While Qantas and Emirates scrambled for the title of the ‘world’s longest flight’, Singapore Airlines has creeped up from behind and snatched it away.
Last week, the Southeast Asian carrier said it plans on introducing seven ultra-long-range variant of the A350 aircraft to its fleet, which will give it the ability to resume non-stop services between Singapore to the United States.
Commencing in 2018, the airline expects to be able to fly a range of up to 8,700nm from Singapore to US cities – Los Angeles and New York.
The flight time would be around 19 hours – three hours longer than the world’s current longest non-stop service – Qantas’ trans-Pacific flights between Sydney and Dallas; and one and a half hours longer than Emirates’ Dubai to Panama City route, which commences next year.
While Singapore Airlines said customers have requested the non-stop service, we’re wondering how many of KarryOn’s readers would prefer a stopover over a 19-hour flight?
With 19 hours on your hands you could enjoy one great eight-hour sleep and have time to watch around five movies, but with a stopover there’s the chance to quickly explore a new destination and stretch your legs before continuing with your travels.
Either way, passengers flying on Singapore Airlines’ A350 will have access to wider and quieter cabins as well as the carrier’s award-winning in-flight product.
“The A350 is the perfect, flexible platform for such operations, offering unrivalled operating economics for the very longest routes.”
Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO
