Singapore Airlines took off from Gatwick for the first time on Saturday to boost connections across Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

The new five times a week service to Singapore Changi airport complements four daily flights from Heathrow and five flights a week from Manchester.

The Gatwick route will also offer the fastest connecting service from the UK to Sydney, in 21 hours 40 minutes, according to SIA.

The 13-hour flight is operated by 253-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with 42 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy and 187 in economy. 

The airline now offers 38 direct flights a week from the UK to Singapore, more than any other carrier.

The schedule allows for transfers onto flights to Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand from the Changi hub.

SIA UK & Ireland general manager Mohamed Rafi Mar said: “We are pleased to offer more choices to customers, with London Gatwick as our third UK gateway.

“We have seen a growing demand for travel not just to Singapore, but to Southeast Asia and Australia. 

“This new route from an internationally recognised airport also offers excellent transport links to London and the southeast of England, for those departing and arriving into the capital.”