Swoop expands network from Hamilton with nonstop flights to Punta Cana and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood

Swoop today expanded its winter sun-flying offering from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) with new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) and Punta Cana (PUJ). Swoop will begin its ultra-affordable flying to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood on December 16, 2022.

Swoop has increased frequencies on existing sun-flying routes from Hamilton, with more weekly flights to Cancun, Las Vegas, Orlando, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater. In addition, several summer routes to Atlantic Canada saw such strong performance that the leading ULCC has extended service to year-round. Swoop will continue to operate non-stop flights from Hamilton to Moncton, NB (YQM) and St. John’s, NL (YYT) through the winter.

Full details of Swoop’s expanded winter schedule can be found below, with ultra-not-expensive flights to sun getaways starting at $99 one-way total price (CAD).

Route	Peak Weekly Frequency	One-way total price (CAD)	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes & Fees (CAD)
Hamilton to Punta Cana	1x weekly	$199.00	$90.68	$108.32
Hamilton to Ft. Lauderdale	2x weekly	$109.00	$18.43	$90.57
Hamilton to Las Vegas	4x weekly	$119.00	$29.35	$89.65
Hamilton to St. Pete-Clearwater	3x weekly	$139.00	$48.40	$90.60
Hamilton to Orlando	4x weekly	$99.00	$10.30	$88.70
Hamilton to Cancun	3x weekly	$239.00	$142.27	$96.73
Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta	1x weekly	$199.00	$90.68	$108.32

Swoop Route Map:

Swoop aircraft photo gallery:

Virgin Atlantic’s first Airbus A330neo is named “Billie Holiday”

Virgin Atlantic Airways has released photos of its first Airbus A330neo names “Billie Holiday”.

The pictured A330-941 will be delivered as G-VJAZ (msn 2018).

The airline has 14 copies on order.

The airline describes its new addition:

The A330neo is the latest addition to our aircraft family. Its slender 64 metre wingspan is nearly 4 metres more than our A330-300 and helps make it one of the most efficient aircraft in the sky and able to fly further and faster.

Innovative cabins

You’ll enjoy more ways to stay connected than ever before, with Bluetooth enabled entertainment systems, our fastest ever Wi-Fi, a greater number of USB connections and wireless charging in Premium and Upper Class.

The Retreat Suite

At the front of the Upper Class cabin you’ll find two of our most spacious suites yet. Each Retreat Suite boasts an ottoman that doubles up as an extra seat so up to four people can enjoy an intimate dinner together in their own private social space, or settle in comfort to watch a film on the 27″ touchscreen.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft photo gallery:

Finnair returns to Guangzhou, China

Finnair on September 6, 2022 returned to Ghangzhou, China.

Finnair will fly from Helsinki to Guangzhou on Tuesdays and from Guangzhou to Helsinki on Thursdays.

Finnair will also operate once a week to Shanghai.

Finnair aircraft photo gallery:

SAS reports close to 2 million passengers traveled with SAS in August

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS issued this report:

In August 1.9 million passengers traveled with SAS, an increase of approximately 70% compared to the same month last year. SAS’ capacity increased by approximately 64% compared with the same period last year. In comparison with last month, the total number of passengers increased with 40% and capacity was increased by 38%, as operations picked-up again following the 15-day pilot strike. The flown load factor for August was 79%, an improvement of 18 percentage points compared to August last year.

“We are pleased to see operations picking up again in August, where we again had almost 2 million customers travelling with us. The total number of passengers was negatively affected by the pilot-strike as it led to lower sales during that period. We continue executing our restructuring plan, SAS FORWARD that will lead to SAS being a financially stable airline, providing the service our customers are expecting”, says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.

