Singapore Airlines to launch world's longest commercial flights in October

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch the world's longest commercial flights from October 11 between Singapore and New Jersey in the United States of America.

The 161-seat flight will cover 15,329 km non-stop, with travelling time lasting up to 18 hours and 45 minutes.

"We are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest-technology, ultralong-range Airbus A350-900ULR," reported Channel News Asia, quoting SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong as saying.

According to the SIA, tickets will be made available for sale progressively across various booking channels starting from Thursday.

In the beginning, the flight is planned to operate three times a week from Changi Airport in Singapore to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

However, when an additional aircraft comes into service, daily operations will commence from October 18.

The new service, when it commences, will be Southeast Asia's only non-stop connection to the North American east coast.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) Managing Director (air hub development) Lim Ching Kiat said, "With the advent of ultra long range aircraft, non-stop long haul routes are now more efficient and viable."

There will be 72 weekly passenger services between Changi Airport and the United States with the new Singapore-Newark service, the CAG said.