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Qatar Airways Takes Title of World’s Longest Flight
Qatar Airways has taken the title of the world’s longest flight.
The airline flew 14,535 kilometers (9,031 miles) from its hub in Doha, to New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland.
The previous record was held by Emirates, flying from Dubai to Auckland. The route, which was released in March last year, took a total of 16 hours and 5 minutes, and covered 8,824 miles.
The record breaking flight took a total of 17 and a half hours, and had the airline’s Group Chief Executive on board, Akbar Al Baker.
Discussing the historic day, Al Baker said: “The launch of our new service to Auckland is an important milestone for Qatar Airways as we expand both in the region and globally across our network providing more options and better connections to exciting business and leisure destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
“Arriving in Auckland on Waitangi Day, and achieving the title of the world’s longest flight for the return record-breaking service, which covers a distance of 14,535 kilometers and lasts 17 hours and 30 minutes, makes this an even more momentous occasion for Qatar Airways and provides another accomplishment to celebrate in this our 20th year flying the flag internationally for Qatar.”
Once touched down in Auckland on the North Island, the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 aircraft was greeted by celebrations, Auckland Airport Chief Executive Adrian Littlewood, and New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and State Owned Enterprises, Todd McClay.
The Boeing 777 holds 42 Business Class seats, and 217 Economy Class seats.
Speaking of the memorable moment, Adrian Littlewood, said: We welcome Qatar Airways to Auckland Airport and New Zealand. We expect this route to be very popular with visitors to New Zealand and with New Zealanders travelling, particularly between this country and Europe. Qatar Airways offers high quality inflight service and a wide network of destinations.”
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