The Singapore-Newark flight was the world’s longest scheduled passenger flight before the pandemic. Spanning over 18 hours and 15, 344 km (9,534 miles) the flight was delayed from March 23 until further notice.
The world’s longest non-stop flight just got a little bit longer.
Singapore Airlines is ready to embark on its record-holding flight again but it will be even longer than before.
Departing on November 9, the airline will fly from Singapore’s Changi Airport to New York’s JFK Airport rather than New Jersey’s Newark Airport. This pushes the flight to 15,347.5km or 9,536.5 miles.
‘Operating to JFK International Airport would allow Singapore Airlines (SIA) to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate. SIA’s non-stop services to New York would also be supported by the growing number of transfer passengers who can now transit via Singapore’s Changi Airport,’ said the airline in a statement.
The Airline will operate the Airbus A350-900 long-range aircraft on the route. This aircraft is configured with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy Class and 187 Economy Class seats.
The flight will operate three-times weekly.
‘Operating these flights between Singapore and New York’s JFK International Airport represent an important step in the rebuilding of our global network. Non-stop ultra-long services are the bedrock of our services to the key U.S. market. We will continue to ramp up existing services and reinstate other points as the demand for both passenger and cargo services return,’ said Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial for Singapore Airlines.
‘Despite the challenging times for the airline industry, there are some early signs of optimism about a recovery in air travel. Our customers say that they are increasingly confident about air travel, given the robust health and safety measures that are in place, as well as testing regimes to protect them and our staff. This optimism is also driven by recent moves by countries such as Singapore, which are easing the restrictions on both transit and inbound passengers in a safe and gradual manner.
‘The fundamental importance of air travel remains unchanged despite the pandemic. Air travel can bridge long distances and physically bring together families and friends, support both business and leisure trips, and has a direct impact on economic growth and job creation. That gives us confidence about the medium to long-term prospects for the industry,’ he concluded.
Picture: Singapore Airlines
