World's biggest solar plane to land in China

The world's biggest solar-powered plane will arrive in China on Tuesday morning in a campaign to raise awareness of renewable energy and environmental protection.

After multiple changes of schedules, Solar Impulse 2 left Myanmar at 6:36 a.m. Monday (Beijing Time) and will make its debut in China at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in the southwestern Chongqing Municipality.

As part of the fifth leg of its round-the-world journey, it is also expected to land in Nanjing in east China before passing over the Pacific Ocean.

During the plane's stay in China, Chinese students will have a chance to learn about the aircraft, renewable energy and aviation, thanks to activities planned by the Swiss embassy and the China Association for Science and Technology.

With a wingspan of 72 meters and carrying 17,248 solar cells on its wings for power supply, 2.3-tonne Solar Impulse 2 can fly both in the day and at night without fueling.

The plane represents the potential of new energy and material and can bring something positive to China, which is faced with rising environmental and energy pressures, said Lyu Fang with the China Renewable Energy Society.

According to its flight schedule, Solar Impulse 2 will undergo major maintenance work in Nanjing before its biggest challenge: crossing the Pacific Ocean within five days and nights.

Solar Impulse 2 started its journey in Abu Dhabi on March 9 and is expected to set a record for flying 40,000 km without a drop of fossil fuel. It is piloted by two Swiss pilots. Endi