Sunday 9 March 2014

36 world-changing travel moments






In 1903, Orville Wright, aided by his brother Wilbur, flew the first sustained powered flight -- lasting 120 feet. Since then we've witnessed supersonic flight, moon landings, online booking and camera-phone technology. Click through the gallery here and see the article below for more seminal moments in travel history.In 1903, Orville Wright, aided by his brother Wilbur, flew the first sustained powered flight -- lasting 120 feet. Since then we've witnessed supersonic flight, moon landings, online booking and camera-phone technology. Click through the gallery here and see the article below for more seminal moments in travel history.

Edward N. Hines from Michigan thought it'd be a good idea to mark roads to separate traffic. Hines was a member of the Wayne County Road Commission at the time. So in 1911, River Road in Wayne County became the first road in the world to be marked.Edward N. Hines from Michigan thought it'd be a good idea to mark roads to separate traffic. Hines was a member of the Wayne County Road Commission at the time. So in 1911, River Road in Wayne County became the first road in the world to be marked.

Few things achieve iconic status like that of RMS Titanic. Its sinking on April 15, 1912, has echoed down the decades. Here a man looks on in what is believed to be the last picture taken of the ship as it leaves Queenstown, now known as Cobh, in Ireland. Few things achieve iconic status like that of RMS Titanic. Its sinking on April 15, 1912, has echoed down the decades. Here a man looks on in what is believed to be the last picture taken of the ship as it leaves Queenstown, now known as Cobh, in Ireland.

American aviator Charles Lindbergh completed the first trans-Atlantic nonstop flight on May 20-21, after flying for 33.5 hours. A typical New York to Paris flight today takes around eight hours.American aviator Charles Lindbergh completed the first trans-Atlantic nonstop flight on May 20-21, after flying for 33.5 hours. A typical New York to Paris flight today takes around eight hours.

The Hindenberg crash in New Jersey in 1937, which killed 36 people, effectively ended the era of zeppelin aviation. The Luftschiffbau Zeppelin Company recently launched a new model, using nonflammable helium instead of hydrogen. The Hindenberg crash in New Jersey in 1937, which killed 36 people, effectively ended the era of zeppelin aviation. The Luftschiffbau Zeppelin Company recently launched a new model, using nonflammable helium instead of hydrogen.

The first crash test dummy was the Sierra Sam, created in 1949 to test ejection seats on aircraft. Over the years, the crash test dummy has been refined to be more human-like in shape, size and weight.The first crash test dummy was the Sierra Sam, created in 1949 to test ejection seats on aircraft. Over the years, the crash test dummy has been refined to be more human-like in shape, size and weight.


Rarely do three letters conjure such relief in the minds of hungry, homesick travelers. The world's first ATM was unveiled in 1967 at Barclays Bank in Enfield, London. The machine was created by John Shepherd Barron, who headed up the invention team at De La Rue Instruments, and worked by cashing radioactive checks.

Rarely do three letters conjure such relief in the minds of hungry, homesick travelers. The world's first ATM was unveiled in 1967 at Barclays Bank in Enfield, London. The machine was created by John Shepherd Barron, who headed up the invention team at De La Rue Instruments, and worked by cashing radioactive checks.

Elegant, fast, luxurious -- Concorde is one of only two supersonic planes to have entered commercial service (the other being the Tupolev Tu-144). Its retirement in November 2003 was seen by many as a backward step in air travel. Elegant, fast, luxurious -- Concorde is one of only two supersonic planes to have entered commercial service (the other being the Tupolev Tu-144). Its retirement in November 2003 was seen by many as a backward step in air travel.

It's hard to imagine that the wheeled suitcase didn't exist 50 years ago. When Bernard Sadow invented his wheeled suitcase in 1970, he had trouble selling it to the luggage industry. It was thought that people wouldn't want to pull their suitcases behind them. Nice call, luggage experts.It's hard to imagine that the wheeled suitcase didn't exist 50 years ago. When Bernard Sadow invented his wheeled suitcase in 1970, he had trouble selling it to the luggage industry. It was thought that people wouldn't want to pull their suitcases behind them. Nice call, luggage experts.


It was a little more than forty years ago that a call was made from the first handheld mobile phone by its creator, Martin Cooper. Now, it's rare not to be constantly interrupted by the bleeps and vibrations of this pocket-sized computer.

It was a little more than forty years ago that a call was made from the first handheld mobile phone by its creator, Martin Cooper. Now, it's rare not to be constantly interrupted by the bleeps and vibrations of this pocket-sized computer.

When you're lost on the back roads of a small town and your GPS comes to the rescue, think of Roger L. Easton. He worked with a team at Naval Air Systems Command in the United States to develop and track satellites in space. His work ultimately led to the invention of GPS, for which the patent was awarded in 1974. When you're lost on the back roads of a small town and your GPS comes to the rescue, think of Roger L. Easton. He worked with a team at Naval Air Systems Command in the United States to develop and track satellites in space. His work ultimately led to the invention of GPS, for which the patent was awarded in 1974.

