In the last hundred years or so, aviation has experienced a giant leap forward. The first passenger flight in history travelled only 35 kilometers and lasted 23 minutes. There was only one passenger on board, whose ticket cost $400 (about $5,000 today). But today I want to tell you how long the longest flight by aero plane is today. A non-stop flight from the heart of Asia to the Big Apple.
LONGEST FLIGHT TO DATE
Until recently, the longest non-stop flight in the world was a Qatar Airways flight from Auckland to Doha. It took 17 hours and 40 minutes, covering 14,535 kilometers. But in October last year, Singapore Airlines decided to break this record, announcing in a press release that now the longest flight belongs to them. This is flight SQ 21(22) from Singapore to New York, Newark Airport.
On the way from New York, the flight crosses the Atlantic. The flight from Singapore crosses the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea, Alaska and Canada.
The new leader of air travel lasts 18 hours and 45 minutes, covering a record 16,700 kilometers! I dread to imagine the severe jetlag that awaits its passengers. This flight was made possible thanks to the new Airbus A350-900ULR.
On the longest flight in the world, there is no economy class. Only business and premium economy. There are 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy seats in two classes of service. This is not surprising - who wants to fly in a simple seat for almost 19 hours.
HOW MUCH DO AIRLINE TICKETS COST FOR A FLIGHT LIKE THIS?
To enjoy the longest flight with all the comforts - you will have to pay at least 4400 euros one way, or 6000 - round trip.
The price of premium economy looks much more ‘gentle’ - 1200 euros round trip (one-way fares will be more expensive). And the seats look very comfortable.
A LITTLE ABOUT AIRBUS A350-90ULR
Airbus A350-90ULR is an aircraft capable of such a long-haul flight. The abbreviation ULR stands for Ultra Long Range, or Ultra Long Range. It is the latest development from Airbus, and Singapore Airlines is the first airline in the world to purchase this type of aircraft. More information is available on the manufacturer's official website.
