Comeback for longest flight

THE world’s longest direct commercial flight, from Singapore to New York, made a comeback yesterday, nine years after fuel prices led to it being axed.

Operated by Singapore Airlines, the trip between Changi Airport and Newark Airport in New Jersey takes slightly under 19 hours.

Flights will initially run three times a week, rising to daily once a second Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft is delivered.

Singapore Airlines launched the record-breaking route in 2004, but cancelled it nine years later.

Campbell Wilson, the airline’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing, said the Airbus A350-900ULR consumed 25 per cent less fuel than an older aircraft of the same size.

He added that the direct route saves travellers, who would otherwise have a stopover in Frankfurt, six hours.

“It eliminates a transfer, it gets people there in comfort. We think it’s going to be a success,” Mr Wilson said.

The flight will not have any economy seats. Instead, it has 94 premium economy and 67 business class seats.

The Singapore carrier has seven more A350-900ULRS on firm order with Airbus. The aircraft can fly for more than 20 hours non-stop.