A major new aviation event, The Skyglobe Challenge TransAfrican Air Race will see scores of private jets race around Africa, departing from Banjul, Gambia on 1 January 2016 for a 12,000 nautical mile lap of the continent.

The ambitious ‘grand prix above the clouds’ will take crews over thirty hours, include refuelling stops in ten countries and feature different categories of aircraft as they vie for several world records. Held in accordance with Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) rules, the TransAfrican Air Race will be the first in a series of far-flung qualifying heats that will culminate in the Skyglobe Challenge Round The World Air Race, set to be the fastest ever race around earth.

Organizers Skyglobe Racing are inviting entries from aircraft owners, crews and commercial partners to join this unique sporting competition. Skyglobe claims ‘The race will establish the world’s best aviators, pushing the limits of what state-of-the-art machinery is capable, testing teamwork and provoking imagination. It promises to be a milestone of aviation.’

Skyglobe Racing co-founder and mission commander, Captain Riccardo Mortara is an FAI circumnavigation record holder. “The TransAfrican Air Race is the first of five audacious flying events which will culminate in a round-the-world marathon. We were inspired to take on this challenge immediately after I set a record in my Sabreliner in 2010 by flying eastbound around the world in under 58 hours. I view the earth as the ultimate race track, and with the Skyglobe Challenge we will lap it faster than any other competition event.

“Having raced solo the idea came to fly wingtip to wingtip and create an aviation event not dissimilar to the Volvo Ocean Race, where crews from all over the globe compete to enter the history books. We plan to create the world’s premier jet races, married to the sense of adventure that first made aviation inspiring. Africa is such an exciting continent over which to start our championship.”

The Skyglobe Challenge TransAfrican Air Race is cleared for take off from Banjul on New Year’s Day 2016. For more information visit www.transafrican.skyglobe-racing.com or www.skygloberacing.com

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