Singapore Airlines launched the longest non-stop commercial flight in the world, from Changi to Newark. This direct service takes off again after a five-year pause.
The flight takes 18 hours, 25 minutes on the outbound, and 18 hours, 45 minutes on the return leg. The route covers approximately 9,521 miles, nearly 500 miles longer than the next-longest airline route (Qatar’s service between Auckland and Doha).
Singapore Airlines operated the route using the Airbus 350-900 ULR (ultra-long-range) that has been configured to carry 67 business passengers and 94 premium economy customers.
A business class ticket will entitle passengers to two meals, and the choice of when they are served, plus refreshments in between. They will also have a bed to sleep in. Premium economy fares will get three meals at fixed times, with refreshments in between.
Corrine Png, CEO of transport research firm Crucial Perspective told Reuters the airline’s revenue contribution from the Americas region is currently at 14 percent, down from 20 percent in 2013 due to the loss of the non-stop flights.
“Operating trans-Pacific connecting flights opened Singapore Airlines to a lot more competition from other carriers and resulted in the loss of high-yielding business traffic,” she said.
“We expect Singapore Airlines to regain market share, especially in the premium travel market.”
However, Singapore Airlines has been offering low initial fares on its U.S. non-stop routes, including as little as S$1,438 ($1,040) return for premium economy on Singapore-Newark, CAPA Centre for Aviation Chief Analyst Brendan Sobie said as cited from Reuters.
Sources: Fortune.com, Forbes.com, BBC.com, Reuters.com