Russian balloonist ‘lands new round the world record’

Russian balloonist Fedor Konyukhov has landed safely in the Australian Outback after claiming a new world record for flying solo around the world nonstop in 11 days.

Flight coordinator John Wallington said Mr Konyukhov landed 100 miles (160km) east of the town of Northam, where he started his journey on July 12 and about three hours after he flew over it on his return.

American Steve Fossett also started from Northam to set a record of 13 days and eight hours for his 21,000-mile journey in 2002.

The Swiss-based World Air Sports Federation did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of the new record.