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Emirates A380 makes longest non-stop flight between Dubai and NZ Emirates A380 from Dubai to NZ makes longest non-stop flight
(about 11 hours later)
An Emirates Airbus A380 jet has made what is believed to be the world's longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight by distance. An Emirates Airbus A380 jet has made what is believed to be the current longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight by distance.
The plane had covered a distance of about 14,200km (8,824 miles) when it touched down in Auckland in New Zealand on Wednesday. The plane covered about 14,200km (8,824 miles) when it touched down in Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday.
The return flight to Dubai left at about 19.30 local time (08:30 GMT). The return flight to Dubai left around 22:20 local time (15:20 GMT), according to New Zealand media.
Both flights were around the 17 hours and 15 minutes mark, although the return could be a few minutes longer. It was expected to be the world's longest non-stop commercial flight by duration as well, but landed too early.
Qantas' Dallas-Sydney flight was believed to be the previous current longest flight, at 13,800km and clocking in at about 16 hours, 55 minutes. The Auckland-Dubai portion was estimated to take around 17 hours and 15 minutes, but in the end took only 16 hours and 24 minutes, according to the New Zealand Herald.
The Dubai-Auckland flight duration record is not expected to hold for long, as Emirates is launching a Dubai-Panama City service later in March that will take 17 hours, 35 minutes. The new route reportedly reduces the current travel time by three hours.
Singapore Airlines used to fly Singapore-New Jersey, which took 19 hours. The firm announced in 2015 it was planning to bring back the service in 2018. The inaugural flights were made by an A380, but the route will normally be operated by a Boeing 777-200LR.
The new non-stop Emirates route between Auckland and Dubai reportedly reduces the current travel time by three hours. Long flights
The inaugural Dubai-Auckland flight was made by an A380 but the regular service will reportedly be carried out using the Boeing 777. A Qantas Dallas-Sydney flight which covers 13,800km is currently the longest flight by duration, clocking in at about 16 hours and 55 minutes.
But Emirates is determined to beat that record.
It plans to launch a Dubai-Panama City service later in March that will take 17 hours and 35 minutes.
Singapore Airlines used to fly Singapore-New Jersey, which took 19 hours. The firm announced last year it was planning to bring back the service in 2018.