Month: June 2025

The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) with Altezza Travel guides

The team during a high-altitude expedition on Kilimanjaro that led to the discovery of Africa’s highest-dwelling river frog.

MOSHI, Tanzania, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Researchers have discovered Africa’s highest-living frog species on Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 4000 meters. The discovery, made by Altezza Travel during a climb in June 2024, led to a scientific study to determine whether the frogs represent a new species or are known frogs living much higher than previously thought. Until then, scientists believed no frogs lived above 3,000 meters in Africa.

The discovery was initially reported to the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), and an expedition was launched to investigate further. Professor Alan Channing, an amphibian expert from the North-West University in South Africa, confirmed that no frog species had previously been found at such an altitude in Africa.

Between February 20 and 25, 2025, a research team explored the river systems on Mount Kilimanjaro between 3,500 and 4,000 meters (11,500–13,100 ft). The team successfully located the frogs, and obtained DNA samples for laboratory analysis. Testing conducted in South Africa revealed that the frogs belong to the Amietia wittei species, indicating that this frog can survive at elevations far higher than previously documented. More information is available in Professor Channing’s study.

The frog found at 3,950 meters on Mt Kilimanjaro

Molo Frog (Amietia wittei)

Altezza Travel fully funded and organized the expedition, covering DNA sampling costs, laboratory testing, and international transport for the research team. The company also provided logistical support, including guides, porters, food supplies, and oxygen tanks for the high-altitude environment. All details – in an expedition report, recently released by the company.

Scientists have raised concerns about potential threats to the frogs’ survival, including water contamination from dishwashing chemicals used by Kilimanjaro porters, reduced water availability due to climate change, and predation by birds. Further research will be needed to understand these factors’ impact and inform conservation efforts.

“This discovery highlights the importance of Kilimanjaro’s fragile ecosystem and the need for responsible environmental management,” said Dmitrii, a member of the expedition team. “We hope this research will contribute to broader conservation strategies for the region, as well as to further studies on the subject. During this trip, we speculated that these frogs might live even higher, but the absence of rivers above 4,050 meters likely limits their habitat.”

About Altezza Travel:
Altezza Travel is a leading Kilimanjaro operator dedicated to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The company regularly collaborates with researchers and conservationists to protect Tanzania’s natural heritage.

For Media Inquiries:
[email protected]
https://altezzatravel.com/

Multimedia accompanying this announcement is available at:
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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9486863

Strategic Alliance with MedAire Aligns with Egypt’s Vision for Modernised Aviation Safety and Healthcare Standards

Cairo, Egypt, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Cairo, one of Egypt’s leading airlines, has partnered strategically with MedAire, the global leader in aviation medical and security support, to enhance its in-flight medical capabilities and operational efficiencies. This partnership aligns with the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation’s vision to modernise and elevate safety and healthcare standards across the air transport sector.

The agreement was formally signed by Captain Ahmed Shanan, Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, and Reely Rajan, Director of Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia at MedAire, in the presence of Captain Amr El-Sharkawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. This collaboration underscores Air Cairo’s commitment to adopting global best practices in aviation health and safety, ensuring the highest standards of passenger care.

Under this strategic partnership, Air Cairo will implement MedAire’s industry-leading MedLink service, providing flight crews with 24/7 real-time access to emergency physicians specialised in aviation medicine. Air Cairo crews will also benefit from offline access to MedAire’s industry-first In-Flight App, designed to support medical decision-making without connectivity. These advanced medical services will be deployed fleet-wide across Air Cairo’s Airbus A320-200, A320neo, E190 and ATR 72-600 aircraft, supporting key regional routes into the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Captain Ahmed Shanan, Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, commented: “This partnership is a cornerstone of Air Cairo’s integrated strategy to enhance aviation safety, reduce operational disruptions, and ensure our crews are fully prepared to manage medical events onboard. Our passengers’ safety and comfort remain our highest priority, and MedAire’s proven expertise will help us deliver on this commitment.”

Air Cairo selected MedAire specifically for its extensive experience in managing complex in-flight medical scenarios and its robust Passenger Fit-to-Fly assessment capabilities. By leveraging MedAire’s global infrastructure and medical expertise, Air Cairo aims to proactively manage pre-flight medical cases, reduce unnecessary delays, and ensure compliance with evolving international safety standards.

Reely Rajan, Director of Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia at MedAire, stated: “We are proud to partner with Air Cairo. As our first airline client in Africa, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for in-flight medical safety in the region. It demonstrates Air Cairo’s forward-thinking approach to passenger care. Beyond supporting their current operations, our global infrastructure ensures Air Cairo is well-equipped to expand seamlessly into new markets in the future.”

