Singapore Airlines to launch world’s new longest flight soon
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A new direct route between the United States and Asia will soon be the world’s longest non-stop flight. Singapore Airlines will launch a 19-hour flight from Singapore to New York by the end of the year, trumping the current record of 18 hours from Auckland to Doha on Qatar Airways.
This will mean some seriously sore bottoms by the end of the flight — or the chance to watch 10 two hour films back-to-back if you’re a glass half full kind of passenger.
The airline’s flights from Singapore to New York currently make a stop in Frankfurt or London.
Seven new Airbus A350-900ULR planes have been ordered (the ULR in the aircraft model stands for “ultra long-range”).
They are able to go the full 15,300 kilometre distance, and will guzzle an additional 24,000 litres of fuel because of the extra fuel weight they have to carry.
Singapore Airlines says the journey will be comfortable on board, though, with special lighting designed to help ease jet lag.
And there’s reported to be an air management system, which will renew the air every two minutes while helping regulate cabin temperature.
The new Singapore Airlines flight will be two hours longer than the 17-hour direct flight between Perth and London launched by Qantas in March.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which airline currently holds the record for the world's longest non-stop flight?
Which airline currently holds the record for the world's longest non-stop flight?
Qatar Airways currently operates the world's longest non-stop flight. This 18-hour journey travels from Auckland to Doha, surpassing other long-haul routes. Singapore Airlines' new service will soon exceed this record.
Q.What kind of aircraft will Singapore Airlines use for this new ultra long-range flight?
What kind of aircraft will Singapore Airlines use for this new ultra long-range flight?
Singapore Airlines has ordered seven new Airbus A350-900ULR planes for this route. The ULR designation in the model name indicates their 'ultra long-range' capability, allowing them to complete the 15,300 kilometre journey non-stop.
Q.What measures are being taken to ensure passenger comfort on such a long journey?
What measures are being taken to ensure passenger comfort on such a long journey?
Singapore Airlines states the journey will be comfortable, with special lighting designed to ease jet lag. An air management system will also renew cabin air every two minutes and help regulate temperature for passengers.
Q.How does the new Singapore Airlines flight compare in length to other long-haul routes mentioned?
How does the new Singapore Airlines flight compare in length to other long-haul routes mentioned?
The new 19-hour Singapore Airlines flight will be two hours longer than the 17-hour direct flight between Perth and London, which Qantas launched in March. It also surpasses the current 18-hour record held by Qatar Airways.
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