SIA will need to overcome challenges to sustain ultra-long-haul operations

WITH the relaunch of its non-stop service to New York's Newark Liberty International Airport on Oct 11, Singapore Airlines (SIA) once again holds the mantle of operating the world's longest flight.

Come Nov 2, it will kick off direct flights to Los Angeles, while it will beef up capacity to San Francisco with three more flights added per week to its direct, daily service from Nov 28.

But with oil prices surging from a year ago and discounted fares at the roll-out, will ultra-long-haul operations go the distance?

The premium carrier first b…