its three engine design. It can take off at a steep angle and it can land slower - which not surprisingly - is safer. At typical landing weights its approach speed is only 104 knots and can stop in approximately 2,070 ft.
THE NUMBERS:
The 7x is powered by 3 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A turbofans, 28.46 kN (6,400 lbf) each. It reported has a maximum speed of 953 km/h (515 knots, 593 mph); cruising speed is 900 km/h (486 knots, 559 mph). With 8 passengers it has a range of 11,000 km (5,940 nm); its service ceiling is 14935 m (49,000 ft).

THE PLANE:
The Embraer EMB190BJ Lineage 1000 valued at $40.95M is owned by Jorge Vergara,a Mexican businessman.
WHY IT'S COOL:
This plane, designed and built in Brazil is based on a larger passenger version. The "private" version has added fuel tanks in the cargo hold which can double the jet's range and fly by wire controls (that's computer assisted controls) to improve performance. It also has a larger fuselage cross section that others in its class which means more space.
Speaking of space, the manufacturer will tell you the inside can be divided into up to 5 sections including an optional bedroom, washroom with running water, and a walk-in cargo area at the rear. How Mr. Vergara has his appointed, we will likely never know.
THE NUMBERS:
The Lineage 1000 is powered by 2 General Electric CF34-10E turbofan engines, with 82.3 kN (18,500 lbf) thrust each. The manufacturer reports a range of 4,400 nm (8,149 km), high-speed cruise at Mach 0.82, take off distance of 6,135 ft (1,870 m). The maximum operating altitude is 41,000 ft (12,497 m).

Back in the golden age of flying, it was such a special (and costly) adventure that very few experienced it. It was an experience for the wealthy and celebrities. As aviation technology grew after WWII, jets started to come in all varieties - big and small. Suddenly as the decades flew by, traveling by jet became more accessible to the general public .
No longer only the domain of the rich and famous, millions of passengers each year join the crowds packed in the coach section of ever evolving jets. Just because the rest of us got in on it, the rich and famous were never likely to give up flying - they just moved up into first class. For some, the only answer was to invest in their own aircraft and crews, ready to shuttle them around the globe in the manner to which they'd become accustomed.
Whether the jet is big or small, it hardly seems to matter to those with the cash to buy them. What does matter is that they are top of the line, luxuriously appointed, and private. No coach here. The following gallery shows what are believed to be, as of May, the top ten most expensive private jets in the world.
The list of owners is hardly the complete list as there are plenty of elusive celebrities, businessmen and world leaders out there who would rather not talk about their flying palaces. That's ok; we'll enjoy this gallery of some of the few private jet owners who aren't afraid to show off their aircraft. We think these folks will likely never come across the crew from Airplane Repo, but everyday new ambitious owners are buying and leasing the latest luxury aircraft so you never know...
[Editor's Note: Most of the images of the planes in this gallery are provided by the manufacturers and other sources. Actual images of the private owner's jets with identifying marks can be hard to come by - and would be a no-no to post! These owners love their privacy!
Plus, for all the aviators and airplane fans out there, you'll know that "The Numbers" provided on each plane are the factory specs. For the rest of us, that means a few things. The very wealthy can afford to change bits and pieces on their planes to change performance. Additionally, all aircraft have varied performance depending on weather, altitude, cargo, passengers and the like. We're just giving you the showroom floor story.
The Plane:
The Dassault Falcon 900, valued at $33M is owned by Sergio Mantegazza a Swiss businessman.
Why It's Cool:
This plane is fast and efficient. According to the manufacturer, it flies 4,750nm non-stop and can access airports at high altitudes in hot weather.
It uses 50-60% less fuel and dramatically reduces its carbon footprint.Three engines make it unique in its class, and is what makes the thrust that powers this baby more centered, which helps lower the speeds needed for critical performance on short fields (that's take-off and landing to you and I).
The jet also is also specially fitted with mechanics that create for a low drag wing and along with "winglets" makes them extremely efficient.
The Numbers:
Power comes from three Honeywell TFE731-5BR-1C turbofan engines with 21.13 kN (4,750 lbf) thrust each. Its maximum speed is reported at Mach 0.84-0.87; cruise speed is 950 km/h (513 knots, 590 mph) at 36,000ft (10,970 m) (Mach 0.85). With 7 passengers its range is 7,400 km (3,995 nm, 4,598 mi). It has a service ceiling: 15,500 m (51,000 ft).

I myself find it hard to believe,seeing singapore as number 1

Eyop: Information is power and i needed to know and be updated but seeing Singapore Airline as the number 1 in the world is something i find very hard to believe.

What do you think then?

Eyop,u've been following this topic,are you that interested?

