SINGAPORE- The world’s longest nonstop commercial flight connects Singapore Airlines (SQ) with New York JFK Airport (JFK), lasting nearly 19 hours onboard a specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR.
What makes this unique is that Singapore Airlines, renowned for its award-winning first class, does not offer the product on this ultra-long-haul route. Instead, the aircraft operates with an all-premium setup of business and premium economy cabins.
Photo: By Ian Gratton – flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87825358Singapore Airlines Lacks First Class
Singapore Airlines’ SIN–JFK service, identified as flight numbers SQ23 and SQ24, has been the world’s longest scheduled nonstop commercial route since November 2020.
The distance measures 8,288 nautical miles (15,349 km), and the scheduled block time is 18 hours and 40 minutes. However, depending on prevailing winds, the journey can stretch beyond 19 hours.
This flight narrowly surpassed the previous record holder, Singapore to Newark (EWR), by only 5 km.
To make such operations possible, the airline acquired seven Airbus A350-900ULRs. These aircraft have a modified fuel system that increases capacity by nearly 20%, extending range by 1,400 NM (2,593 km).
This makes the aircraft capable of connecting some of the most distant city pairs in the world.
They are also deployed on ultra-long sectors to Newark, San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX).
Reported by Simple Flying, the aircraft features a reduced seating capacity of just 161 passengers, far below the typical 300-350 seats found on standard A350-900s.
The layout consists of 67 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 94 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.
This deliberate reduction in density allows the aircraft to carry fewer passengers and less weight, maximizing fuel efficiency and making ultra-long-haul operations viable.
Photo:-Olivier CABARET | FlickrBusiness and Premium Economy
The business class cabins are divided into two sections, each offering lie-flat seats with direct aisle access for every passenger. Privacy and comfort are emphasized, with additional bedding and sleeping kits designed to help travelers endure the long hours in the air.
Premium economy, situated toward the rear of the aircraft, is laid out in wider rows than typical economy seating, with added legroom and larger seats.
Notably, the back three rows feature single seats near the windows, ideal for solo travelers.
All passengers on these flights benefit from Singapore Airlines’ well-regarded “Book the Cook” service, which allows advance meal selection. Due to the extreme length of the journey, extra meal services and snack offerings are provided.
Amenity kits, pillows, and blankets are also included in both cabins, though business class receives an enhanced package with higher quality sleep and comfort items.
Photo: AirbusWhy No First Class?
The absence of a first class cabin on the A350-900ULR stems from both operational and revenue considerations. First class seating takes up more physical space per passenger, reducing overall seat capacity and revenue potential.
By contrast, business class yields often surpass those of first class on a per-square-foot basis, making it more financially sustainable for airlines.
Premium economy further strengthens profitability by filling a growing demand segment, offering comfort at a price point between economy and business.
Globally, the trend has been a gradual decline in the availability of first class, as airlines opt for business and premium economy to secure consistent returns.
Singapore Airlines, despite offering some of the most luxurious first class suites on its A380 fleet, made the calculated decision to exclude them from the A350-900ULR, ensuring the aircraft could balance range efficiency with revenue optimization.
Singapore Airlines First Class | Photo: Daniel GillaspiaFuture With First Class
Singapore Airlines is not abandoning first class altogether for its longest routes. The carrier has launched a multi billion dollar cabin retrofit program covering 41 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, including all seven A350-900ULRs.
This project will see the introduction of four first class suites per ULR, reducing total seating capacity to 132 passengers, 70 in a revamped business class, and 58 in premium economy.
The new first class is expected to debut around the first quarter of 2027. While details remain limited, teaser visuals show private suites with sliding doors and multiple windows, offering enhanced privacy and luxury.
This upgrade aligns with industry trends that combine exclusivity with efficiency, ensuring Singapore Airlines can retain its premium positioning while still meeting the practical demands of ultra-long-haul travel.
Photo: By Sébastien Mortier, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52244266Singapore Airlines’ A350-900ULR Subfleet
The airline introduced the world’s first A350-900ULR in September 2018, marking the start of its fleet of seven such aircraft.
These jets were specifically optimized for ultra-long-haul operations by modifying the fuel system to carry up to 24,000 liters more fuel than the standard A350-900.
Each aircraft, registered from 9V-SGA to 9V-SGG, was delivered between September and December 2018 and remains in active service.
Today, Singapore Airlines is the only operator of the A350-900ULR. Most other airlines find the standard A350-900, with its maximum range of 8,500 NM (15,750 km), sufficient for their long-haul networks.
This exclusivity further distinguishes Singapore Airlines’ long-haul strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in connecting distant city pairs nonstop.
Photo: Tobias Green | CPH Route DevelopmentFuture Competition
Singapore Airlines’ dominance in holding the record for the world’s longest nonstop flight will not last forever.
Qantas (QF), through its Project Sunrise, is preparing to launch nonstop flights from Sydney (SYD) to London (LHR) and New York (JFK).
The Sydney–London route will span an estimated 9,187 NM (17,016 km), potentially exceeding 19 hours in flight time, overtaking Singapore Airlines’ record.
Qantas plans to use a modified Airbus A350-1000ULR for these flights, with certification and entry into service expected around 2027.
Once operational, Singapore Airlines’ flagship SIN–JFK route will drop to third place in the world rankings but will remain highly prestigious, particularly once its new first class suites debut.
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Inside Longest Flight in the World: 18-Hours Aboard Singapore Airlines
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