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Singapore Airlines (SIA) relaunched its nonstop flights, which are considered to be the world’s longest, in October.
The inaugural flight took off at Singapore’s Changi Airport and touched down at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, United States. Covering over 9,500 miles, the flight was almost an 18-hour marathon with 150 passengers and 17 crew members on board.
Initially, the flights operated only three times a week. After SIA added another long-range aircraft, the nonstop flights have been running daily.
SIA had previously offered nonstop flights in 2004. However, the airline ended the service in 2013 because the aircraft used then cost an arm and a leg to maintain. Today, SIA uses the A350-900 ULR aircraft, which consumes less fuel.
The aircraft can accommodate up to 161 passengers with its 94 premium economy and 67 business-class seats. To minimize passengers’ jet lag, the aircraft has adjustable lighting settings. Aside from its spacious legroom, the aircraft also features 1,200 hours’ worth of movies and TV shows.
Another airline that offers long commercial flights is the Australia-based Qantas [kwon-tus] Airways. In March, Qantas landed its first nonstop flight from Perth, Australia, to Heathrow, London. It was a 17-hour route, making it the third longest nonstop flight behind the record of SIA and Qatar Airways’ 17.5-hour flight.
However, Qantas might get ahead of SIA soon as it plans to launch a 20-hour flight from Sydney to London. Last year, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce challenged top aircraft manufacturers Airbus SE and Boeing Co. to develop planes that can endure long flights. In August this year, Joyce claimed that he is confident that Qantas already has vehicles that could turn the company’s goal into reality.