Air India claims first journey around the world with all-women crew

The air traffic controllers responsible for the flight were also women, the airline said

An Indian airline says it has made the first passenger journey around the world operated by an all-women crew.

The Air India flight departed from New Delhi to San Francisco on Monday and returned to the Indian capital on Friday.

The Boeing 777 flew over the Pacific Ocean on its trip to the US, while its return flight was over the Atlantic, encircling the globe, the company said.

Air India says it has applied for an entry on the Guinness World Record.

Check-in and ground handling staff, the engineers who certified the aircraft and the air traffic controllers who authorised the departure and arrival of the plane were also all women, the company said.

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Flight was completed ahead of International Women's Day

Air India says it will operate other flights with all-women teams as part of International Women's day, celebrated on 8 March of every year.

In January, the company started selling female-only seat sections after reports some women were being groped by other passengers.