The revolutionary A350-900ULR is enabling Singapore Airlines to go further on two engines than ever before, while keeping passengers comfortable and economists happy. Wilbur Sargunaraj travelled to Changi to speak with Captain Aloysius Wee, deputy chief pilot for the carrier’s A350 fleet to learn about the world’s longest commercial flight.
For decades Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been a byword for pioneering long-haul international travel. Today, thanks to the ultra long-range variant of the Airbus A350-900, the carrier is able to link its Changi hub with New York/Newark Liberty with a single non-stop flight. Covering almost 9,000nm (16,668km), the service between the two megacities is a demonstration of how progress in aircraft design and engine efficiency can allow carriers to link destinations on the other side of the world. Following a glittering launch in October last year, Flights SQ21 and SQ22 have re-established the airline as the holder of the coveted ‘world’s longest commercial route’ title.
We have, however, been here before, albeit with different equipment. Singapore Airlines first launched the route in June 2004 using fourengine A340-500s in a two-class, 181-passenger layout. Despite la…
