Singapore Airlines already claimed the distinction of operating the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world by flying from its hub in Singapore to Newark International Airport. Next month, it will edge out its own record by a mere three miles by launching non-stop service from Singapore to New York-JFK International Airport instead. The airline previously flew from JFK to Frankfurt as part of a longer route between New York and Singapore, though this service has been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, as have many of its other U.S. flights including those to Seattle and San Francisco. However, Singapore Airlines is continuing to fly a few times a week to Los Angeles.
Singapore Airlines will begin flying to New York JFK using an A350-900 next month.
The new flights will cover an impressive 9,537 miles, and will begin operating on November 9 and take place three times weekly. The opening schedule is as follows.
Singapore Airlines flight SQ24 will depart Singapore Changi International Airport at 2:25am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and arrive the same day at 7:30am with a flight time of 18 hours and five minutes.
Singapore Airlines flight SQ23 will depart New York JFK on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30pm and arrive in Singapore at 6:10am two days later, with a total flight time of 18 hours and 40 minutes.
In a release explaining the move, the airline said, “Operating to JFK International Airport would allow Singapore Airlines to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate. SIA’s non-stop services to New York would also be supported by the growing number of transfer passengers who can now transit via Singapore’s Changi Airport.”
The airline will shift New York-area operations to JFK International Airport beginning in November.
The shift is significant because Singapore’s largest U.S. partner airline is United, which operates solely out of Newark International Airport, though it has said it will resume some service to New York JFK in 2021 – presumably to improve connections with international partners like Singapore Airlines as well as European carriers like Lufthansa and SWISS.
Another reason for the move is cargo. “SIA…anticipates significant cargo demand from a range of industries based in the New York metro area, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and technology firms,” according to the release. “The new service will provide the only non-stop air cargo link from the U.S. Northeast to Singapore, which serves as a regional distribution hub for many major U.S.-based companies.”
Although most airlines are continuing to pare back networks, Singapore Airlines envisions this as a first, major step to re-establishing its international services. “Operating these flights between Singapore and New York’s JFK International Airport represent an important step in the rebuilding of our global network,” said Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial for Singapore Airlines. “Non-stop ultra-long services are the bedrock of our services to the key U.S. market. We will continue to ramp up existing services and reinstate other points as the demand for both passenger and cargo services return.” So perhaps the airline’s other non-stop U.S. routes will be back online soon…with possibly more to come – later in his statement, Mr. Lee said, “We are slowly reinstating operations to our traditional gateways as borders reopen, while remaining open to new opportunities for longer-term growth.”
Interestingly enough, the new route will be operated by one of the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft rather than the A350-900ULR variant it used previously on its Newark service. Whereas the ULR only has business-class and premium-economy cabins with a total of 161 seats, the regular A350-900 has a total of 253 places – 42 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 187 in economy. Presumably that’s because the airline does not predict many passengers for the time being and will instead focus on cargo contracts to make this route profitable. Perhaps we will see a shift to the ULR version with only premium seating once passenger numbers begin to rise again.
Those curious about in-flight service – and who wouldn’t be on a flight that lasts over 18 hours – might find a few changes in store. Before the pandemic, the airline was had launched wellness and cuisine partnerships with spa and hospitality brands Canyon Ranch and COMO. Passengers could find healthy menus as well as
Now, however, passenger wellness is more about safety and sanitation. To that end, the airline has implemented a broad and thorough range of cleaning protocols to ensure its aircraft are germ free. The planes are already equipped with HEPA filters that circulate the air onboard every few minutes and filter out dust, viruses and bacteria. Each plane also undergoes a nose-to-tail cleaning prior to passengers boarding, with the disinfection of hard surfaces, entertainment screens and lavatories, which are also freshened up periodically during flight. Crew members also now wear protective equipment, including goggles, masks and latex gloves, and hand out personal care kits that contain face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant surface wipes. Passengers are also required to keep their own masks on throughout the flight, with the exception of eating or drinking.
While it might take several years for flight operations and route networks to build their way back to pre-COVID levels, it’s refreshing to hear of an airline launching new service even during these troubled times. Singapore Airlines’ Lee Lik Hsin sounds a positive note, though. “The fundamental importance of air travel remains unchanged despite the pandemic. Air travel can bridge long distances and physically bring together families and friends, support both business and leisure trips, and has a direct impact on economic growth and job creation. That gives us confidence about the medium to long-term prospects for the industry.”
Though it might still be a while before we see passenger demand for this and other long-haul routes begin to pick up again…not to mention borders reopening to non-transit passengers.
