[AS 2 Tom Little]

Update on the status of Ecuadorian athletes:

The only hiccup in the otherwise smooth journey was the forgotten hair curler in room 316 of 100m hurdler Maribel Caicedo. Upon realizing this, Maribel expressed with a smile that she will borrow it from her colleague and friend, sprinter Nicole Caicedo.

:lol:

[Mark Vall]

The anticipation was palpable at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv as the Israeli Olympic team prepared for their flight to Paris. They were to fly on an El Al Boeing 737-800, affectionately named "Bet Shemesh," after the historic city known for its strength and resilience. This particular aircraft, a symbol of Israeli aviation excellence, was poised to carry the hopes and dreams of the nation's best athletes. As the team boarded the Bet Shemesh, they were met with an enthusiastic welcome from the El Al staff.



The sense of pride was mutual – for the athletes, representing their country on the global stage was an honor, and for the airline, transporting these sportsmen and women was a privilege. El Al, Israel’s national airline, has been a cornerstone of the country's aviation industry since its establishment in 1948. Renowned for its exceptional security protocols and outstanding service, El Al is considered one of the safest airlines in the world. The Bet Shemesh, a part of this illustrious fleet, was not just any aircraft; it embodied the spirit of Israel with every flight. Once the athletes settled into their seats, the flight attendants, themselves brimming with pride, made sure everyone was comfortable. Captain Mark Vall`s voice came over the intercom, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have the Israeli Olympic team aboard Bet Shemesh. As we fly to Paris, know that the entire nation stands behind you, proud of your dedication and ready to cheer you on. We wish you all the best in your competitions.” This message resonated deeply with the team. It wasn’t just a flight; it was a journey symbolizing national pride and unity.



The athletes were reminded of the support they had from every corner of Israel, and the important role they played in representing their country. When the plane finally touched down in Paris, the team was met with applause from fellow passengers and the El Al crew. Disembarking, they carried the Israeli flag high, ready to compete with strength and honor. Transporting the Olympic team on the Bet Shemesh was a moment of immense pride, highlighting the airline’s role in the narrative of Israeli excellence and perseverance.

[Mark Vall]

The Croatian Olympic team was initially set to fly to Paris for the Olympic Games with Wizz Air, following a deal made to transport the athletes and their support teams. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this contract was canceled, prompting the Croatian Olympic Committee to seek an alternative. Turning to their national carrier, Croatia Airlines, the committee arranged for the entire team, including support staff, to be flown to Paris.



This decision was met with enthusiasm, as Croatia Airlines has a strong reputation for reliability and excellent service. Today, the Croatian Olympic team, consisting of 54 athletes along with their coaches, medical staff, and other support personnel, gathered at Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport. They were set to travel on an Airbus A319, a familiar sight in Croatian skies, known for its efficiency and comfort. As the team boarded the aircraft, they were greeted warmly by the Croatia Airlines crew, who were equally proud to be part of this significant journey. The sense of national pride was palpable, with the team representing Croatia on the global stage, and the airline honored to transport these elite athletes. T




The flight from Zagreb to Paris was smooth and filled with an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. The crew ensured that everyone was comfortable, serving meals and offering encouragement throughout the journey. Transporting the Olympic team was a source of immense pride, highlighting the close-knit unity and resilience that defines Croatia.

[AS 2 Tom Little]

Captain Mark Vall`s voice came over the intercom, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have the Israeli Olympic team aboard Bet Shemesh. As we fly to Paris, know that the entire nation stands behind you, proud of your dedication and ready to cheer you on. We wish you all the best in your competitions.” This message resonated deeply with the team. It wasn’t just a flight; it was a journey symbolizing national pride and unity.

Cheers, Mark! Well said.

