His plane took off/ has taken off a few minutes ago.
His plane took off a few minutes ago.
The president has resigned / has been resigned and a new president has elected / has been elected.
The president has resigned and a new president has been elected.
I work / 've been working in Dubai since last March.
I've been working in Dubai since last March.
How many e-mails have you sent / have you been sending?
How many e-mails have you sent?
A huge snowstorm has hit / has been hit New York.
A huge snowstorm has hit New York.
What did you do / have you been doing in the bathroom? You were / 've been in there for ages.
What have you been doing in the bathroom? You've been in there for ages.