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If you’re interested in flying on the longest flight in the world, make sure you are searching for the correct airports…
LONGEST FLIGHT IN THE WORLD
Prior to the pandemic, Singapore operated the longest flight in the world – a non-stop flight from Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR).
And the carrier has just announced the flight will return next month, but with one slight modification…the destination will now be New York (JFK), not Newark (EWR).
Beginning 9 November 2020, the new schedule will be as follows:
- SQ24 SIN – JFK Departure 2:25AM / Arrival 7:30AM
- SQ23 JFK – SIN Departure 10:30PM / Arrival 6:10AM (+2 days)
WHY THE CHANGE?
The carrier had the following to say about the change:
Operating to JFK International Airport would allow Singapore Airlines to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate. SIA’s non-stop services to New York would also be supported by the growing number of transfer passengers who can now transit via Singapore’s Changi Airport.
SIA also anticipates significant cargo demand from a range of industries based in the New York metro area, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and technology firms. The new service will provide the only non-stop air cargo link from the U.S. Northeast to Singapore, which serves as a regional distribution hub for many major U.S.-based companies.
This is an interesting statement given at the time of this publication, American citizens are not allowed to enter or transit Singapore, thus there are minimal passengers (at best).
Cargo (understandably) appears to be the main motivator given airlines are struggling, everybody needs a side hustle, and cargo rates peaked in spring.
Historically, Singapore Airlines has also operated a flight between New York (JFK) and Singapore (SIN) via Frankfurt (FRA) but that service is not scheduled to return until after the new year.
It’s also worth noting that, as of today, the carrier also operates a non-stop services to Los Angeles and says it “will continue to review its operations to the United States, and assess the growing demand for air travel amid the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, before deciding to reinstate services to other points in the country.”
FINAL STAMP
It’s always interesting to see these type of developments because airlines used to announce route changes many months in advance, but in this case Singapore Airlines is only giving three weeks’ notice.
Personally, I’m not exactly sure who the airline is referring to when they say ‘transfer passengers’ given the current restrictions but it will be interesting to see how long this change lasts.
And despite transitioning to a different airport, the flight will continue to be the longest flight in the world increasing the total distance flown from 9,534 miles (to EWR) to 9,537 miles (to JFK).
Have you ever considered flying one of the longest flights in the world?
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