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After President-elect Donald Trump announced his desire for US "ownership and control" of Greenland , the Danish government ramped up its defense spending for the Arctic autonomous territory — which is no coincidence — says an Arcitc security expert. Ahead of a second term at the White House and as part of his Cabinet nominations, Trump named Ken Howery — a former envoy to Sweden — as his ambassador to Copenhagen, before broaching the subject. The Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced the new defense package with a "double-digit billion amount" in krone which equals at least $1.5 billion. The sum will help purchase two new inspection ships, two new long-range drones, and two extra dog sled teams for increased security. Video resurfaces of Donald Trump asking child if she 'still believes in Santa' Trump promises 'vigorous' executions after Biden pardons death row inmates "Whereas they framed the timing as a coincidence, it was a clear signal to the US that Denmark takes its responsibility of protecting Greenland seriously while meeting American demands of better surveillance in the Arctic and North Atlantic," Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor of Arctic security, politics, and diplomacy at the Royal Danish Defence College, told Daily Express US. On his Truth Social account, Trump said that Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark for over six centuries, could host a massive US Air Force base. "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity," he said. However, Greenland's elected Prime Minister released a statement where he said: "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom." Greenlandic reactions with the US are "worth noticing," said Jacobsen. During his first term, Trump had expressed similar interest in the island, a proposal that was promptly rejected by both Greenland and Denmark. When Trump first proposed the purchase idea in 2019, "it was received as a neocolonial provocation," Jacobsen said. DON'T MISS: WNBA star tells Elon Musk to 'go back to Africa' after Donald Trump failure [LATEST] Rudy Giuliani dresses up as Santa with woman on lap in bizarre Christmas ad [BIZARRE] Musk warned he's 'making enemies and will get hurt' if he doesn't quit politics [WARNING] Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had called his offer "absurd" at the time. This time, however, it is slightly different. While it is being seen as a provocation, it is also being regarded "as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties between Greenland and the US," he explained. "The reason is that following the 2019 idea - and the amplified American attention toward the Arctic - Greenland experienced enhanced agency in international politics. This is important for Greenland in its strive toward independence," Jacobsen said. Greenland has a population of 56,000 people. Since 2009, they have retained the right to declare independence from Denmark. However, they have refrained from doing so as they are significantly dependent on budget transfers from Copenhagen for sustenance. The new budget will also allow enhanced staffing at Arctic Command in the capital Nuuk as well as upgrade one of Greenland's three primary civilian airports to handle F-35 supersonic fighter aircraft. "We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years, now we are planning a stronger presence," Poulsen said about the new budget. While Jacobsen finds Trump's rhetoric and choice of words to be "one of a kind," his interest in Greenland stems from the "historic interest in focusing on geostrategic location and mineral wealth" for the United States. With its Pituffik air base, Greenland's location is strategic for the US military and its early-warning system for ballistic missiles since the island lies in the shortest route from North America to Europe. American interest in Greenland or other Arctic lands is not unique. President Andrew Johnson bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. In 1947, officials under President Harry Truman's administration tried to covertly buy Greenland for $100 million in gold bars, considering the island to be a "military necessity," a secret that was uncovered by a Danish newspaper decades later in 1991. President Dwight Eisenhower proposed buying the island back in 1960. The United States has been grappling with worsening relations with countries like China and Russia that further "intensify" Greenland's geostrategic importance, Jacobsen said. He also pointed out the vast deposits of rare earth elements in Greeland that are "extra interesting" due to the potential use of such elements in modern technologies. While Greenlandic politicians have stated that the Arctic island is not for sale, they are "very interested in strengthening ties with the US, especially in ways that can improve the Greenlandic economy," Jacobsen added. In a separate event, Trump threatened to recapture the Panama Canal, accusing them of charging higher rates for Central American passage usage, earning a sharp rebuttal from Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino who said the canal belongs to them.The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballUNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Jackie Johnson III led Fordham with 29 points and Joshua Rivera hit the game-winning 3-pointer with eight seconds left as the Rams knocked off Bryant 86-84 on Saturday. Johnson added four steals for the Rams (7-5). Rivera scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Japhet Medor shot 5 for 12 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 17 points. The Bulldogs (6-7) were led in scoring by Kvonn Cramer, who finished with 23 points. Bryant also got 21 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals from Earl Timberlake. Barry Evans had 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Medor scored 12 second-half points for Fordham. Up next for Fordham is a matchup Saturday with Albany (NY) at home. Bryant visits Towson on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .remora fish 。