SAS scheduled traffic	Aug22	Change1	Nov21- Aug22	Change1
ASK (Mill.)	3,235	56.4%	25,321	109.6%
RPK (Mill.)	2,524	103.7%	17,292	232.9%
Passenger load factor	78.0%	+18.1 pp	68.3%	+25.3 pp
No. of passengers (000)	1,710	64.8%	13,341	170.7%

Geographical development, schedule	Aug22 vs. Aug21		Nov21- Aug22 vs. Nov20-Aug21
	RPK	ASK	RPK	ASK
Intercontinental	325.6%	118.9%	605.8%	127.2%
Europe/Intrascandinavia	64.0%	45.0%	228.8%	158.7%
Domestic	25.4%	16.4%	79.5%	29.8%

SAS charter traffic	Aug22	Change1	Nov21- Aug22	Change1
ASK (Mill.)	426	154.1%	2 026	429.5%
RPK (Mill.)	358	194.2%	1 668	498.4%
Load factor	83.9%	+11.4 pp	82.3%	+9.5 pp
No. of passengers (000)	140	185.1%	619	446.0%

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter)	Aug22	Change1	Nov21- Aug22	Change1
ASK (Mill.)	3,661	63.8%	27,348	119.4%
RPK (Mill.)	2,882	111.8%	18,959	246.4%
Load factor	78.7%	+17.9 pp	69.3%	+25.4 pp
No. of passengers (000)	1,850	70.2%	13,960	176.8%

1 Change compared to same period last year, p p = percentage points

Preliminary yield and PASK	Aug22	Nominal change1	FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK	0.99	3.9%	-0.7%
PASK, SEK	0.77	35.3%	29.4%

			Aug22
Punctuality (arrival 15 min)			75.2%
Regularity			98.6%
Change in total CO2 emissions			114.8 %
Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometer,			1.1%
Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions			34.9%

Definitions:

RPK – Revenue passenger kilometers

ASK – Available seat kilometers
Load factor – RPK/ASK
Yield – Passenger revenues/RPK (scheduled)

PASK – Passenger revenues/ASK (scheduled)

Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometers – SAS passenger related carbon emissions divided with total available seat kilometers (incl non-revenue and EuroBonus tickets), rolling 12 months vs rolling 12 months previous year

Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions – Share of SAS passenger related carbon emissions compensated by SAS (EuroBonus members, youth tickets and SAS’ staff travel) during the month

From fiscal year 2020 we report change in CO2 emissions in total and per Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) to align with our overall goal to reduce our total CO2 emissions by 25% by 2025, compared to 2005.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

National Airlines airlifts hundreds of drinking water cases amidst crisis in Mississippi

National Airlines (5th) has made this announcement:

As Mississippi’s capital city, Jackson, faces an unprecedented water shortage crisis, National Airlines donated and airlifted hundreds of cases of drinking water to the city, as part of its social responsibility initiative. Over 150,000 people in the city are left without safe running water after the city’s main water treatment facility failed due to the recent flooding.

The National Airlines A330-200 flight from Fort Lauderdale to Jackson was transporting a prominent school band along with their specialized equipment in the cargo belly. The crew and operations team used the remaining luggage space as an opportunity to load the water cases, making sure the needed supplies reached Jackson on time for distribution.

“National has always been in the forefront of transporting immediate relief supplies to crisis-hit regions. Be it COVID-19 medical supplies or essential supplies during natural calamities, National Airlines aircraft airlifts supplies to the most affected areas for timely distribution. The recent efforts to bring drinking water to Jackson, is yet another opportunity for us to serve people when in dire need”, remarked Christopher Alf, Chairman, National Air Cargo Holdings, Inc.

The recent flooding of the Pearl River led to the failure of pumps at the Jacksonwater treatment plant. This decreased the water supply to households this week. Currently, state officials and voluntary organizations are coordinating efforts to distribute safe drinking water to each household as the situation gets better in the region. People are also advised to boil water before using it for essential purposes.

National Airlines (5th) aircraft photo gallery:

Delta updates its annual diversity progress in ‘Closing the Gap’

Delta Air Lines has increased representation of women, Black talent and other underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in roles across the company, according to its second annual Close the Gap report, a pivotal step in fulfilling its commitment to grow diversity in its leadership.

The report tracks the gap between the diversity of frontline talent and leadership within the company. By producing this report, Delta holds itself accountable to the commitments it made in 2020 to accelerate the closure of diversity representation gaps between the frontline and leadership in the three most underrepresented areas.

