SIA receives first Airbus A350-900ULR to fly world's longest flight

It will be used for the 19-hour Singapore-New York flights.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has taken delivery of the world’s first Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range) aircraft from Airbus, an announcement revealed.

The jet is the first of seven A350-900ULRs on firm order and will enter service on 11 October 2018 to be used for the the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight between Singapore and Newark Liberty International Airport.

SIA is the launch customer for the airplane, which is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles (nm), or over 20 hours non-stop.The aircraft is configured in a two-class layout, with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.

“The A350-900ULR will bring more convenience and comfort to our customers and
will enable us to operate ultra-long-range flights in a commercially viable manner,” SIA CEO Goh Choon Poong said.

The Singapore to New York flight will cover a distance of approximately 9,000nm (16,700km), with travelling time of up to 18 hours 45 minutes.

Amongst the aircarfts features are higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body, quieter cabins and lighting designed to reduce jetlag. Its carbon composite airframe also allows for improved air quality due to a more optimised cabin altitude and humidity levels.

The first two A350-900ULRs will be used for the launch of Singapore-New York services whilst subsequent aircraft will be used for Singapore-Los Angeles services commencing on 2 November 2018, as well as to increase frequency on the existing Singapore-San Francisco route.

By the end of 2018, SIA will link Singapore and the United States with 27 weekly non-stop flights.