Airbus has launched an ultra-long range version of its A350-900 plane to be built at its manufacturing facility in Broughton.

Singapore Airlines has amended its order of 63 aircraft to include seven of the new planes, for use on its route between Singapore and New York.

It has also placed an order for an additional four A350-900 airliners.

The long range version includes a modified fuel system to increase capacity along with an increase in maximum take-off weight and aerodynamic improvements.

The New York service is expected to be the world's longest commercial passenger route; representing a distance of about 8,700 nautical miles and taking up to 19 hours.

Singapore Airlines chief executive, Goh Choon Phong, said: "Our customers have been asking us to re-start non-stop Singapore-US flights and we are pleased that Airbus was able to offer the right aircraft to do so in a commercially viable manner."

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