DHAKA: The Sun-powered aircraft Solar Impulse has finished its penultimate flight, landing in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.

It took off from the Spanish city of Seville at 04:20 GMT on Monday, taking just over 24 hours to make the trip.

The zero-fuel aircraft is now in the home straight of its bid to circumnavigate the globe.

Its final stop is Abu Dhabi, where the challenge began in March 2015. The two pilots sharing flying duties will each take one more turn at the controls.

Andre Borschberg did the Seville-Cairo stage; Bertrand Piccard will complete the challenge by taking Solar Impulse back into the United Arab Emirates.

Mission managers organized to land in Egypt in the morning when the winds and temperatures were most favorable.

BBC science correspondent Jonathan Amos says they will now have to be particularly careful not to expose the solar cells on the plane to too much heat when it is stationary on the ground in Cairo.

Before taking off from Seville International Airport, Borschberg said he inevitably felt the emotion of making his last journey in the plane.

‘It’s meaningful obviously because it’s my last flight in this round-the-world epic. I’ve started to think about it. I’m happy that we get close to the end but also prudent knowing that it is not done yet. I have to stay really focused.’

The penultimate leg crossed seven countries and as well as negotiating busy air routes.

BDST: 1319 HRS, JUL 13, 2016
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