The world’s longest industrial flight has landed New Zealand after a 9,032-mile (14,535 km) flight from Doha.
“We have officially landed in Auckland.” Rhinitis Airways tweeted that flight QR920 landed at 7:25 a.m. (18:25 GMT on Sunday), five minutes ahead of schedule and after 16 hours and 23 minutes within the air.
During the marathon, the long-range Boeing 777-200LR crossed 10 time zones.
There were 4 pilots and 15 cabin crew members on board, who served 1,100 cups of tea and low, 2,000 cold drinks and 1,036 meals in the course of the flight. Fares for this route start from 4,825 Qatari Reais (£1,050) for a return economy flight, or 33,285 QAR (£7,250) for first-class.
In keeping with the international tradition of welcoming inaugural flights, emergency services at Auckland Airport sprayed the plane with water cannons upon arrival.
New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said the estimated economic impact of the brand new service can be well in excess of NZ$50 million (£29.3 million) with increased capability.
Doha to Auckland flight information
Distance from the Great Circle: 14,533 km
DOH-AKL flight time: 16 hours 20 minutes
AKL-DOH flight time: 17 hours half-hour
Airplane: Boeing 777-200LR
source: Guardian
