Last call for world's longest non-stop flight

[NEW YORK] What seemed like a corporate holiday party had broken out near Gate B6 at Singapore's Changi Airport.

White-coated waiters offered drinks on silver trays. Chefs whipped up a variety of small bites. Dapper personnel distributed gift bags loaded with leather wallets and certificates marking the occasion.

Singapore Airlines is reputed to treat its passengers regally, but not like this. Weeks after announcing that the Singapore-Newark, New Jersey, route that reigned as the globe's lengthiest non-stop flight would be "retired", the company was holding a retirement party for Flight SQ22 on Saturday before the final take-off.