Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan beat the altitude record for a solar-powered electric plane in a flight that took him soaring to 9,521 metres, his team announced Wednesday.

The SolarStratos plane made the landmark flight from Sion airport in southwest Switzerland on Tuesday, taking advantage of warm air thermals to go beyond the record that has stood for 15 years.

The certified altitude record for a solar plane stands at 9,235 metres (30,298 feet).

The achievement is "one of those unforgettable peaks that define great human and technological adventures", the SolarStratos mission said in a statement.

Domjan's flight lasted five hours and nine minutes.

"I share this moment of joy with all the people who have been preparing for this achievement for years," the 53-year-old "eco-explorer" said.

See Full Page