“Our concentrated efforts are building a strong pipeline as we work toward our long-term goals,” said Keyra Lynn Johnson, Delta’s V.P. and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “The deliberate steps we’ve taken, like introducing a skills-first hiring approach, reinforcing the importance of diverse hiring panels and creating apprenticeship opportunities, are components that continue delivering results. We know that the path to a more equitable business is a journey, but years later, these results are showing us we are moving in the right direction.”

Delta’s Close the Gap progress over the past year is a result of a concerted effort across the enterprise to ensure the senior leadership team becomes more reflective of the diversity of its frontline workforce:

As of Q2 2022, about 27% of hourly-wage employees identify as Black, 22% as another underrepresented racial and ethnic group and 42% as women.
From frontline hourly employees to director-level roles, we have generally seen an increase in representation from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022. This strong talent pipeline will help us achieve our talent goals in future years and continue to close the diversity gaps in senior management.
- We’ve seen the most acceleration in the category of vice president and above for women talent, increasing from 29% to 34% from Q1 2022 to Q2 2022. The increase was largely fed by the managing director-level talent pipeline, which saw a decrease from 31% to 30%. Still, there remains a strong pipeline that will support achieving Close the Gap goals.
- For both Black employees and other underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, our mid-year snapshot, from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022, shows decreases at the senior levels:
  - For Black talent we saw a decrease at the managing director level from 7% to 6%; at the vice president level it shifted from 7% to 5%.
  - For other underrepresented racial and ethnic group talent, the managing director level decreased from 18% to 16%, and at the vice president level decreased from 16% to 15%.

Delta began a more intense focus on tracking equity gaps in 2020, with a goal to achieve stronger diversity representation at every level of the organization.

The report shows the hiring progress Delta has made among Black employees, women and other underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. It also underscores that much work remains to be done, and the company will continue to be transparent about its progress.

“As we’ve grown our diverse talent pipeline over the past year, we know our diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities remain at the most senior levels of our company,” Johnson said. “Providing internal and external career pathways to senior leadership roles is top of mind. We are strengthening our strategies, partnerships and actions in this area to bridge these gaps.”

DAP Antarctic Airways projects over 150 flights to Antarctica this coming southern summer

DAP Antarctic Airways (Punta Arenas, Chile) has made this announcement:

DAP projects more than 150 flights to Antarctica in the coming summer season:

An increase of around 30% of its tourism and logistics activity in Antarctica, plans for the 2022-23 season the Chilean company DAP, the world’s leading air operator on the white continent. To date, more than 150 Antarctic flights are projected from mid-November 2022, allowing us to resume (and even exceed) pre-pandemic levels of operation.

In its nearly 42-year history, the Chilean company (headquartered in Punta Arenas), has been conducting 33 years of flights to Antarctica. In the season (November to March) DAP operates mainly three types of Antarctic flights: charter aircraft (transfer of passengers by plane to the frozen continent, where they board an expedition vessel), logistics and prog support Antarctic lovers from different countries, and aeromedical evacuations from Antarctica to Punta Sands.

During the next season, DAP hopes to regain the growth track of Antarctic operations, which were interrupted by the pandemic, and which began to resume just last summer 2021-22) with an activity that, in to second case, it was only about 30-35% of a regular season.

Nicolas Paulsen, DAP Charter Manager, said this increase in activities is in response to accumulated interests and needs from operating in Antarctica, sharply down due to the pandemic. “And now everything starts to resume, mainly because of the good vaccination levels,” he emphasized.

Paulsen stressed that the Magellan-Antarctica air bridge offered by DAP is not only a regional asset, but also national and international. “This overhead bridge is used by Antarctic logistics and Antarctic programs from different countries. This connection implies not only comparative advantages for Chile, but also competitive, as the volume of operations translates into economic feasibility for many countries,” he explained, adding that as this air bridge consolidates furthermore, it will continue to provide solutions to the private and public industries since Chile, “always taking care of the environment as one of the main focus”.

DAP transports to Antarctica in a normal season about 6 thousand passengers, 4 thousand of them on air cruises. Of the latter, a large percentage previously allows at least one night in Punta Arenas, positively impacting local tourism activity.