Invented by Kodak engineer Steve Sasson in 1975, the first digital camera used a lens from a movie camera and a digital cassette recorder as a memory card, but it paved the way for all of us who click and snap our way through our vacations today.Invented by Kodak engineer Steve Sasson in 1975, the first digital camera used a lens from a movie camera and a digital cassette recorder as a memory card, but it paved the way for all of us who click and snap our way through our vacations today.

Power shifted into the hands of travel consumers in the 1990s, when Expedia, Priceline and a raft of other public access booking engines were born. Travel agents no longer held the only keys to the hotel and airline reservation channels, leading others, such as Tripadvisor, to become the influential market leaders they are today.Power shifted into the hands of travel consumers in the 1990s, when Expedia, Priceline and a raft of other public access booking engines were born. Travel agents no longer held the only keys to the hotel and airline reservation channels, leading others, such as Tripadvisor, to become the influential market leaders they are today.

In 2001, U.S. rich guy Dennis Tito became the world's first space tourist. His six-day trip rotating the Earth reportedly cost $20 million. While the expense still prevents the majority of us from taking a vacation to space, at least it's a possibility. In 2001, U.S. rich guy Dennis Tito became the world's first space tourist. His six-day trip rotating the Earth reportedly cost $20 million. While the expense still prevents the majority of us from taking a vacation to space, at least it's a possibility.

The 787 had a record number of pre-orders when it was announced with nearly 800 planes due for delivery. A series of problems, mostly involving the plane's battery system, saw the whole fleet grounded for a short period in 2013. It's technological advances may yet prove revolutionary.The 787 had a record number of pre-orders when it was announced with nearly 800 planes due for delivery. A series of problems, mostly involving the plane's battery system, saw the whole fleet grounded for a short period in 2013. It's technological advances may yet prove revolutionary.








1



2



3



4



5



6



7



8



9



10



11



12



13



14



15








  • The idea to mark road surfaces reportedly came from watching a milk truck drip milk on the road

  • U.S. airline passengers increased by 3,000% in two years following Charles Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic

  • Nil Bohlin's invention of the three-point seat belt is estimated to have saved more than a million lives

  • Several companies are in the process of bringing back supersonic flights




(CNN) -- Just more than a hundred and ten years ago, Orville Wright became the first human to achieve powered flight.


On a calm, December 1903 day, helped by his brother Wilbur, Orville successfully launched their flying machine, maneuvered it through the air for 120 feet, and landed it safely.


Later that same day they achieved another flight of 852 feet in 59 seconds, to start the modern air travel era.


Since then numerous inventions, discoveries and milestones have been made.


Here are a few of our favorites.


Have we missed your top travel moment? Tell us about it in the comments section.


1903: First powered flight


Flying isn't the tricky part we're told -- landing is.


But until December 17, 1903, it was all a bit of a dream.


Then, with a design based on a glider kite, the Wright brothers successfully piloted a powered aircraft for 12 seconds for the first time, and (important!) landed it safely.


Step one in global air travel achieved.


When do we get flight attendants?


More info: Wright Brothers take flight


1911: Discovery of Machu Picchu


Field trips and textbooks about the Incas must have been far less exciting before Hiram Bingham III, an American explorer and politician, stumbled upon Machu Picchu in 1911.


Bingham uncovered the Inca ruins, now one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with the help of local guides more than 400 years after the European discovery of America.


The discovery put Peru on the map as a travel destination and changed ideas about Latin America's history.


More info: Machu Picchu: 100 Years Since Its Rediscovery


1911: Road surfaces marked


Seems simple now, but it wasn't until Edward N. Hines from the U.S. state of Michigan spoke up that anyone thought it'd be a good idea to mark roads to help separate traffic.


Hines was a member of the Wayne County Road Commission at the time.


In 1911, River Road in Trenton, Wayne County, became the first road in the world to be marked.


The inspiration reportedly came from watching a milk truck drip milk onto the road.


More info: Inventor of highway centerline




Few events have echoed through the decades like the sinking of RMS Titanic.

Few events have echoed through the decades like the sinking of RMS Titanic.



1912: Titanic sinks


The Titanic's sinking is the best documented maritime disaster of all time.


Back then, people around the world mourned the deaths of 1,500 after this state of the art, supposedly "unsinkable" luxury liner struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, four days into her maiden voyage from Southampton, UK, to New York.


The sinking also sparked panic among transatlantic cruise travelers and prompted improvements in maritime safety measures.


More info: Chinese theme park to reenact Titanic iceberg collision


1912: Automobile self-starter invented


It's probably apt that "cranky" is a synonym for bad-tempered.


You would be too if you had to hand-start your car every journey.


In 1912, presumably after years of sore arms, Charles Kettering created the first electric self-starter that eliminated the need for hand cranks, the patent having been granted some years before.


