Voyager Breaks World Record With Falklands Flight

A Voyager aircraft has set a new world record for the fastest-ever flight between the UK and the Falkland Islands.

The plane flew from the Falklands to RAF Brize Norton in just 13 hours and 22 mins – breaking the record it set on the way out of 15 hours and nine minutes.

"As a former VC10 pilot, I was delighted to be part of an amazing team that has set a new record, flying direct to Falkland Islands," said Dave Hall, captain of the flight, who is now a sponsored reservist Voyager pilot for No. 10 Squadron.

"It's an extremely poignant moment in history, the record has stood for over 30 years; I am extremely proud of what we have all achieved."

Full-time regulars, reservists and civilian personnel all contributed to the success of the flight, ensuring that it was conducted as safe as possible.

"[It is] fantastic to see a new fastest time to the Falkland Islands being set," Wing Commander Al Scott, Officer Commanding 10 Squadron, said.

"I’m really pleased to have 10 Squadron reservist participation in the flight and our squadron’s continued connection with that record."

The journey between the UK and the Falklands consists of 6,834 nautical miles and it is done twice a week by aircraft departing from the RAF base.

Known as the South Atlantic Airbridge (SAA) the flights provide a crucial link between Britain and the overseas territory.

While normally the SAA flights would stop off to allow the aircraft to resupply, this journey marked the first direct flight between the UK and the Falklands in over 30 years.

The capability to flight directly to the Falkland Islands was developed in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It aims to support the global effort while also minimising the risks of the virus spreading.

Cover image: Crown Copyright.