Singapore Airlines has signed an agreement to be the launch customer for a new ultra-long-range variant of the Airbus A350 aircraft, enabling the resumption of non-stop flights between Singapore and the United States.

Singapore Airlines has 63 A350-900s on firm order and the new agreement with Airbus will see seven of these upgraded to orders for the A350-900ULR, which will have a range of up to 8,700nm.

The Airline also has 20 purchase options, four of which will be converted into firm A350-900 orders. This will lift to 67 the total number of A350s on firm order with Airbus, plus 16 options.

Deliveries of the A350-900ULR aircraft are scheduled to take place in 2018, enabling the re-launch of the world’s longest non-stop flights, between Singapore and both Los Angeles and New York.

The aircraft will be fitted with all-new cabin products which are currently under development. Non-stop flights between Singapore and additional points in the US are also under consideration.

The agreement comes as Singapore Airlines is preparing to take delivery of its first A350-900 early in 2016, in line with the Airline’s longstanding policy to maintain a young and modern fleet.

Singapore Airlines operated non-stop flights between Singapore and both Los Angeles and New York until 2013, when the A340-500s that were used for the services were retired.