Singapore Airlines will launch the world's longest flight this year, from Singapore to the New York City area -- a trip that will take nearly 19 hours.
In a statement Wednesday, the airline said the flights will begin in October and initially run three times a week before becoming a daily route.
The flight distance of 9,529 miles will put Singapore Airlines 500 miles ahead of present record-holder Qatar Airways, and will cross 12 time zones.
"Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers," Singapore Airlines' CEO Goh Choon Phong said, noting the route will use an "ultra-long-range" Airbus A350.
"The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities -- in great comfort."
The carrier said the flights offer a "more comfortable traveling experience" with features like high ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body and lighting designed to reduce jet lag.
The A350s will be configured into two-class sections -- 67 seats in business class and 94 in "premium economy."
The nonstop flight is aimed at business travelers and will connect with Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the New York City area's three main airports.
"The nonstop flight length is at least about two to three hours shorter than the one stopper, maybe even four hours," in terms of door-to-door travel time for most customers," Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Mak Swee Wah told The New York Times.
The airline hasn't yet announced what fares for the new route will cost.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
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