In a positive move, Singapore Airlines is set to reintroduce it’s ultra long haul service between Singapore and New York.
Singapore Airlines A350-900 at Changi Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The ultra-long-haul service will restart on 9 November 2020, when it launches non-stop flights between Singapore and John F. Kennedy International Airport (as opposed to Newark International).
Booked operation is as follows:
SQ24 DEPART SIN 02:25 ARRIVE JFK 07:30 SQ25 DEPART JFK 22:30 ARRIVE SIN 06:10+2 Commences 9th November 2020 Operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - three times a week Booked Equipment: Airbus A350-900 (Three Class)
The Airline will operate the Airbus A350-900 long-range aircraft on the route. This aircraft is configured with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy Class and 187 Economy Class seats. This compares to the previous configuration of 161 seats – with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.
The move expands Singapore Airlines operation to the USA – with currently just Los Angeles served by the airline.
The airline explains that operating to JFK International Airport would allow Singapore Airlines to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate. Singapore Airlines non-stop services to New York would also be supported by the growing number of transfer passengers who can now transit via Singapore’s Changi Airport. The airline anticipates significant cargo demand from a range of industries based in the New York metro area, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and technology firms.
In Quotes
Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial for Singapore Airlines said
“Operating these flights between Singapore and New York’s JFK International Airport represent an important step in the rebuilding of our global network. Non-stop ultra-long services are the bedrock of our services to the key U.S. market. We will continue to ramp up existing services and reinstate other points as the demand for both passenger and cargo services return,” said
“Despite the challenging times for the airline industry, there are some early signs of optimism about a recovery in air travel. Our customers say that they are increasingly confident about air travel, given the robust health and safety measures that are in place, as well as testing regimes to protect them and our staff. This optimism is also driven by recent moves by countries such as Singapore, which are easing the restrictions on both transit and inbound passengers in a safe and gradual manner.
“The fundamental importance of air travel remains unchanged despite the pandemic. Air travel can bridge long distances and physically bring together families and friends, support both business and leisure trips, and has a direct impact on economic growth and job creation. That gives us confidence about the medium to long-term prospects for the industry.”
Slow, but sure steps
Singapore Airlines strategy has been a slow, but steady growth of services with its network, with the network just 15% of what it was in January (and that’s up from 8 in previous months). It seems that the airline is happy to re-launch its New York service in a three-class configuration.
It’ll be interesting to see what other services the airline chooses to reopen and if the signs of growth after there the airline hopes.
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