Solar plane delays departure; hopes to leave for Hawaii on Saturday
Solar Impulse 2, the plane attempting to be the first to fly around the world powered only by the sun, has had to push back its departure from Nanjing, China, for Hawaii due to weather.
The pilots were hoping to take off Monday, but now they are looking at a Saturday departure, said a Solar Impulse 2 spokeswoman. The flight to Hawaii is the longest non-stop flight on the round-the-world trip and will take about five days.
Andre Borschberg, co-founder and CEO of Solar Impulse 2, will pilot the plane for the five-day flight.
The Solar Impulse 2 team said the plane is expected to land at the Kalaeloa Airport in West Oahu and will be in Hawaii for a minimum of three days.
Solar Impulse 2 began its planned 25,000-mile trip around the world on March 9 from Abu Dhabi.
The take-off from China and journey will be broadcast live at www.solarimpulse.com.
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