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Don McHenry scored seven of his 29 points in overtime to lead Western Kentucky over Murray State 81-76 on Saturday. McHenry hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 39 seconds left and two free throws with 15 remaining to rally the Hilltoppers (7-3). He added five rebounds. Babacar Faye scored 17 and grabbed nine rebounds. Khristian Lander had 12 points. Jacobi Wood led the way for the Racers (6-3) with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Nick Ellington totaled 15 points and seven rebounds. AJ Ferguson pitched in with 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Faye put up eight points in the first half for Western Kentucky, which trailed 39-33. McHenry led the Hilltoppers with 15 second-half points and he hit the game-tying layup with 35 seconds left to send the game to overtime tied at 67. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC cut its position in Robert Half Inc. ( NYSE:RHI – Free Report ) by 73.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,590 shares of the business services provider’s stock after selling 9,751 shares during the quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC’s holdings in Robert Half were worth $242,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of RHI. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 28.9% in the third quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. now owns 4,681,340 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $315,569,000 after purchasing an additional 1,049,005 shares during the period. FORA Capital LLC bought a new position in Robert Half in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,792,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. raised its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 152,251 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $9,741,000 after acquiring an additional 12,772 shares in the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 182.4% in the 2nd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 25,100 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $1,606,000 after acquiring an additional 16,212 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in shares of Robert Half by 136.3% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 88,400 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $5,656,000 after acquiring an additional 50,995 shares during the last quarter. 92.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 1,032 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.35, for a total transaction of $76,729.20. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 12,310 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $915,248.50. This represents a 7.73 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . 3.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Robert Half Stock Performance Robert Half ( NYSE:RHI – Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The business services provider reported $0.64 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.02. Robert Half had a net margin of 4.84% and a return on equity of 18.78%. The company had revenue of $1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.44 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.90 EPS. The firm’s revenue was down 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Robert Half Inc. will post 2.45 EPS for the current year. Robert Half Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Monday, November 25th were issued a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 25th. Robert Half’s dividend payout ratio is presently 77.37%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently weighed in on RHI. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Robert Half from $70.00 to $69.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Truist Financial upgraded shares of Robert Half from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and raised their price objective for the company from $62.00 to $90.00 in a research report on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $73.67. Get Our Latest Analysis on RHI Robert Half Company Profile ( Free Report ) Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti segments. