A solar-powered plane has completed the final journey of its global flight, landing in Abu Dhabi.

Solar Impulse concluded an 18-month trip today, flying a total of 40,000 kilometres using clean technologies.

The 17,000-panel aeroplane touched down in the UAE capital, where it began its journey last year, after flying more than 48 hours from Cairo.

The aircraft made stops in Japan, Hawaii, California and Seville before it completed its round-the-world trip.

In a statement, the team said: “The solar airplane has now successfully made it full circle around the world, proving that clean technologies can really achieve the impossible.

“Completing a 13-year exploit is perhaps the biggest challenge we now face but as always, there are new adventures to come. And for the Solar Impulse team, there definitely will be a new dream seeking to be achieved.”