Boeing 777 sets world record

A Boeing 777 has set the world record for the longest non-stop commercial flight, after flying for nearly 23 consecutive hours from Hong Kong to London.

The plane, carrying 35 passengers as well as its crew, travelled for 21,601 kilometres before touching down at Heathrow after 22 hours and 42 minutes in the air.

Officials from Guinness, there to confirm the flight’s status as the longest ever, met the experimental 777-200LR Worldliner on arrival.

Pilot and flight captain, Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, said: "The performance of the 777-200LR during the record flight was exceptional.

"It took the support of a great team of people to make this historic flight a success. I'm proud to be a part of that team."

The first Boeing 777-200LR – which can carry around 300 passengers – will be delivered to Pakistan International Airlines early next year.

Air Canada has also agreed to buy 18 777s from Boeing, as well as 14 other wide-body jets, in a deal worth around $6 billion.

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