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Inside the new world's longest flight: What it's like to fly on Singapore Airlines' new route between Singapore and New York

Thomas PalliniNov 14, 2020, 19:47 IST

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York.Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Singapore Airlines launched a new world's longest flight by distance on Monday, flying non-stop between Singapore and New York.
The route has a great circle distance of 8,287 nautical miles with the longest segment scheduled for 18 hours and 40 minutes
An Airbus A350-900 XWB is used for the flights offering 253 seats in a three-class configuration consisting of business, premium economy, and economy classes.
We hopped onboard the aircraft being used on the route before the first return flight from New York to Singapore on Wednesday.

Singapore Airlines just launched its newest route on Monday between Singapore and New York City, offering the only non-stop flights directly between the two cities.

With a great circle distance of 8,287 nautical miles, the route is the longest in the world by mileage. It overtakes the recently relaunched Singapore Airlines' non-stop route to nearby Newark, New Jersey by a mere two nautical miles, although the airline doesn't see it that way.

Flight times for the route are scheduled at a whopping 18 hours and five minutes on the New York-bound leg, flight SQ24, and 18 hours and 40 minutes for the flight back to Singapore, flight SQ23. For this route, the airline chose the Airbus A350-900 XWB with three cabins including business, premium economy, and economy classes.

So yes, it's possible to fly nearly 19 hours in economy and in a middle seat, though most flying in the cabin will likely have entire rows to themselves.

The route comes at a peculiar time for international travel as Americans can't enter Singapore for tourism or business so carrying cargo will help the airline pay the bills for this flight. As soon as the world opens up again, however, the flights should be filled with eager passengers looking to explore the world again.

We toured the aircraft before its inaugural flight back to Singapore. Here's what it's like aboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB flying on the world's longest flight.

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The new flights utilize Terminal 4 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where Singapore Airlines has a cargo facility to process the freight also being carried onboard.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The new flights utilize Terminal 4 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where Singapore Airlines has a cargo facility to process the freight also being carried onboard.

Flights to Singapore on the airline from JFK were previously operated with an Airbus A380 and required a stop in Frankfurt, Germany but the Airbus A350-900 XWB can fly the route non-stop, especially with fewer than normal passengers.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Flights to Singapore on the airline from JFK were previously operated with an Airbus A380 and required a stop in Frankfurt, Germany but the Airbus A350-900 XWB can fly the route non-stop, especially with fewer than normal passengers.

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The non-stop flight is a huge achievement for the airline but because of the circumstance under which it was operating, there'd be no traditional inaugural celebrations, speeches by ambassadors about the importance of the route, or festivities at the departure gate.

The boarding gate for SQ23 from New York City to Singapore. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The non-stop flight is a huge achievement for the airline but because of the circumstance under which it was operating, there'd be no traditional inaugural celebrations, speeches by ambassadors about the importance of the route, or festivities at the departure gate.

Face masks must be worn for the entire flight, upwards of 18 hours, and passengers must have their temperature taken and submit a health declaration to the airline at check-in.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Face masks must be worn for the entire flight, upwards of 18 hours, and passengers must have their temperature taken and submit a health declaration to the airline at check-in.

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Once onboard, the 253-seat jet has three cabins including a 42-seat business class cabin...

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

A 24-seat premium economy class cabin...

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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And 187-seat economy class cabin.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The business class cabins occupy the first 11 rows, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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It's split between two cabins, with this larger space between the two boarding doors housing seven rows.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

There's also a four-row section just behind the second boarding door. The seats are the same in both cabins but this smaller section has a more exclusive feel.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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All seats are forward-facing with direct aisle access, perfect for getting up to stretch out during an ultra-long-haul flight.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Along the cabin wall in business class are singular seats with unobstructed access to the window and ideal for solo travelers.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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But if traveling with a companion, the center aisle seats offer the ideal shared experience for the journey.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

All seats on the aircraft feature personal in-flight entertainment and the largest screens, of course, are in business class.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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The 18-inch high-definition screens offer access to movies, television shows, games, and music, everything that one needs to pass the time on the world's longest flight.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The 18-inch high-definition screens offer access to movies, television shows, games, and music, everything that one needs to pass the time on the world's longest flight.

The system is actually not touch-screen in business class but can be controlled via this remote or by pairing a mobile device. Flyers can also browse the system pre-flight and create a playlist before stepping onboard.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The system is actually not touch-screen in business class but can be controlled via this remote or by pairing a mobile device. Flyers can also browse the system pre-flight and create a playlist before stepping onboard.

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A veritable throne, the seats are oversized and offer more space and cushioning than the traditional business class seats.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Offering 28 inches of pitch, they're ideal for stretching out on the near-19-hour journey to Singapore.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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The seat's functionality is controlled via these buttons with options to recline, turn on the personal reading lamp, and even let flight attendants know that you don't want to be disturbed during meal times, among others.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The seat's functionality is controlled via these buttons with options to recline, turn on the personal reading lamp, and even let flight attendants know that you don't want to be disturbed during meal times, among others.