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Robert Half Inc. ( NYSE:RHI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Installation view of the immersive multimedia exhibition, "Lee Ungno: A Great Artistic Journey, Seoul-Paris," at the Theatre des Lumieres at Grand Walkerhill Seoul / Courtesy of Tmonet, Lee Ungno Museum, Lee Ungno / ADAGP, Paris – SACK, Seoul, 2024 By Park Han-sol Room-filling immersive media art, once a groundbreaking sensation in the art world, has shed its novelty. As projection-based exhibitions featuring icons like Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet pop up seemingly everywhere, the sheer experiential spectacle alone is no longer enough to guarantee a boost in ticket sales. That said, these Instagrammable, technology-driven shows aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Their format does indeed make art viewing far less intimidating; no prior knowledge of the artist is necessary to enjoy the whole experience. And when done right, they can cast a light on a painter’s work in unexpected ways, drawing the attention of even the most unlikely audiences to their oeuvre long after the curtain comes down. “Lee Ungno: A Great Artistic Journey, Seoul-Paris” at the Theatre des Lumieres in Grand Walkerhill Seoul is one of them. Read More How Lee Ung-no pioneered East-West fusion through brushstrokes Salvador Dali's dreamlike art illuminates Seoul's once-forgotten luxury hotel cabaret Former luxury hotel cabaret awash with Klimt's golden art "Lee Ungno: A Great Artistic Journey, Seoul-Paris" at the Theatre des Lumieres marks the first time the fervent brushwork of Korean modernist Lee Ung-no has come alive digitally on such a scale. Courtesy of Tmonet, Lee Ungno Museum, Lee Ungno / ADAGP, Paris – SACK, Seoul, 2024 This 14-minute segment, part of an hourlong program, follows a 35-minute showcase of Dutch masters ranging from Vermeer to van Gogh. Yet, despite its shorter duration, it carries far greater impact than its much-celebrated counterpart. First, there’s a sense of freshness to it. This marks the first time the fervent brushwork of Korean modernist Lee Ung-no (1904-89) has come alive digitally on such a scale. Over 100 of his paintings and calligraphic pieces, sourced from the Lee Ungno Museum’s collection, are animated lavishly across the floors and walls of the former luxury cabaret rising up to 21 meters high. The painter’s dynamic ink brushstrokes, which blend Eastern and Western artistic traditions in a myriad of unexpected visual experiments, are a perfect match for the spectacle of immersive media art — a format designed to captivate every wandering eye and ear, leaving no room for a moment of boredom. Installation view of "Lee Ungno: A Great Artistic Journey, Seoul-Paris" at the Theatre des Lumieres / Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol In Lee Ung-no's innovative "Abstract Letter" series, ancient Chinese characters and Hangeul were deconstructed into purely geometric, aesthetic building blocks, without retaining any association with their original meaning. Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol The psychedelic sensorium brings Lee’s creative odyssey to life against popping soundscapes. While his artistic journey began with Korean literati brushwork, his move to France in 1958 at the age of 54 ignited a bold exploration of the European Art Informel style — but infused with his distinct Eastern calligraphic sensibilities. He embraced both the calligraphic heritage of Korea and the energy of Western abstraction — spanning from semi-3D paper collages, crafted with crumpled “hanji” (traditional Korean mulberry paper) and newspapers, to the groundbreaking “Abstract Letter” series. In this series, ancient Chinese characters and Hangeul (Korean alphabets) were deconstructed into purely geometric, aesthetic building blocks, without retaining any association with their original meaning. Among the feverishly dancing letters in the exhibition is “Composition” (late 1970s), a brightly-colored, abstract family portrait of three, whose shape is inspired by the Chinese character for “good” (好). In Lee Ung-no's tour de force "Gunsang" (People) series, swarms of inky, faceless humans fill the entire room, their arms stretched toward the sky, torsos arched, leaping and running in a chaotic dance of movement. Courtesy of Tmonet, Lee Ungno Museum, Lee Ungno / ADAGP, Paris – SACK, Seoul, 2024 Created in response to the 1980 pro-democracy Gwangju Uprising, human figures in Lee Ung-no's "Gunsang" series seem locked in a perpetual state of angst, fury or joy. Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol The climax of the all-engrossing, synesthetic show unfolds with Lee’s tour de force “Gunsang” (People) series. Swarms of inky, faceless humans fill the entire room, their arms stretched toward the sky, torsos arched, leaping and running in a chaotic dance of movement. Created in response to the 1980 pro-democracy Gwangju Uprising — a tragic chapter of Korea’s modern history that deeply affected the painter, who himself endured political persecution during an era of ideological polarization — his figures seem locked in a perpetual state of angst, fury or joy. “My paintings changed drastically at one point,” he once remarked. “People started pouring into my art. From then on, I dedicated the last decade of my life solely to painting people.” Overall, “A Great Artistic Journey, Seoul-Paris” can be a striking and intuitive overture to a deeper dive into Lee’s oeuvre — an overture, not an epilogue. For those whose curiosity has been piqued, the next recommended destination is the Lee Ungno Museum in Daejeon.

