Singapore Airlines and Airbus are working to restore non-stop service to New York by 2018 with the development of a more fuel efficient A350-900 that would make the route economically viable.
Non-stop service from Singapore to Newark halted in 2013, as Singapore failed to turn a profit on a gas-guzzling four-engine A340-500 that was configured with less than 100 seats (check out Friendly Skies’ review of the flight). With the potential to cost fuel costs by 25%, Singapore hopes that the 9,536 mile (15,344 kilometers) route will be profitable.
Emirates has announced service to Panama City on a 777-200LR which will become world’s longest flight at 8,339 miles, but Singapore would easily reclaim that title if it resumed non-stop service to New York.
Do you think Singapore should restart this route?
Way too long for a non-stop. Haven’t these airlines’ flight surgeons ever heard of thrombosis?
Even flying in first class after 6 hours I just want the flight to be over regardless of the quality/amount of food or comfort of the seat. I flew from SIN-West Coast in ANA F. Six hours to NRT, 8 hours to SEA. With a 4 hour layover in NRT I got to stretch my legs, shower and recompose which made a very long trip manageable.
From a prestige perspective, sure. I see nothing wrong with a flag carrier maintaining a “prestige” route between, say, capital cities or largest cities as a way to build the brand. Economically, though? The big issue I see with SQ starting this route is the collapse of the Chinese economy. That’s going to spread a lot of collateral damage to countries like Singapore, so even with a fuel efficient plane like the A350 and $40 oil, I think they’re going to struggle keeping a route like SIN-JFK going.
I’m with Steve on this. These flights are way too long for the ordinary passenger. For business passengers, I can see the appeal in a shorter travel time compared to connecting but man, that’s still a long time to be on a plane (even in a premium cabin).
Oh God, what a smelly mess the toilets would be!