Frequent flyers and long-haul travellers may be regulars to sitting in airplanes, but how does a 19-hour journey sound? Singapore Airlines’ service between New York’s JFK Airport and Singapore Changi is currently the world’s longest, for now at least.
Boarding the aircraft in America, passengers are strapped to their seats for a whopping 9,537-mile journey in 18 hours and 50 minutes. The journey is nothing new, with the Singapore Airlines service first launching back in 2018.
Some may ask how such a feat is possible. Well, the Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900ULR is equipped with an enhanced fuel system capable of carrying up to 24,000 litres. It’s enough to keep the aircraft in the sky for more than 20 hours without refuelling, meaning the 19-hour trip isn’t even pushing the upper limits of the technology.
However, tickets are still super exclusive, with just 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy tickets available on each service. Singapore Airlines has previously explained that its A350-900ULR planes will offer customers a “more comfortable travelling experience” with a range of standout features.
Passengers will benefit from higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body and lighting designed to reduce jetlag. Singapore Airlines has also previously explained that its designed carbon composite airframe allows for improved air quality in another boost for customers.
At the time the services launched in 2018, Singapore Airlines’ CEO Goh Choon Phong stressed the company was “pushing the boundaries” of travel.
He said: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.”
However, Singapore Airlines is expected to lose the record sooner rather than later, with Qantas Airways set to scoop the award. The new longest flight in the world is set to be the Australian company’s new non-stop service between Sydney and London.
