Airbus

Singapore Airlines has selected Airbus’ newly launched ultra-long range version of A350-900 for non-stop flights to the US.

Singapore Airlines has also amended its previous order with Airbus for 63 A350-900s and as per the new order it will buy seven A350-900s with ultra-long range.

Airbus will now deliver the upgraded long range A350-900s which can fly up to 19 hours.

The upgrade also includes a modified fuel system to increase the fuel carrying capacity from 141,000 litres to 165,000 litres, an increase in maximum take-off weight, aerodynamic improvements, enabling service to the US west coast and to New York.

The carrier has placed an additional order of four A350-900s, making its total order for A350 XWB family to 67.

Singapore Airlines Ceo Goh Choon Phong said: "Our customers have been asking us to re-start non-stop 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 Southeast Asia."

Previously, the airlines operated non-stop services from its home base to New York and Los Angeles between 2004 and 2013 using A340-500.

Now, it expects to fly non-stop from its home base to New York for up to 19 hours, considered to be the longest commercial passenger route.

"It will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing the fastest and most convenient air connectivity between North America and Southeast Asia"

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: "We are excited to be working with Singapore Airlines to re-launch its premium non-stop service to the US.

"The A350 is the perfect, flexible platform for such operations, offering unrivalled operating economics for the very longest routes.

"And the wider and quieter cabin will provide the perfect environment for passengers to enjoy the world-famous Singapore Airlines in-flight product."

The new version of A350 XWB entered commercial service earlier this year and Airbus received 783 firm orders for A350 XWB from 41 customers across the globe.

Image: Singapore Airlines select Airbus’s new A350-900 ultra-long range version. Photo courtsey of Airbus.