Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to return to New York on 9 November, when it launches nonstop flights between Singapore and JFK International Airport, as the carrier sees “some early signs of optimism about a recovery in air travel.”

This will be the first time SIA will operate nonstop flights to JFK. Before the pandemic, the airline flew to JFK via Frankfurt, whilst nonstop flights from Singapore landed at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). 

Also read: SIA, trade associations welcome Singapore’s easing of border restrictions  

SIA will use its Airbus A350-900 long-range aircraft on the said route and expects significant demand for belly cargo from pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and tech firms in the New York metro area. 

“The new service will provide the only non-stop air cargo link from the US Northeast to Singapore, which serves as a regional distribution hub for many major US-based companies,” SIA noted. 

Right now the airline’s US service is limited to nonstop flights between Changi Airport and LAX. SIA says it will review its
operations to the United States, and assess the demand for air travel amidst the pandemic before deciding to reinstate services to other points in the country.

“Our customers say that they are increasingly confident about air travel, given the robust health and safety measures that are in place, as well as testing regimes to protect them and our staff. This optimism is also driven by recent moves by countries such as Singapore, which are easing the
restrictions on both transit and inbound passengers in a safe and gradual manner,” Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, executive vice
president commercial of SIA, expressed in a statement.

(Updated with edits on second and third paragraph)