An ultra-long range version of the Airbus A350-900 is set to launch the world’s longest commercial passenger route – a 19 hour flight between Singapore and New York.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has selected Airbus’ newly launched Ultra-Long Range version of the A350-900 for non-stop flights to the US – which will pass through 16 time zones.

Representing a distance of some 8,700 nautical miles, the New York service will be the world’s longest commercial passenger route.

The current longest is a service from Dubai to Panama, a 17 hour flight.

Optimised for non-stop flights to the US, the aircraft, designated A350-900ULR (Ultra-Long Range), will ‎include a modified fuel system to increase the fuel carrying capacity, an increase in maximum take-off weight, plus aerodynamic improvements, enabling service to the US West Coast, as well as to New York.

Wings for the A350 are made at Broughton, Flintshire, where 6,000 people are employed by Airbus.

Under an amendment to the carrier’s existing order for 63 A350-900s, seven of the aircraft will now be delivered with an Ultra-Long Range capability for flights of up to 19 hours.

“We are excited to be working with Singapore Airlines to re-launch its premium non-stop service to the US,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president and chief executive officer.

“The A350 is the perfect, flexible platform for such operations, offering unrivalled operating economics for the very longest routes.

“And the wider and quieter cabin will provide the perfect environment for passengers to enjoy the world-famous Singapore Airlines in-flight product.”

The carrier stopped a previous Singapore to the US service with a four-engine, 100-seat Airbus A340-500 in November 2013 as it was not economical with the four engine plane.

“Our customers have been asking us to re-start non-stop Singapore-US flights and we are pleased that Airbus was able to offer the right aircraft to do so in a commercially viable manner,” said Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong.

“This is another example of how we strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations by remaining at the forefront of product and service innovation in our industry.

“It will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing the fastest and most convenient air connectivity between North America and Southeast Asia.”

Source: DailyPost