
The carrier is the launch customer of the A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range) aircraft used in the flight, with seven new aircraft slated for delivery in support of additional nonstop service debuts from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Singapore later this year. The inaugural flight, configured with 161 seats in Business and Premium Economy classes, departed Newark Liberty International Airport Friday at 10:48 a.m., with an estimated scheduled arrival time in Singapore at 5:30 p.m. the same day (all times local).

Sek Eng Lee, regional vice president – Americas, said that by the end of 2018, new ultra-long-range nonstop flights will help the carrier grow its flight frequency by 32 percent, giving travelers more options “and marking one of the most significant expansions in our U.S. history.” A key benefit of the flight, according to SIA, is the four to six hours of travel time savings it provides over one-stop services.