Here's who broke record for world's longest non-stop flight
Courtesy: Ozzy Delaney -- Creative Commons
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, October 25, 2016, 11:33 AM - Travelling from New Delhi, India to San Francisco, California at 15,300 km, this airline took an unusual route to break the record for the world's longest non-stop flight.
On Sunday, Air India's flight AI173 set the benchmark, switching directions and crossing the Pacific Ocean instead of the Atlantic. The change resulted in an additional 1,400 km, giving the company the 'world's longest' title.
The journey took a total of 14 hours and 30 minutes. While the new route was significantly longer, it decreased the duration of the flight by about two hours due to strong tailwinds. This means, the wind was travelling in the same direction as the flight (eastwards), which helped to push the aircraft forward.
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#AI covers the longest distance from DEL to SFO in a record time. Watch what Capt Rajneesh Sharma has to say on this https://t.co/epHNGAt3eN
— Air India (@airindiain) October 23, 2016
Conversely, the Atlantic route would force the plane to face winds head-on, which would slow it down. According to Air India's captain Rajneesh Sharma, about 13 tons of fuel was saved this way.
The Pacific route from Delhi to San Francisco is expected to hold the title for world's longest non-stop flight for the next two years. Singapore Airline has plans to launch a Singapore New flight in 2018, which will cover 16,500 km in 19 hours.
The previous record holder was Emirates' Dubai-Auckland route at 14,200 km in 16 and 30 minutes.
SOURCE: The Indian Express
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