SiA to launch direct flight to LA

SiA to launch direct flight to LA

Agence France-Presse, Singapore

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch the world's longest non- stop commercial flights in February next year with a direct Singapore to Los Angeles route, the carrier said on Wednesday.

SIA's new daily Airbus A340-500 flight SQ 20 will take off from Singapore's Changi Airport for the first time on February 3 on a trip that will take 16 hours.

The return leg will take 18 hours and the flights will mean passengers no longer have to stop in Tokyo or Taipei on their way to and from Southeast Asia, the carrier said.

Continental Airlines is the current record-holder for the longest non-stop commercial flight with a New York to Hong Kong route that takes just under 16 hours.

SIA said the new aircraft is aimed at business travelers with shorter travel times and a luxurious cabin interior and service.

The 181-seat aircraft includes in-seat power supply and can carry up to 10 tones of cargo.

SIA paid US$2.2 billion for 10 A340-500 in 1998 with five on firm order and five on option, including the cost of spare parts.

Ticket fares are expected to be 10 to 15 percent higher than the current one-stop flights.

Tan said that in 2006, SIA will be the first airline in the world to fly the Super 500-seater A380.

SIA's share price finished up 10 cents to S$11.60 Singapore dollars ($6.66).