[Mark Vall]

Botswana's Olympic Hopefuls Depart for Paris
Gaborone, July 16, 2024

This morning, a team of Botswana’s athletes embarked on their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Departing from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone aboard an ATR 72 aircraft named Makgadikgadi, the athletes flew to Johannesburg before boarding an Air France Boeing 777-300ER, destined for Paris.
Track and Field Representatives:
1. Letsile Tebogo - Competing in Men's 100m, 200m, and 400m events
2. Bayapo Ndori - Men's 400m
3. Leungo Scotch - Men's 400m
4. Tshepiso Masalela - Men's 800m
5. Kethobogile Haingura - Men's 400m hurdles
6. Tumo Nkape - Men's 400m hurdles
7. Oratile Nowe - Women's 800m
8. Men's 4x400m Relay Team
Swimming Representatives:
1. Adrian Robinson - Men's 100m breaststroke
2. Maxine Egner - Women's 100m freestyle

Aircraft Specifications:
ATR 72-500 (Air Botswana "Makgadikgadi")
Manufacturer: ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale), Model: ATR 72-500, Passenger Capacity:Typically 68-78, Range: Approximately 1,500 km, Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127F turboprops, Cruise Speed: 510 km/h




Air France Boeing 777-300ER
Manufacturer: Boeing, Model: 777-300ER (Extended Range), Passenger Capacity: Up to 396, Range: 13,650 km, Engines: Two GE90-115B turbofan engines, Cruise Speed: Mach 0.84 (approximately 560 mph)




The departure marks a significant milestone for these athletes, who have trained rigorously to represent Botswana on the world stage.
We wish our athletes the best of luck and look forward to their outstanding performances in Paris.

[Mark Vall]

The Eritrean Olympic team departed from Asmara this morning, beginning their journey to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. After a flight to Cairo, the team will take an EgyptAir flight to Paris this afternoon.





Originally, the athletes were booked on a special Boeing 777 flight from Cairo to Paris with the Egypt Olympic team. However, due to the Egyptian team's decision to depart on Saturday, the Eritrean team opted to take a regularly scheduled EgyptAir flight to ensure timely arrival in Paris. The team comprises 15 athletes, all set to compete and represent Eritrea. Among them, runner Daniel Teklehaimanot is considered the biggest hope for a medal, with his outstanding performance history and dedication.

[Mark Vall]

Today, the Irish Olympic team embarked on their journey to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, departing from Dublin Airport. The team, consisting of 30 athletes and 15 support staff, boarded a brand new A320NEO of Aer Lingus, a significant moment for both the athletes and the airline.



Aer Lingus, Ireland's flagship carrier, expressed immense pride in transporting the nation's precious jewels to the global stage. This flight underscores Aer Lingus' longstanding commitment to supporting Irish talent and excellence. The airline has a rich history of memorable flights, including the historic transatlantic flight from Dublin to New York in 1958, which marked the beginning of regular direct services between Ireland and the United States. Today's flight to Paris aligns with this tradition of significant journeys, symbolizing hope, ambition, and national pride. Aer Lingus is honored to play a role in this journey, continuing its legacy of connecting Ireland to the world and supporting Irish dreams.

[Mark Vall]

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – July 21, 2024

Today, a group of 12 athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina left Sarajevo International Airport for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The team, known for their resilience and past successes in athletics and judo, took a WizzAir flight to London Luton before continuing their journey to Paris via an EasyJet flight after a short layover.







In an effort to manage costs effectively, the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina chose low-cost tickets, saving $75 per person compared to direct flights offered by Lufthansa.
The athletes, who have shown exceptional dedication and talent, are expected to adapt well to the travel schedule despite the brief layover at Luton, a smaller airport known for its efficiency but limited amenities. The nation holds high hopes for their performance, confident that the journey will not impede their quest for Olympic success.

[Mark Vall]

A group of 30 athletes and 15 support staff from Bermuda were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for their journey to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The athletes, adorned in traditional Bermuda dress—crisp Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, blazers, and ties—created quite a spectacle at L.F. Wade International Airport. Among them were sprinter Tyrone Smith, long jumper Arantxa King, and triathlete Flora Duffy, who were all eager to represent their island nation.

