SINGAPORE, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Airlines on Monday launched flights to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, the airline's first destination in South America.

The flight departed early Monday morning from Singapore's Changi Airport for the trip to Sao Paulo via the Spanish city of Barcelona.

The new flight services will be operated three times a week.

Singapore Airlines said it is confident that the travel demand to Brazil will be strong, citing high-profile events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.