A PHOTOGRAPHER is set to be one of the first people to experience the world’s longest commercial flight, a marathon 17-and- a-half hours.

This week Qatar Airways launched its new record-breaking Auckland service, which flies non-stop from Doha in Qatar to New Zealand.

Adam Booth, 33, from Rosehill, Burnley, will be one of the first to experience the ultimate in long-haul travel when he embarks on a ‘trip of a lifetime’ five-week trip.

And yet Mr Booth only realised he would experiencing the 14,535 kilometre trip non-stop when he saw a news item on the new record-breaking flight.

He said: “I’ve been planning this for months and have never been so excited about anything.

“I’m flying out on February 17 and meeting with my girlfriend Sophie Cooper, who’s already travelling there.

“To be honest I booked the flight on a website and it was only when I saw an online article that I realised I’d be on one of the first record-breaking services.

“I never flown long haul before, the longest flight I’ve ever done is about three hours to Greece.

“I’m planning a lot of music to pass the time and hoping to get some sleep and those who know me will tell you there’s likely to be two or three beers consumed.

“It’s the journey back that will be the killer as on the way I’ll just be beside myself with anticipation.”

On Monday, the first flight touched down on New Zealand’s North island, just after sunrise.

Celebrations to mark the launch of the world’s-longest commercial flight began at the airport with a traditional water salute as the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 taxied down the runway.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, travelled on board the inaugural flight from Doha to Auckland and was welcomed by New Zealand minister of trade Todd McClay.

Mr Al Baker 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.

“Achieving the title of world’s longest flight for the return record-breaking service, provides another accomplishment to celebrate in this our 20th year.”

The new flight to Auckland is served by a Boeing 777, which has a two-class configuration with 42 seats in business class and 217 seats in economy class.