Weeks after launching a non-stop service to New York, the Star Alliance member already has plans to resume flights to San Francisco and ramp up services to Los Angeles as cargo demand soars.

Beginning December 2, Singapore Airlines will upgrade its Los Angeles service to five-times weekly, according to Aviator. With a flight time of 17 hours and 50 minutes, the route was maintained throughout the pandemic with a three-class A350-900LR featuring 42 business class, 24 premium economy, and 187 economy class seats.

On December 17, SIA will also make a return to the Golden Gate City with a thrice-weekly non-stop service. Operating a two-class A350-900ULR, the airline will offer 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy seats.

The US West Coast flights will be a much needed boost to SIA’s cargo capacity and bottom line during this period of high demand, according to Business Insider. They will cater to shipments including electronics, perishables, and pharmaceuticals, as well as high-value, time-sensitive freight, reports Aviator.

“Our non-stop flights provide the fastest, most convenient way to travel between the US and Southeast Asia, so we’re pleased to begin the process of restoring these travel options for our customers,” said Joey Seow, regional vice president Americas at Singapore Airlines.

American citizens are still barred from short-term visits to Singapore with few exceptions, according to the US Embassy in Singapore. Passengers may, however, transit via Singapore to an onward destination if travelling on an approved routing, according to the SIA website.

SIA’s US expansion follows the airline’s biggest quarterly loss to date. With passenger traffic plunging by 99 per cent, SIA said it has plans to retire 26 aircraft.

Singaporeairlines.com