The airline’s new service between Singapore’s Changi Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo demand in the current operating climate.
On Tuesday (October 20, 2020), Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced the launch on nonstop flights between Singapore-Changi and New York-JFK starting November 9, 2020. The flights will accommodate both passenger and cargo demand, providing the only nonstop cargo link between the U.S. Northeast and Singapore. SIA also believes that the route will be supported by a growing number of transfer passengers at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The route will be operated with an Airbus A350-900 configured with 42 Business, 24 Premium Economy and 187 Economy Class seats. In Tuesday’s announcement, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President – Commercial, Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, said,
“Operating these flights between Singapore and New York’s JFK International Airport represent an important step in rebuilding our global network. Non-stop ultra-long services are the bedrock of our services to the key U.S. market. We will continue to ramp up existing services and reinstate other points as demand for both passenger and cargo services return. Despite the challenging times for the airline industry, there are some early signs of optimism about a recovery in air travel. Our customers say that they are increasingly confident about air travel, given the robust health and safety measures that are in place, as well as testing regimes to protect them and out staff. This optimism is also driven by recent moves by countries such as Singapore, which are easing the restrictions on both transit and inbound passengers in a safe and gradual manner.
“The fundamental importance of air travel remains unchanged despite the pandemic. Air travel can bridge long distances and physically bring together families and friends, support both business and leisure trips, and has a direct impact on economic growth and job creation. That gives us confidence about the medium and long-term prospects for the industry.”
From November 9, 2020, Singapore Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Singapore-Changi and New York-JFK, with three-weekly return flights starting from November 11, 2020.
Singapore Airlines has implemented an extensive range of health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of guests and team members. All SIA aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters that remove airborne particulates, including viruses, as the cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes, resulting in an air quality like that of a hospital operating room. The carrier has also introduced extensive aircraft cleaning measures including the disinfection of all hard surfaces, tray tables, IFE screens and lavatories. Additionally, headsets and headrests are replaced for each guest and linens such as pillow covers, blankets and duvets are sterilized before every flight. Singapore Airlines’ crew members have been fitted with PPE kit and the onboard service has been modified to minimize contact. SIA also provides a personal care kit to each guest which includes a facemask, hand sanitizer and disinfectant surface wipe.
Source: Singapore Airlines