World’s longest nonstop flight takes off
PASSENGERS were getting ready to board the world’s longest flight yesterday- a marathon 19 hours in the air between Singapore and New York. Two pilots, a special “wellness” menu and more than seven weeks’ worth of film and television entertainment accompanied travelers on the 16,700-kilometer (10,400-mile) journey to the Big Apple. Singapore Airlines use the longrange Airbus A350-900ULR, configured to carry 161 passengers - 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy, with no regular economy seats available. For the flight crew, which also includes two first officers and a 13-strong cabin contingent, the work load was broken up, the airline said, with each pilot having a minimum eight hours’ rest during the flight. For those not packing a weighty novel (or two), there is 1,200 hours worth of audio-visual entertainment to choose from. Dining options include dishes the airline says have been selected to promote well-being in the skies, with organic dishes on the menu.
The cabin has higher-than-normal ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag - all part of an effort to lessen the stresses that can accompany almost a day on a plane.
“Research has shown that hydration and food intake are important factors to consider, such as avoiding foods that cause gas or bloating as well as excessive alcohol,” Rhenu Bhuller, a health care expert at consultancy Frost & Sullivan, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“The biggest concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis from a combination of sitting for too long and also from dehydration,” said Gail Cross, an associate consultant at the National University Hospital in Singapore.