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Old February 3rd, 2004, 02:57 PM
Go Fig
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Default longest nonstop flight takes off from Singapore to Los Angeles


World's longest nonstop flight takes off from Singapore to Los Angeles

SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore Airlines launched a new service on Tuesday
from the tropical island state to Los Angeles that it claims is the
world's longest nonstop commercial flight.

The 14,100-kilometer (8,760-mile) route will take 16 hours. The
national carrier says the flight time is up to two hours shorter than
current services.

Tickets cost 1,757 Singapore dollars (US$1,033) for an economy round
trip ticket and S$10,523 (US$6,190) for a first class ticket.

The service uses newly acquired Airbus 340-500s, which have a range of
up to 16,400 kilometers (10,190 miles) and can seat 313 passengers.

The carrier has modified the cabin to fit just 181 seats, the airline
said, adding the planes have wider seats that can recline further and
lounge areas to help make the long flight more comfortable.

An 18-hour nonstop service between Singapore and New York is scheduled
to begin in June.

Singapore Airlines ordered 10 A340-500 planes in 1998 at a cost of
US$2.2 billion.