Solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) took off from Dubai Monday, on the first leg its five-month record-breaking round-the-world flight, CNBC reported.
The plane took off from Abu Dhabi's Al-Bateen airport at 07:12 GMT Monday, and was set to land in Muscat Oman at 15:00GMT. The flight's first leg was originally set for Saturday, but was delayed due to wind storms in Dubai.
"We are demonstrating that we can achieve impossible things with renewable energies and clean technologies," Solar Impulse Chairman Bertrand Piccard said.
The Si2 is powered by 17,247 solar cells stretched across the plane's wings which exceed the span of a Boeing 747.
Lithium batteries will help store energy, allowing the aircraft to fly at night.
Si2's predecessor already set seven world records for solar flight including height gain, free distance and for completing a 26-hour day and night trip.
Following an overnight pilot change in Oman, Si2 will continue on to India, China, Myanmar, Hawaii and the continental US.
After crossing the Atlantic, Si2 will stop over in Southern Europe or North Africa before returning to the UAE.
The entire trip is expected to last about five months, ending in July or August.
