Singapore Airlines plans to launch the world's longest nonstop flight using a long-range Airbus A350, bypassing traditional hubs like London and Los Angeles. This move highlights a shift in the airline industry, where new fuel-efficient planes like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 enable direct, long-haul flights, challenging the traditional hub-and-spoke model. While hub carriers like Singapore Airlines and Emirates have thrived on connecting flights, budget airlines have shown the profitability of direct routes. The introduction of these new planes could open up direct routes previously deemed unviable, posing a threat to hub carriers' business models.

What is the main challenge Singapore Airlines might face with its new long-range flights?

• High operational costs of new jets

• Increased competition from budget airlines

• Lack of passenger interest in long flights

• New fuel-efficient planes threatening its business model

How does the hub and spoke model benefit airlines?

• It lowers the cost of fuel for airlines

• It allows airlines to use fewer planes and increase profitability

• It reduces the need for connecting flights

• It increases the number of direct flights available

What strategy have budget airlines like Southwest and Ryanair used to succeed?

• Expanding their hub networks

• Focusing on direct connections between popular cities

• Offering luxury services on flights

• Reducing the number of flights to save costs

What opportunity do new fuel-efficient jets offer to airlines?

• The ability to fly longer distances without refueling

• The option to reduce ticket prices significantly

• The potential to increase the number of hubs

• The chance to offer point-to-point flights on a global scale

What is a potential consequence for hub carriers with the introduction of new fuel-efficient planes?

• A turbulent future due to competition from direct flights

• Higher operational costs

• More passengers choosing connecting flights

• Increased demand for hub-based flights