Preparations for the start of the world’s longest commercial flight are being stepped with the delivery of the first Airbus A350-900 ultra long-range aircraft to Singapore Airlines.
Flights between Singapore and Newark Liberty International airport will take up to 18h hours 45 minutes.
The service is due to start on October 11 with an aircraft capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles, or more than 20 hours non-stop.
SIA is the launch customer for the new generation A350-900ULR, which will be configured in a two-class layout, with 67 business class seats and 94 in premium economy.
The flight to New York will cover a distance of approximately 9,000 nautical miles.
The airline has firm orders for seven A350-900ULRs.
The first two A350-900ULRs will be used for the launch of the Singapore-New York service while subsequent aircraft will be used for a Singapore-Los Angeles connection from November 2, as well as to increase frequency on the existing Singapore-San Francisco route.
SIA will link Singapore and the US with 27 weekly non-stop flights by the end of the year.
The airline now has 22 A350-900s in its fleet, with 45 more on order including the additional ULR variants.
SIA chief executive, Goh Choon Phong, said: “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 A350-900ULR will bring more convenience and comfort to our customers and will enable us to operate ultra-long-range flights in a commercially viable manner. It will help us boost our network competitiveness and further grow the Singapore hub.”
Airbus chief executive Tom Enders added: “Today’s delivery is a milestone for Airbus and Singapore Airlines, as together we open a new chapter in non-stop air travel.
“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.”
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