More info: 10 cars for every type of traveler


1927: First transatlantic flight


An unknown 25-year-old U.S. Air Mail pilot flew into the record books on May 21, 1927, by becoming the first pilot to successfully make the first nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.


Charles Lindbergh was after a $25,000 prize -- six well-known pilots had perished in their attempts to claim it before Lindbergh pulled it off.


Lindberg's epic flight and subsequent publicity tour changed the public's skepticism toward aviation.


U.S. airline passengers increased by an incredible 3,000% in the two years following his flight.


More info: Person of the Year: Charles Lindbergh


1937: Hindenberg disaster ends era of airship travel


When the hydrogen-filled Hindenburg airship burst into flames and crashed to the ground in New Jersey in 1937, killing 36 people, the era of intercontinental zeppelin travel came to a horrifying end.


Though the crash of the Hindenburg wasn't the worst airship disaster in history, the shocking newsreels and chilling live radio commentary -- "Oh, the humanity!" -- broadcast around the world shattered public confidence in airship travel.


More info: Could airships make a comeback?


1946: Credit cards created


Cash was king until John Biggins invented a novel method of payment in 1946 for Flatbush National Bank in Brooklyn, New York.


Customers could buy items in local shops with their cards, the business owners would present the sales receipts for cash from the bank, which would, in turn, bill the customer for the amount.


Thanks to his convenient invention, travelers today enjoy unrestricted access to hotels, rental cars and online booking engines around the world.


And banks enjoy the high interest rates when we overspend or flub a payment.


More info: World's 12 best shopping cities


1947: Chuck Yeager breaks sound barrier


Could a plane, or a person, withstand the pressure of exceeding the speed of sound?


That was the question for the United States Air Force in the mid-20th century.


Selected by the Air Force Flight Performance School to provide the answer, Chuck Yeager became the most famous test pilot in U.S. history when he hid two broken ribs (he'd been thrown from a horse two days before his flight) and flew a bullet-shaped, rocket-powered plane faster than the speed of sound (767 miles per hour) on October 14, 1947.


More info: Chuck Yeager fast facts


1948: Transistors invented


Often called the most important invention of the 20th century, transistors are what all modern computing technology is based on.


They made space travel possible and today are the building blocks of smart phones, computer terminals, radios and other electronic devices that make world travel a comparative breeze.


They were created by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain and William Shockley at Bell Laboratories, and act as a switch in a circuit or to amplify currents.


So, "Flappy Bird" fans -- you know whom to thank.


Or blame.


More info: The Nobel Prize in physics




The first crash test dummy was created in 1949 to test ejection seats on aircraft.

The first crash test dummy was created in 1949 to test ejection seats on aircraft.



1949: Crash test dummy born


Safety tests on cars, planes and other vehicles would be a lot less meaningful without the crash test dummy.


The first of its kind was Sierra Sam, created in 1949 to test ejection seats on aircraft.


Over the years, the crash test dummy has been increasingly refined to be more human-like in shape, size, weight and even fitted with sensors to allow better interpretation of results.


More info: Inside the world of professional car crashing


1952: First commercial jet flight


It may have been Americans who flew the first aircraft (Wright brothers, 1903) and the first commercial flight (a 23-minute flight between Tampa and St. Petersburg in Florida in 1914), but the Brits launched the first commercial jetliner service in the world -- the closest thing to today's air travel.


In 1952, the de Havilland Aircraft Company debuted the first commercial jetliner flight -- on a plane called the de Havilland Comet -- between London and Johannesburg, a trip that took 23 hours.


The jet shortened the London-New York flight from 18 to 12 hours.


Due to a series of accidents after its initial success, the Comet's fleet was grounded in 1954 and the jet was redesigned, including replacing the square windows and panels with the rounded versions we see today.


More info: A century of romance with flying


1959: Three-point seat belt created


The first seatbelt was invented at the beginning of the 19th century by Sir George Cayley for his glider.


It was a strap that went across the lap to hold down the pilot during flight.


Effective, but rudimentary.


More than 150 years later, Nils Bohlin came up with the three-point seat belt found on almost all vehicles today.


Bohlin's design allowed users to put the seat belt on using only one hand and it was more secure, holding down the driver by the shoulder.


It's estimated the three-point seat belt has saved more than a million lives.


More info: Three-point seatbelt inventor Nils Bohlin


1964: Japan launches bullet train


These days, associating a lethal projectile with a new mode of transport would be a PR no-no.


But back in the '60s it was deemed apt for Japan's "shinkansen" trains, which hit speeds of 210 kilometers per hour and brought high-speed rail to the masses.


After the first three years of service more than 100 million passengers had been aboard.


The term "bullet train" is a direct translation of the Japanese term "dangan ressha," a nickname given to the shinkansen prototype.


More info: Hayabusa bullet train hotfoots it up Honshu


1967: ATMs rolled out


If the trauma of forgetting your PIN or losing your debit card makes you question the benefits of the ATM, consider what this process used to involve: walking around with pieces of radioactive paper in your pocket.