When it comes to ultra-large private jets, the Boeing 747 stands in a league of its own. Often referred to as the "Queen of the Skies ," this iconic aircraft has been a symbol of luxury and grandeur for decades. While it is best known for its role in commercial aviation, the 747 has also carved a niche as a private jet for heads of state, business tycoons, and high-net-worth individuals. Let's delve into the technical specifications, customization options, and unique appeal of the private Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. A History of Grandeur The Boeing 747 first took to the skies in 1969 and revolutionized air travel with its large capacity and long-range abilities. Designed originally as a commercial airliner, the 747’s adaptability soon attracted attention from the private sector. Over the years, various versions of the 747 have been repurposed as private jets, including the 747-400 and the 747-8 Intercontinental. These aircraft are often retrofitted to meet the specific needs of their owners, transforming the already impressive jumbo jet into a flying palace. The legacy of the 747 as a private jet is intertwined with its reputation for reliability and performance. Its ability to operate on long-haul routes while providing unmatched cabin space makes it a standout choice for those who demand the very best. Additionally, its iconic design, with the distinctive hump on the upper deck, has become a status symbol in the aviation world. Technical Specifications The private Boeing 747 is a marvel of engineering . The most recent variant, the 747-8, boasts a length of 250 feet 2 inches, making it the longest commercial aircraft in the world. Its wingspan stretches 224 feet 7 inches, and the aircraft stands 63 feet 6 inches tall. Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B67 engines, the 747-8 offers a maximum thrust of 66,500 pounds per engine. The aircraft’s performance is equally impressive. It has a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.86 (about 660 mph) and a range of 7,730 nautical miles, enabling non-stop flights between destinations such as New York and Hong Kong. The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 987,000 pounds highlights its capacity for carrying substantial payloads, whether passengers, cargo, or customized interiors. The 747’s high-performance engines and advanced aerodynamics ensure that it can operate efficiently over vast distances. Its fuel efficiency, while not on par with smaller jets, has been significantly improved with the introduction of modern engine technology. This makes it a practical choice for long-range missions without compromising on luxury or capacity. Customization: A Sky-High Canvas One of the defining features of a private Boeing 747 is the level of customization it offers. Owners of these aircraft work with specialized interior designers to transform the spacious cabin into a personalized retreat. The 747-8’s interior boasts over 4,800 square feet of space, providing ample room for multiple living areas, bedrooms, conference rooms, and even fitness centers. The customization process is an intricate and highly personalized journey. Designers collaborate closely with owners to understand their preferences, ensuring every detail reflects their lifestyle and taste. From selecting luxurious materials to incorporating cutting-edge technology, the customization options are virtually limitless. Some private 747s even feature unique themes, such as art deco, modern minimalism, or traditional opulence. Luxurious Interiors Luxury is at the heart of every private 747. High-end materials such as Italian leather, rare woods, and marble are commonly used to craft bespoke interiors. The main deck often features a master suite complete with a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, and walk-in closet. Additional living spaces may include lounges, dining rooms, and entertainment areas equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. The upper deck, which on commercial versions serves as the business class or premium cabin, can be converted into a private office or additional sleeping quarters. The possibilities are virtually limitless, limited only by the owner’s imagination and budget. Some private 747s also incorporate unique amenities, such as onboard spas, theaters, and even medical facilities. These additions enhance the aircraft’s versatility, allowing it to function as a home, office, or retreat in the sky. The ability to seamlessly transition between these roles underscores the 747’s appeal to a diverse clientele. The Queen of the Skies is arguably the most iconic passenger aircraft of all time and holds a special place for many. The type opened up the world and was the first aircraft that many people worldwide ever flew. With the rise of more efficient twinjet widebodies, the 747 has gradually been phased out of passenger service, and Boeing ended