Ethan Guo, a young Asian American pilot, touched down in Singapore a few days ago as part of his solo flight around the globe. His ambitious goal is to become the first person to fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft while raising $1 million for childhood cancer research.
Welcome to Singapore!
Ethan landed at Seletar International Airport, expressing his excitement and determination: “The journey has been tough, but when you’re passionate about something, you give it your all. I’m thrilled to be in Singapore, eager to learn about its culture and history and to collaborate with local charities to fight cancer and raise awareness. I have high hopes for this leg of the trip,” he said.
How far has he flown?
Asia marks the third continent on Ethan’s route, which began in Europe. He departed from Geneva, Switzerland, on August 6, and has since travelled through Africa, visiting Egypt, and then moved eastward through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Pakistan, India, and Thailand. Following his stop in Singapore, Ethan will continue to Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines, before heading to Korea, China, and Japan. He will then cross the northern Pacific to Alaska, proceed through Canada and the USA, and finally reach South America and Antarctica. His journey is set to conclude in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
If successful, Ethan will set a world record as the first person to fly solo to all seven continents. His expedition spans over 100 days, covering more than 50,000 miles, with over 75 take-offs and landings in 60 countries. During his stops, except in Antarctica, Ethan plans to visit cancer hospitals and meet children battling the disease, aiming to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research and treatment.
Why is he doing this?
Ethan’s love for aviation began at 13, and by 17, he had earned his private pilot license, accumulating over 700 flight hours. His mission took on a deeper meaning when his cousin was diagnosed with cancer, inspiring him to combine his passion for flying with a cause to fight childhood cancer.
“I aim to be the first to fly solo to all seven continents and raise $1 million for childhood cancer research. Cancer is a harsh disease, especially for children. My cousin’s battle with cancer inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against it. I want to use every opportunity to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer research. I support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a leader in pediatric cancer research. You can help by donating through the link on my website www.flightagainstcancer.com. Every cent goes directly to St. Jude to help defeat childhood cancer,” Ethan shared.
St. Jude’s mission is to improve survival rates for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases worldwide. Currently, a child’s chance of surviving cancer depends significantly on where they live. In the United States, over 80% of children survive cancer, but in many developing countries, this figure is less than 20%. St. Jude aims to reduce these disparities.
What plane is Ethan flying?
Ethan is flying a modified four-seater Cessna 182, with the rear seats removed to accommodate an additional fuel tank, allowing him to stay airborne for up to 17 hours at a cruising speed of 140-150 knots. He maintains a satellite connection with his ground team and has three emergency locator transmitters on board to ensure his safety throughout this extraordinary journey.
Mission Details:
Ethan’s journey began in Geneva, Switzerland, and will cover over 50,000 miles with more than 75 take-offs and landings across 60 countries. He will visit cancer hospitals and meet with children battling the disease, spreading awareness and raising funds through his website, www.flightagainstcancer.com.
Journey Itinerary:
Ethan’s route includes key stops on each continent.
Europe:
- Geneva (LSGG), Switzerland
- Reggio Calabria Airport (LICR), Italy
- Heraklion Airport (LGIR), Greece
Africa:
- Cairo International (HECA), Egypt
- Gassim Airport (OEGS), Saudi Arabia
- King Khalid Military City (OETH), Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd International (OEDF), Saudi Arabia
- Doha International (OTBD), Qatar
- Abu Dhabi (OMAA), United Arab Emirates
- Muscat (OOMS), Oman
Asia:
- Jinnah International (OPKC), Pakistan
- Indira Gandhi International (VIDP), India
- Dhaka (VGHS), Bangladesh
- Don Mueang International (VTBD), Thailand
- Seletar Airport (WSSL), Singapore
- Hakim Jakarta (WIHH), Indonesia
Australia:
- Darwin International (YPDN), Australia
Asia:
- Davao International (RPMD), Philippines
- Ninoy Aquino International (RPLL), Philippines
- Jinan Yaoqiang International (ZSJN), China
- Nagoya Airport (RJNA), Japan
- Kushiro Airport (RJCK), Japan
North America:
- Casco Cove Coast Guard (PAAT), United States
- Adak Airport (PADK), United States
- Lake Hood Strip (PALH), United States
- Kenai Municipal Airport (PAEN), United States
- Pitt Meadows Airport (CYPK), Canada
- Renton Municipal Airport (KRNT), United States
- Palo Alto Airport (KPAO), United States
- Lincoln Park (N07), New Jersey, United States
- Texas (TA55), United States
- Belize City (MZBZ), Belize
- Guatemala City (MGGT), Guatemala
South America:
- Cali (SKCL), Colombia
- Pucallpa (SPRU), Peru
- Arica (SCAR), Chile
- Concepción (SCIE), Chile
- Punta Arenas (SCCI), Chile
Antarctica:
- Rothera Research Station (SCRM), Antarctica
South America:
- Buenos Aires (SABE), Argentina
- San Estanislao (SGES), Paraguay
- Alta Floresta (SBAT), Brazil
- Boa Vista (SBBV), Brazil
North America:
- Fort-de-France (TFFF), Martinique
- Puerto Plata (MDPP), Dominican Republic
- Palm Beach International (KPBI), Florida, United States
- General Dewitt Spain Airport (M01), Memphis, TN, United States
Join him on his extraordinary journey as he attempts to set a world record with a good cause!
