[Mark Vall]

Some of the athletes of the country that gave the world the Olympic Games have just arrived at the scene of this year's games in Paris. This year, Greek athletes used national carrier Aegean, which they could not do in the past due to the lack of long-range or widebody aircraft

Aegean A320NEO after departure from LGAV


Safely arrived

[Mark Vall]

Flight Report:
Georgian Airways Flight 627
Date: Jun-29 2024
Flight Number: TGZ627
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Departure: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Destination: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris

Captain's Log:
I had the honor of piloting Georgian Airways Flight 627 from Tbilisi to Paris, carrying our Georgian esteemed Olympic athletes and their dreams of gold. We kicked off the journey at Tbilisi International Airport amidst a flurry of excitement. With 20 of Georgia's finest athletes on board, ranging from wrestlers with hearts of gold to gymnasts poised to defy gravity, the cabin was buzzing with anticipation.

I welcomed them warmly over the intercom, "Good day, everyone! This is your Captain speaking. Welcome aboard Flight 627, your special express ticket to the City of Love and Olympic glory. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready to soar!" As we ascended into the azure sky, I couldn't help but notice the clouds shaping up like fluffy Georgian bread, khachapuri. "If you look out the left side of the aircraft, you might spot our sky-high khachapuri clouds,"

I chuckled, earning a round of smiles from our athletes who appreciated the nod to home. Mid-flight, we encountered a bit of turbulence, not from the weather, but from our weightlifters playfully challenging each other to an arm-wrestling contest in the aisle. With the flight attendants refereeing and the gymnasts cheering them on, it was a mid-air showdown fit for the Olympics! Approaching Paris, I radioed in for landing clearance, navigating through the busy airspace with the precision of a synchronized swimmer. "Tower, TAMAZI Flight 627 requesting permission to land at Charles de Gaulle," ready to bring our champions to their Olympic stage. "TAMAZI 627, you are cleared to land on runway 27R," came the reply.

With the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance, I brought our 738 down for a smooth touchdown, met with applause and shouts of excitement from our athletes. They were eager to hit the ground running – quite literally – and showcase their talents on the world's grandest stage. As they disembarked, still buzzing with energy and laughter, I couldn't help but feel privileged to have been part of their journey. Flying the Georgian Olympic team to Paris wasn't just a flight, but a joyful celebration of athleticism, camaraderie, and a few sky-high moments that made us all smile. Captain Mark

[Mark Vall]

The English Olympic team, filled with excitement and anticipation, gathered at Heathrow Airport early on a bright July morning. The team, comprised of athletes, coaches, and support staff, was ready to represent their country in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. As the sun rose, casting a golden hue over the bustling airport, the athletes checked in their luggage, making their way through security. Heathrow buzzed with energy; travelers hurried to their gates, announcements echoed overhead, and the Olympians could feel the eyes of curious onlookers recognizing them. Among the travelers were notable stars like sprinter Lucy Adams, swimmer James Fraser, and gymnast Emma Carter, each donning their official Team GB attire.
The team’s flight was scheduled for departure at 10:00 AM. They settled into the spacious lounge area, some chatting animatedly about their hopes and dreams for the upcoming games, while others found quiet corners to meditate or review their training routines. As boarding was announced, a wave of excitement washed over the team. They gathered their belongings, checked their boarding passes, and proceeded to the gate. The flight attendants, recognizing the special passengers, welcomed them warmly aboard the Airbus A319. Seated comfortably, the athletes enjoyed a special pre-flight announcement from the pilot, who congratulated them on their achievements thus far and wished them success in Paris.

The plane took off smoothly, ascending into almost clear sky. From above, the patchwork of the English countryside soon gave way to the azure stretch of the English Channel.

During the short flight, the team was served a light snack, with menus thoughtfully crafted to meet their dietary needs. Conversations floated through the cabin: strategies were discussed, advice was exchanged, and laughter erupted from shared jokes. There was a collective sense of optimism and unity that transcended individual events. As the plane began its descent into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the athletes peered out of the windows, taking in the city that would be their home for the next few weeks. Upon landing, the team was greeted by a delegation from the British Embassy and representatives from the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. They were swiftly escorted through customs and immigration, receiving a warm welcome and well-wishes for their competitions. Buses adorned with the British flag awaited them outside, ready to transport them to the Olympic Village.

Their journey from Heathrow to Paris had been seamless, a symbol of the smooth and focused preparations they hoped would lead to Olympic glory.

