The Era of Non-Stop Flights
Air travel has come a long way since the early days of commercial aviation. Many city pairs that were once unfeasible to fly non-stop are now possible, thanks to advances in aircraft technology.
As of October 2024, the longest non-stop flight in the world covers 15,345 km (great circle distance) with flight time of around 17 to 18 hours. Singapore Airlines operate this trip between Singapore and New York (Newark Airport) with Airbus A350-900ULR.
In March 2018, Qantas launched the first non-stop flight between Australia and Europe, operating between Perth and London Heathrow with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The world is more physically connected than ever before.
Beauty of the In-Between
This increased connectivity and the convenience of modern-day travel have made travelers more eager to reach their next destination, often rushing through the process.
While I love air travel and flying, I’ve met many people who view it simply as a hassle. It’s true, traveling can be exhausting, frustrating, and unpredictable.
But it’s within that unpredictability where the true adventure lies. I’ve learned to embrace the delays, the detours, and the unexpected turns. Traveling isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the essence of the journey itself.
There’s something exhilarating about being in transit, being in the in-between.
Embracing the Unknown
After all, travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a map. It’s about the moments that surprise us, the people we meet along the way, and the lessons we learn while we’re in motion.
Each journey, no matter how short or small, adds a new layer of understanding and a fresh perspective. It’s a reminder that we’re all travelers on the journey of life, moving from one moment to the next, learning as we go. There’s always another step, a new destination, or a different perspective to explore.
Always Moving, Always Growing
There’s no better time for reflection than when I’m waiting for a flight or soaring at 36,000 feet, watching the world pass by at 900 km per hour. It’s a pause, a break from the otherwise fast-paced world.
Throughout my travels, I’ve met fascinating people in airport lounges and had some of the most interesting conversations while waiting for delayed flights. There’s a certain magic that happens when we’re forced to pause, to sit with our thoughts, and to connect with strangers whose journeys have unexpectedly intersected with our own.
I’m constantly reminded that life, like travel, is always in motion. Travel teaches us that we’re never truly stuck.
We are, in the best way possible, Always in Transit.