Russian balloonist 'breaks Fossett's round-the-world record'

Baku. 23 July. REPORT.AZ/ A Russian balloonist has set a new record for flying non-stop around the world, his support crew have said, Report informs citing the BBC.

Fyodor Konyukhov's balloon was said to have passed directly over the airfield in the Australian town of Northam where he began his journey 11 days ago.

If his record is confirmed by the World Air Sports Federation, he will have taken more than two days off the record set by American Steve Fossett in 2002.

Konyukhov, 65, landed safely about three hours after passing Northam.

"He's safe, he's sound, he's happy. It's just amazing,'' support crew member John Wallington said from the landing site in West Australia.

"The record is broken, no question. He flew over the same field which he took off from."

Konyukhov's route took him from Australia to above New Zealand, the Pacific Ocean, South America, the Cape of Good Hope and the Southern Ocean.

As he made his way back to Australia, his website reported his comments as a polar jet stream pushed him towards Antarctica.