Singapore Airlines announces historic new international air services to Houston 
December 13, 2007 

Beginning on Thursday, March 20, 2008, Singapore Airlines will start operating four weekly nonstop flights to Moscow, Russia from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with continuing service to Singapore, adding two new destinations to the nearly 70 international destinations already served from IAH.

These historic new services mark the first scheduled passenger flights from Houston to Singapore and Moscow. The national airline of Singapore will use Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to operate this new route. The arriving and departing flights will stop first in Moscow before continuing on to either Houston or Singapore.

“Houston’s oil and gas industry is second to none. The fact that we are seeing more international carriers inaugurating service to our airports means that our economy is healthy and that we are continuing to grow as a global city,” said Houston Mayor Bill White. “We welcome Singapore Airlines and are certain that more carriers will see the advantages of following in their footsteps.”

“Asia and Russia are very important markets for our city and we are pleased to welcome these new flights to the local region,” said Richard Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “Singapore Airlines is a leader in the aviation industry and will offer even more options for passengers traveling internationally from Houston.”

Last year, air cargo trade between Houston and Singapore was valued at more than $140 million, while air cargo trade with Russia totaled more than $84 million.

“Singapore and the United States have a long history of economic cooperation. Singapore Airlines is pleased to further expand this relationship by establishing operations in Houston, our sixth destination in North America, and one of the region's preeminent commercial and cultural centers,” said Mr. W.K. Lim, regional vice president Americas for Singapore Airlines. “We are delighted to introduce the first-ever nonstop services connecting Houston and Moscow. In addition, the flight offers our passengers the convenience of traveling to Singapore or connecting to our unrivalled network of Asian destinations.”

The aircraft’s configuration offers eight first class seats, 42 business class seats and 228 economy class seats; and will feature luxury first class amenities such as 35-inch wide seats that convert to 180-degree flat beds, turndown service featuring oversized down duvets, pillows and tailored sleep suits from Givenchy, noise-cancelling headphones, 23-inch digital monitors that give travelers access to more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options, as well as the largest business class seats in aviation history. 

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The Houston Airport System served 51 million passengers in 2006. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation’s 9th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. HAS annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:00 am on KTBU Channel 55 or visit