The world’s longest nonstop commercial flight ended without fanfare Monday after Singapore Airlines (SIA) flew its last nearly 19-hour service from New York. Flight SQ 21 landed early Monday in Changi Airport, bringing an end to a nine-year run. A direct service to Los Angeles has also been cancelled as part of a fleet renewal.
“Food and refreshments were served to customers at the airport gate hold rooms in Singapore and Newark, N.J. Customers were also presented with commemorative gift sets and certificates,” a SIA spokesman added.
Analysts said the rise in fuel prices since 2004, when the 15,335-kilometre (9,529-mile) service was launched to cater to business travellers, made it economically unsustainable. The cancellation of the service was first announced a year ago.
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