Singapore Airlines holds the record for the world’s longest flight
Business class seats transform into fully flat beds.(Image: Singapore Airlines)
The world’s longest flight connects America to Asia, with travellers spending nearly 19 hours in the air. Singapore Airlines currently holds the record for the longest long-haul route, operating between New York’s JFK Airport and Singapore Changi.
Covering an impressive 9,537 miles, the mammoth journey takes 18 hours and 50 minutes and has been running since the airline launched it in 2018. Singapore Airlines deploys its latest Airbus A350-900ULR on the route, an aircraft engineered to remain airborne for more than 20 hours without needing to refuel.
The aircraft achieves these remarkable flight times thanks to an enhanced fuel system, which increases the plane’s total fuel capacity to an extraordinary 24,000 litres.
However, the service isn’t available to all travellers, as Singapore Airlines has removed economy class from this particular route. Instead, the airline offers 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.
Premium Economy travellers can enjoy extra legroom, a footrest, and an adjustable headrest. They’re also given noise-cancelling headphones and WiFi throughout their flight, reports the Express.
Those flying in Business class enjoy maximum privacy, with their seats converting into fully flat beds for a proper sleep whilst airborne. The aircraft features a host of premium amenities including higher ceilings, larger windows and bespoke lighting designed to reduce jetlag.
The carrier maintains that the aircraft’s cutting-edge carbon composite airframe also delivers exceptional air quality.
Those hoping to book a seat will require substantial funds, as fares routinely reach well into five figures. Singapore Airlines’ Chief Executive, Mr Goh Choon Phong, has previously described the new route as the “fastest way” to journey between the two major cities.
He stated: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.
“The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities – in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines’ legendary service – and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub.”
Whilst Singapore Airlines’ aircraft is undoubtedly remarkable, the world’s largest plane remains the Antonov An-225 Mriya, capable of transporting “52 mature elephants”.