The flights are to be operated by BAe146/Avro RJ jetliners, continuing the operations between Punta Arenas-Carlos Ibáñez del Campo airport (PUQ/SCCI) to Teniente Marsh airfield on King George Island, South Shetlands archipelago (TNM/SCRM).

ANTARCTIC HISTORY

February 12, 1989 is a very significant date for DAP.. That day the first flight to Antarctica took place. It was an air-medical transfer. However, the first commercial trip would take place four months later, after several attempts, on June 5, 1989.

Antarctic flights were developed with the Twin Otter until the mid-90s when it was replaced by the King Air 100. Later in 2003, it would be joined by a Dash 7 aircraft needed to meet the demand for more passengers. Then, in 2007, the first BAe 146-200 quadreactor (for 96 passengers) was incorporated into the Antarctic route.

Video:

Alvaro Romero reporting from Chile.

Southwest introduces a new “Tennessee One” on N8620H

Southwest Airlines has a new “Tennessee One” logo jet.

On September 3, 2022 Boeing 737-8H4 SSWL N8620H (msn 42526) re-entered service after being painted in the “Tennessee One” special livery.

The original “Tennessee One” was unveiled on February 22, 2016 on Boeing 737-7H4 N922WN. N922WN was quietly repainted in the standard livery in 2021.

At that time, Southwest issued this statement:

Tennessee One took ten days to paint with a crew of 12-15 people working over three different shifts, which is an extra two days than our normal Heart livery.
There are a total of eight colors being used to paint the aircraft with the most predominant color being red.
Over two thirds of the amount of paint used was red (almost 30 gallons).
The smallest star on the aircraft is just over six feet long while the largest is almost 10 feet long.
The circle in the Tennessee crest is just under 20 feet which is the same size as most outdoor swimming pools.
Tennessee One is a 737-700 aircraft emblazoned with an artist’s rendition of the Tennessee State flag. Tennessee One joins ten other 737s in the Southwest fleet that carry unique, state-themed paint schemes: Arizona One, California One, Colorado One, Florida One, Illinois One, Lone Star One (Texas), Maryland One, Missouri One, Nevada One, and New Mexico One.

Tennessee One is back and rocking the -800 well! N8620H departing GEG this morning after receiving the fresh paint. #N8620H #TennesseOne #Southwest #Southwestairlines pic.twitter.com/kQP4WfzwIo

— Spork (@sporky22) September 3, 2022

Southwest Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Lufthansa is facing another possible strike by its pilots

Lufthansa is facing another possible strike by its piolots union VGC for tomorrow and Thursday.

The airline made this annoouncement:

Today, Tuesday, the collective bargaining negotiations with the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) will continue under high time pressure. Due to the strike call published tonight, the strike-related flight cancellations for Wednesday and Thursday must be decided today at 12:00. This is necessary for aircraft and crew scheduling, as well as to provide at least minimal advance notice to affected passengers.

In the event of a strike on 7 and 8 September, massive effects on Lufthansa’s flight operations are again to be expected.

Michael Niggemann, Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said:

“It is regrettable that this wage dispute continues to escalate despite an agreed negotiation date. We lack any understanding for this course of action. The path of escalation is also wrong because we know that our pilots would much rather fly than strike. Nevertheless, we will do everything in our power to succeed with an improved offer, even under time pressure.”

After the Vereinigung Cockpit collective bargaining demand was changed last Friday as a result of a ruling by the Munich labor court, the union will present the new demand for the first time today. The previous demand for automated inflation compensation has been replaced by a demand for an annual pay increase of 8.2 percent starting in 2023 – in addition to a 5.5 percent increase this year. The union’s list of demands contains a total of 16 individual points.

Lufthansa will make an improved offer today. So far, an increase of 500 euros on 1 September 2022, and 400 euros on 1 April 2023, have been offered.

Meanwhile, LH released a photo of its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class:

Lufthansa aircraft photo gallery:

Icelandair is operating TF-LLL on a worldwide National Geographic tour

Icelandair has begun another “National Geographic” worldwide tour with their 2000-built Boeing 757-256, registered as TF-LLL (msn 29307).