[Mark Vall]

On silver wings to Paris' light,
The Chinese team takes flight tonight.
With hearts ablaze, dreams held tight,
They journey forth to Olympic heights.

Sun Yang’s power in the pool,
Chen Yufei, precise and cool.
Zhu Xueying’s graceful dance,
Fan Zhendong’s winning stance.



From Beijing’s dawn to Paris’ gleam,
A unified, national team.
Through skies they soar, hopes in hand,
To chase their dreams in a distant land.



In every heart, a nation’s pride,
On this journey, side by side.
To Olympics, they swiftly glide,
For gold and glory, far and wide.

[Mark Vall]

The crisp morning air at Paro International Airport was filled with excitement and anticipation. The entire nation of Bhutan, home to just over 780,000 people, had their eyes on 2 athletes who were about to embark on a journey to the Olympic Games in Paris. It was a historic moment, made even more special by the presence of the royal family, who had come to personally see them off and offer their blessings. Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, alongside King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, stood with grace and pride as they greeted the athletes. The Crown Prince, embodying the hopes and dreams of the Bhutanese people, presented both athletes with a traditional white scarf, a symbol of purity and good fortune.



The small team of athletes, though few in number, carried the aspirations of their entire nation. Among them was Lam Dorji, an archer who had already gained international recognition. Bhutan, known for its rich archery tradition, had high hopes for Lam, whose steady aim and calm demeanor made him a strong contender. As the athletes boarded the DrukAir A319, the royal family waved them off with warm smiles and words of encouragement. The flight from Paro to New Delhi was smooth, with the majestic Himalayas fading into the distance as the plane cruised towards the Indian capital.




Upon landing in New Delhi, the team transferred to an Air India flight bound for Paris. The excitement built up again as they settled into the long-haul journey, their minds filled with thoughts of the competition ahead. Despite Bhutan's modest presence in the history of the Olympics, with only two athletes having participated before and no medals won yet, the spirit of the team was unyielding.



The plane finally descended towards Charles de Gaulle Airport, the lights of Paris twinkling below, signaling the beginning of their Olympic adventure. As they disembarked, the Bhutanese athletes were greeted by a cool Parisian breeze and the vibrant energy of a city ready to host the world. They felt a renewed sense of purpose, bolstered by the support from their royal family and fellow citizens back home. With determination in their hearts and the blessings of their entire nation, the athletes stepped forward, ready to make history and bring pride to Bhutan.

[Mark Vall]

A team of five athletes from the British Virgin Islands was buzzing with excitement as they prepared to fly to the Olympic Games in Paris. The team included sprinter Janelle Smith, long jumper Marcus Williams, swimmer Alicia Jones, shot putter David Foster, and sailor Hannah Brown. They gathered at the airport in Roadtown, ready for their journey. They boarded the WinAir ATR-42, a compact plane that seemed almost too small for their big ambitions.



As the plane took off, the athletes made the most of the tight space.



The flight was a short one, and before they knew it, they were landing at Princess Juliana Airport, famous for its runway right next to the beach. As they descended, they could see beachgoers waving at the plane, and the athletes waved back, feeling like they were already stars.



After disembarking, the team made their way to the transfer gate, where they were set to board an Air France A350. The sleek, spacious aircraft was a dramatic change from the tiny ATR-42. The athletes settled into their seats, thrilled with the extra legroom. David, the shot putter, joked that he could finally stretch out without worrying about hitting someone. As the plane took off, the athletes relaxed and enjoyed the luxurious amenities.



The flight over the Atlantic was smooth, and the team members took the opportunity to rest and recharge. They knew that once they arrived in Paris, the real work would begin.
With a mix of nerves and excitement, the athletes stepped off the plane, taking in the sights and sounds of Paris. They were ready to represent the British Virgin Islands, bringing their unique blend of talent and island spirit to the Olympic Games.

[Mark Vall]

I had the honor of flying Algerian Olympic team to Paris Orly this morning. All 45 athletes, each wearing the national colors with pride, settled into their seats. Among the team, the brightest star was undoubtedly Yasmine Belkacem, a sprinter with an impressive track record. Yasmine, who had narrowly missed a podium finish in the last Olympics, was widely regarded as Algeria's best hope for a gold medal this year. Her determination and rigorous training regimen had set her apart, and the nation held high hopes for her.



