LOS ANGELES, 19 November 2020 – Following the recent launch of new flights from New York, Singapore Airlines will continue to rebuild its U.S. flight network with the restoration of nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport to Singapore, starting on 17 December 2020. In addition, the carrier will also expand its existing flight schedule from Los Angeles International Airport to Singapore, increasing nonstop flight frequency to 5 times weekly.
“SIA has operated to the United States for more than 40 years, so we’re pleased to further demonstrate our commitment to this market by re-establishing our presence in the San Francisco market, as well as expanding our existing operations at Los Angeles International Airport,” said Joey Seow, Regional Vice President – Americas for the carrier.
“Our nonstop flights provide the fastest, most convenient way to travel between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, so we’re pleased to begin the process of restoring these travel options for our customers.” Currently, U.S. passport holders are permitted to transit at Changi International Airport if they are en route to a destination accepting American travellers.
Prior to covid-19, SIA operated 57 services per week from U.S. gateways including Newark, New York (JFK), Houston, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. “With the recent debut of JFK-Singapore flights, today’s announcement of the restoration of SFO-Singapore nonstops and the expansion of operations at Los Angeles clearly demonstrates that the slow, steady process of rebuilding our U.S. network is significantly under way. A full recovery to pre-covid levels will take time, but we are encouraged by the continued, robust demand for cargo services and by some early signs of optimism for air travel,” said Seow.
In addition to serving passengers, the new flights from both Los Angeles and San Francisco will significantly increase SIA’s cargo capacity to Southeast Asia, a major freight distribution point for the region. SIA Cargo on the West Coast of the United States serves a range of industries, including electronics, perishables, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, medical supplies, as well as time-sensitive, high value consignments.
San Francisco to Singapore Flights
Starting on 17 December 2020, SQ flight 33 will depart San Francisco International Airport en route to Singapore on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving at Singapore Changi Airport two days later. Estimated travel time is 17 hours and 35 minutes. The return flight, SQ 34, will depart Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in San Francisco the same day. Estimated travel time is 14 hours and 40 minutes.
SIA will utilize a two-class, Ultra Long Range variant of the A350-900 aircraft on the route, offering 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy seats.
Los Angeles to Singapore Flights
Beginning on 02 December 2020, SIA services from Los Angeles to Singapore will expand to a five-times-weekly operation, adding services on Mondays and Tuesdays. Flight SQ 37 will depart Los Angeles International Airport on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays, arriving at Singapore Changi Airport two days later. Estimated travel time is 17 hours 50 minutes, ranking this journey among the world’s longest-distance flights. The return flight, SQ 38, departs Singapore on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Los Angeles on the same day.
SIA will utilize a three-class Airbus A350-900 Long Range aircraft on this route, configured with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy and 187 Economy Class seats.
Staying Safe Onboard
Singapore Airlines has implemented an extensive range of health and safety measures to ensure a comfortable and secure flying environment. All SIA aircraft are equipped with sophisticated airflow management systems that replace all cabin air every two to three minutes. HEPA filtration ensures that 99.97 percent of particles, dust, viruses and bacteria are removed, producing cabin air that is of a similar standard to the air in a hospital operating room.
SIA aircraft undergo extensive cleaning prior to passenger boarding, including disinfection of all hard surfaces, tray tables, Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system screens and lavatories, which are also refreshed frequently during flight. Headsets and headrest cover for each seat are replaced for every passenger, and linens such as pillow covers, blankets and duvets are disinfected via high temperature washing before every flight.
In addition to all crew members wearing protective equipment such as goggles, latex gloves and masks, inflight service has been modified to minimize contact between passengers and crew members. Personal care kits comprising a face mask, hand sanitizer and a disinfectant surface wipe are also provided for each passenger. All passengers are required to keep their masks on throughout the flight when they are not eating or drinking.
A range of touch-free options for safer travel is also available. This includes online or mobile app check-in, mobile boarding pass generation and bag tag printing at self-service kiosks. The SingaporeAir mobile app also enables passengers to access KrisWorld, the Inflight Entertainment system, via their mobile phones.