The world's first ATM was unveiled in 1967 at Barclays Bank in Enfield, London.


Created by John Shepherd Barron, who headed the invention team at De La Rue Instruments, the original machine was initiated when it detected radioactive isotope carbon 14 on a check.


Thankfully, we've moved on to the card and PIN system, giving travelers easy access to their cash in hundreds of countries.


More info: The world's first ATM


1969: First 747 flight


The queen of the sky, the jumbo jet, or simply the Boeing 747 -- whatever you call this icon of mass transit, it was a game-changer.


It was the first wide-body plane (carrying up to 490 passengers) and it traveled almost twice as far as any other commercial aircraft of the day; 13,450 kilometers (8,350 miles) with a 747-400.


It's often hailed as the plane that brought air travel to the masses, making flying cheap enough for more people.


More info: Best of Boeing: 10 revolutionary aircraft




One of only two supersonic planes to have entered commercial service.

One of only two supersonic planes to have entered commercial service.



1969: First Concorde flight


For three decades the supersonic Concorde was a marvel of aviation technology and the ultimate status symbol for wealthy jetsetters.


After test flights started in 1969, the plane entered commercial service in 1976 with London-Bahrain and Paris-Rio (via Dakar) routes.


Concorde later flew travelers from London to New York in about 3.5 hours -- twice as fast as any other commercial airliner.


When an Air France Concorde crashed in France in 2000, killing 113 people, the plane's already waning luster faded out entirely.


All Concordes were retired in 2003 by British Airways and Air France, the airlines blaming high operating costs and sinking demand.


But a few companies, including Aerion and Spike Aerospace, are in the process of bringing supersonic travel back.


More info: Celebrating Concorde


1970: Wheeled suitcase 'invented'


Hard to fathom, but the wheeled suitcase didn't exist 50 years ago.


When Bernard Sadow, president of United States Luggage Corporation (now Briggs & Riley Travelware), developed his in 1970, he had trouble selling the idea.


It was thought people wouldn't want to pull their luggage around behind them.


Thankfully Sadow stuck with it, and we can all now transport our oversized, overweight bags to check-in with ease.


More info: Happy anniversary, wheeled luggage


1972: Lonely Planet first published


Broke but happily married young hippie couple Tony and Maureen Wheeler created what became the world's most successful travel guides when they published their accounts of how to travel across Asia on a shoestring in 1972.


Their books, most popular with backpackers, recommend handfuls of places across the world and have often been the source of intense competition among hostel owners, to the extent that it has occasionally proved problematic to travelers.


One unconfirmed report from India illustrates: when Lonely Planet gave a positive review to a hostel named "Green's Hotel," several other hotels on the street renamed themselves "Green's Hotel."


The company made headlines last year when the BBC sold it to reclusive Kentucky billionaire Brad Kelley.


More info: Tony Wheeler's top 5 edgy destinations


1972: Security measures improved


A world without queue-swelling security searches did once exist.


Then, in the early 1970s, a spate of "skyjackings" occurred, triggering a chain of events that led to the modern airline security we experience today.


The first reported plane hijacking can be traced to Peru in the 1930s.


But it was a Southern Airways hijacking, in which hijackers threatened to crash into a nuclear reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee in the United States in November 1972, that prompted authorities to finally install strong counter measures.


More info: Skyjacked: A nation with no airline security


1973: First call from handheld mobile phone


A little more than 40 years ago a call was made from the first handheld mobile phone by its creator, Martin Cooper, an American inventor.


Thanks to Cooper and his brick-sized prototype, the door was opened to an unprecedented era of communication, turning people into callable numbers, contactable any time, anywhere.


So, enjoy that holiday totally away from work when ... wait, sorry we gotta get this real quick ...


More info: Inventor of cell phone: We knew someday everybody would have one


1974: First hotel minibar installed


Countless thirsty travelers have been saved (and their wallets thinned) thanks to one Hilton executive and Siegas, the German company that invented the refrigerated minibar in the 1960s.


In 1974, an executive from the since-closed Hong Kong Hilton was inspired to stock overpriced liquors in all 840 rooms, and lo the loved/hated minibar was globalized.


The minibar led to a 500% increase for in-room drink sales and a 5% boost to the company's net income that year, according to the Atlantic.


More info: Hotel minibars: In need of being refreshed?




Death knell for road maps?

Death knell for road maps?



1974: GPS hits the road


When you're lost on the back roads of a small town and your GPS comes to the rescue, think of Roger L. Easton.


And when you're lost on the back roads of a small town because your GPS "came to the rescue," blame Roger L. Easton.


Easton, an American scientist and inventor, worked with a team at Naval Air Systems Command in the United States to develop and track satellites.


His work ultimately led to the invention of GPS, with the patent awarded in 1974.


Easton was inducted into the Inventor's Hall of Fame for his work.


