MARATHON FLYING

So you think you’re a “road warrior?” How does a 19 hour flight sound? That is the time for the new longest commercial flight in the world—Singapore Airlines’ Singapore to New York non-stop service.



Using a specially configured A340-500 jet which was built to seat 313, Singapore’s version carries only 181 passengers. They have eliminated first class, which uses seats that are too bulky and heavy (and are seeing lower demand these days anyway), created a more deluxe version of business class (with fully lie-flat sleeper beds and an advanced entertainment system offering 400 audio/video options, added an “Executive Economy” class (with spacious leg room and a 2-3-2 layout), and expanded legroom in the regular economy cabin. The result is a very comfortable, uncrowded, and (most important to the airline) light plane.



How does Singapore’s crew pull off such a long flight? Sleep is, of course, the most important issue. Each A340-500 operates with two full flight crews. All four pilots occupy the flight deck during takeoff and landing, then one captain and first officer remain in the cockpit while the other two retire to specially equipped bunks—one forward and one aft, below decks. They rest for 3 hours, then return to the cockpit to relieve the other crew. Later, both crews have a second rest break, lasting about 5 hours. The captain and first officer who are the “command crew” on the outbound leg serve as the backup crew on the return sector. Flight attendants are scheduled between 4 and 6 hours’ rest in the 8 bunks below the passenger deck. Crews do not work for 3 to 4 days before and after an ultra-long-haul trip. There is a two- or three-day layover in L.A. or New York.



Leading up to the launch of this new service, Singapore Airlines brought in experts from around the world to teach them about fatigue management, circadian rhythms, and rest patterns. They showed them how to use diet, sleep, and exercise to prepare for the flights, and how to combat boredom while on duty. This includes superbly designed crew beds and an in-flight entertainment system to help them relax.



So, what is it like to be a passenger on the world’s longest flight? After flying the inaugural flight, one passenger reported, “I drank, I ate dinner, I took a sleeping pill and slept for seven hours—and when I awoke, we still had nine hours left in the flight!”

Source: Airways, Nov. 2004