The teenager has already taken several flying lessons

However, Andrew McQuillan is making the mammoth trip from the safety of his garage - where he is building an Airbus A320 flight simulator.

The 18-year-old A-level student is part of Group Flight UK, which simulates flights with virtual pilots across the UK.

The group's latest marathon adventure started on Wednesday and is expected to finish on 2 August.

The pilots "took off" from Belfast International Airport, with Frankfurt the first port of call.

Among the exotic destinations have been Madeira, the Seychelles, Maldives and Colombo.

The "plane" is currently en route from Bangkok to Hong Kong.

Right now Con Law, the My Travel base captain at Aldergrove, is flying the plane and he has been amazed at how realistic it is Andrew McQuillan

"We are hoping to have the simulator completed by next year, but at the moment it is fully operational," said Andrew, a pupil at Methodist College in Belfast.

"We chose the Airbus A320 to fly because it is easier than a Boeing.

"Right now Con Law, the My Travel base captain at Aldergrove, is flying the plane and he has been amazed at how realistic it is.

"Our charity this year is Save the Children and our principle sponsor is Easyjet."

The group is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the charity through the event, which culminates in a simulation show in Birmingham.

"We are offering prizes through a raffle and information for people wanting to participate in the flight simulation is available on our website," said Andrew.

The teenager has already taken several flying lessons and is hoping to get his pilot's licence.