Hamish Harding

A LIFE OFEXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE

As an explorer and adventurer, I want… …to contribute to our shared knowledge and understanding of planet Earth.

Hamish Harding was a visionary explorer, accomplished pilot, and dedicated entrepreneur. Born on June 24, 1964, in London, Hamish developed a passion for the skies and space from a young age, inspired by the Apollo moon landing.

A graduate of the University of Cambridge, he earned his pilot's license in 1985 and went on to pioneer aviation and exploration feats. From launching the first business jet service to Antarctica to journeying to the edge of space, Hamish's adventurous spirit knew no bounds. His remarkable achievements continue to inspire those who dare to explore the unknown.

EXPLORE HIS ADVENTURES

Explore the incredible journeys that defined Hamish Harding’s legacy as a true adventurer.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

Hamish Harding, as a visionary adventurer and a member of the elite society of Explorers Club has promoted scientific exploration and field study all his life while embarking on a series of eventful expeditions himself. His adventures have ranged from a record breaking circumnavigation of earth to another record breaking dive to the Challenger Deep in the Marina Trench and even a space expedition. Among his profound achievements are three Guinness World Records: the fastest circumnavigation of the Earth via the South Pole and North Pole by aeroplane, the longest distance traversed at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel, and the longest duration spent at full ocean depth. Hadring’s life is an epitome of courage and passion for adventure, and the world will forever admire him for his explorer spirit

ONE MORE ORBIT

Hamish Harding’s role in the One More Orbit mission stands as a remarkable achievement in aviation history. Serving as mission director and one of the pilots, Hamish led a team in breaking the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of Earth via both poles. This ambitious mission, completed in July 2019, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and pushed the boundaries of human aviation. The One More Orbit mission was a feat of precision, endurance, and international cooperation. By coordinating with teams across multiple time zones, Hamish and the One More Orbit crew achieved the record in just 46 hours and 40 minutes, showcasing the incredible potential of modern aviation and the dedication of everyone involved. This accomplishment not only highlighted Hamish’s passion for exploration but also underscored the spirit of pushing the limits in honor of human achievement in space and aviation. Through One More Orbit, Hamish Harding and his team inspired a global audience, reminding the world that the drive to explore and achieve is boundless.

CHALLENGER DEEP

Hamish Harding was always driven by extraordinary adventures and setting world examples. It was for his piquing curiosity on life in the depths of Challenger Deep, Harding, along with Victor Vescovo, envisioned a dive to the deepest point in the ocean located in the Marina Trench. Their dive secured two Guinness World Records: the longest duration spent at full ocean depth on a single dive and the longest distance traversed at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel. Harding and Vescovo made the dive on 5th March 2021 on Vescovo’s DSV ( Deep-Submergence Vehicle) Limiting Factor, travelling 2.88 miles along the sea floor of Challenger Deep in the Marina Trench. They successfully descended to the Challenger Deep - the deepest point in the ocean, with 35,860 ft depth in its “Eastern Pool”, spending a record breaking time of 4 hours 15 mins in the full ocean depth. This mission was marked as an experience beyond an adventure, as he quotes the journey as remarkable experience to witness life in such hostile environment.

BLUE ORIGIN

Hamish Harding’s journey with Blue Origin marks a significant chapter in his commitment to expanding human reach beyond Earth. His association with Blue Origin, one of the leading private aerospace companies, reflects a shared mission of making space exploration more accessible and sustainable for future generations. Through his connection with Blue Origin, Hamish contributed to pioneering advancements in private space travel, showcasing how individuals can play an active role in exploring new frontiers. His involvement with Blue Origin emphasizes the importance of reusable rocket technology, which is critical to making space exploration more cost-effective and environmentally responsible. This collaboration represents Hamish’s dedication to supporting innovations that can inspire future generations and help redefine what’s possible in space exploration. His journey with Blue Origin is part of a larger vision to bring humanity closer to the stars.

KILIMANJARO

Hamish Harding’s journey to Mount Kilimanjaro is a testament to his enduring spirit of adventure and commitment to meaningful causes. In 2020, Hamish embarked on an expedition to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, raising awareness and funds for charitable initiatives close to his heart. Reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Hamish demonstrated resilience and perseverance in extreme conditions. His ascent highlighted his dedication not only to challenging himself physically but also to leveraging his pursuits for positive impact. This journey was part of Hamish's broader mission to inspire others to take on challenges, push their limits, and give back to the global community. Hamish Harding’s climb of Kilimanjaro remains a powerful symbol of his adventurous spirit and his drive to use his explorations to make a difference.

