Why is there no economy class on the longest flight in the world?

Singapore Airlines launched its ultra-long-haul service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in June 2004. The airline initially operated its Airbus A340-500s on this route, but in November 2013 the service was discontinued and the aircraft were returned to Airbus.

In October 2018, Singapore Airlines resumed its nonstop service to Newark, this time with a partial fleet of specially configured A350-900ULR (ULR = Ultra Long Range). In November 2020, the airline also started nonstop connections to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), also with the A350-900ULR.

Photo: The Global Guy | Shutterstock

With the resumption of flights in 2018, Singapore Airlines took the crown from Qatar Airways by operating the world’s longest commercial flight. The oneworld member’s nonstop service between Doha (DOH) and Auckland (AKL) had previously been the world’s longest flight, followed by Qantas’ flights between Perth (PER) and London Heathrow (LHR).

One peculiarity is that neither the Airbus A340-500 nor the A350-900ULR that Singapore Airlines uses on its flights to and from New York have economy class seats. Why does the airline offer flights without an economy class cabin? Is this just about passenger comfort or are there other reasons as well?

Singapore Airlines’ ultra-long-haul flight schedule

First, let’s take a look at the airline’s current flight schedule. Singapore Airlines offers two nonstop flights daily from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to the New York City area – one to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and one to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The flights operate according to the following schedule:

Passenger comfort and market requirements

Singapore Airlines’ award-winning Economy Class is regularly hailed as one of the best in the industry. But even with the best service in the world, 19 hours in an Economy Class seat is still a long time and a potentially hard sell for many passengers.

Photo: Santi Rodriguez I Shutterstock

By offering non-stop flights, Singapore Airlines is tapping into the market of high-paying business travelers and other passengers who are willing to pay a premium to save time changing at other airports en route. This market is relatively small, and with a reduced capacity of only Business Class and Premium Economy seats, Singapore Airlines can successfully meet passenger demand and capture a high-paying market without unnecessarily offering extra seats on the route.

While a nonstop service saves time and is more convenient, a one-stop option offers the advantage of giving passengers the opportunity to disembark and stretch their legs. A variety of airlines offer one-stop options between Singapore and New York through their respective hubs, including:

• Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong (HKG)
• Philippine Airlines via Manila (MNL)
• United Airlines via San Francisco (SFO)
• Korean Air via Seoul (ICN).

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This includes new and returning airport pairs, which messes up the order.

Aircraft weight

Another consideration is the weight of the aircraft. A large amount of fuel is needed to cover the more than 16,700 km distance between Singapore and New York, and these huge amounts add significantly to the weight of the aircraft. Add to this the weight of the passengers and their luggage, and the airline may encounter payload limitations when carrying the usual 250 to 300 passengers on its Airbus A350-900s.

Photo: Kittikun Yoksap I Shutterstock

Therefore, a reduced passenger configuration offers the additional advantage of eliminating the risk of any operational disruptions due to excess weight.

Airbus A340-500 vs A350-900ULR

Boeing 737-800

Singapore Airlines opened the route in 2004 with specially configured Airbus A340-500s. Each aircraft had a capacity of 181 passengers – 64 in Business Class and 117 in Premium Economy. However, in 2008, the airline reconfigured its A340-500s for Business Class only, with 100 Business Class seats. This was in response to market demand.

Boeing 737-800ER

Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900ULRs can carry up to 161 passengers in a two-class configuration – 67 in Business Class and 94 in Premium Economy. The airline’s Business Class suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, while Premium Economy seats are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. However, the last three rows feature a single Premium Economy seat on each side of the aircraft, which also has access to its own storage compartment (these seats are available for an additional charge).

Photo: Christian Heinz | Shutterstock

Business Class passengers can enjoy a seat pitch of 68 inches and a seat width of 28 inches, and even in Premium Economy, the seats are still significantly more comfortable than in standard Economy Class, with a pitch of 38 inches and a seat width of 19.5 inches.

Economy Class travel between Singapore and New York

For those who still want to travel in Economy Class with Singapore Airlines between Singapore and New York, the airline also offers a one-stop service via Frankfurt (FRA) with its Boeing 777-300ERs.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Easy flying

Frankfurt – New York is one of several fifth freedom routes operated by Singapore Airlines. The airline recently announced that another such route, between Manchester (MAN) and Houston (IAH), will be discontinued in April 2025.

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Singapore Airlines’ connections between Singapore and Newark and New York JFK are unique ultra-long-haul routes and are currently the two longest non-stop connections in the world. Due to increased passenger comfort and technical and operational issues, the airline uses aircraft without an economy class cabin on these flights.