Qatar Airways has launched the world’s longest commercial flight, which takes 17 hours and 30 minutes and covers a distance of 14,535 kilometers, connecting Doha (Qatar) and Auckland (New Zealand) with the airline‘s Boeing 777.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker who travelled on board the inaugural flight from Doha to Auckland 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 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.”
According to the airline, Auckland is the first city in New Zealand to be served by Qatar Airways and will provide a gateway for travelers to visit the country, which is famous for its spectacular coastlines and lush forest landscapes.
The aircraft serving the route, Boeing 777, features a two-class configuration with 42 seats in Business Class and 217 seats in Economy Class.
The Doha-Auckland-Doha daily services will also offer 116 tons of belly-hold capacity every week to support the growing imports of raw, industrial and consumer materials into New Zealand.
