Reading between the lines

According to the Straits Times:

Mr Lee said he did not think Singapore was an affluent country, the Korean daily reported.

'Besides, as a government official, I have to lead by example. Singapore's senior officials fly economy class, not first class, for flights under six hours,' he was quoted as saying.

Does this mean that for flights over 6 hours, THEY DO FLY FIRST CLASS? Why not business class?

Here's a relative comparison:

A Singapore-Melbourne flight is 6 hours (not including tail winds). As a frequent traveller down under, the flight in economy class is relatively painless, I watch 3 movies, some episodes of "Queer Eye" or "House" and I touch down: I'm still refreshed.

If you look at all the countries within the 6 hour flight zone, that would mean that essentially over 70% of all senior official flights are FIRST CLASS (taking into account our major trading partners and allies).

Thanks for this token show of frugality.