Singapore Airlines will soon offer direct flights from Singapore to New York.
If you need to travel to Singapore, you’ll soon be able to take the longest commercial flight in the world to get there. Singapore Airlines’ new Airbus A350-900ULR can fly non-stop for about 11,163 miles (or 9,700 nautical miles), but the trek from New York to Singapore will span around 10,357 miles (or 9,000 nm) over the course of 18 hours and 45 minutes.
Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong says: “This is a proud moment for both Singapore Airlines and Airbus, not only because we have again strengthened our partnership, but also because we have pushed the limits with this highly advanced new aircraft to extend long-range flying to new lengths.”
The Airbus CEO, Tom Enders, added in the statement that: “With its unrivalled range and step-change in fuel efficiency, the A350 is uniquely placed to meet demand for new ultra long haul services. The combination of the A350’s quiet, spacious cabin and SIA’s world-renowned in-flight product will ensure the highest levels of passenger comfort on the world’s very longest routes.”
The aircraft itself has a two-class layout, with94 Premium Economy Class seats and 67 Business Class seats. It is also designed for a more comfortable experience for long-haul travel with larger windows, higher ceilings, an extra wide body, and quieter cabins.
Currently, the title of longest commercial flight is held by Qatar Airways, with a 9,025 mile (7,843 nm) journey between Auckland, New Zealand and Doha, Qatar, spanning over 16 hours.
The first flight of the Airbus A350 will take place on October 11, flying between Singapore and Newark Liberty International Airport. After that, the airline plans to begin services between Los Angeles and Singapore on November 2. By the end of the year, Singapore Airlines plans to offer 27 weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and the U.S.