After five since it operated what was then the world’s longest flight, Singapore Airlines is resuming its non-stop Singapore-New York/Newark – a 19 hour journey each way from the Southeast Asian city state to the financial center of the United States.

Last night (October 11) Singapore Airlines flight SQ22 departed Singapore’s Changi Airport for Newark Liberty Airport – the same flight number as the previously discontinued services years ago. Unlike the past, the relaunch of the service will use the airline’s new fuel efficient Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft versus the Airbus A340-500s that have since been retired from the airline’s fleet.

Singapore’s Singapore-Newark service will take back the title for the “World’s Longest Flight” from the current record holder – Qatar Airways’ non-stop Doha-Auckland with a flight time of around 18 hours.

Among the main features of the aircraft for the flight has less seats – 161 – versus the regular configuration of 253 seats on the Airbus A350. On the route, Singapore Airlines offers Business and Premium Economy seats and passengers will be provided a “wellness menu” prepared in collaboration with US wellness brand Canyon Ranch to promote nutrition and hydration for travelers onboard the airline’s ultra-long haul flights.

The new route adds to the options for travelers from Singapore and Southeast Asia with Changi being named the 2018 Most Connected Airport in Asia by aviation industry consultancy OAG. The non-stop flights to Newark is one of three ultra-long-haul flights from Changi, with the other two being non-stop flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles operated by Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.

When discussing the new long haul routes to North America, Changi Airport spokesperson Ivan Tan noted the growth and interest for travel from Southeast Asia to the US and Canada.

"The demand for air travel between North America and South-east Asia is strong and expected to stay robust in the coming years. We are confident that the Singapore-Newark service will be well received by Changi Airport's passengers and believe that there are further growth opportunities in the Singapore-US market.” Tan said.

For Singapore Airlines, the new flights will be the second option for flights to New York. Along with the non-stop Newark flights, Singapore Airlines also operates flights to New York’s JFK Airport via Frankfurt, Germany. The airline operates a total of 27 weekly flights to the United States.

At the pre-departure ceremony for SQ22, Singapore Airlines’ senior vice-president for sales and marketing stated "Tonight's event is one that we have been eagerly anticipating since then (2013, when the flight was axed)."

He added: "These new flights will also provide convenient connections beyond Changi Airport, helping to boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub."

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