Marking a new chapter in Singapore Airlines’ history, flight SQ68 departed early this morning on its inaugural flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport.

The flight is expected to arrive in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, via the Spanish city of Barcelona, at 1555hrs local time.  On the return leg, flight SQ67 will depart Sao Paulo at 0145hrs and arrive in Singapore at 1335hrs the next day.

Sao Paulo is Singapore Airlines’ first destination in South America, which has become the sixth continent in its route network. The new three-times-weekly service also strengthens Singapore Changi Airport’s status as a global hub, as the Airline is the first to offer direct flights between Singapore and South America.

“We are pleased to add Sao Paulo to our growing network of destinations. With such high profile events as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games lined up in Brazil, we are confident that travel demand to Brazil will be strong. Similarly, we hope that Brazilians will take the opportunity to visit Singapore and use Changi Airport as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region,” said Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice-President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah.

In celebration of this special occasion, a pre-departure event was held at Changi Airport for the Airline’s customers, who were treated to refreshments and received a crystal football paperweight as a memento.

Singapore Airlines was also honoured to have Brazil’s Ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Paulo Alberto da Silveira Soares and his wife, Mrs Luisa Goyena Soares, as well as Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Brazil, Mr Choo Chiau Beng, among the passengers on the inaugural flight.

Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are being operated on the new route, fitted with the Airline’s newest cabin products in all three classes. Seats in all classes feature the award-winning KrisWorld inflight entertainment system, with more than 1,000 on-demand options.