(Image source from: Traveller.com.au)

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will set up a world's largest commercial flight on October 11, as it recommences non-stop services between Singapore and New York using Ultra Long Range (ULR) version of the Airbus A350-900.

Departing Singapore on Monday, Thursday and Saturday the service to Newark Liberty International Airport will be operated three times a week. Daily operation will begin from October 18 after an additional A350-900ULR aircraft enters service.

The launch customer for the A350-900ULR, SIA has seven of the planes on order. It will take delivery of its initial one in September and receive all by end of the year. The aircraft will be designed in a two-class layout with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. Tickets will be made acquirable for sale progressively across booking channels, commencing from Thursday.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group's (CAG) managing director, air hub development, said, "With the advent of ultra long range aircraft, non-stop long-haul routes are now more efficient and viable. The new SIA New York service is South-east Asia's only non-stop connection to the North American east coast, and I'm confident it will be well-received by Changi Airport's passengers, especially time-pressed business travelers."

Flights will be covering a distance of about 16,700 kilometers and traveling period will be up to 18 hours 45 minutes.

SIA chief Goh Choon Phong said, "The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines legendary service and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub." SIA will continue to operate its existing one-stop service to New York via Frankfurt.

By Sowmya Sangam