Flights are getting longer and longer these days, and the latest offering from Qatar Airways takes that to the next level...

Taking to the skies on 6 February, the new route is the longest non-stop commercial flight currently in operation, with a Boeing 777-200LR carrying out the inaugural flight from Doha to Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island; a flight that was scheduled to coincide with Waitangi Day.

Covering a total of 14,535km, the flight takes around 17 hours and 30 minutes, although the first plane was able to land to great celebration ahead of schedule and was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker travelled on board the inaugural flight from Doha to Auckland and was welcomed by The Hon Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and State Owned Enterprises; and Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Mr. Adrian Littlewood.

“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,” H.E. Mr. Al Baker said, “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 kilometres 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.”

Auckland is the first city in New Zealand to be served by Qatar Airways, which added 14 new destinations last year and has more to come over the course of 2017.