United launches S'pore-San Francisco direct service

UNITED Airlines inaugurated its non-stop service between Singapore and San Francisco on Friday, making it the only carrier to currently offer direct flights between Singapore and the US.

The inaugural flight took off from Changi Airport on Friday morning, with celebrations marked by a traditional lion dance. It was attended by guests, including officials from Changi Airport Group and the deputy chief of mission of the US Embassy, Blair Hall. The new service is operated using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Singapore Airlines (SIA), which used to offer direct services to the US until it pulled the plug in 2013, will recommence non-stop flights to New York, Los Angeles and one more city in 2018. It will be using the Airbus A350