When it's time to go to bed, the seat goes fully flat and flight attendants will assemble the bed. As any seasoned business travelers will tell you, sleep is key on these long journeys.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

When it's time to go to bed, the seat goes fully flat and flight attendants will assemble the bed. As any seasoned business travelers will tell you, sleep is key on these long journeys.

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The shell-like walls with head-level dividers offer additional privacy from the aisle in lieu of closable doors.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

And if traveling alone in one of the center aisle seats, a small partition can be separate the pair. It's also useful if a couple is using the seats and each partner needs some alone time.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

And if traveling alone in one of the center aisle seats, a small partition can be separate the pair. It's also useful if a couple is using the seats and each partner needs some alone time.

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In-seat power is available through a 110v AC power outlet and USB charging port. WiFi is available so flyers can also get work done on this flight, the duration of which is longer than two eight-hour workdays.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

In-seat power is available through a 110v AC power outlet and USB charging port. WiFi is available so flyers can also get work done on this flight, the duration of which is longer than two eight-hour workdays.

The tray table is solid and moves forward and backward based on preference. Two full meals are served on this flight and as part of the airline's pandemic related safety measures, business class meals are served on a single tray instead of a more elaborate service.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The tray table is solid and moves forward and backward based on preference. Two full meals are served on this flight and as part of the airline's pandemic related safety measures, business class meals are served on a single tray instead of a more elaborate service.

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There's also no shortage of storage space at these seats with a seemingly endless number of nooks and compartments.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Whether it be a passport, mobile phone, or tablet, there's enough room to store it all during the flight.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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Underneath the seat, there's a place to store your shoes so they don't get caught up in the seat when converting to the lie-flat position.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Seats even have a small mirror so flyers can assemble themselves before landing.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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Ultimately, this is the cabin in which you'd want to fly 8,287 nautical miles as it offers the most personal space, gourmet meals, and a full entertainment suite.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Seats in this cabin start at over $3,500 one-way.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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Directly behind business class is the premium economy class, the smallest on the aircraft with only three rows.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Only 28 seats can be found in this cabin, arranged in a standard 2-4-2 configuration.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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Paired seats can be found along the cabin wall, ideal for couples or solo travelers, while the center aisle is better for larger groups.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

These seats boast a width of 19 inches, one more than regular economy, but a 38-inch pitch that makes the journey more bearable.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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And down below, there's even a footrest.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Amenities at each seat include a personal in-flight entertainment screen, personal reading lamp, 110v AC power outlet, USB charging port, coat hangar, water bottle holder, adjustable headrest, and pillow and blanket kit.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Amenities at each seat include a personal in-flight entertainment screen, personal reading lamp, 110v AC power outlet, USB charging port, coat hangar, water bottle holder, adjustable headrest, and pillow and blanket kit.

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One of the major selling points for these seats is the 13.3-inch high-definition in-flight entertainment screen. These are touch-screen and can also be controlled by a remote.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

One of the major selling points for these seats is the 13.3-inch high-definition in-flight entertainment screen. These are touch-screen and can also be controlled by a remote.

The tray table is housed in the armrest. It's a solid piece and adjustable.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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And finally, the economy cabin takes up the last 21 rows with 187 seats.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

It starts with a small six-seat cabin housing 51 seats, bordered by the premium economy section and a row of lavatories.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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The larger rear cabin houses the final 16 rows with 136 seats in total.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Seats in economy are configured in the standard 3-3-3 configuration for the A350, which means that a passenger could get stuck in a middle seat.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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But the flight won't be filling up too much in its early days for that to be a problem.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Each seat offers 32 inches of pitch and 18 inches of width.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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There are also touch-screen in-flight entertainment systems with 11-inch screens. There are no remotes at these seats but the system does have device pairing capabilities.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

There are also touch-screen in-flight entertainment systems with 11-inch screens. There are no remotes at these seats but the system does have device pairing capabilities.

The tray table is foldable and even comes with a mirror. This setting would be ideal for enjoying a beverage, for example.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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And then when it's time to eat or do work on a laptop, it can extend fully.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

For small cups, there's even a standalone cup holder.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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In-seat power is offered through a passenger-facing 110v AC power outlet and USB charging port.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The multi-layer seat-back pocket offers seat storage and is also contoured for additional shin space.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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And headrests are adjustable to get the best fit for each passenger.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The economy class cabin is what separates this flight from the Singapore-Newark flight, which only had business class and premium economy class.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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But offering economy will open this flight to more passengers who rely on it to get home or for essential travel, offering the convenience of a non-stop flight without the high prices of a business class or premium economy class ticket.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

But offering economy will open this flight to more passengers who rely on it to get home or for essential travel, offering the convenience of a non-stop flight without the high prices of a business class or premium economy class ticket.

And if the flights do remain empty, an economy flyer could find themselves with an entire row to themselves.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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This is the business end of the aircraft, the cockpit.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

As one of Airbus' newest jets, the A350 has an advanced cockpit setup with no shortage of high-definition screens to replace traditional gauges.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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Everything the pilot needs is at the click of a mouse, including aeronautical and airport charts.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Two sets of crew take turns flying the aircraft, swapping multiple times during the fleet due to its extended length.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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And in between shifts, they'll retire to a crew rest area for some much-needed sleep.

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB operating the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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