>> Boeing jet sets new world record



A BOEING 777-200LR (Longer Range) aircraft touched down at London's Heathrow Airport (1315GMT, 10 Nov) to a new world record. It landed 25 minutes earlier than scheduled, thanks to strong tailwinds.

The jet, dubbed 'Worldliner', flew 22 hours and 42 minutes - from Hong Kong to London - over a distance of 20,100 km. It is the longest non-stop journey on a scheduled passenger flight.

Another Boeing plane - a Qantas B747-400 - set the previous record of 17,039 km from London to Sydney in 1989.

The new epic flight, in a easterly heading, carried the 35 passengers and crew on-board over the northern Pacific, America and the Atlantic. Along the way, passengers and crew enjoyed two breathtaking sunrises.

In her command seat*, Captain Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann piloted the B777 to a smooth landing. One of her flight-crew, Captain Mathew, represented Singapore Airlines on the historic trip. He serves SIA as its Deputy Chief Pilot B777 - Base Training.

"I'm very excited to be part of aviation history," said Captain Mathew.

Officials from Guinness Book of Records and the British media met the crew on arrival.

*Note: This is the Captain's seat on the cockpit's port (left) side. The First Officer sits on the starboard (right) side.