More info: GPS inventor


1975: First digital camera appears


Digital cameras have come a long way since Kodak engineer Steven Sasson screwed together a bunch of misfit parts, including the lens from a movie camera and a digital cassette recorder, in 1975.


That hefty bit of kit weighed eight pounds and displayed its images using a separate TV set.


More info: 9 great cameras for travelers


1978: First list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites


Announced in 1978, the inaugural list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites provided the world with an officially sanctioned travel bucket list.


A dozen "properties" were given the heritage treatment on debut, including the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, Aachen Cathedral in Germany and Yellowstone National Park in the United States.


Strangely, for such a wide area from which to take their choices (the entire planet), 10 of the entries came from five countries. Asia and Australasia had no inscriptions.


There are now 981 properties on the list, covering every continent except Antarctica.


More info: 20 of the world's most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites


1979: Sony Walkman launched


Launched in 1979, the Sony Walkman's transportable music playback system was revolutionary.


Gone were the days of trunk-like boom boxes and other unwieldy stereos.


Opened was the door to music anytime, anywhere.


The Sony Walkman sold a total of around 200 million units while it was being made, and spawned later models that were waterproof, solar-powered and one model with two cassette drives.


CDs, MiniDiscs and now MP3 players have since usurped the Walkman, but this was the device that made "music on the go" an integral part of travel for millions.


More info: 12 best travel songs of all time


1985: Schengen visa created


Signed in 1985, the Schengen Agreement made possible the free movement of people within the Schengen states -- 26 countries in Europe.


A byproduct is the Schengen visa.


International tourists now need just one visa and can take their pick of destinations.


More info: Schengen visa services


1996: Internet travel booking takes off


Expedia.com's launch in 1996 meant travel agents no longer held the only keys to hotel and airline reservation channels, allowing travelers themselves to research, compare prices and book trips.


So many booking sites have been launched, we've even started seeing the creation of aggregator sites that search these booking sites.


More info: 12 websites that'll make you a smarter traveler


1998: Smoking ban on planes


Breathing someone else's expelled air inside a confined metal tube is bad enough; breathing their expelled smoke was, for many, dreadful.


In 1998, the late Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey helped ban smoking on planes in the United States, allowing non-smokers to breathe a sigh of relief.


Smokers got grumpy, and still are -- those little ashtrays in the armrests, still included for some reason, reminding them how good the traveling life used to be.


More info: 10 ways to improve the travel industry right now


1999: Introduction of the euro


While the benefits of being in the euro-zone are always up for debate, one thing is clear -- Europe's single currency is useful for travelers.


The singular currency works in 17 countries.


More info: Bored with Europe? Try the 'new Europe'


1999: Smart phones arrive


A child of the '90s and the first phone equipped with a WAP browser, the Nokia 7110 was the first step toward the face-to-phone lives many of us live today.


The 7110 is often cited as the first true media phone, with messaging and Internet capabilities.


Since then we've been introduced to myriad other ways to ignore the real world -- Blackberry, Samsung, and Apple being just three other major providers.


Now it's rare to come across a mobile phone that isn't Internet enabled, so we can Tweet, Facebook and WhatsApp wherever we are.


More info: Smartphones abroad: What to know before you go




If he\'d waited a few years, he could have got it for 1% of the price.

If he'd waited a few years, he could have got it for 1% of the price.



2001: First space tourist


In 2001, U.S. rich guy Dennis Tito became the world's first space tourist.


His eight-day trip with a Russian crew on a visiting mission to the International Space Station, during which he orbited the Earth 128 times, reportedly cost $20 million.


Today, cheaper space tourism possibilities are out there, but you still need to fork out around $250,000 for a seat.


Virgin Galactic has said it'll launch its first mission in 2014.


More info: What does a $250,000 ticket to space with Virgin Galactic actually buy you?


2001: 9/11


The events of 9/11 changed the world in a way that needs no explanation.


When traveling pre-9/11, airport security was comparatively relaxed.


Today, shoes and belts are often removed at the security scan, bottles of water are confiscated and pat downs are thorough.


Even the words we use, or tweet, can lead to questioning or arrest, as one unlucky joker found out.


More info: Flight attendant: How 9/11 changed my job


2002: World adapter invented


Hair tongs, cameras, laptops, phones -- most travelers will have found themselves desperately in need of using one of these in a foreign hotel, only to find it's powered out and the plug won't fit the wall.


There are 12 significant electrical plug shapes in use around the world and until Swiss company SKROSS invented its world adapter, the chances were your new home for a few days didn't have sockets that fit.


Now there are various plug adaptors to fit (almost) all sockets.


More info: Postcards vs. the Future: 10 'endangered' travel items


2008: Airbnb founded


For travelers weary of floating in a sea of inflated hotel rates, ridiculous Wi-Fi prices, cramped rooms and bad buffet breakfasts, Airbnb's arrival was a much-needed lifesaver.


The platform connects people who have space to rent with travelers who are looking for a place to stay.


