A 15,500-kilometre journey: New US resident lands after record-breaking flight
Noel Philips recently arrived in New York as a new legal permanent resident of the US. His journey began with a record-breaking flight from Shenyang, China, covering over 15,500 kilometres. The trip marked his first visit to America under his new status.
He was not the only high-profile passenger on this route. In December 2021, Meng Wanzhou also flew the same long-haul Boeing 747 service, CA111, to New York after her release made headlines worldwide.
Philips boarded the world’s longest Boeing 747 flight, lasting 15 hours. The plane flew over Beijing, Japan, Alaska, and Canada before touching down in New York. He travelled in business class, where he could lie flat—a relief for his stiff back during the long journey.
Despite the comfort, he found the cabin lights too bright during takeoff, blocking his view outside. Mid-flight, he enjoyed a meal and noted the crew’s attentive service, even though their English was limited. As the plane landed, the cabin lit up like a disco in celebration. Yet, his accommodation in New York left him unimpressed. The open layout, lacking doors, made him feel as if he were 'sleeping in a hallway'.
Philips completed his first US trip as a permanent resident after a marathon flight. The journey included both highs, like the flat-bed seat and crew service, and lows, such as the overly bright cabin and awkward hotel layout. His arrival followed the same route taken by Meng Wanzhou months earlier, highlighting the flight’s significance for notable travellers.
