Christchurch only Australasian stop for round-world jet

Ground staff at Christchurch Airport will have to act like a Formula 1 pit crew this weekend as a jet stops off during an attempt at the fastest around the world flight.

The record for a flight which passes both poles is 54 hours, set by a Boeing 747SP 30 years ago.

The new record bid will be attempted in a Tag Aviation Bombardier Global Express, due to leave London on Saturday morning and aiming to touch down in Christchurch - its only Australasian stop - 12.30am Sunday.

New Zealand organiser Tony McFarlin of Capital Jet Services said the plane would need to take on about 24,000 litres of fuel during a stop which was hoped to take less than 30 minutes.

- NZPA