There have been a few horror stories along the way, but for the most part the rental site is today a reliable alternative for those who aren't afraid to try something different.


Airbnb says more than 9 million guests have used its site, booking everything from apartments to castles in more than 33,000 cities and 192 countries.


More info: Pushy guests and porn: Confessions of an Airbnb hostess


2012: Boeing Dreamliner launched, then grounded


Said to have revolutionized jetliner design and brought commercial aeronautics into the 21st century, the 787 had a record number of pre-orders when it was announced with nearly 800 planes due for delivery.


Its composite fuselage makes it lighter and therefore cheaper to fuel and its bigger windows and extra space inside make it more comfortable.


A series of problems, mostly involving the plane's battery system, saw the whole fleet grounded for a short period in 2013.


The aircraft's advances may yet prove to be revolutionary, though it remains to be seen if the plane will show up when lists such this one are updated in five, 10 or even 100 years.


More info: Another battery incident troubles Boeing's 787 Dreamliner



Diamonds galore: HK's gem show






Asia's biggest combined jewelry show opened in Hong Kong this week. The dual shows feature thousands of exhibitors from 52 countries. Dai Sun Jewellery's "The Inheritance" (pictured) is made from 18K rose gold diamond bangle with ruby, sapphire, garnet and opal. It won JMA International Jewelry Design Competition's Best Craftsmanship Award last year. Asia's biggest combined jewelry show opened in Hong Kong this week. The dual shows feature thousands of exhibitors from 52 countries. Dai Sun Jewellery's "The Inheritance" (pictured) is made from 18K rose gold diamond bangle with ruby, sapphire, garnet and opal. It won JMA International Jewelry Design Competition's Best Craftsmanship Award last year.

<a href='http://ift.tt/1fZ3E1t' target='_blank'>Eden Jewellery</a> specializes in animal forms of fine jewelry. This snake necklace is made from a 10-carat emerald, two 0.42-carat rubies and 2,522 diamonds totaling 46.41 carats. Eden Jewellery specializes in animal forms of fine jewelry. This snake necklace is made from a 10-carat emerald, two 0.42-carat rubies and 2,522 diamonds totaling 46.41 carats.

Luk Fook Holdings Company's unusual entry, "Joyful Tear," by Tse Ka Wing, won the Best of Show Award at this year's Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition. Winners were announced this week. Luk Fook Holdings Company's unusual entry, "Joyful Tear," by Tse Ka Wing, won the Best of Show Award at this year's Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition. Winners were announced this week.

This ornate gold collar, meant to capture "the few seconds of blooming fireworks," won the Craftsmanship and Technology Award at this year's design competition. It was designed by Fung Yin Ling and sponsored by Chow Tai Fook. This ornate gold collar, meant to capture "the few seconds of blooming fireworks," won the Craftsmanship and Technology Award at this year's design competition. It was designed by Fung Yin Ling and sponsored by Chow Tai Fook.

This 18K rose gold diamond necklace with opal and blue chalcedony, created by Dai Sun Jewellery's Vincent Ng, features a mermaid playing music with her tail. This 18K rose gold diamond necklace with opal and blue chalcedony, created by Dai Sun Jewellery's Vincent Ng, features a mermaid playing music with her tail.

Designed by Wong Suk Hing for Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd., this jeweled glove won a Best of Show Award, and Craftsmanship and Technology Award at this year's Jewellery Design Competition. Designed by Wong Suk Hing for Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd., this jeweled glove won a Best of Show Award, and Craftsmanship and Technology Award at this year's Jewellery Design Competition.

This exquisitely worked cuff designed by Ko Wut Ming for Jewel Arts Ltd. also won a Best of Show Award at this year's competition. This exquisitely worked cuff designed by Ko Wut Ming for Jewel Arts Ltd. also won a Best of Show Award at this year's competition.

This peacock is made from diamonds, sapphires and unfinished Burmese jade with patterns that are meant to resemble the markings on a deer. This peacock is made from diamonds, sapphires and unfinished Burmese jade with patterns that are meant to resemble the markings on a deer.


More than 3,800 exhibitors from 52 countries are showing their most exquisite collections at two Hong Kong jewelry shows this week. The 31st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opened on Wednesday, while the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem &amp; Pearl Show opened on Monday.

More than 3,800 exhibitors from 52 countries are showing their most exquisite collections at two Hong Kong jewelry shows this week. The 31st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opened on Wednesday, while the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened on Monday.

Each store builds an eye-catching, lavish booth for the shows, which run for a week. Each store builds an eye-catching, lavish booth for the shows, which run for a week.









  • Two massive international jewelry shows opened in Hong Kong this week

  • Exports of fine jewelry from Hong Kong totaled $7.2 billion last year

  • Design competition winners are featured in the gallery above




(CNN) -- Gem-studded pandas climbing emerald bamboo trees.


Opal dragons breathing ruby fire.


A wrap knitted with strings of yellow diamonds.


These are a few of the thousands of over-the-top jewelry collections being shown at Asia's largest combined jewelry show this week.


