Singapore  - Singapore Airlines (SIA) launched Thursday its new all-business-class service to New York via Newark Airport in response to demand from corporate travellers, the carrier said.

"With this newly reconfigured aircraft, we will be increasing our business class capacity," said SIA Executive Vice President Huang Cheng Eng.

Providing customers with more personal space and privacy, the seats are arranged in a four abreast, one-two-one layout, with every seat having direct access to the aisle.

The seats convert into flat beds.

"The conversion of all five of the A340-500s to an all-business class seating is being carried out in phases," SIA said.

It is operating three times weekly with daily services to New York by the end of June. By late September, the all-business class service will be flown to Los Angeles daily. (dpa)