United Airlines to Operate Longest Scheduled Flight

United B787 Dreamliner

United Airlines just announced that it will begin daily nonstop flights between its San Francisco International Airport hub and Singapore’s Changi Airport beginning on June 1, 2016 (westbound), subject to government approval. United will be the first airline to offer nonstop service between San Francisco and Singapore, and this will be the only nonstop service to the U.S. from Singapore.

Singapore Airlines used to offer nonstop service from Los Angeles and Newark with the latter being the longest commercial flight in the world. I was on the inaugural SIN-EWR flight in 2004, here's my story.

United will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, to operate the service. Measured by distance, the San Francisco – Singapore service will be the longest scheduled 787 flight operated by any airline and the longest scheduled flight operated by any U.S. carrier, at 8,446 miles.

Flight Schedule

Flight UA1 will depart San Francisco at 11:25 p.m. daily, arriving in Singapore at 6:45 a.m. two days later (all times local). The return flight, UA2, will depart Singapore’s Changi Airport at 8:45 a.m. daily, arriving at San Francisco International Airport at 9:15 a.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately 15 hours, 30 minutes eastbound and 16 hours, 20 minutes westbound.

By using the new nonstop flights between San Francisco and Singapore, customers will be able to save up to four hours’ journey time each way, as compared with the current United one- stop service and competitors’ schedules.

Singapore Schedule Changes

With the launch of nonstop San Francisco – Singapore service, United will terminate service between Singapore and Tokyo/Narita effective June 2, 2016 (eastbound).  However, United customers in Singapore may continue to choose to fly to Tokyo/Narita by using daily flights on ANA, United’s trans-Pacific joint venture partner, and to make connections at Narita to many cities in the U.S. on multiple flights operated both by United and ANA. United will maintain its daily service between Singapore and Hong Kong.

Onboard Products and Services

The Boeing 787-9 aircraft operating the new San Francisco – Singapore service will have a total of 252 seats – 48 in United BusinessFirst and 204 in United Economy, including 88 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.

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