For the first time, two major jewelry shows are being held at the same time in Hong Kong.


The 31st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opened at the Hong Kong International Convention & Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.


The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened at AsiaWorld-Expo on Monday.


Combined, the shows bring more than 3,800 exhibitors and stores from 52 countries to show their most beautiful finished pieces.


Shopping destination


It's only logical that Asia's most lavish jewelry shows take place in Hong Kong, a city peppered with jewelry manufacturers and stores -- many targeting free-spending Chinese tourists.


According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, exports of fine jewelry from Hong Kong totaled $7.2 billion in 2013, a 6.5% increase from 2012.


MORE: 12 of the world's best shopping cities


At the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show in Wan Chai, the visuals are staggering, with a blinding glare from diamonds everywhere you look, set in every form imaginable.


Trade customers carry giant suitcases, buying diamond necklaces by the bucket, while retail customers casually stroll from booth to booth.


While the show is well known among industry people, it's not widely known to the general public, possibly due to a misconception that it's strictly a trade show.


However, members of the public can enter with an admission fee of HK$100 ($13).


Inside the halls they find one of the more shocking sights in Asia.


Hefty bargains are available to "civilian" shoppers.


Retail prices at the show are approximately 10% higher than wholesale prices, but that still means savings of as much as 70% over outside retail prices.


"I travel to Hong Kong to shop here once a year," said a female Korean shopper who asked not to be identified.


"I can't shop for jewelry anywhere else now -- the variety, the unique designs, the prices -- they've all spoiled me for life."


It's best to check whether a shop will sell retail before haggling over prices.


Most will, but some sell only wholesale.


"Around US$1 million so far," said one salesmen when asked about how much he'd sold since the show began.


Focus on design


While almost any form of design imaginable is available, it's the uniquely Asian designs that stand out.


A swarm of delicate butterflies, all an unusual shade of green, adorn the Wing Tai Ornaments and Jewellery Co. counter.


"We exclusively use an unfinished Burmese jade that's named after the Chinese word for the patterns on deer," said Mandy Ho, a representative for the company.


The show also hosts a design competition; winners are featured in the gallery above.


Hong Kong International Jewellery Show , Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 2582 8888; March 5-9, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.


Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show , AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong; +852 2582 8888; March 4-6, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., March 7, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.



Bird's eye view: African savannah






Brooklyn-based photographer Zack Secker took these aerial photos of the savannah in Botswana. Animals in the Botswana series function mostly as reminders of scale, and as the subjects of isolation amid the abstracted landscapes that surround them.Brooklyn-based photographer Zack Secker took these aerial photos of the savannah in Botswana. Animals in the Botswana series function mostly as reminders of scale, and as the subjects of isolation amid the abstracted landscapes that surround them.

Starting as a photojournalist, Seckler became attracted to the more hands-on, creative approach afforded by art and commercial photography. Even so, this body of work represents a "hands-off" documentary approach guided by artistic sensibilities.Starting as a photojournalist, Seckler became attracted to the more hands-on, creative approach afforded by art and commercial photography. Even so, this body of work represents a "hands-off" documentary approach guided by artistic sensibilities.

The Makgadikgadi Pans, where most of the series was shot, is one of the world's largest salt flats, home to almost no plant life save for a bluish-green algae.The Makgadikgadi Pans, where most of the series was shot, is one of the world's largest salt flats, home to almost no plant life save for a bluish-green algae.

In addition to the salt pans, some of the photos were taken over the more lush Okavango Delta to the west.In addition to the salt pans, some of the photos were taken over the more lush Okavango Delta to the west.

Seckler found that, by removing animals from the shots, many of the landscapes became abstracted to the point of being difficult to recognize as a landscape.Seckler found that, by removing animals from the shots, many of the landscapes became abstracted to the point of being difficult to recognize as a landscape.

The narrow band of about 50 to 500 feet these photos were taken from represents a rare perspective, too high to be seen from the ground but far lower than most aircraft typically fly.The narrow band of about 50 to 500 feet these photos were taken from represents a rare perspective, too high to be seen from the ground but far lower than most aircraft typically fly.

The abstracted landscapes and isolated animals are a particular visual approach that sets the work apart from much of the aerial photography most people see in newspapers, for example.The abstracted landscapes and isolated animals are a particular visual approach that sets the work apart from much of the aerial photography most people see in newspapers, for example.

Botswana is home to one of the world's largest zebra populations.Botswana is home to one of the world's largest zebra populations.

Shots in the Botswana series were taken from an ultra-light aircraft, for the most part. Some were taken from a Cessna, a more robust small aircraft.Shots in the Botswana series were taken from an ultra-light aircraft, for the most part. Some were taken from a Cessna, a more robust small aircraft.

Shot between 2009 and 2010, the photos comprise four flights on two separate trips.Shot between 2009 and 2010, the photos comprise four flights on two separate trips.

