Xiamen Air Operates World’s Longest Nonstop Flight from JFK to Fuzhou
Xiamen Air has officially overtaken Singapore Airlines as the operator of the world’s longest nonstop passenger flight, with its New York (JFK) to Fuzhou (FOC) service now scheduled at 19 hours and 20 minutes. The ultra-long-haul route, originally launched in 2017 and relaunched in 2024, connects the U.S. East Coast directly to southeastern China, strengthening business and cultural ties between the two regions.
Flights operate twice weekly, departing New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport every Monday and Friday at 12:55 p.m. and arriving at Fuzhou Changle International Airport at 9:15 p.m. the following day. The return flight departs Fuzhou on Wednesdays and Sundays, maintaining a consistent long-haul connection across the Pacific.
The 7,400-mile (11,910-kilometer) route surpasses Singapore Airlines’ Singapore–New York (JFK) flight in block time, marking a new milestone in global commercial aviation. Operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the flight showcases Xiamen Air’s long-range capability and its growing role in connecting secondary Chinese cities directly with the United States.
The Boeing 787-9 features a modern three-class configuration, including Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, designed for passenger comfort during the nearly 20-hour journey. The aircraft is equipped with advanced air filtration, higher humidity levels, and dynamic lighting systems to reduce jet lag and improve overall inflight well-being.
The relaunch of the JFK–Fuzhou service in 2024 reflects China’s steady recovery in international air travel and Xiamen Air’s ambition to expand its transpacific presence. Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, is a key industrial and cultural hub with a large overseas Chinese community, particularly in the United States. The nonstop route provides travelers and businesses with a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional one-stop flights through Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
Industry analysts view Xiamen Air’s achievement as part of a broader trend among Chinese carriers to expand ultra-long-haul operations, leveraging new-generation aircraft to open nonstop routes that previously required refueling stops.
By reclaiming the title for the world’s longest nonstop passenger flight, Xiamen Air not only demonstrates the endurance of modern aviation technology but also underscores the increasing importance of direct U.S.–China connectivity in the global air travel landscape.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com