Singapore Airlines (SIA) launched its first non-stop flights from Singapore to Los Angeles this week using ultra-long-range Airbus A340-500s. Daily non-stop Singapore-Los Angeles flights began on 3 February, and non-stop services from Singapore to New York are scheduled to start towards year-end. The 16-18h Los Angeles flights will be operated by two sets of flightcrew, with each crew having two rest periods. To further determine the effects of long-haul travel on pilots, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has spearheaded a study that included using machines to measure the body functions and mental alertness of flightcrew operating SIA's recent validation flight.
Source: Flight International
