Finally, the flight all (almost) flight enthusiast and probably businessmen had been waiting for – SQ22/SQ21. This is the direct Singapore-Newark flight that was terminated back in 2013 due to the rising fuel cost and the old A340-500’s thirst for fuel sealed the fate of this route….. until now!
Singapore Airlines has announced the resumption of this route, but it will be using the more fuel efficient dual engine modified Airbus A350-900XWB (morphing it into the A350-900ULR).
Instead of the regular configuration of 42J/24S/187Y, the ULR comes with only J and S configuration (67J and 94S) combining for a total of 161 seats only. While the S seats has been showcased to be almost similar to the regular S seats (albeit lighter), we have yet to see how the J seats will be like.
After some deliberation, I have decided to join my friends on the inaugural SQ22 on October 11 and flying back on SQ21 3 days later. Unfortunately, I was not able to even get any seats in Business for the inaugural (not even with Advantage) hence we will be flying in Premium Economy (which will be my first). I will be coming back in Business (using Advantage unfortunately, with a standby on Saver).
Total miles burnt
- 70,000 for saver Premium Economy + SGD 80
- 135,000 for advantage Business + USD 23.90 (92,000 if my Saver clears) [comparatively, JFK-FRA-SIN in Suites cost only 120,000 miles – but there was no availability for my date back]
205,000 miles burnt for 2 nights stay in New York is hardly a good redemption. Since this is a special flight, I guess I shall bite the bullet this time. Singapore Airlines will reclaim the throne of the world’s longest flight – at least until SYD-LHR or SYD-JFK flight comes to fruition.