The first non-stop flight between Singapore and Los Angeles, USA

On 3 February 2004, Singapore Airlines (SIA) launched its first A345 LeaderShip non-stop flight service between Singapore and Los Angeles, United States. The 14,700 km journey was made possible using its new, long-range Airbus aircraft, the A340-500. The inaugural Flight SQ20 departed at 4:00 pm from Singapore Changi Airport and landed 16 hours later at 4:00 pm hours on the same day in Los Angeles. It set a new record for the world's longest non-stop commercial flight when it was first introduced. From Los Angeles to Singapore, its return flight on SQ19 takes 18 ½ hours, departing at 8:00 pm Los Angeles time.

Description
Airfare
Travellers avoid stopovers at either Tokyo or Taiwan. This reduces their travelling time by two hours but at a price. They must pay an extra five to 10% of the usual airfare.

Health concerns
Time reduction is not the only key component in this long-haul flight. Singapore Airlines had ensured that passengers are provided with adequate comfort and space, in order to reduce the likelihood of aggravated aches, pains and medical ailments (for example deep-vein thrombosis, motion sickness and sleep disturbances) during the flight.

Seating space
For passengers' seating comfort, only 181 seats are made available in an aircraft cabin designed for 313 passengers. This creates more leg room and wider seating space, both for its 64 seats in the Raffles (business) Class and 117 seats in the new Executive Economy class. The seats have a width of 51 cm. instead of 46 cm., making them the widest ever for economy class passengers, and leg room of 94 cm. instead of 81 cm. Business class seats or "SpaceBeds" can also be reclined to almost 180 degrees for sleeping passengers. All good news for those who shudder at the thought of being cooped up in cramped and narrow quarters for a long-haul flight.

Designated lounge areas
Passengers tired of sitting in their seats can socialise at specially designed passenger corners on the aircraft, one at the front of the plane for business class passengers and another at the back for economy class passengers. Here, six standing passengers can be accommodated around a bar-like counter top; an area for them to mingle, stretch their legs and help themselves to snacks and beverages while in flight.

Food and drinks
For those who want to ease their hunger pangs, three full meals are provided. Apart from that, passengers can help themselves to an assortment of snacks, granola bars, sandwiches, soups, biscuits and fruits at the lounge areas. Economy class passengers will get to enjoy top-quality wines again, a practice that was stopped two years ago.

In-flight entertainment
In-flight entertainment is a boon to the sleepless or restless on the journey. There is a choice of 19 movies, 78 TV shows, 33 video games and 102 music CDs to choose from, straight off the entertainment system built into their seats. In business class, "SpaceBeds" are equipped with DVD ports.

Economic implication
Frequent fliers and corporate travellers find the non-stop flight appealing as it cuts down time and hence money.  The historic flight also marks the beginning of a new growth era for Singapore Airlines. It is making full use of Singapore's 1997 Open Skies Agreement with the United States which permits unlimited flights between the two countries.

The use of the new long-range Airbus aircraft by Singapore Airlines is foreseen to strengthen Changi Airport as an aviation hub. Direct connections can be made from this region to almost all parts of the world without the need for a transit stopover. Furthermore, the flight schedule provides customers travelling in each direction a wide choice of connecting flights to other parts of the region.



Author
Nureza Ahmad



References
Chellam, R. (2004, February 3). SIA charts ultra long-haul routes. The Business Times Singapore, The news.

Chellam, R. (2004, February 14). Mind the wind on ultra-long-haul flights. The Business Times Singapore, Views and opinions.

Goh, C.L. (2004, February 4). SIA can widen its reach in US now. The Straits Times, Prime news.

Kaur, K. (2004, January 2). Premium service on SIAs LA-direct flights. The Straits Times, Singapore.

Kaur, K. (2004, February 15). 18-hour flight? So fast so good. The Straits Times, In the news.

Teo, G. (2003, October 26). Long haul fright. The Straits Times, Lifestyle.



The information in this article is valid as at 2004 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Commerce and Industry>>Transportation
Air travel--Singapore
Aeronautics, Commercial--Singapore
Special events--Singapore
Business, finance and industry>>Industry>>Services>>Transportation and logistics



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