THURAYA REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH ADRIAN HAYES ON THE K2 EXPEDITION
DUBAI, UAE, July 15, 2013 – Eighteen days after leaving for the K2 expedition, UAE-based British adventurer Adrian Hayes and his team have reached base camp at K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth, on the border of Pakistan and China. Record-breaking explorer and adventurer, Hayes plans to reach the summit of the mountain by August 2013, over a period of 60 days.
Speaking of the expedition, Hayes said “The trek has been challenging so far and we have experienced a few delays due to weather, unrest in Pakistan and health issues. However, we are looking forward to the next stage of the journey and it’s all systems go!”
Hayes has been documenting his journey through his social media channels and on his website, where he recently posted an audio update using the Thuraya IP+ and the SatSleeve, sponsored by Thuraya and its Service Partner, Xtra-Link. This marks the first time that the Thuraya IP+ and the Thuraya SatSleeve have been used on such an expedition. Reaching the summit of K2 will make Hayes one of only three people in history who have summited the world’s two highest mountains and reached both poles, and he will be the first Briton to have achieved this.
Bilal El Hamoui, Vice President of Distribution at Thuraya said: “We are extremely proud of Adrian and his team. Satellite communications are a vital part of communications for people who live and work in remote areas. Equipment such as satellite phones and terminals have to be extremely durable, easy to set-up and use at all times. We are happy to be able to contribute to this expedition. In spite of the challenges, we strongly believe in their success and we are cheering them on towards reaching the summit of K2.”
The positive sentiment is echoed by Hans Kujit, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xtra-Link, “This is the second time that we’ve worked with Adrian and he has been very supportive of Thuraya and Xtra-Link. Satellite communications is crucial for adventurers as it helps them stay in touch with their loved ones and team members during these tough expeditions.”
In 2011, Thuraya and Xtra-Link also supported Adrian Hayes in the Footsteps of Thesiger expedition where his team trekked 1,500 kilometers from Salalah in Oman to Abu Dhabi.
About Adrian Hayes
Adrian Hayes is the British, UAE-based, record-breaking polar explorer & adventurer, international keynote speaker, business coach and sustainability leader. He set a Guinness World record in 2007 for reaching the Earth’s “3 Poles” – walking all the way to the North Pole, South Pole and summiting Mt Everest – in the shortest period of time in history, becoming one of only 15 people ever to achieve the feat. He holds a second Guinness World Record for the longest unsupported Arctic expedition in history (kite assisted), the 2009 vertical crossing of the Greenland ice cap. His most recent expedition was a 44 day 1600 km crossing of the Arabian Desert by foot and camel following in the footsteps of 1940s British explorer Wilfred Thesiger. Hayes is a former Gurkha Officer and was a Special Forces reservist in the British Army. Visit http://www.adrianhayes.com/index_K2.php
About Thuraya Telecommunications Company
Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and humanitarian NGO. Thuraya’s superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two thirds of the globe by satellite and across the whole planet through its unique GSM roaming capabilities.
The company’s diverse range of technologically superior and highly reliable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency. Thuraya remains committed to serving humanity through delivering the essential tools for optimal connectivity, never leaving anyone out of reach. Visit www.thuraya.com