Eyop: So OP judging by your thread, so does it mean Singapore Airlines is the best in the world? I find it very hard to believe

I wasn't the one that said so

1. Singapore Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 98
On-Time Performance: 74
As the rankings show, Singapore Airlines offers far and away the world's best economy experience.
Employees are trained to treat everyone with care and respect, and that makes all the difference.
Add in the fact that Singapore Airlines scored 100 for seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, and in-flight entertainment, and it's easy to see why it's number one.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

2. Malaysia Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 90
On-Time Performance: 74
Malaysia Airlines got perfect scores for seat comfort and service efficiency. It even banned children in some areas of its planes, though economy travelers will still risk having their seat backs kicked by toddlers.
Its main hub is located in Kuala Lumpur, and it operates flights all around the region.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

3. Virgin America
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 74
Virgin America scored a 90 for its in-flight entertainment, and made Apple fans happy last year when it named one if its airplanes "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish,"in honor of Steve Jobs.
It mainly operates long-haul flights from the east coast to the west coast of the U.S.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

4. Asiana Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 86
On-Time Performance: 80
Formerly known as Seoul Airlines, Asiana Airlines's hub is at Incheon International Airport, just outside the South Korean capital.
In 2012, it was named "Best Overall Airline In The World"by Business Traveler, but it comes in at number four on our list.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

5. Qatar Airways
In-Flight Experience: 90
Airline Reliability: 60
Qatar Airways earned perfect scores for seat comfort and service efficiency, and it offers free booze on international flights.
It operates a hub-and-spoke network of routes, and the Qatari government owns 50% of the airline.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and are provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

6. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
In-Flight Experience: 82
On-Time Performance: 74
ANA is Japan's largest airline, and the operator of the two Boeing Dreamliner planes whose battery systems failed in January, leading to the grounding of the jet.
The carrier did not receive a perfect score in any category, but its consistent high rankings earned it the number four spot on the list.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

7. Garuda Indonesia
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 74
Garuda Indonesia got its highest score with a near-perfect 90 for seat comfort.
However, after it was deemed "unsafe," Garuda was banned from flying in European Union airspacebetween 2007 and 2009.
The majority of its destinations are in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

8. Silk Air
In-Flight Experience: 76
On-Time Performance: 74
Silk Air scored highly in all categories except in-flight entertainment, where it got 60.
As the subsidiary of Singapore Airlines that operates shorter flights, its passengers aren't likely to care too much, especially since free alcohol is offered on international flights.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

9. Korean Air
In-Flight Experience: 78
On-Time Performance: 74
Korean Air, which flies to destinations in all six inhabited continents, had consistent ratings across all the categories, not scoring very high or very low in any.
Despite the fact that it owns a farm on which it raises its beef, its food scored a 70.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

10. Air New Zealand
In-Flight Experience: 82
On-Time Performance: 74
Air New Zealand had high rankings but its overall score was brought down by its mediocre reliability.
With an ad campaign that capitalizes on the popularity of the film The Hobbit, it offers service to Australia, the South Pacific, Asia, Europe, and North America.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

11. Cathay Pacific
In-Flight Experience: 84
On-Time Performance: 74
With a main hub in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific had a perfect score of 100 for in-flight entertainment.
Its flight attendants highlighted the importance of good service in December, when they threatened a "no-smile, no-booze" strike— in short, making passengers pay "a five-star price to get a three-star service."
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

12. South African Airways
In-Flight Experience: 78
On-Time Performance: 74
African carriers are underdeveloped compared to the European, American, and Asian counterparts, but South African Airways made its way onto this list anyway.
It flies to 38 cities from its hub near Johannesburg, and impresses economy passengers with excellent meals, in-flight entertainment, and seat comfort.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

13. Turkish Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 74
It's not the most reliable, but Turkish Airlines scored an 80 in every other category we measured.
With an ad campaign starring Kobe Bryant and Leo Messi, it has generated positive press in recent months — though some potential customers were put off by its proposed ankle- length uniforms for flight attendants.
It flies to 221 airports in 98 countries.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

14. Finnair
In-Flight Experience: 76
On-Time Performance: 74
Finnair is the leading airline for both domestic and international flights in its home country, and is mostly owned by the Finnish government.
The carrier offers economy passengers a hot meal and a hot snack on most flights, but the quality of the food scored a 70.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

15. Thai Airways
In-Flight Experience: 78
On-Time Performance: 79
Thai Airways flies to 75 destination in 35 countries and is the flag carrier of Thailand.
It is a sponsor of Red Bull Racing and the Football Association of Thailand.
The airline was also the first Asia-Pacific airline to serve London Heathrow Airport.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

16. Japan Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 76
On-Time Performance: 81
Japan Airlines is based out of four main hubs in its home country and serves 103 destinations worldwide.
It's one the biggest buyers so far of Boeing's troubled Dreamliner passenger jet, and is busy modifying the planes with a newly-approved battery system so it can get them back in the air.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

