A Russian balloonist has set a new record for flying non-stop around the world, his support crew have said.
The hot air balloon Morton is seen in this photo about to take to the skies for a round-the-world trip from Northam in Western Australia. Photo: AFP/ Morton
Fyodor Konyukhov's balloon was said to have passed directly over the airfield in the Western Australian town of Northam where he began his journey 11 days ago.
If his record is confirmed by the World Air Sports Federation, he will have taken more than two days off the record set by American Steve Fossett in 2002.
Mr Konyukhov, 65, landed safely about three hours after passing Northam.
"He's safe, he's sound, he's happy. It's just amazing,'' support crew member John Wallington said.
"The record is broken, no question. He flew over the same field which he took off from."
Russian Fyodor Konyukhov has recorded the fastest circumnavigation of the planet in a hot-air balloon. Photo: AFP
Mr Konyukhov's route took him from Australia to above New Zealand, the Pacific Ocean, South America, the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and the Southern Ocean.
As he made his way back to Australia, his website reported his comments as a polar jet stream pushed him towards Antarctica.
It is "scary to be so down south and away from civilisation," he said. "This place feels very lonely and remote. No land, no planes, no ships."
His crew said the balloon, which is 56m tall and uses helium and hot air, covered the route in 11 days and six hours, beating Mr Fossett's record by more than two days.
The American, who also started from Northam, took 13 days and eight hours in setting his record.
There has been no immediate comment by the World Air Sports Federation, but they did tweet that Mr Konyukhov had been successful
He succeeded! Russian RTW balloonist Fedor Konyukhov landed safe and sound after 11d 8h and 42min in ! https://t.co/X9tyNhxM4j
— FAI (@airsports_fai) July 23, 2016
- BBC
