A plane operated by Singapore Airlines will fly for the first time in five   
   years between Singapore and New York. The longest scheduled flight in the   
   world - 16,700 kilometers - is at least a challenge for passengers: they have   
   to occupy themselves for almost nineteen hours.   
       
   The airline promises to provide as much service as possible with a special   
   menu, customized LED lighting and an extensive film catalog. Pqssengers are   
   already given the advice to drink enough and to exercise regularly on board,   
   to avoid any blood clots in the legs.   
       
   Flight SQ22 will normally take off at 2.35 p.m. in Singapore. There are two   
   pilots and two co-pilots on board, and the cabin crew also works in shifts.   
       
   Singapore Airlines previously flew between Singapore and New York. The route   
   was discontinued in 2013 because the company decommissioned the aircraft that   
   it used on the route (Airbus A340-500s).   
       
   The connection is now made with an Airbus A350-900 ULR. ULR stands for 'ultra   
   long range', or a version that can fly extra far. It can accommodate 161   
   passengers (67 in business and 94 in premium economy). There is no   
   economyclass on board. No cheapo fares.   
       
   And after 19 hours aloft ... there is the gruesome task of queueing for US   
   immigration and customs.   
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)