News

Singapore's big US expansion includes more routes, nicer planes

Zach GriffSenior reporter
Zach Griff is a senior reporter at TPG. He writes travel and product reviews, deep dives into loyalty programs, news about the airline industry and more.

April 23, 2022 • 8 min read

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Quick summary

Singapore Airlines is expanding its U.S. presence with new and increased nonstop routes, especially from New York and Seattle.
The carrier now operates the world's two longest flights between Singapore and New York, and has reintroduced the Airbus A380 on its New York-Frankfurt-Singapore route.
Premium cabins, including the highly regarded Suites, are now available to U.S. travelers for the first time, with strong demand for these products.
A new wellness-focused catering program has been introduced on East Coast flights, featuring nutritious meal options in partnership with a well-known spa.

What to consider

Finding saver reward seats in premium cabins, especially Suites, is increasingly difficult due to high demand.
Some preorder meal programs may have limited availability from select U.S. cities.
The airline is prioritizing restoring pre-pandemic frequencies before considering additional new routes.

What you'll miss from the article

Details on the unique features of Singapore Airlines' premium cabins, including the new A380 Suites and wellness dining options.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

If you were asked to name an international carrier serving the U.S., Singapore Airlines may not initially come to mind.

But with additional routes and boosted frequencies, the carrier is trying to increase its U.S. relevance — especially in New York.

It’s also taking advantage of competitive opportunities to boost its range of one-stop itineraries that it can sell to points in Southeast Asia and beyond.

As the summer travel season gets underway, Singapore is ready to bring its well-regarded service and top-notch premium cabins to more U.S.-based flyers.

And next time you're asked to pick a favorite international airline, Singapore may be top of mind.

More nonstop connectivity

Headlining Singapore's expansion in the U.S. is an assortment of new and upgauged existing routes.

In New York, the airline now flies the world’s two longest routes — connecting Singapore with nonstop flights to both New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). (The JFK route holds the No. 1 spot at 9,537 miles long, while the Newark route is just 3 miles shorter.)

Singapore's U.S. East Coast network. (Screenshot from Cirium)

Additionally, just a few weeks ago, the airline restarted flying the world’s largest passenger jet, the Airbus A380, to JFK on its one-stop service that connects New York and Singapore via Frankfurt. (Singapore replaced the A380 with a Boeing 777 on the route for much of the pandemic.)

This fifth-freedom route, which allows travelers to terminate their journey in Germany (or continue onward to Singapore) is especially popular with travelers headed to or from Europe.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the airline restarted flying nonstop to Seattle with four-times-weekly service. (The route is currently operated as a tag flight in conjunction with service to Vancouver, British Columbia.)

Much of this growth can be attributed to the incredible pent-up demand for traveling to Singapore and beyond, said Joey Seow, the airline's vice president of the Americas, in an interview with TPG.

"We are capitaliz[ing] on the pent-up demand ... we've upgraded one JFK route to the A380. So, we essentially are responding to the market demand," he said.

Singapore's U.S. West Coast network. (Screenshot from Cirium)

Singapore has reopened its borders to tourists, and many of its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Indonesia, are doing the same. Seow mentioned that many travelers to the region are leisure customers who may have canceled or postponed a trip earlier in the pandemic.

Additionally, many of Singapore‘s largest regional competitors, including Cathay Pacific, continue to be a shell of their former selves. With reduced competition for travelers booking connecting itineraries to points in Asia, Singapore can opportunistically add capacity in the U.S. market, Seow said.

As for what’s next, Seow said that the focus is initially on bringing back frequencies to existing markets that were served before the pandemic. Then, the airline may consider adding more routes.

"Our network is evolving into more nonstop flights than one-stop flights," Seow said.

On the poshest planes

If you were instead asked to name the fanciest premium cabins in the world, odds are that Singapore Airlines' Suites would be at or near the top.

And now, this flagship product is flying to the U.S. for the very first time. The route from JFK to Frankfurt (with onward service to Singapore) is now operated by Singapore's nicest A380, which features six first-class suites.

Before the pandemic, Singapore flew two configurations of the A380. The older one (that used to fly to New York) ended up getting retired in November 2020, which means that JFK is now served by the fanciest configuration that Singapore offers.

Singapore Airlines New Airbus A380 Suites First Class — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

This A380 has an intimate, six-pod “Suites" first-class cabin that’s regarded as one of the world's best.

The amount of personal space is simply unrivaled, and those traveling as a couple can even connect their suites to form one bedroom.

Coupled with Singapore's well-regarded onboard service and delicious food and drinks, you’re in for a treat.

Those flying in business class – whether on the A380 or fuel-efficient Airbus A350 — will enjoy oversized pods that are some of the widest in the sky (though the bed itself is far from the world's best).

The nonstop flights from Singapore to New York are operated by the ULR, or ultra-long-range, variant of the A350, which Singapore outfits in a two-cabin configuration. In addition to 67 business pods, there are 94 premium economy recliners on this plane.

Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Seat — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Seow talked up what he says is robust demand for the carrier's premium products. "Our premium cabins actually ironically sell out even before the back of the bus. For example, our Suites on the A380 are full for the next month" he said.