Its arrival at Boeing Field (BFI) in Seattle, as flight “ICE 1238”, was delayed by at least 1/2 hour due to low clouds and reduced visibility which forced the flight to be vectored several times and included a missed approach before finally touching down.

Joe G. Walker reporting from Seattle.

ITINERARY

Join a team of world-renowned experts from National Geographic and the Wall Street Journal on an epic journey to centers of creativity and innovation across the globe, from Seattle to Samarkand and beyond. Experience the convergence of ancient traditions and modern advances with visits to secluded temples and cutting-edge research facilities, and meet local leaders pushing the fields of science and technology from Seoul to Helsinki. Witness firsthand the consequences of climate change on business, security, and everyday existence in the far north as you meet with local business owners or hike with reindeer herders. While exploring the world alongside archaeologists, artists, and entrepreneurs, gain unprecedented insight into “the future of everything.”

This trip is offered in collaboration with The Wall Street Journal.

DAYS 1-2: SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U. S./WASHINGTON DC

CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE

Arrive in Seattle and meet our hosts, our trip staff and team of experts, and fellow travelers during a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel. We’ll also be joined by Matt Murray, the editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal. The next morning, board the private jet bound for Kyoto and cross the international date line, losing a day in transit.

Meals Included:Dinner

Accommodations:Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION

Touch down in Osaka and transfer to Kyoto, a center of innovation and Japan’s imperial capital for more than 1,000 years. The city’s Buddhist temples, shrines, and serene gardens vividly recall the glory of the Japanese empire and have been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll meet up with Peter Landers, Tokyo bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal , who will share insights gleaned from more than 20 years’ experience reporting on Asia.

Begin our exploration at Shimadzu, one of the world’s top manufacturers of technologies for use in the medical field. Tour the company’s head office and cutting-edge laboratory. Then visit the Kyoto Handicraft Center for a firsthand look at the creation multipurpose furniture, followed by a talk with the president of HOSOO, a renowned Japanese textile company founded in 1688. Later, delve deeper during a presentation of how electronic giants like Panasonic are working with the Kyoto-based GO ON consortium of craftspeople to create products that merge technology and tradition. In the afternoon, opt to visit the colorful and aromatic alleys of Nishiki Market, one of the most popular food markets in the city, and sample local specialties. Or venture to Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district for an opportunity to experience the local nightlight and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha—traditional female entertainers recognizable by their distinctive makeup.

The following day, select from several options. Take a guided walk in the otherworldly bamboo groves of Arashiyama, or visit Ryoan-ji temple, which harbors one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens. Alternatively, explore the iconic Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji, famously called the Golden Pavilion, and admire its gleaming reflection in the adjacent pond. You may also choose to discover Kyoto’s traditional wooden townhomes, or machiya, many of which are being restored and revitalized by a leading Japanese garment retailer. Learn more about this project, then join a local chef at one of the machiya properties for a hands-on cooking class. Cap off the day with a visit to Kyoto University of the Arts and its Ultra Factory art production studio, designed by renowned contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. Hear from a professor about the Open Innovation Project, which aims to explore the intersections between art and technology and foster creative solutions to social problems.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Cosmopolitan Singapore is a former British colony that has transformed over a half-century into one of the world’s leading financial centers. This island city-state, which boasts impressive skyscrapers, an expansive port, and lush green spaces, has found innovative ways to balance urban development with sustainable ecological conservation. In the company of a National Geographic Expert, get a firsthand look at the technologies defining the cities of tomorrow, as well as Singapore’s role in global trade, a critical component of the economic ecosystem. Experience the extraordinary Gardens by the Bay, a botanical oasis featuring a unique fusion of technology and nature. Built on reclaimed land in the heart of Singapore, this 250-acre park is home to the world’s largest glass greenhouse, thousands of plants, and a grove of fantastical, solar-powered “supertrees”—vertical structures up to 164 feet tall that capture rainwater and filter exhaust.

