Falling at speeds of up to 220 mph, nearly 140 skydivers shattered the vertical skydiving world record as they flew heads down in a massive snowflake formation in northern Illinois.

SHANNON Airport played a pivotal role in a successful world record attempt when an Italian aviator had to divert and refuel there last weekend after a volcanic eruption prevented him from making a scheduled stop in Iceland.

Skydivers from 31 countries say they have set a new world record of 400 people holding hands in a midair freefall formation.

US adventurer Steve Fossett cruised over the Indian Ocean today, hoping to reach Australia and the finish line of his around-the-world balloon quest tomorrow.