Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer

aircraft

Also known as: Global Flyer

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer was a specialized aircraft designed by Burt Rutan and piloted by Steve Fossett. It achieved the first solo, unrefueled flight around the world in 2005, completing the journey in approximately 67 hours. This feat demonstrated advanced aviation technology and Fossett's determination. The GlobalFlyer also set a record for the longest airplane flight in 2006, covering over 42,000 km (26,000 miles). The aircraft's design, like other Rutan creations, utilized lightweight, high-tech materials such as fiberglass and plastics.12

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Steve Fossett
Piloting the GlobalFlyer, a specialized plane that featured 13 fuel tanks and a 7-foot (2-metre) cockpit, he took off from Salina, Kansas, on February 28 and returned there some 67 hours later, on March 3. On February 8, 2006, he undertook the longest nonstop airplane flight, taking…
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Piloting the GlobalFlyer, a specialized plane that featured 13 fuel tanks and a 7-foot (2-metre) cockpit, he took off from Salina, Kansas, on February 28 and returned there some 67 hours later, on March 3. On February 8, 2006, he undertook the longest nonstop airplane flight, taking…
Read More

Burt Rutan
Another Rutan-designed aircraft, the GlobalFlyer, piloted by American businessman Steve Fossett, made the first solo unrefueled flight around the world in 2005. In 2006 the GlobalFlyer, again piloted by Fossett, made the longest airplane flight, covering a record 42,469.5 km (26,389.3 miles).
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Another Rutan-designed aircraft, the GlobalFlyer, piloted by American businessman Steve Fossett, made the first solo unrefueled flight around the world in 2005. In 2006 the GlobalFlyer, again piloted by Fossett, made the longest airplane flight, covering a record 42,469.5 km (26,389.3 miles).
Read More