Article from BTNews 1 OCTOBER 2018
Date set for longest route
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to take the next big step in its development next week as it launches the world’s longest commercial flight – a 9,000nmi (16,700km) journey from its home base to New York Newark, with an average flight time of 18hr 45min.
It follows delivery to the airline of the first ultra-long range (ULR) Airbus A350-900, which can fly up to 9,700nmi or 20hr without stopping to refuel. As launch customer, SIA has ordered seven of the type.
With the Newark service scheduled for 11 October, SIA is preparing more routes as additional aircraft are delivered, with Singapore – Los Angeles set for November and Singapore – San Francisco shortly after.
Receiving the first aircraft, SIA chief executive Goh Choon Phong said: “This is a proud moment for us and Airbus because we have strengthened our partnership and pushed the limits with this highly-advanced new aircraft to extend long-range flying to new lengths.”
Singapore’s A350-900ULRs are configured in a 161-cabin layout, with 67 seats in Business Class and 94 in Premium Economy. The airline currently has 22 A350-900s in its fleet and 45 more on order, including the six additional ULR variant.
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