17. Oman Air
In-Flight Experience: 82
On-Time Performance: 75
Based out of Muscat International Airport in Oman, this carrier's slogan is "Modern Vision. Timeless Traditions..."
It scored a 90 for seat comfort, and 80 for every other in-flight experience factor we measured.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

18. Air Astana
In-Flight Experience: 74
On-Time Performance: 82
Air Astana is the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and started commercial flights in 2002.
It may not top our list, but it did win "Best Airline in Central Asia and India" at the 2012 World Airline Awards.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

19. Lufthansa
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 75
With hubs in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich, Germany's Lufthansa is the largest airline in Europe.
To compete in today's tough airline industry, the carrier has improved its business class seating, but economy is still excellent.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

With high fares, costly fees, and now the prospect of endless delays caused by sequester-mandated FAA budget cuts, flying economy is often a horror show.
But not all airlines are created equal, and some treat all their passengers very nicely.
To find the best of the best for flying at a reasonable cost, we devised a ranking system based on the two most important factors for a pleasant trip: An enjoyable experience in the plane, and timely departure and arrival.
We looked at dozens of major international airlines that fly long-haul routes.
We valued in-flight experience based on ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, from leading airline reviewer Skytrax.
Flightstats.comprovided the on-time performance figures (from February 15 to April 15) for each airline. Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlinesadvertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.
We then averaged scores for in-flight experience and the on-time performance of the airlines equally to come up with an overall score.Ratings are out of 100 points.
20. Etihad Airways
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 74
United Arab Emirates-based Etihad is barely ten years old, but it is growing rapidly: It said its profits tripled from $14 million in 2011 to $42 million last year.
Its has been named the World's Leading Airlineat the World Travel Awards for the past four years.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com. Figures are for marketed, or codeshare, flights: For example, if American Airlines advertises a fare for a flight that is operated by Delta (carriers often make such marketing agreements), and the Delta flight is delayed, that delay is reflected in the on-time performance ratings for both airlines.

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari who was arrested on August 26th, has been released along with fellow executive committee member Chris Green.
“Maigari has been released by the security operatives. He was released in the morning from the special anti-robbery squad after he was handed to them by the Directorate of State Security Service. No charges were pressed against him, neither was he or Green questioned on anything. It was clearly to prevent them from attending the general assembly of Tuesday, which FIFA insisted be presided by Maigari.”” said an aide of the NFF boss.
Maigari, it was further learnt, was detained on orders of controversial former Rivers State police commissioner Joseph Mbu, who is now an assistant Inspector General of police. World football governing body FIFA is expected to soon rule on the unfolding drama in Nigeria…

http://www.premiumgist.com/nff-president-maigari-released-police-custody/

HALLE BERRY
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Halle Berry is a former beauty queen and one of the biggest names in Hollywood, but this woman's story is a lot more special than that.
Halle Berry was the first African American woman to receive an Oscar for Best Actress in 2002 for her role in Monster's Ball. And judging by that acceptance speech, she knew it was a pretty big deal too.
After making her acting debut in a Spike Lee film, she landed roles in a series of high profile roles, like Storm in the X-Men films and the James Bond girl, Jinx, in Die Another Day.
Despite her successful career, she's always had quite a troubled personal life and has spoken out to the media on several occasions against domestic violence, since she has herself suffered from such violence in the past.
She is now married to fellow actor Olivier Martinez and they have a 5-month-old son named Maceo.

OPRAH WINFREY
She was the richest African American person of the 20th century and the first black woman to become a multi-millionaire, but Oprah Winfrey started out in life as just a regular girl from a poor background in Mississippi.
A successful student, she obtained a full scholarship to Tennessee State University and over the years, has built up one of the most successful media empires.
After the incredible interest in her Emmy award winning talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, she quickly founded her own production company, Harpo and invested in helping victims of childhood sexual abuse, after confessing on her own show that she had been a victim herself during her childhood.
It doesn't stop there. in 2011, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Oprah with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and in 2013, Oprah was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
She has her own television network, OWN, and a new talk show called "Oprah's Next Chapter". To this day, she is one of the most powerful celebrities in the world.
We love you Oprah!

DONYALE LUNA
Well before the wave of supermodels like Cindy and Claudia in the 1990s, Donyale Luna made her mark on the history of fashion with her extraordinary career.
Born in Detroit, she had a difficult childhood and an unusual appearance. She was spotted by photographer David McCay and became a superstar of the Seventies.
Donyale truly did it all: partying at Andy Warhol's Factory, signing an exclusive contract with photographer Richard Avedon, trying her hand at acting, before dying of an overdose in 1979.
Contrary to popular belief, the first black woman to grace the cover ofVoguewasn't Naomi Campbell; it was Donyale Luna.
In 1966, she hit the cover of the British edition of the biggest fashion magazine in the world. It was a symbolic choice for the world of fashion, which was finally opening up to African cultures.