Being a passenger in a small aircraft meant that the elements under Seckler's control were limited. "It would have been amazing to be in a helicopter," he says. "There you can really have a very controlled approach."Being a passenger in a small aircraft meant that the elements under Seckler's control were limited. "It would have been amazing to be in a helicopter," he says. "There you can really have a very controlled approach."

The unified tonal palette of the series was achieved by slight adjustments to certain colors. It was also chosen to recreate the colors as the photographer actually saw them in the moment.The unified tonal palette of the series was achieved by slight adjustments to certain colors. It was also chosen to recreate the colors as the photographer actually saw them in the moment.








1



2



3



4



5



6



7



8



9



10



11



12








  • Brooklyn-based photographer Zack Secker provides mind-blowing view of the savannah

  • He used an ultra-light aircraft to photograph what only birds can see

  • Animals and trees are visible but generally the photos have an arty feel to them




(Wired) -- It's almost impossible for a photographer to find fresh visual perspectives these days. Brooklyn-based Zack Seckler had to travel to a different continent and strap into an ultra-light aircraft to find one. His Botswana series presents the country from between 50 and 500 feet, providing a unique and captivating view of the savannah.


"Within the first few minutes of being up there, I was just completely blown away," he says. "Being in that airspace, you're really seeing the world from a perspective that only birds see. Obviously no human on the ground can see that, and the big jumbo jets up above don't fly that low. So it's kind of this hidden airspace to the human eye, and it just immediately struck me as a really powerful visual."


Read more: How a Math Genius Hacked OkCupid to Find True Love


Botswana, in southern Africa, is a little smaller than Texas and hosts large concentrations of animals ranging from wildebeest to zebras to flamingos. Most of it is covered by the Kalahari, a vast stretch of forbidding sandy savannah. It's also the site of the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world's largest salt flats and a surreal landscape coated in turquoise algae. The pans and its surrounding marshes and wetlands (known for their baobab trees), as well as the Okavango Delta, became Seckler's visual sandbox as he soared between photo opportunities.


The project started in 2009 when Seckler visited Botswana for another assignment and had some downtime. He asked his client to suggest activities to fill his final free days. Seckler was soon introduced to a pilot, who took him on his first ultra-light flight over the salt flats.





Within the first few minutes of being up there, I was just completely blown away.

Zack Seckler




"It's just me and the pilot sitting right next to each other, knees practically touching," he says. "There are no real doors, no windows—there's only a windshield, propeller, and wings." Seckler was hooked, and returned to do three more shoots from an ultra-light and a small Cessna.


The animals in this series—impressive when seen up close—become tiny figures that add a sense of scale and isolation. Seckler took thousands of photographs of the landscape itself, but found that even with strong compositions, the pure landscapes could become harder to make sense of. "They look like they could be a painting; they look like they could be shot from the moon; they look like they could be microscopic bacteria. It's hard to know what it is," he says.


Read more: Haunting photos of a crumbling post-communist world


Africa's vast wilderness and plentiful wildlife have long tempted photographers, lending themselves to either wide, expansive shots or tight close-ups. Part of what makes the photos in Botswana work is that they straddle a line somewhere in between. The landscapes are comprised of familiar features, but they lose a degree of definition due to their distance from the lens.


"You can make out trees, you can make out animals, you can see things that are recognizable to an extent," Seckler says, "But at the same time because of the bird's-eye view, so to speak, things are slightly abstracted as well."


After graduating from college in 2003, Seckler started working as a photojournalist. By 2008, he had acquired a taste for the more conceptual, hands-on approach of art and commercial photography. His personal projects tend to be thoroughly designed, humorous and forethought visions that require careful planning. The shots in this series, by contrast, were obtained in the midst of a heady, visceral experience, representing yet another departure from form for him.


Read more: 7 hand gestures that make you look like a real intellectual


"With each of those exposures I was trying to do as good a job as I could, but just by its nature it was a very haphazard kind of shooting technique," he says. "For me it was capturing a really unique vision of our world, a beautiful landscape from a unique perspective, and framing moments that create interesting contrast between living things, whether they be animals or flora, and the earth itself."


Seckler says he's been flattered by the response to the series, and credits its positive reception in part to a dearth of public exposure to aerial photography as art. Each photo is carefully composed and subtly balanced against the others in the series, something that would be difficult to achieve with a UAV or octocopter. An overarching palette also unifies the work—a slightly subdued, pastoral tone achieved with slight color correction to certain frames. It's an artistic sensibility that differentiates this work from straight aerial documentary photography.


"There's not a lot of manipulation; it's as you would've seen them if you were in the seat next to me," he says. "They're documentary, but I don't think that precludes them from being art, either."


Photos from Botswana are on display through March 9 at the Robin Rice Gallery in NYC.


Read more from WIRED:


Facebook's greatest innovations: The first decade


Awe-inspiring skies, captured by an extreme storm chaser


How to use your Google Maps — offline


Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT! Click here!


Copyright 2011 Wired.com.