eBusiness Weekly
THE world’s longest commercial flight will be launched in October by Singapore Airlines.
Passengers will fly non-stop between New York and Singapore, covering a distance of around 9,500 miles.
New Airbus A35-900ULR (ultra long range) aircraft will be used for the flights, lasting up to 18 hours and 45 minutes.
They will be configured with 94 premium economy seats and 67 business class seats.
The existing longest passenger flight is operated by Qatar Airways between Doha and Auckland, at 14 524,33 kilometres.
Singapore Airlines served the Singapore-New York route until 2013, when it suspended flights due to high fuel costs.
The A35-900ULR offers better fuel efficiency and is designed to offer a more comfortable travelling environment.
The aircraft has higher ceilings, larger windows, a wider body and lighting that reduces jet lag.
The UK’s longest non-stop route is the 14 498,58 kilometre Qantas service between London and Perth, which launched in March.
Qantas’ new daily route from the UK to the west coast of Australia means British holidaymakers heading Down Under can now avoid the time-consuming hassle of a transfer in cities like Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong.
The first London to Perth route is scheduled to take 16 hours 45 minutes, while Jacob’s inbound journey from Perth to London, going against the wind, took around 17 hours and 15.
But between taxiing, boarding and disembarking, my time spent on board leapt to almost 18 hours. — The Sun.