production in January 2023 after producing 1,574 models over 54 years. Today, there are only three major operators of the type: Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China. I was recently able to fly the Lufthansa service from Washington Dulles to Frankfurt, my second 747 flight ever. Given the enthusiasm of Simple Flying readers, we would love to know how many 747 flights you have taken and which ones were your favorite. Advanced Technology A private Boeing 747 is not just about luxury; it’s also a hub of advanced technology. The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics systems to ensure safety and efficiency during flight. Satellite communications and high-speed internet connectivity allow passengers to stay connected, whether for business or leisure. The inclusion of advanced soundproofing ensures a tranquil environment, even at cruising speeds. The 747-8 features an advanced flight deck with digital displays, enhanced navigation systems, and cutting-edge weather detection tools. These systems assist pilots in making informed decisions, ensuring smooth and safe operations. Additionally, the aircraft’s structural enhancements, such as improved wing designs, contribute to its overall performance and efficiency. Operational Capabilities Despite its size, the private 747 is surprisingly versatile. Its long-range capabilities allow it to operate non-stop on intercontinental routes, while its robust design enables it to land on a wide variety of runways. However, operating a private 747 comes with its challenges. The aircraft requires significant ground infrastructure, including long runways and specialized maintenance facilities, making it better suited for major airports. Owners of private 747s often employ dedicated teams to manage the aircraft’s operations. This includes flight crews, maintenance personnel, and logistics specialists who ensure the aircraft is ready for any mission. The complexity of managing such an aircraft highlights the exclusivity and prestige associated with owning one. Cost Considerations Owning and operating a private Boeing 747 is a significant financial commitment. The acquisition cost for a new 747-8 is approximately $418 million, excluding the cost of interior customization, which can add tens of millions more. According to Forbes , operational costs, including fuel, maintenance, and crew salaries, can exceed $25,000 per hour of flight time. Despite these costs, the exclusivity and unparalleled luxury of the aircraft make it a coveted asset among the world’s elite. The high costs are offset by the unique benefits the 747 offers. Its ability to transport large groups of passengers in unparalleled comfort makes it an invaluable asset for business leaders and governments. Additionally, its resale value remains strong due to its iconic status and enduring appeal. Unique Owners and Use Cases Several high-profile individuals and organizations have opted for private 747s. Heads of state, such as the President of the United States, utilize heavily modified 747s for official travel, as seen in the Air Force One program. Business magnates, including Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, have famously customized 747s to reflect their personal tastes and lifestyles. Private 747s are also used for special missions, such as disaster relief and humanitarian aid. Their large cargo capacity and long range make them ideal for transporting supplies and personnel to remote or underserved areas. This dual-use capability highlights the aircraft’s versatility and value. In some cases, private 747s are utilized for promotional or branding purposes. Companies have used these aircraft as mobile showcases, hosting events and meetings in the sky. This innovative use of the 747 further demonstrates its adaptability and broad appeal. Environmental Considerations While the private Boeing 747 is an engineering marvel, its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. The aircraft’s fuel consumption and emissions are significant, especially when compared to smaller jets. However, advancements in engine technology, such as the GEnx engines used on the 747-8, have improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise and emissions, making the aircraft more sustainable than previous generations. To mitigate its environmental footprint, some owners invest in carbon offset programs or explore the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). These efforts, while not eliminating the impact entirely, represent a step toward more responsible aviation practices. The route will become much more premium. End of an era Boeing stopped producing the 747 in early 2023, with Atlas Air receiving the final plane. This marked the end of over half a century of an iconic airplane that revolutionized air travel. With the end of commercial production comes a limited supply of 747s for use in the private market. This