Frequent travelers between New York and Singapore may have reason to celebrate. Bloomberg recently reported that Singapore Airlines is in discussions with both Boeing and Airbus about bringing back a direct nonstop service on the route.
Singapore Airlines halted its nonstop 19-hour flight in 2013 after determining the service was not profitable. That route had been operated with an Airbus A340-500, which industry analysts said lacked the fuel efficiency and range economics needed for ultra-long-haul operations. Removing the nonstop option added roughly five hours to travel time between the two cities as passengers rerouted through intermediate hubs.
Today, Singapore Airlines serves four U.S. cities, though most visits include a stopover: Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) via Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN), and Tokyo (NRT); New York (JFK) via Frankfurt (FRA); and Houston (IAH) via Moscow (DME). The airline’s network reflects strategic partnerships and hub connections that balance demand, aircraft capability, and operating costs.
There is no confirmed agreement yet, but aviation experts point to Boeing’s upcoming 777X as a leading candidate for reinstating nonstop service. The 777X, designed for improved fuel efficiency and extended range, is capable of flying up to about 9,300 nautical miles nonstop, making it suitable for ultra-long-haul routes like New York–Singapore if economics and scheduling align.
Any return of nonstop flights would hinge on several factors: aircraft availability and performance, fuel prices, passenger demand for premium and economy cabins, and broader commercial strategy. Singapore Airlines will need to ensure the chosen aircraft can operate the route profitably while meeting passenger comfort expectations on flights that approach 19 hours in duration.
If talks progress and the airline selects an appropriate long-range aircraft, travelers could once again enjoy the convenience of a direct link between New York and Singapore, reducing total travel time and eliminating stopovers. Until an official announcement is made, passengers should expect current services to continue via the airline’s established hub and partner routes.