Visit the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, and an ornate example of Dravidian architecture that has served as a religious and social center to immigrants since its erection in 1827. Many Indian and Chinese craftsmen have contributed to the temple over the course of time, giving it the detailed sculptures and vibrant paintings it boasts today. Or immerse yourself in the tropical setting of the Singapore Zoo, where wildlife roam freely amid naturalistic habitats. Take in panoramic views of Singapore’s futuristic skyline—including the whimsical creations of the Gardens by the Bay. Then, venture into a lively night market to experience the city’s multiethnic culture which blends Chinese, Malay, and Indian traditions.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:The Fullerton Bay Hotel

THE FUTURE OF CULTURE

Our next flight brings us to Seoul, the cosmopolitan capital of South Korea. Seoul has rapidly attained prominence as an economic, political, and cultural hub following the so-called “miracle on the Han River”—a period of exponential economic growth during the second half of the 20th century. The metropolis boasts a 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage–listed temple, as well as countless marvels of modern architecture.

Ascend to the top of N Seoul Tower for an unparalleled view of the vast city skyline. Then venture into the busy streets below and check in to our hotel for a panel discussion with a Wall Street Journal reporter. We’ll learn about the research that is leading the way for global advances in our understanding of the human brain.

The next day, visit a brain research center and learn about current projects and potential breakthroughs. Later, choose to explore South Korean culture and history at a cooking class in the thousand-year-old Buddhist temple of Jingwansa or at a demonstration on Hanboks, traditional South Korean ceremonial attire. Dine at a restaurant located in the former resident of the first president of South Korea.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

THE FUTURE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Fly to Ulaanbaatar, founded centuries ago as a gathering place for nomadic princes, and now the cultural and financial heart of Mongolia. Take a charter flight to the Gobi and settle into traditional ger tents. Gather to hear paleontologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Federico Fanti discuss new methodologies for curbing the illegal trade of fossils and natural resources in the Gobi.

During our stay in the Gobi, explore the landscape of steep red plateaus, following in the footsteps of Genghis Khan. Explore the mesmerizing Moltsog Els sand dunes, then meet a nomadic family for tea. Hike between the towering canyon walls of Yol Valley, ride horseback across the steppe, and learn how to construct a ger. Participate in a demonstration of Naadam, a traditional sporting festival, and head to the famed Flaming Cliffs—where Mongolian paleontologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Bolortsetseg Minjin is working to establish a dinosaur museum—and take a photo walk with our National Geographic photographer at sunset.

Alternative: Instead of the Gobi, travelers may choose to explore Ulaanbaatar and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. In Ulaanbaatar, examine the collections at the National Museum of Mongolia and visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. Then travel to Gorkhi-Terelji National Park and check in to our hotel. Explore the park’s rolling hills and rocky outcrops on hikes and horseback rides. Experience a traditional Buddhist shaman ceremony and enjoy a traditional musical performance. On your return to the city, view the 130-foot Genghis Khan Statue and take a tour of its museum.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Three Camel Lodge or Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar and Terelj Hotel

THE FUTURE OF TRADE

Depart Ulaanbaatar for Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. For centuries, Samarkand was one of the most important stops along the legendary Silk Road—the trade route connecting China and the Mediterranean. Present-day Samarkand is a remarkable crossroads of culture that UNESCO has recognized with World Heritage status. Visit the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, burial place of the conqueror Timur—also known as Tamerlane—and explore the elaborate madrassas on Registan Square. Meet the next generation of Uzbekistan’s artists at a performance by a youth dance troupe. In the evening, gather for cocktails and a panel discussion in which we examine the impact of the historic Silk Road on urbanization in Europe and Asia. Discuss what the future might hold for regional and global trade with archaeologist and National Geographic magazine editor and writer Kristin Romey, who has worked on numerous excavations in Central Asia.

