United Airlines began daily direct service
between San Francisco and Singapore on Wednesday, the only direct flight from
North America to Singapore and the longest flight offered by a U.S. carrier.
United vice chairman and chief revenue officer Jim Compton said the service
would be of particular interest to the technology, energy and financial
corporate travel sectors, as the flight shaves off about four hours from
one-stop service. United will discontinue flights between Tokyo's Narita
International Airport and Singapore but will continue daily service between
Hong Kong and Singapore.