The new medical services will go live on all Air Cairo flights starting mid-July 2025. MedAire’s comprehensive suite of solutions minimises diversion risks, enhances crew confidence during medical incidents, and strengthens pre-flight medical screening capabilities, ultimately improving operational efficiency and passenger experience.

About Air Cairo
Air Cairo is Egypt’s premier regional airline and a vital part of the country’s aviation sector. Established in 2003, the airline has grown into a key player in connecting Egypt to regional and international destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Operating a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline serves both scheduled and charter flights, playing a significant role in supporting Egypt’s tourism industry and economic development. Air Cairo remains dedicated to its mission of providing seamless connectivity while contributing to Egypt’s vision of becoming a regional aviation hub.

About MedAire
MedAire, an International SOS company, has been the preferred partner to the aviation industry since 1985. Today, MedAire is the aviation industry’s proven leader for integrated travel health and aviation security solutions. Six of the world’s largest business jet manufacturers (Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Gulfstream, Honda Jet and Textron Aviation) come standard with MedAire’s service. Additionally, 180+ of the world’s leading airlines and more than 6,800 private aircraft – including 75% of Fortune 100 Companies – trust MedAire for their travel health and security risk management needs.

MedAire’s integrated solutions include aviation security intelligence, real-time health and security advice and assistance, training, equipment, and professional services for crew and passengers in and beyond the cabin. MedAire handles thousands of calls annually to help crew and passengers manage medical and travel safety events in the air and on the ground with 24/7 access to emergency care doctors, nurses, and aviation security specialists.

Attachments

• Executives Signing Partnership Agreement
• Signing Ceremony

Chris Potter
MedAire
1-480-333-3762
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9486825

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2025 – As a global trade and financial centre and a key link in the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI), Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in connecting the Belt and Road regions, spanning some 150 countries around the world.

Hong Kong’s external trade with Belt and Road economies other than Mainland China has surged by almost 78 per cent (3.2 times the growth rate of Hong Kong’s trade with all economies) between 2013 and 2024.

Tapping into this huge potential is a strong focus of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, including arranging outbound business missions to Belt and Road countries/regions as well as inviting global policymakers, business leaders, investors and academics to attend the annual flagship Belt and Road Summit in the city.

The HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee has so far led high-level delegation visits to four of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, most recently Kuwait and Qatar, as well as six of the 10 Member States of ASEAN, which is Hong Kong’s second largest trading partner.

And, just last week, the Belt and Road Office (BRO) under the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government led an infrastructure and construction mission to Indonesia and Malaysia (22-26 June 2025).

The Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, led a delegation to visit Indonesia and Malaysia last week.

These visits strengthen government-to-government relations, connect project owners with investors, and promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, including the city’s common law system and free flows of capital and talent. They also foster partnership opportunities by highlighting Hong Kong’s professional services expertise in areas ranging from engineering, architecture and surveying to design, legal and financial services.

One such company is Hong Kong green technology start-up i2Cool, which has introduced its cooling systems to the United Arab Emirates, securing a deal to apply its i2Coating to the Dubai Mall’s rooftop. This helped the shopping mall achieve a 20% reduction in air-conditioning energy consumption. During last week’s mission to Indonesia and Malaysia, i2Cool signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with local partners.

Meanwhile, a Hong Kong firm is investing in a data centre in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, leveraging opportunities in digital infrastructure to contribute to the development of the Digital Silk Road in promoting connectivity. The Tier III hyperscale facility is capable of handling a huge amount of data safely and securely, with an initial 20MW IT load. Equipped with advanced security measures and round-the-clock monitoring and support, the data centre can promptly identify and resolve any potential problems, minimising downtime and optimising business productivity. The HKSAR Government and its Belt and Road Office helped to make the business connections with local partners through networking events. The project highlights Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in influential deal-making.

Professional services thrive in Hong Kong, thanks to the city’s robust legal system and the rule of law. Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction within China, which means that the legal regime in the business realm resembles that of many major global financial centres.

As such, the newly established International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) will have its headquarters in Hong Kong. IOMed will become the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. It will provide a pathway for countries along the B&RI and beyond – regardless of culture, language and legal system – to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is gearing up to host the 10^th edition of the Belt and Road Summit in September (10-11 September, 2025). The Summit gathers senior government officials and business leaders from countries and regions along and beyond the Belt and Road to exchange insights on multilateral co-operation and explore concrete business opportunities.

Thousands of policymakers, business leaders, investors and academics attend the annual Belt and Road Summit.

Last year’s summit welcomed more than 6,000 attendees from around the world, including over 90 high-profile speakers. The event also arranged over 800 one-to-one business matching meetings and featured over 110 exhibitors, creating business opportunities throughout the Belt and Road regions.