Qatar Airways announces the world's new longest flight
Qatar Airways has announced it will launch flights from Doha to Auckland from December, which will become the new longest route in the world.
The news comes a week after Emirates completed the world's current longest direct commercial flight from Dubai to Auckland, at 14,326 kilometres.
Doha to Auckland just pips the Emirates route, at 14,539km.
Qatar Airways' group chief executive Akbar Al Baker announced the new route on the opening day of the world's largest international travel fair, ITB Berlin.
The daily service from Doha, the capital of Qatar, to Auckland will be the airline's first route to New Zealand, and will begin on December 3.
Qatar Airways will use the Boeing 777 aircraft for this route.
Travelmath puts the flight time between Doha and Auckland at around 18 hours and 34 minutes, while the Emirates service to Dubai has a scheduled flight time of 17 hours and 15 minutes.
Al Baker told aviationbusiness.com.au that the airline had originally planned to launch its Doha to Auckland service in June, but decided to wait until December "as a mark of respect to Emirates".
The new service is expected to appeal to travellers flying between New Zealand and European cities such as Auckland-Doha-London or Auckland-Doha-Amsterdam.
Qatar Airways also announced 13 other new routes at the event, including five destinations in Europe, six in Africa and two in Asia.
"These new destinations are where our customers want to go, and where we see the most opportunity to provide a best-in-class experience at great value," Al Baker said.
"We look forward to growing our network and welcoming new passengers to Qatar Airways."
Written by Siobhan Downes. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
Related links:
Inside 8 first class cabins that will amaze you
London’s 8 most photographed locations
8 holiday ideas every animal lover needs to experience