Delve deeper into this cultural mecca with a visit to Siab Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Samarkand. Tour an archaeological site, hike through traditional villages in the Gissar foothills, or meet master craftsmen and take part in a paper-making workshop. As the sun sets over Samarkand, celebrate the riches of the Silk Road with a traditional feast overlooking the courtyard of a majestic madrassa.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Registan Plaza, Samarkand

THE FUTURE OF A DIGITIZED SOCIETY

Since emerging from the shadow of the Soviet Union after the peaceful Singing Revolution, Estonia has become a world leader in digital development and e-Government. The establishment in the 1990s of Tiigrihüpe, or the Tiger’s Leap project, initiated substantial investment in digital infrastructure and information technology education, which has situated Estonia at the forefront of modern cyber technology. Arrive in Tallinn for an evening reception at a historic building in the old town, and discuss the impact of digital communication and imaging on society with Wall Street Journal deputy chief news editor Gráinne McCarthy.

Journey through Estonia’s fascinating history the following day on a city tour. Visit the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre for a centennial celebration show in a new concert hall or attend a lecture at Tallinn University of Technology. Tonight, experience Estonia’s gastronomic revolution at one of the top restaurants in the country.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Hotel Telegraaf

THE FUTURE OF THE ARCTIC

Embark a fast ferry for the crossing to Finland, where we’ll focus on climate change and its implications for business, security, and natural resources in the Northern Hemisphere. At our evening reception, learn how global warming and geopolitics are creating a new “cold war” in the far north with Wall Street Journal Moscow bureau chief Ann Simmons. Afterward, enjoy dinner on the waterfront under the ethereal light of the midnight sun.

In the morning, explore the important sites of Finland’s capital. Sail through Helsinki harbor to the 18th-century sea fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a private tour of this stronghold and delve into tunnels and corridors normally off-limits to the public. Later, we’ll hop on a tram to the fascinating Temppeliaukio church, locally known as the “church of the rock.” This evening, ferry to Klippan Island for a private dinner at the elegant Restaurant Saaristo.

Continue exploring Helsinki on a variety of excursions the following day. Embark on a boat tour of the picturesque Helsinki archipelago, or discover the city by bike. Experience a traditional Finnish sauna, or pay a visit to beautiful Hvitträsk, a lakeside studio home-turned-museum. This afternoon, choose to embark on a kayaking adventure, or admire contemporary Finnish art at the Kiasma Museum or the Amos Rex Art Museum.

The next morning, depart by private jet to Ivalo—the gateway to the Arctic landscapes of Lapland. Here, the local Sami people have herded reindeer through the deep forests and snow-covered plains for thousands of years. Enjoy a tour of the Sami Parliament, and learn about Sami culture at the Siida Sami Museum during an optional visit. You may also choose to visit a nearby reindeer farm, where we’ll have the opportunity to hear traditional Sami music and participate in reindeer lasso throwing. Alternatively, venture to Lapland’s legendary gold fields, where the Lapland gold rush took place in the latter part of the 19th century.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Hotel Kämp; Star Arctic Hotel

THE FUTURE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Reconvene for our private jet flight to Iceland, a world leader in alternative energy. Tour Reykjavík, where historic neighborhoods blend with modern architectural marvels, and visit Harpa concert hall. Our evening panel discussion focuses on the future of renewable energy, with commentary from glaciologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer M Jackson.

Explore Iceland’s active geology and its ancient history on a tour of the Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park, home to the oldest democratically elected parliament still in operation; glimpse thrilling eruptions at the Geysir geothermal area; and take in the stunning view of Gullfoss waterfall. Later, enjoy a soak in the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, set out on a snowmobiling adventure atop a glacier this afternoon.

The next day, experience Iceland’s natural wonders across Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Choose to venture into the mouth of the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano and descend alongside expert guides to the floor of the vast magma chamber. Alternatively, visit an Icelandic horse farm and learn training techniques before heading out on a trail ride over the vast rolling hills outside of Reykjavík. Afterward, join the farmers for lunch and share stories over home-cooked Icelandic fare. On the final night, gather for a farewell gala dinner at Harpa Concert Hall.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel

Board the jet for our final flight to Washington, D.C. and connect with your commercial flight home. Alternatively, you can request a room for the night at the Hyatt Regency Dulles.

Optional Accomodation::Hyatt Regency Dulles

Icelandair aircraft photo gallery: