[AS 2 Tom Little]

Incredible dedication to this event Mark! Thanks for sharing all of your flight infos!

[Mark Vall]

Incredible dedication to this event Mark! Thanks for sharing all of your flight infos!

Thank you so much, Tom! This event is simple flawless, looking forward to bring everyone safely back home

[Mark Vall]

The Iraqi Olympic team, consisting of twelve athletes, embarked on their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a series of flights. Their trip began with an evening flight aboard an Airbus A320 from Baghdad to Amman, Jordan.




Among the team, the biggest stars included sprinter Dana Hussein, a renowned athlete in the region, and weightlifter Salwan Jasim, who is a medal hopeful in his category. Upon arriving in Amman, the team spent the night before continuing their journey the following morning. They boarded an Airbus A319 for the final leg of their trip to Paris. However, their departure from Amman was delayed by 2.5 hours due to a mild sandstorm at Queen Alia International Airport, which caused disruptions to the flight schedule.



Despite the delay, the athletes remained in good spirits, eager to compete and represent Iraq on the international stage at the Paris Olympics.

[Mark Vall]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sprawling tarmac of Toronto Pearson International Airport buzzed with a sense of purpose and excitement. The massive Boeing 777ER, adorned in a special Olympics livery, shimmered under the terminal lights, proudly displaying the symbols of Canada. This was no ordinary flight; this was the journey of the Canadian Olympic team to the Paris 2024 Games. I, was at the helm of this special mission, entrusted with the honor of flying 250 of Canada's finest athletes and support staff across the Atlantic. As the evening settled into night, the terminal was awash with energy, the air filled with a mix of nerves, anticipation, and unyielding national pride.
Among the team, there were many hopefuls, but a few stood out as the brightest stars, carrying the nation's biggest hopes for medals. There was Emily Thompson, swimmer who had already shattered numerous records in the run-up to the Games. Her determination and prowess in the water had everyone confident that she would bring home gold. Then there was Lucas Chen, the javelin thrower whose powerful arm and unerring accuracy had dominated international competitions. His journey from a small town in British Columbia to the grand stadiums of Paris was nothing short of inspirational. And of course, we had Isabelle Moreau, the fierce and agile gymnast whose routines combined elegance with gravity-defying flips and twists. Her performances had consistently left audiences and judges in awe, and her name was synonymous with excellence. As the last of the athletes boarded, the cabin hummed with a mixture of excitement and focused determination. The crew completed the final checks, and I prepared for takeoff, feeling a profound sense of responsibility and pride. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," I announced over the intercom. "This is your captain, Mark Vall. Welcome aboard this special flight to Paris. It is an honor to have the Canadian Olympic team with us tonight. We are set for a smooth flight and will be arriving in Paris in the morning. Let's get you there safe and sound so you can bring home the gold." With that, we pushed back from the gate, and moments later, the Boeing 777ER roared down the runway, lifting off into the night sky.



The flight was smooth, the athletes relaxed, some chatting quietly while others caught some much-needed rest. Entire Paris city came into view, a symbol of the grand event awaiting these athletes.




Touching down smoothly, I felt a wave of emotion. This flight was more than just a journey from Toronto to Paris; it was a bridge carrying the dreams and hopes of a nation. "On behalf of the entire crew," I said as we taxied to the gate, "we wish you the very best of luck. GO CANADA GO!" The athletes disembarked, each step they took bringing them closer to their Olympic dreams. And as I watched them walk towards their destiny, I couldn't help but feel that in some small way, I had been part of something truly special.

[Mark Vall]

The Armenian Olympic team, filled with excitement and anticipation, boarded their Transavia flight to Paris.



Among the athletes were star wrestler Artur Aleksanyan, weightlifter Simon Martirosyan, and long-distance runner Lusine Zakaryan. They were all ready to showcase their hard work and dedication on the world's biggest stage.



However, as their plane touched down at Paris Orly, a wave of confusion swept over the team. The Armenian Olympic Federation, responsible for arranging their travel logistics, had mistakenly booked a bus transfer from Charles de Gaulle, assuming Paris had only one major airport.



"Are we at the wrong place?" asked a bewildered Lusine, glancing around the unfamiliar surroundings. Artur checked his phone, confirming their predicament. "It looks like we're at Orly, but the bus is waiting at Charles de Gaulle. We're going to need another plan."



With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, the team scrambled to find a solution. Simon, known for his calm demeanor, suggested, "Let's split up and get Ubers. It's the fastest way to get to the Olympic Village from here." The team quickly coordinated their efforts, each athlete hailing a ride through the app. Artur and Lusine shared one Uber, while Simon and the rest of the team members paired up in other vehicles. Despite the frustration and unexpected delay, their spirits remained high as they navigated through Paris traffic. As they finally arrived at the Olympic Village, a sense of relief washed over them. Though the journey was more complicated than anticipated, the athletes were ready to focus on their upcoming events. The mix-up had tested their patience and adaptability, qualities that would serve them well in the competitions ahead. Artur, always the optimist, chuckled as they checked into their accommodations. "If we can handle this, we can handle anything." Their adventure from Orly to the Olympic Village became a testament to their resilience and determination, a prelude to the challenges they would face in the days to come. And so, the Armenian Olympic team prepared to make their mark, united and undeterred by the hurdles already overcome.

[Mark Vall]

The Azerbaijan Olympic team boarded the newest addition to Azerbaijan Airways' fleet, an A320NEO named Julfa, bound for Paris and the 2024 Olympic Games.



As the athletes settled into their seats, they exchanged smiles and encouragement, excitement and anticipation palpable in the air. Among them were the celebrated gymnast Marina Durunda, judo champion Rustam Orujov, and rising star sprinter Anna Skidan. They had all trained relentlessly for this moment, and now it was finally here. As Julfa climbed over the city of Baku, the athletes looked out the windows, their minds filled with thoughts of their families and friends.



Marina recalled her parents' proud faces when she qualified for the Olympics, Rustam thought of his young son who always mimicked his judo moves, and Anna remembered her coach's words of wisdom and support. The flight itself was smooth and uneventful.
The crew of Azerbaijan Airways ensured their comfort, offering meals and refreshments. Before long, the captain announced their descent into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.




Upon landing, they were greeted by representatives who would escort them to the Olympic Village, ensuring everything went smoothly. With their journey from Baku to Paris completed, the Azerbaijan Olympic team was ready to take on the challenges of the Games. The flight on Julfa had been a time of reflection and mental preparation, a calm before the storm of competition. As they settled into their accommodations at the Olympic Village, the athletes knew they were not just representing themselves, but also their families, friends, and the entire nation of Azerbaijan. The stage was set for them to shine.

[Mark Vall]

Argentinian Athletes Take Off for Paris Olympics with Air France
Buenos Aires, July 7, 2024

In a momentous journey towards Olympic glory, Argentina’s athletes boarded an Air France Boeing 787 yesterday, departing from Buenos Aires for the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games.




The delegation, consisting of 120 athletes, was treated to exemplary hospitality by the French crew, ensuring their voyage was as comfortable as possible. Among the lucky athletes, star swimmer Delfina Pignatiello and celebrated judoka Paula Pareto were upgraded to Business Class, where they enjoyed premium comfort and exquisite French cuisine. Meanwhile, tennis ace Diego Schwartzman and basketball standout Facundo Campazzo experienced the epitome of luxury in Air France’s renowned Open Suites, a first-class offering featuring private space and personalized service. The exceptional care provided by Air France is sure to leave them refreshed and ready to compete at their highest level in Paris.

[Mark Vall]

JetBlue proudly facilitated the journey of Bahamian athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, offering a seamless and comfortable travel experience. The delegation's journey began in Nassau, where they boarded an Airbus A320NEO, renowned for its fuel efficiency and state-of-the-art amenities, bound for New York's JFK Airport.





Upon arrival at JFK, the athletes transitioned to an Airbus A321NEO, JetBlue's long-haul workhorse, equipped with the airline’s latest Mint class. This upgrade provided enhanced comfort for the transatlantic leg to Paris.




The athletes were treated to spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and superior service, ensuring they arrived in Paris well-rested and ready to compete. JetBlue's commitment to quality and service was on full display, making it a key player in supporting the Bahamian team’s Olympic ambitions. This journey underscores JetBlue’s expanding role in international travel, particularly in the realm of sports and large-scale events.

[Mark Vall]

On July morning, a group of dedicated athletes from Gambia boarded a Vueling Airbus A319 at Banjul International Airport. Their destination: Paris, to compete in Summer Olympic Games. With the dawn barely breaking, the excitement was palpable as they settled into their seats for the journey to Barcelona.



As the aircraft soared high above the vast Sahara desert, the Gambian team found themselves captivated by the breathtaking views. Endless stretches of golden sand dunes rolled out beneath them, a stunning contrast to the lush landscapes they were accustomed to back home.



The five-plus hours of flight passed pleasantly. Upon arrival in Barcelona, the team was faced with a small hiccup. Their connecting flight to Paris departed from the Schengen terminal, and they had little time to navigate the bustling airport. Luckily, they managed to clear security and make it to the gate just in time. Boarding the Airbus A320NEO, the Gambian athletes quietly took their seats, eager to complete the final leg of their journey. Initially, their presence went unnoticed by most of the other passengers. It wasn’t until the captain made a special announcement that heads turned and smiles appeared throughout the cabin.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a very special welcome aboard to the Gambian Olympic team, who are on their way to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games. Let’s give them our warmest wishes and support for their efforts!"
The cabin erupted in applause and cheers, bringing broad smiles to the faces of the Gambian athletes. They were touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of their fellow travelers, and the encouragement served as a powerful reminder of the significance of their mission.




In total, Gambia will be represented by a team of 12 athletes at the 2024 Olympics. As the plane descended towards Paris, the team felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, ready to showcase their talents on the world stage.

[Mark Vall]

This morning, the Iranian National Olympics Team departed from Tehran on an Airbus A310 towards Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Originally scheduled to travel on an Airbus A330-200, the team’s plans were disrupted due to a technical issue with the aircraft. However, Iran Air quickly secured an A310 as a replacement, ensuring the team could continue their journey without significant delay.



The flight carried 78 athletes and 22 support staff. Although the older A310 didn't provide the same comfort level as the A330-200, Iran Air’s quick response was crucial in avoiding disruptions.



The takeoff was particularly challenging due to the fully loaded aircraft and the high temperature of 100.7°F at Imam Khomeini International Airport, coupled with the airport’s high altitude. Despite these hurdles, once airborne, the A310 performed flawlessly, offering a smooth and pleasant flight experience for everyone on board. This situation underscores Iran Air's dedication to maintaining their schedule and ensuring the safety and comfort of their passengers, even in the face of unexpected challenges.