Singapore Airlines has launched the world’s longest commercial flight, between Singapore and New York.
The first new non-stop flight between Singapore and New York departed Changi International Airport last night and arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport earlier.
The flight duration was 17 hours 52 minutes.
Operated by the all-new Airbus A350-900ULR, the route will initially be served thrice-weekly, departing Singapore on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Daily operations will commence from October 18th after an additional A350-900ULR aircraft enters service.
To commemorate the inaugural flight, customers departing from Singapore were treated to an evening of performances and an assortment of food and beverages at a special boarding gate event.
Customers also received an exclusive goodie bag containing a commemorative certificate and a pair of SIA-branded Bodum glasses.
Designed with the customers’ well-being in mind, sleep strategies and specific cabin lighting settings to enhance cabin ambience for rest and relaxation were also introduced.
The aircraft is designed with higher ceilings, larger windows and an extra wide body to help reduce jetlag and ensure that customers feel well rested and relaxed upon arrival.
Customers can also experience high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi service on Singapore Airlines’ new A350-900ULR aircraft.
Equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ new satellite modem that operates with its third-generation satellite network, the service is capable of delivering higher-speed Internet to customers.
Currently available on A350-900ULR aircraft in Singapore Airlines’ fleet, this service will be progressively introduced on other aircraft that are equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Internet and mobile in-flight connectivity.
“Singapore Airlines is proud to introduce the world’s longest commercial flights with the new A350-900ULR and we are even more excited to be providing customers with improved connectivity between Singapore and the United States.
“This demonstrates our commitment to putting our customers’ needs at the forefront of all that we do,” said Singapore Airlines chief executive, Goh Choon Phong.