As they boarded the British Airways Boeing 777-300ER, the cabin crew couldn’t help but be captivated by their distinctive attire and the palpable energy emanating from the group.



Chief Purser, Emily Thompson, welcomed them warmly, saying, "Welcome aboard! It's an honor to have such esteemed athletes with us today. We wish you the very best for the Olympics." Noticing the athletes' excitement and understanding the significance of their journey, the crew decided to make their flight extra special. After a quick discussion with the captain, it was agreed that the entire group would be upgraded to a higher class. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted to inform you that you have all been upgraded to Club World for this flight," Emily announced with a smile, leading to cheers and applause from the athletes. The athletes settled into their spacious seats, enjoying the luxurious amenities of Club World. They were treated to a gourmet meal and top-notch service, which included a special toast to their upcoming competition in Paris. The cabin crew also provided personalized travel kits to ensure the athletes were comfortable and well-rested for their long journey.




Upon landing at London Heathrow, the group was swiftly guided through to their connecting flight to Paris. The athletes boarded a British Airways A319, where they were greeted with equal enthusiasm by the new cabin crew.



Recognizing the Olympic team, the crew once again decided to upgrade them, this time to Business Class. "It's our pleasure to have you on board, and we are thrilled to support you on your way to Paris," said Senior Flight Attendant, James Clark.



As the flight descended into Charles de Gaulle Airport, the athletes looked out at the Parisian skyline, their hearts swelling with excitement for the challenges ahead. The Bermuda team disembarked, ready to make their mark at the 2024 Olympic Games. They were grateful for the unexpected kindness and support shown by British Airways, feeling more motivated than ever to compete and succeed.

[Mark Vall]

Good evening, this is Al Qahera News. Tonight, we have exciting news about our Egyptian Olympic athletes. They recently departed to Paris, where they will compete in the upcoming Olympic Games. Joining us now is a representative of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, Mr. Ahmed Hassan. Welcome, Mr. Hassan.
-Ahmed Hassan: Thank you for having me.
-Al Qahera News: Mr. Hassan, can you tell us about the departure of our athletes from Cairo and their journey to Paris?
-Ahmed Hassan: Of course. Our athletes departed from Cairo International Airport on an EgyptAir flight early yesterday morning. It was a well-coordinated effort, with all necessary health and safety protocols in place. I'm pleased to report that they arrived safely in Paris and are now settling into the Olympic Village.





-Al Qahera News: That's great to hear. How are the athletes preparing for the competition ahead?
-Ahmed Hassan: Our athletes have been training intensively over the past several months. They are focused, motivated, and ready to give their best performance. In Paris, they will continue their training and make final preparations for their events, supported by a team of coaches and medical staff.
-Al Qahera News: Can you give us a glimpse of the sports in which our athletes will be competing?
-Ahmed Hassan: Certainly. We have a diverse team competing in several sports, including swimming, athletics, weightlifting, fencing, and taekwondo, among others. Each of our athletes has worked incredibly hard to qualify, and we have high hopes for their performance at the Games.
-Al Qahera News: What are your expectations for the Egyptian team in these Olympic Games?
-Ahmed Hassan: We are very optimistic. Our athletes have shown exceptional dedication and resilience. While the competition will be tough, we believe in their abilities and are confident that they will represent Egypt with pride and honor.
-Al Qahera News: Finally, what message would you like to send to the Egyptian public as they cheer for our athletes?
-Ahmed Hassan: I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support. It means a lot to our athletes to know that the entire nation is behind them. We encourage everyone to keep supporting and cheering for our team. Your encouragement can make a big difference.
-Al Qahera News: Thank you, Mr. Hassan, for joining us tonight. We wish our athletes the very best in the upcoming Olympic Games.
-Ahmed Hassan: Thank you. Go Egypt!