Singapore Airlines upcoming termination of non-stops to US spells end to ultra long-range travel

An important chapter in aviation history and Singapore Airlines' strategy for the North America market comes to an end over the next two months as SIA operates its last non-stop flights to the US.

Without the A340-500 all-premium flights from Singapore to Los Angeles and Newark, there will not be any scheduled flights over 16 hours and 20 minutes. Ultra long-range routes have proven to be uneconomical, making it unlikely there will be a return of flights over 17 hours, which can only be flown by the niche A340-500 or 777-200LR.

There will only be 17 A340-500s remaining in service after SIA phases out the type and these aircraft are being predominantly used on short and medium missions. There are over 50 777-200LRs in service but this is also a very modest number and none of the aircraft are being flown to their maximum range.