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITIONS

In 2016, Hamish joined the Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin on an expedition to Antarctica. The remarkable journey saw Aldrin, 86, become the oldest person to reach the South Pole. In a subsequent expedition four years later, Hamish returned with his son Giles, who, at the age of 12, became the youngest person to reach the South Pole.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB MIDDLE-EAST CHAPTER

It is important to note that Hamish Harding served as the founding Chairman of The Explorers Club's Middle East Chapter. In this role, he played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of exploration, camaraderie, and scientific inquiry within the region; and laid the groundwork for a platform for like minded people to unify and expand a common vision. Hamish's leadership and dedication to the exploration community extended beyond his personal endeavors, as he actively worked to inspire and support fellow adventurers in the Middle East and beyond. His contributions as the Chairman of the Middle East Chapter further highlight his commitment to advancing the frontiers of exploration and nurturing the next generation of explorers. - The Explorers Club Middle-East Chapter members

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

During the flight to India, Captain Harding proudly carried The Explorers Club Flag to commemorate the historical significance of the transcontinental cheetah relocation mission. The cheetahs were transported aboard a Boeing 747-412 passenger jet owned by Aquiline Int’l Corp. Ltd., a UAE-based company. The aircraft’s charter was facilitated by Action Aviation, led by Captain Harding. Action Aviation specializes in sourcing rare and challenging-to-find aircraft worldwide, along with offering services such as aircraft brokerage, management, and financing. Captain Harding carried Explorers Club Flag #118 personally for this mission. The flag, along with detailed documentation of the cheetah expedition, is now preserved at The Explorers Club headquarters in New York City.

TITANIC ADVENTURE

Harding was a man who would never shy away from any adventure. He always challenged himself to become a part of groundbreaking explorations and discoveries. The Titanic Expedition by OceanGate Expedition Tours was one of a kind adventure, rendering an experience of a lifetime for Harding to explore and conduct research on the legendary wreck. He joined the expedition as a mission specialist, accompanying the crew to the wrecksite with his fellow Explorers Club member, Paul-Henry Nargeolet. On June 18, 2023, they ventured on the mission, which, unfortunately, was unsuccessful and met a tragic fate. Harding will always be remembered for his remarkable explorer spirit and love for nature.

THE MAN WHO FLEW US THIS FAR - ACTION AVIATION

Captain Hamish Harding, 24.06.1964 – 18.06.2023, the Founder of Action Aviation, was an extraordinary individual, an avid explorer, and a steadfast companion. Having served on the board of trustees for New York’s Explorers Club and received induction into the prestigious Living Legends of Aviation organization, Hamish achieved three Guinness World Records among numerous other accolades. His audacious nature and unwavering commitment to excellence stood as a guiding light for those who aspire to venture beyond conventional boundaries. Hamish was a loving husband to his wife, a dedicated father to his two beloved sons, who were his priority and pride, and a leader, guidance, inspiration and support to his loyal team in Action Aviation.

Hamish wasn’t just a Chairman — he was a force of nature with a heart full of compassion and a mind that constantly inspired. To me, he was more than a boss; he called me his “IT Magician,” and every day working closely with him was a new chapter of learning. He made me feel like family — whether it was solving tech challenges together, sharing stories at his Palm Villa, or simply pushing me to grow beyond my limits. He encouraged me to think bigger, explore outside my boundaries, and never stop learning. I still smile remembering how he joked, “In ten years, I’ll make you sell an aircraft!” — classic Hamish, always believing in possibilities. His warmth, mentorship, and visionary spirit will stay with us forever. Legends never die — and Hamish lives on in each one of us.

UPDATES

A
LIVING
LEGEND

A legacy thatwill keep
inspiring

Hamish’s path was one of courage, vision, and boundless exploration. Thank you for joining us in remembering a man who reminded the world that the sky is not the limit - it’s just the beginning.

A LIFE OFEXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE

As an explorer and adventurer, I want… …to contribute to our shared knowledge and understanding of planet Earth.