marks the beginning of the end for use in private aviation. The private Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet represents the pinnacle of luxury and engineering in aviation. Its sheer size, advanced technology, and unparalleled customization options set it apart as a symbol of status and achievement. While it is not without its challenges, including high operational costs and environmental concerns, the aircraft’s unique appeal ensures its enduring legacy in the world of ultra-large private jets. Whether serving as a flying palace for the elite or a tool for global humanitarian efforts, the private 747 continues to inspire awe and admiration. Its ability to seamlessly blend functionality, luxury, and innovation makes it a true icon in the world of aviation. For those who can afford it, the private Boeing 747 is more than just an aircraft—it is a statement of power, innovation, and limitless possibilities.Sportswatch Daily Listings

( MENAFN - AFP) The Indian-born head of one of Japan's most famous snack brands has warned that the country must change its mindset and admit more immigrants to get the Economy back to the glory of its boom years. Politicians have struggled for years to recover from the so-called lost decades as a range of differing programmes have failed to kickstart growth, including an ultra-loose monetary policy and trillions of dollars in stimulus measures. And as the new government of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba eyes a fresh drive to bring back the heyday of its global tech domination Lekh Juneja, the head of rice cracker giant Kameda Seika, said he worries his adopted country has lost its edge. "Forty years ago I came to Japan because it was close to number one in GDP... it was booming," the biotech scientist told AFP at Kameda's headquarters in Japan's rice heartland of Niigata. But at some point "Japan thought 'we have everything now'. And I think that the hungry spirit to (have) the guts to go global started disappearing a bit". Kameda's expansion mirrored Japan's postwar boom, increasing revenues tenfold between 1965 and 1974 and becoming synonymous with the nationally adored "senbei" crackers in the process. But the country that gave the world the Sony Walkman, the bullet train and Super Mario is no longer setting the pace in technology, overtaken by Silicon Valley, South Korea and China. In the late 1980s, Japanese firms dominated the world's top 10 companies by market capitalisation. Today not one makes the list. The population is ageing and projected to drop by almost a third in the next 50 years, and firms are already having problems filling vacancies. Although it has relaxed the rules in recent years, Japan has not turned in a big way to immigration as a solution. The country "has no choice" but to allow in more immigrants, said Juneja, 72, who first came to Japan in 1984 and previously worked for a food ingredients maker and a pharmaceuticals firm. "It's not only the numbers. It's also the mindset, the culture. We have to go global," he said. According to a recent study, Japan needs to more than triple its number of foreign workers to 6.88 million by 2040. Currently it's on track to be almost a million short. - 'Rice innovation' - Since joining the firm Juneja has been trying to make Kameda more international as well as a "rice innovation company". In the testing centre for new products the employees rolling out dough and trying out new recipes and flavours include an American and a Vietnamese. Language "is a big barrier. You bring people to Niigata and they don't speak Japanese and it's very difficult for them", Juneja said. "We need to change that. (If we employ people) who only speak and write Japanese we have very limited resources, very limited choices," he warned. Japan has very few foreign-born CEOs, and boardrooms are overwhelmingly male. There are 13 female CEOs in Japan's 1,600 top-listed firms, a Kyodo News survey showed in September. "It's very rare (for a foreigner) to become a CEO in a Japanese company," Juneja said. "But look at the US." "There is Microsoft, there is Google, all these companies have Indian CEOs," he said. "I think Japan has to change... We are proud (in Japan) of our backgrounds. But I think flexibility and having people from overseas would be very critical for Japan." Not all the non-Japanese CEOs have had a smooth ride. In November the German chief of Olympus resigned after allegedly buying illegal drugs. And in 2018 Carlos Ghosn, the Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian chief of Nissan, was arrested on suspicion of financial misconduct. He then escaped, in part by hiding in an audio equipment box. "He didn't generate a very good image for foreign CEOs here," Juneja said. "But the difference between him and me is that I have got a Japanese passport." MENAFN14122024000143011026ID1108993526 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.