Citing need to 'rebuild', SIA to resume 18-hour-long direct flights to New York
This three-times a week route will be the only non-stop air cargo link from the US Northeast to Singapore.
Starting Nov 9, Singapore Airlines will resume flights to New York – marking the return of one of the longest non-stop flights in the world that is struggling to recover from the pandemic.
This three-times a week route will be the only non-stop air cargo link from the US Northeast to Singapore, which serves as a regional distribution hub for many major US-based companies.
“Operating these flights between Singapore and New York’s JFK International Airport represent an important step in the rebuilding of our global network,” says Lee Lik Hsin, SIA’s executive vice president, commercial.
“Nonstop ultra-long services are the bedrock of our services to the key US market,” adds Lee. SIA has maintained its direct to Los Angeles flights but has suspended its previous service between Singapore and Newark, New York.
The airline will be using its Airbus A350-900 long-range aircraft on the route. This aircraft is configured with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy Class and 187 Economy Class seats.
According to the airline, by operating to JFK International Airport, it would be able to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate.
Furthermore, this non-stop flight to New York would also be supported by the growing number of transfer passengers who can now transit via Changi Airport.
In addition, SIA is expecting significant cargo demand from a range of industries based in the New York metro area, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and technology firms.
“Despite the challenging times for the airline industry, there are some early signs of optimism about a recovery in air travel. Our customers say that they are increasingly confident about air travel, given the robust health and safety measures that are in place, as well as testing regimes to protect them and our staff,” says Lee.
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“This optimism is also driven by recent moves by countries such as Singapore, which are easing the restrictions on both transit and inbound passengers in a safe and gradual manner,” he adds.
SIA closed Oct 20 at $3.51, down two cents, or 0.57%.
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