The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer website, www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com, has been totally redesigned with a range of new content and features including games and new exclusive merchandise.  The website will give updates on the progress of preparations for Steve Fossett’s record attempt over the coming months as well as providing an unprecedented level of live coverage of the record attempt during the flight itself.  Additionally, site visitors will be able to interact with the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer team, play games and enter competitions.  The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer team aims to set records for the fastest ever non-stop, non-refuelled circumnavigation of the world and the first ever by a solo pilot.  The site is being designed and managed by Conchango, the business technology provider, and is hosted by Energis.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said: “virginatlanticglobalflyer.com will be the only place to get the inside track on this exciting record attempt - from explaining how the plane is built, to exclusive information and access to the whole team involved to ‘money can’t buy’ prizes. The site will cater for everyone from children to aviation enthusiasts.
“One key aim of the website is interactivity - anyone with a question for the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer team will be able to ask questions or make suggestions via the site.

“Steve Fossett is aiming to set new world records in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer and we’re aiming to do the same with the website.  At the time of the unveiling of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft the website had an incredible amount of traffic and I am confident that this will continue to build hugely as the attempt progresses.”

Steve Fossett commented: “This is a Solo Flight, but I want aviation enthusiasts and adventurers everywhere to join me in the endeavour. The Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer website will follow the preparations and track the flight. In addition we hope to communicate the scientific aspects of the flight. The website is part of Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to make this project worthwhile.”

Mike Altendorf, Managing Director of Conchango, commented: “The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is rekindling the spirit of technical innovation and scientific exploration that first made Britain ‘Great’. As the exclusive website development partner on the project, Conchango is determined to set a few records of its own by delivering a new internet experience to GlobalFlyer watchers.

“We’ll be helping Virgin Atlantic to broadcast live web content from the stratosphere to a worldwide audience, so enthusiasts can share the experience of being in the cockpit. The site will also allow users to gain a valuable insight into the challenges and solutions that are devised by the crew and mission control in this historic, record-breaking attempt.

“Conchango is launching a competition on virginatlanticflyer.com to encourage the next generation of web and multimedia talent to get involved in the project. By using the website to showcase the latest innovations in design, we’re hoping to capture the imagination of all site visitors.

“And just as the flight will change perceptions about what is possible in aviation, the website will change the way people think about online news and entertainment.”
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