ZS-GAJ to visit 52 countries, fly 31,000 miles

September 23, 2009

Global Aviation (Johannesburg) has provided more details on their worldwide tour that will visit 52 countries and fly a total of 31,000 miles.

Here is the press release:

O.R. Tambo International Airport-based fleet operator, Global Aviation, waved farewell to its newly refurbished Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Africa Tour McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 on Sunday September 19th. The aircraft departed for Zurich to collect the famous FIFA World Cup Trophy to begin an African continent-wide, 76-day trophy tour. Mr. Daniel Rosenzweig, Global Aviation’s Commercial Director, issued a statement saying that Global Aviation is delighted to participate in a small way in this exciting event. Sponsored by Coca-Cola and FIFA, Global Aviation’s DC-9 jet will be calling at most African nations to meet representatives of Coca-Cola’s extensive African distribution network as well as government and national soccer team members. First stop after collecting the trophy in Zurich will be Cairo in Egypt, where the DC-9 will stop over for two days. A total of 52 countries will be visited and the aircraft will fly a distance of over 31, 000 miles. Total flight time is expected to 76 hours. Coca-Cola has purchased carbon-dioxide permits to ensure that the tour is carbon neutral. The aircraft has been specially configured to carry 24 passengers in a First Class layout. The cabin has been divided into three sections with the forward compartment laid out as a VIA area for TV interviews and to host both FIFA and Coca-Cola delegates and guests. A central section has been configured for passengers and a rear compartment will be used as a team changing room. Mr. Daniel Rosenzweig, Global Aviation’s Commercial Director, express his appreciation to the South African Civil Aviation Association (SA CAA) for their help and assistance in preparation of this tour. Global Aviation was founded in 2001 to provide aircraft on a contractual basis to world airlines in need of temporary capacity. The company also provides the acquisition, heavy maintenance, refurbishment and specialized passenger charter services both in Africa and other parts of the world. Global Aviation presently owns nine Douglas DC-9 aircraft, three DC-10s and one McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (MD-82).