A new record has been set for the world’s longest commercial air flight by an Airbus A380-900ULR and a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The flight between Singapore and Dubai took a whopping nine hours and forty-four minutes. This is a full minute longer than the previous record set by the Airbus A380 on its record-breaking trans-Pacific flight between Hawaii and Los Angeles.
Airbus A380-900ULR
Singapore Airlines will be the first airline to receive Airbus’ new A350-900 Ultra Long Range (ULR) jet. This special version of the aircraft has been specially designed to extend the range of the regular A350 by nearly 1,800 nautical miles. The airline’s plans for the A350 include a direct route between New York and Singapore.
The ULR version of the A350 will feature a modified fuel system which increases the aircraft’s fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 liters. It also includes a new lighting system to help combat jet lag.
Singapore’s first A350-900ULR will be deployed on a nonstop flight between Singapore and New York. This will be the longest commercial flight of its kind in the world. The route will cover a distance of 9,521 nautical miles.
The plane will take passengers from Singapore to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The journey will last about 18 hours and 45 minutes. The aircraft has two classes and will feature 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy seats.
Previously, Singapore airlines used the four-engine A340-500 for the nonstop journey between Singapore and Newark. However, the airline discontinued the route in 2013 because of high costs. Since 2013, Singapore Airways has ordered seven ULR aircraft from Airbus.
Airbus A350-900ULR
Airbus has announced the launch of the A350-900ULR, an ultra long range version of the A350-900. The Airbus A350-900ULR is designed to carry 161 passengers and is capable of flying over 20 hours non-stop, making it the longest flight in the world.
Until last year, Singapore Airlines operated three of the top ten longest commercial flights in the world. These were the Los Angeles to Singapore route, the Newark to Singapore and the San Francisco to Singapore. However, the Singapore – Newark route was suspended in 2013 due to high costs.
Singapore Airlines plans to return to the longest route in the world with a 19-hour non-stop flight between Singapore and New York. It will be the first commercial flight using the A350-900ULR.
In September 2014, the FAA certified the Airbus A350. Now, Airbus has delivered the first A350-900ULR to Singapore Airlines.
The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan engines. It has a maximum take-off weight of 280 tonnes. The aircraft also features a new air system that can renew the air in the cabin every two minutes. This will help fight jet lag and ensure that the passengers stay comfortable.
Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900ULRs. They will be used on Singapore-Newark and Singapore-Los Angeles routes.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is an aircraft that has helped several airlines achieve their dream of opening ultra long-haul routes. This aircraft has allowed airlines to fly more passengers and improve their fleet performance. It also gives them the ability to profitably open new routes.
The 787-9 is a new addition to the Boeing family. It shares the same wingspan as the 787-8, but is a little longer. With a length of 206 feet, it can carry 242 passengers in a two-class layout.
Airlines can choose a 787-9 configuration that will be best for their routes. For example, some carriers use a lighter configuration on longer routes and a more spacious one on shorter ones.
Boeing is developing a new generation of airplanes that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. These aircraft offer better economics for long-haul flights and offer more comfort.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are redefining airline fleet planning. As a result, more and more airlines are entering service with the 787-9. Some of these include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, and Qantas.
Air New Zealand was the first airline to receive the 787-9. In July 2014, Boeing delivered the aircraft to the flag carrier of New Zealand. They operate the aircraft under the call sign NZ 1.
Singapore Airlines (SIA1) was the first Asian carrier to receive a 787-9. Their route from Newark to Singapore covers 9,523 miles in 18 hours and 45 minutes.