Singapore Airlines premium economy.Singapore Airlines
- Singapore Airlines recently relaunched its non-stop service between New York and Singapore.
- The 10,000-mile flight that can last as long as 19 hours is the longest in the world.
- Singapore Airlines is using a fleet of brand new Airbus A350-900 ULR airliner to make the flight.
- The new fleet is fitted out with 161 seats in business class and premium economy. There are no economy sections on these aircraft.
- Business Insider recently had the chance to experience the trip in both business class and premium economy to see how they compare.
In October, Singapore Airlines re-launched its non-stop service between New York and its homeland of Singapore. The 10,000-mile journey can last as long as 19 hours, making it the longest scheduled passenger flight in the world.
Singapore Airlines previously operated the route from 2004 to 2013 using the Airbus A340-500. While it has exceptional range and capability, the A340-500 was a relic of the 1990s, and the thirst of its four engines proved too uneconomical to sustain. Even a shift to an all-business-class layout couldn’t generate enough income to save the route.
To operate the ultra-long-distance flight, the airline ordered a fleet seven Airbus A350-900 Ultra Long Range or ULR.
The flight marked the operation debut of the ULR variant which one Singapore Airlines executive called the only aircraft capable of making the flight in an economically viable fashion.
The biggest difference between the standard A350-900 and the ULR is its range. Airbus managed to cram an additional 6,300 gallons of fuel into the plane’s tanks. The result is an increase in range from 9,300 miles to as much as 11,100 miles.
Each of the ULR aircraft is equipped with 161 seats divided in business and premium economy class. It’s one of the few scheduled commercial airline flights without an economy class cabin.
In addition to New York/Newark, Singapore is also using its fleet of ULRs to launch non-stop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles as well as San Franciso.
Business Insider recently had the chance to experience the flight both in business and premium economy. Here’s how the two stack up.
Normally, KrisWorld offers more than 1,000 hours’ worth of films, TV shows, music, podcasts, and games. For this route, the airline added another 200 hours of content.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The main course that followed varied between Asian dishes like this sweet and sour pork with fried rice and…
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
After the main course dessert was served. Here is a cherry ice cream with chocolate shavings.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Our verdict.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
It’s always odd to compare the front of the plane with the back. The economics are these two cabins are so dissimilar that a straight up comparison would be improper. After all, business class costs several times more than premium economy. In this case, that amounts to several thousand US dollar per flight.
However, having experienced the same flight on the same aircraft in both cabin class, it would be fair to ask the question, is the price premium worth it?.
But first I have to preface this by saying that in both cabins, Singapore Airlines staff delivered absolutely impeccable service. They were always warm and inviting. The crew was never rude and always attentive. (The airline isn’t paying me to say this. We paid full price for the tickets and I’ve got the hefty credit card bill to prove it.)
The biggest surprise for me was the premium economy cabin. Premium economy is a somewhat recent development in the airline industry as carrier increased product segmentation to maximize revenue. I had never flown international premium economy before. It’s usually either economy or business for me.
So I didn’t really know what to expect. However, I found it to be much roomier and comfortable than my wildest expectations.
Back to the main question at hand. Singapore Airlines business class has long been recognized as one of the best in the world. I can firmly attest that its reputation is very much intact. The personal service, gourmet dining, and roomy accommodations are absolutely worth if restful travel is a must on such a lengthy flight.
If can get yourself into business class, by all means, do it. However, if you find yourself back in premium economy, don’t fret. You’ll be just fine. Sit back, relax and have a Singapore Sling.
