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Tesla Model X sets a world record by towing a Qantas 787-9

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Updated: February 17, 2022

Joining the ranks of production cars towing airplanes world record holders, Tesla and Qantas teamed up to tow a 787-9 with a Tesla Model X. By pulling the 130 tonne 787 in Melbourne, Tesla set the Guinness World Record for heaviest tow by an electric production passenger vehicle.

Related: Porsche sets world record by towing an Air France A380

Not your average tug

While airlines and airports around the world are working on implementing various types of electric taxi methods, this is the most inventive—if impractical—solution we’ve seen so far. Tesla used a Model X P100D to tow Qantas’ newest 787-9 VH-ZND nearly 300 meters.

Here’s some more from the Tesla + Qantas world record attempt.

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All photos courtesy Qantas.

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Ian Petchenik

Ian Petchenik’s love of aviation began at an early age growing up next to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. As Flightradar24’s director of communications and co-host of the AvTalk podcast Ian now gets to share that passion for aviation with millions of Flightradar24 users and listeners around the world.

Ian Petchenik

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