Midweek Interview with Matthias Fuchs of the Qantas Marathon Flying Challenge

Midweek Interview with Matthias Fuchs of the Qantas Marathon Flying Challenge
By admin


The challenge for the industry is… To get behind the Qantas Marathon Flying Challenge to support kids with cystic fibrosis. From November 7, I'll set off on an 11-day journey without leaving a plane or airport. Read more about the challenge and how you can support me here.

The things I like about my job are… I don’t work in travel but spend plenty of time on planes, including those 170 hours straight coming up in November!

My proudest moment was… The birth of my children and receiving Patron status at the Children’s Hospital Westmead for fundraising work.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… As a child putting golfer’s golf balls into the hole while they couldn’t see and making them think they had a hole in one.

I try to relax by… Watching sport, gardening and sitting on planes and watching planes at airports

The last time I feared for my life… Was on an American Airlines flight from St Louis to LAX where the seat belt sign was on for the whole 5 hour flight and the plane shook and rattled the entire time and the passengers clapped on landing, which is quite normal in some Asian countries, but not the US!

If I can, I always try to avoid… Starting a conversation with passengers on a plane. It could make for 24 hours of hell!

I really wish I had… The ability to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… You can’t change the past, just make sure every day is enjoyed. Also, don’t ever put a cost on travel. Memories cannot be valued.

I don’t understand why… People don’t enjoy airports and long haul flying!

My greatest weakness is… Spending too much money on travelling and holidays.

And my greatest strength… Always prioritizing travel and making sure my children will see the world and appreciate how lucky they are.

If I was prime minister I would… Significantly increase the severity of punishment for violent crime and crimes against children.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… Give my kids a leg up to give them a platform for their own success and allow them to pursue their dreams.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Richard Branson.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Patagonia and Seychelles.

My favourite holiday was… I love them all, but probably last year with the family to Southern California and Grand Canyon. The USA is a wonderful destination for families – easy to travel and so much variety, from amazing natural beauty to fun cities.

Read more about Matthias and his challenge by clicking here.

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