During the last Olympics, Algeria had won a total of three medals: one silver and two bronze. The entire team was eager to surpass that count this year, driven by their hard work and the support of their country. As the aircraft ascended into the twilight sky, the journey was smooth and filled with lighthearted conversations.



I felt a sense of pride and responsibility, knowing I was transporting the nation's hopes and dreams. After a few hours of flight, just as we passed Mallorca, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence. I called the cabin over intercom, calm and reassuring. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are experiencing some turbulence. Please remain seated and fasten your seatbelts. We should be through it shortly." The plane gently rocked as it navigated through the turbulent patch. The athletes, accustomed to the rigors and uncertainties of their sports, took it in stride, maintaining their focus and calm. I guided the Boeing 738 through the turbulence, and soon, the skies smoothed out once again.
As we approached airport Paris Orly, the City of Love sparkled beneath them. I began descent, feeling a swell of pride and anticipation for my passengers.



The landing was smooth, and as the aircraft taxied to the gate, the athletes began to gather their belongings, ready to embark on their Olympic journey. "On behalf of the entire crew, I wish you the best of luck in the games," I announced. "Make Algeria proud!"

[Mark Vall]

Flight Report
Flight Details:
Airline: Wizzair
Flight Number:W6 2367
Route: Budapest to Paris Orly
Aircraft: Airbus A320 NEO



Special Passengers: On board this flight was the Hungarian Olympics team, proudly representing their nation as they travel to Paris for the upcoming Olympic Games. The team is composed of Hungary's finest athletes, many of whom are strong contenders for medals in their respective disciplines.

Medal Hopes: Among the athletes, the biggest hopes for medals include:
Milák Kristóf: World champion swimmer known for his record-breaking performances
Babos Tímea: Accomplished tennis player with several Grand Slam titles
Cseh László: Veteran swimmer with a history of Olympic success



Hungarian Traditions: While in Paris, the Hungarian athletes will uphold various national traditions, such as:
Gastronomy: Enjoying traditional Hungarian cuisine, including dishes like goulash and pörkölt
Cultural Practices: Celebrating with Hungarian folk music and dance, which are integral parts of their heritage
Community Support: Engaging with the Hungarian diaspora in France to garner local support and encouragement. The athletes are a source of immense pride for Hungary. The entire nation is looking up to them, filled with anticipation and hope for their success on the international stage.



Representing Hungary is a prestigious honor, and the team is committed to showcasing their skills and determination, aiming to bring home medals and honor for their country.

[Mark Vall]

Glorious Journey: The German Olympic Team

The German Olympic team embarked on their journey from Munich to Paris aboard an Air France flight. Due to the substantial number of athletes and accompanying staff, the aircraft was upgraded from an Airbus A220 to the larger A320, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for all.



The German team, composed of elite athletes from a wide range of disciplines, exuded an air of confidence and camaraderie as they prepared to compete on the world stage. Each athlete, a symbol of dedication and excellence, carried the hopes of a proud nation on their shoulders.
Johannes Vetter dominating the javelin throw with his record-breaking throws, Isabell Werth an equestrian legend with numerous Olympic and world championship medal, Franziska Hentke a formidable force in butterfly swimming events and many more were aboard our today's flight.



The athletes are emblematic of Germany's storied legacy in the Olympic Games. Representing Germany is a profound honor, and each team member is determined to achieve greatness, driven by the aspirations of their nation.




As they soar towards Paris, the German Olympic team carries with them the dreams and support of millions, aiming to make their mark and return with medals that will add to their country's illustrious history in the sporting world.

[Mark Vall]

The athletes of the Cayman Islands Olympic team embarked on their momentous journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics, departing from Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman.



The initial leg of their journey was aboard a Cayman Airways Boeing 738, which carried them to New York's JFK Airport.



Upon arriving at JFK, the team transitioned to the international terminal, where they boarded a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A339 bound for Paris. The upgraded aircraft provided ample space and comfort for the athletes, ensuring they arrived in peak condition and high spirits.



The Cayman Islands team included talented athletes across various disciplines, ready to compete and showcase their skills. Some notable members include Brett Fraser, renowned swimmer known for his impressive performances in freestyle events, Kemar Hyman a sprinting sensation with a reputation for lightning-fast speeds and Ronald Forbes, amazing hurdler with multiple international accolades.




As they approach Paris, the team is focused and determined, ready to leave their mark and bring honor to their island nation through their performances on the world stage.