Interestingly, Seow sees this trend continuing as leisure flyers now place a greater emphasis on "space and distancing" during the travel journey. "Even though corporate travel has not recovered to what it was pre-pandemic, the business-class demand is very strong. In fact, the recovery in the business-class cabin is faster than expected," Seow added.

Unfortunately, the strong demand means that finding one of the holy grails of points and miles redemptions — a saver reward seat in Singapore Suites — will be harder than ever. So, the next time you find it for 86,000 KrisFlyer miles, be sure to lock it in immediately.

Doubling down on wellness

The emphasis on premium isn’t only evident in the hard product. Singapore recently rolled out a revamped catering program for its East Coast flights.

In partnership with Golden Door, the well-reputed destination spa in California, Singapore is now serving a slew of wellness-focused meals on its longest flights.

This includes entrees such as black cod with forbidden rice and orange blossom couscous, both of which I tried (and thoroughly enjoyed) at a recent tasting in a demonstration kitchen.

Longtime fan favorites, like the lobster Thermidor, remain available through the carrier's extensive "Book the Cook" preorder program (though note the program was recently unavailable from Houston).

According to Seow, "Golden Door shares much of our philosophy in producing nutritious products with the freshest produce and ensuring that people arrive in better shape."

Bottom line

All told, Singapore‘s U.S. growth comes at an exciting time for the carrier.

The airline recently revamped its catering offering and is now flying its poshest jet to New York.

The new routes have all been performing well, according to Seow, and he’s hopeful that the only direction from here is upward.

To date, much of the pent-up demand is from leisure travelers looking to finally embark on a trip they postponed or canceled during the pandemic.

“The second booster shot,” as he calls it, is yet to come. Once business travel meaningfully returns, it’ll give Singapore the boost it needs to keep operating three daily flights to New York and to further build out its U.S. network.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
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Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
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Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
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Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

If you were asked to name an international carrier serving the U.S., Singapore Airlines may not initially come to mind.

But with additional routes and boosted frequencies, the carrier is trying to increase its U.S. relevance — especially in New York.

It’s also taking advantage of competitive opportunities to boost its range of one-stop itineraries that it can sell to points in Southeast Asia and beyond.

As the summer travel season gets underway, Singapore is ready to bring its well-regarded service and top-notch premium cabins to more U.S.-based flyers.

And next time you're asked to pick a favorite international airline, Singapore may be top of mind.

More nonstop connectivity

Headlining Singapore's expansion in the U.S. is an assortment of new and upgauged existing routes.

This fifth-freedom route, which allows travelers to terminate their journey in Germany (or continue onward to Singapore) is especially popular with travelers headed to or from Europe.

Much of this growth can be attributed to the incredible pent-up demand for traveling to Singapore and beyond, said Joey Seow, the airline's vice president of the Americas, in an interview with TPG.

"We are capitaliz[ing] on the pent-up demand ... we've upgraded one JFK route to the A380. So, we essentially are responding to the market demand," he said.

As for what’s next, Seow said that the focus is initially on bringing back frequencies to existing markets that were served before the pandemic. Then, the airline may consider adding more routes.

"Our network is evolving into more nonstop flights than one-stop flights," Seow said.

On the poshest planes

If you were instead asked to name the fanciest premium cabins in the world, odds are that Singapore Airlines' Suites would be at or near the top.

This A380 has an intimate, six-pod “Suites" first-class cabin that’s regarded as one of the world's best.

The amount of personal space is simply unrivaled, and those traveling as a couple can even connect their suites to form one bedroom.

Coupled with Singapore's well-regarded onboard service and delicious food and drinks, you’re in for a treat.

Doubling down on wellness

The emphasis on premium isn’t only evident in the hard product. Singapore recently rolled out a revamped catering program for its East Coast flights.

In partnership with Golden Door, the well-reputed destination spa in California, Singapore is now serving a slew of wellness-focused meals on its longest flights.

This includes entrees such as black cod with forbidden rice and orange blossom couscous, both of which I tried (and thoroughly enjoyed) at a recent tasting in a demonstration kitchen.

Longtime fan favorites, like the lobster Thermidor, remain available through the carrier's extensive "Book the Cook" preorder program (though note the program was recently unavailable from Houston).

According to Seow, "Golden Door shares much of our philosophy in producing nutritious products with the freshest produce and ensuring that people arrive in better shape."

Bottom line

All told, Singapore‘s U.S. growth comes at an exciting time for the carrier.

The airline recently revamped its catering offering and is now flying its poshest jet to New York.

The new routes have all been performing well, according to Seow, and he’s hopeful that the only direction from here is upward.

To date, much of the pent-up demand is from leisure travelers looking to finally embark on a trip they postponed or canceled during the pandemic.

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More nonstop connectivity

On the poshest planes

Doubling down on wellness

Bottom line

Comments

Comments

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Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

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More nonstop connectivity

On the poshest planes

Doubling down on wellness

Bottom line

The best business-class winners from the 2026 TPG Awards — and new seats we're excited about

United's posh new 'Coastliner' plane is here, set for early 2027 debut

Germany's Condor Airlines to bring its striped planes to bigger US cities

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TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

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More details

Pros

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American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

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Comments

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons