Singapore Airlines today announced that they will serve a 4th US destination in 2019. The new flight will be direct from Singapore Changi. Singapore airlines will expand their presence in the United States and serve New York-Newark, Los Angeles, San Francisco and now Seattle. All routes offer non-stop flights from Singapore with Airbus A350 aircraft.
Today’s announcement was no surprise. Many people have speculated that Alaska Airlines tie up with Singapore Airlines would drive Singapore Airlines to serve Seattle. In addition, with the close proximity to Vancouver, BC, Singapore airlines can draw people from the entire region to fly from Seattle. Seattle has lower taxes and immigration costs and even direct bus service from downtown Vancouver to SeaTac international airport.
Singapore Airlines Service to Seattle
Singapore Airlines will begin service to Seattle on September 3, 2019 with thrice weekly service. This service will expand to 4x a week in October 2019.
New A350-900 aircraft with 253 seats will be utilized for Seattle service, offering a similar experience as the San Francisco to Singapore direct service. The A350 has 42 business, 24 premium economy, and 187 economy seats.
Subject to regulatory approvals, service beginning September 3, 2019, will be on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. As of October 2019, Sunday service will be added.
| Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival |
| SIN to SEA | SQ28 | 9:25 a.m. | 9:05 a.m. (same day) |
| SEA to SIN | SQ27 | 10:40 a.m. | 5:30 p.m. (+1) |
The total flight will cover 8,070 miles! This will be the longest flight from Sea-Tac airport. Currently, Seattle to Dubai at 7,425 is the longest flight. Move over Emirates, Singapore is challenging you with Central Asia connections. The new Seattle service is also Singapore Airlines 4th longest flight and a perfect destination for the three class A350-900.
The morning arrival times to Seattle are ideal for Alaska Airlines connections to the Midwest and East Coast. Whereas those connecting via Singapore can easily get to other South East Asia and Central Asia destinations on Singapore airlines or SilkAir.
Asia’s Growing Importance to Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International airport continues to grow with nonstop international flights to Seattle. In 2018, Seattle welcomed three new international airlines – Air France, Thomas Cook Airlines and Aer Lingus. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines partners will offer non-stop flights to several Asia hubs in 2019. 2019 will see new flights from Asia to Seattle including, Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong, Japan Airlines to Tokyo-Narita, and now Singapore Airlines to Singapore. Other partners include nonstop service to Seoul on Korean Air and Beijing and Shanghai on Hainan along with several key destinations in Europe.
Award travel on Singapore Airlines is still not available via Alaska Airlines Mileage plan, but I am slightly hopefully that this will change in the near future.
