Singapore Airlines has launched what it claims to be the world’s longest commercial flight, between Singapore and New York, using its new Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range).

The first flight departed Changi International Airport on 11th October at 23:37 (SIN time) and arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport a day later, at 05:29 (US Eastern time). The flight duration was 17 hours 52 minutes, comfortably below the advertised average flying time of 18 hours 45 minutes.

The route will initially be served thrice-weekly, departing Singapore on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Daily operations will commence on 18th October when the airline's second A350-900ULR enters service.

The airline had previously operated the route using four-engine A340-500s.

To enhance the passenger experience on the 18-hour flight, the airline is offering special cuisines, sleep strategies, specific cabin lighting, extra in-flight entertainment content and high-speed in-flight WiFi service from Panasonic Avionics.

SIA has ordered seven A350-900ULRs, configured in a two-class layout, with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.

The aircraft will also be used for new non-stop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles, which are to be launched on 2nd November, as well as to increase services on the existing Singapore-San Francisco route. By the end of the year, SIA will have 27 non-stop flights per week between Singapore and the United States.