There was sadly no celebration and little acknowledgement when the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 21, landed yesterday for the final time in Singapore from Newark. As the AFP reports:
The world’s longest nonstop commercial flight ended without fanfare Monday after Singapore Airlines (SIA) flew its last nearly 19-hour service from New York. Flight SQ 21 landed early Monday in Changi Airport, bringing an end to a nine-year run. “Food and refreshments were served to customers at the airport gate hold rooms in Singapore and Newark. Customers were also presented with commemorative gift sets and certificates,” an SIA spokesman added. Analysts said the rise in fuel prices since 2004, when the 15,335-kilometre (9,529-mile)service was launched to cater to business travellers, made it economically unsustainable.
Following the withdrawal of the two direct US services by SIA, three routes will share the distinction of being the longest in terms of duration — Dubai-Houston, Dubai-Los Angeles and Johannesburg-Atlanta — at 16 hours and 20 minutes. In terms of distance, a Qantas flight from Sydney to Dallas will be the longest, but tailwinds enable it to be completed in 15 hours and 20 minutes.
As a travel and aviation enthusiast, I feel very fortunate that I was able to experience this flight (both ways) and you can see that Trip Report here –Singapore Airlines Trip Report – Newark to Singapore Business Class – The World’s Longest Flight. I hope some of you took advantage of the award seats that were available as late as last week.
From airlineroute.net, here are the frequencies during the entire operations of the flights to both Newark and LAX.
Singapore – Los Angeles 03FEB04 – 20OCT13 (1 daily. SQ reduced service to 5 weekly from 01MAR09 to 30SEP10 and from 01MAY11 onwards)
Singapore – Newark 28JUN04 – 23NOV13 (Initially operates 1 daily. SQ reduced service to 5 weekly from 02APR09 to 18JAN10, 6 weekly from 01APR13 onwards)Singapore Airlines in 1999 placed the order for 5 Airbus A340-500 and 5 on options.
Interested in understanding why the two longest flights were canceled? Check out Bloomberg’s – Why the Longest Nonstop Flights Are Ending.
Also see, The World’s Longest Flights – How Many Have You Flown (I have 10)?
Need help planning a trip with your miles? Consider Juicy Miles assistance for the best possible award pricing and routes!
Related
- Singapore Airlines First Class 777-300ER Houston (IAH) – Moscow (DME) Part 1
- Singapore Airlines First Class 777-300ER Moscow (DME) – Singapore (SIN) & DME Transfer Lounge Part 2
- The Singapore Airlines Private Room @ SilverKris Lounge Terminal 3 & SilverKris Lounge Terminal 2 @ SIN
- Singapore Airlines Business Class 777-200 Singapore (SIN) – Bali (DPS)
- How Much Do Singapore Airlines Flight Attendants Get Paid for Providing Great Service?
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3 comments
“Food and refreshments were served to customers at the airport gate hold rooms in Singapore and Newark. Customers were also presented with commemorative gift sets and certificates”
Sorry, what more “celebration and acknowledgement” were you looking for?
[…] End of an Era, No Party for SQ21 – World’s Longest Non-Stop Flight Arrives Back Home […]
[…] End of an Era, No Party for SQ21 – World’s Longest Non-Stop Flight Arrives Back Home […]