The A350-900 has allowed Singapore Airlines to alter its US route network significantly. So far the airline has relaunched the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York. The airline is also looking to launch flights from Singapore to Los Angeles on the 2nd November. With a total of 7 A350-900ULRs on order, the airline certainly has plenty of capacity to alter its routes, and now it looks as though the airline will look at launching a new route from Singapore to Seattle.

Why Seattle?

According to The Straits Times, it looks as though Singapore is "set to launch" Seattle flights next year. One Mile At A Time says that the news is highly likely as the Straits Times is usually on point with its predictions regarding Singapore Airlines. Seattle is the home of Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines and Singapore Airlines have an agreement where their mileage schemes are shared. Both Alaska Airlines mileage program and Singapore Airlines' Kris Flyer programs offer reciprocal mileage. This is in addition to codeshare agreements.

As such it would make sense for Singapore to offer flights to Seattle. This would allow passengers to switch from a Singapore Airlines flight to Alaska Airlines flight much more easily. Currently, passengers have to switch to an Alaska flight at one of the airline's secondary hubs, meaning that for certain routes they may have to take multiple connections.

JAL Similarities

Japan Airlines has a similar agreement with Alaska Airlines. As such, around a month ago JAL announced plans to start flying to Seattle. The flights will begin on 31st March 2019. Japan Airways will be operating the route with B787-9 aircraft. Interestingly, Japan Airlines isn't the only airline which is launching flights from Asia to Seattle on March 31st. Cathay Pacific will also be launching flights to Seattle on the same day from it's Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific will be using its A350s for the route.

Which Aircraft Will Singapore Use?

It is almost certain that the airline would use their A350-900 aircraft on the route. Singapore Airlines currently has two versions of the aircraft. The A350-900 carries 253 passengers over a distance of 8,100nmi. The A350-900ULR sacrifices some of its payload for increased range. As such, for Singapore, it only carries 161 passengers. This is made up of 94 premium economy seats and 67 business class seats. As such, the ULR aircraft has a range of 9,700 nmi.

It is likely that the airline would operate the standard range A350-900 on the route. The extended range capacity is not required, and the airline would probably find it easier to fill economy seats. As of now, the route is just speculative, and no source has been given. We will, of course, keep you updated with any official announcements from the airline.

Do you think Singapore will launch the route? Let us know in the comments below!