World's longest flight by SIA takes off for New York

From Singapore, it will fly for 18 hours and 45 minutes under normal weather conditions.

The world’s longest flight by Singapore Airlines (SIA) flew from Singapore to New York on 11 October.

Agence France Press reported that passengers were aided with two pilots, a special "wellness" menu and more than seven weeks' worth of film and television entertainment to marathon as they survive the 16,700 km journey (10,400-mile) journey to the US City.

"The biggest concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis from a combination of sitting for too long and also from dehydration," Gail Cross, an associate consultant at the National University Hospital in Singapore.

The flight used the long-range Airbus A350-900ULR which could carry 161 passengers where 67 are in business class and 94 are in premium economy. The journey may last for up to 18 hours and 45 minutes under normal weather conditions, but pilots geared up should they need to fly more than 20 hours non-stop.

The SIA flight defeated Qatar Airways’ Auckland to Doha which flies for 17 hours and 40 minutes as the world’s longest flight.

Here’s more from AFP.