Aviation

United launches longest flight to or from US, from LA to Singapore

United Airlines Adds Six New Denver Routes and 35 New Flights

United Airlines on Friday was set to launch the longest non-stop flight to or from the United States, an 8,700-mile (14,001-kilometer) journey connecting Los Angeles and Singapore. The nearly 18-hour flight will depart Los Angeles at 9:25 pm local time and will land on Sunday in Singapore at 6:20 am local time.

United officials said the daily service will be the longest non-stop flight from the US to anywhere in the world. Previously, the record was held by Qantas, which operates an 8,576-mile flight between Dallas and Sydney, as well as United’s San Francisco-Singapore route (8,446 miles) launched last year.

Both of United’s Los Angeles and San Francisco routes are operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that can accommodate some 250 passengers. David Hilfman, United’s senior vice president of Worldwide Sales, said the new route will consolidate the airline’s position in Asia, with Singapore a key destination for business travelers.

Aviation

Flames on the Runway: Russian Jet Sparks Emergency in Turkey

A dramatic incident unfolded at Turkey’s Antalya Airport on Sunday night when a Russian passenger plane caught fire shortly after landing.

The Azimuth Airlines Sukhoi Superjet 100, arriving from Sochi International Airport in Russia, was carrying 89 passengers and six crew members. Thankfully, all onboard were safely evacuated without any injuries reported.

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The fire broke out after the aircraft landed at 9:34 p.m. local time, prompting the pilot to issue an emergency call. Evacuation footage shared by Russian media site ЧП Сочи captured the tense moments as passengers slid down emergency slides, with some seen carrying large pieces of luggage despite the urgency of the situation.

The Russian Sukhoi Superjet in Turkey tonight, which crashed upon landing.

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Investigators at the time highlighted the critical impact of passengers retrieving their belongings, which obstructed others from escaping the burning aircraft.

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Although no injuries were reported this time, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing life over possessions during emergencies. Seconds can mean the difference between survival and tragedy in such situations.

In response to the incident, Turkey’s transportation ministry confirmed that efforts were underway to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway. While arrivals at Antalya Airport were temporarily suspended, departures continued from a nearby military-operated runway to minimize disruptions.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but the swift evacuation ensured a safe outcome for everyone on board.