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Originally Posted by TheMoose
If DL were to start a SIN route that does not go through NRT, the most likely gateway would be LAX, followed distantly by SEA.
DL's currently longest flight is ATL-JNB which is around 7300nm and it is routinely weight-restricted. JFK/DTW/MSP-SIN would all be considerably longer than that and, while within the operational range of the 777-200LR, it would not be able to regularly carry a full compliment of passengers & cargo. ATL-SIN is completely out of the question.
DL is building up LAX to be a major hub for business travel and as such, it would make sense for them to offer a better timed one-stop flight to SIN via LAX. Most of the major business markets in the US now, or will soon have, nonstop service on DL to LAX making for a relatively painless connection.
SEA is shorter than LAX-SIN, but has less connection opportunities for many of the major business markets in the U.S. It's a possibility, but a distant second to LAX in my opinion.
JNB is a "special case" due to being a hot and high ULH. It's not apples to apples.
"O. R. Tambo International Airport is a hot and high airport. Situated almost 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) above mean sea level, the air is thin.[12] This means some aircraft must reduce weight by loading less fuel than they would otherwise. The thinner air is also the reason for the longer than usual runways. "