Singapore Airlines looks likely to again operate the world's longest nonstop flight, after Airbus confirmed it will develop a new ultra long-range A350 for the carrier.
The airline plans to restart its Singapore to New York Newark and Los Angeles services using the A350-900ULR.
In 2013, it was forced to axe both services due to rising fuel costs (see news, October 2013).
The A350-900ULR "will include a modified fuel system to increase the fuel carrying capacity, an increase in Maximum Take-Off Weight, plus aerodynamic improvements, enabling service to the US West Coast, as well as to New York", Airbus said in a statement.
SIA now has 67 A350s on order, seven of which are for the ultra long-haul.
Goh Choon Phong, SIA CEO, said: "Our customers have been asking us to restart nonstop Singapore-US flights and we are pleased that Airbus was able to offer the right aircraft to do so in a commercially viable manner.
"This is another example of how we strive to meet and exceed our customers' expectations by remaining at the forefront of product and service innovation in our industry.
"It will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing the fastest and most convenient air connectivity between North America and south-east Asia."
Graham Smith
