SkyscraperCity Forum banner

Singapore Airlines/Scoot | General News, Update & Discussion

320K views 2K replies 111 participants last post by  hkskyline 
#241 ·
The Creation of Singapore Airlines



From a single plane to an internationally respected brand, almost 60 years of innovation and service has propelled the growth of Singapore Airlines to become one of the world's leading carriers with an advanced fleet. We began with three flights per week, and today our route network spans 90 destinations in almost 40 countries. Years ago, Singapore Airlines was the first to offer free drinks and complimentary headsets. More recently, we pioneered inflight telecommunications services and unparalleled inflight luxury. Soon, we will be the first to put the world’s largest plane into service.


From First Flight to Soaring Height



The history of Singapore Airlines dates back to 1 May 1947, when a Malayan Airways Limited Airspeed Consul took off from Singapore's Kallang Airport on the first of three scheduled flights a week to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang.


Over the next two decades, the Airline steadily acquired more planes. There were additions of the DC-4 Skymaster, Vickers Viscount, Lockheed Super Constellation, Bristol Brittania, Comet IV, and the Fokker F27.


On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was born and the Airline became known as Malaysian Airways Limted. In May 1966, it became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines.
Later, the new look of the Airline evolved further with its first Boeings - three B707s, then a fleet of B737s.

In 1972, Malaysia-Singapore Airlines split up to become two entities - Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airline System.

This change was used to launch a new, more modern service approach on the airline. To house a special fleet of B747s, B7272s, and DC-10s, the new Singapore Airlines also boasted a new airfreight terminal and a B747 hangar.




The Singapore Girl is Born

In 1968, the sarong kebaya uniform designed by French couturier Pierre Balmain was introduced and the internationally recognized image of the Singapore Girl debuted.








A Reputation for Inflight Firsts


The 1980s brought a number of firsts. The Singapore Airlines fleet continued to grow, in impressive and historic ways. It had the first A300 Superbus, the B747-300 Big Top, the B757 and the A310-200. We are also the first airline in the world to operate an international commercial flight across the Pacific Ocean with the 747-400 Megatop.


In the 1990s, Singapore Airlines revolutionized inflight communications and entertainment through the KrisFone - the first global sky telephone service - and KrisWorld offerings. At the same time, we sought to further improve our unparalleled fleet, placing a US$10.3-billion order for 22 B747-400s and 30 A340-300s in 1994, a US$12.7-billion order for 77 B777s in 1995, and a US$2.2-billion order for 10 A340-500s in 1998.


In 2000, the Airline placed 19 A380s on firm order and a US$4 billion order for 20 more B777-200s in 2001. The A380, the world's largest commercial plane will soon enter service with Singapore Airlines, making it another world’s first.




The Highest Service Today

Singapore Airlines today is built solidly on our history, from the designer bone china flatware to the Bulgari cologne for First Class passengers, to our advanced fleet of aircraft and motivated employees.


Today, our inflight service is of the highest order. The Singapore Airlines World Gourmet Cuisine boasts a selection of exclusive and tantalising signature dishes, specially designed by a panel of nine internationally renowned chefs, and a wine list selected by three of the world's most discerning wine consultants.
KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines' award-winning and ever-expanding inflight entertainment system, offers customers a wide range of entertainment options. Customers can choose from a variety of movies, TV programmes, music CDs and channels. There is also an extensive selection of video games and interactive applications including Berlitz Word Traveler, a fully interactive learning programme.

Singapore Airlines became a full member of the global Star Alliance in 2000 and with it came "seamless" worldwide air travel. With the extensive network of partner airlines, connecting flights, frequent flyer points, and baggage clearance are now a breeze.

Singapore Airlines’ route network reaches out to over 90 destinations in close to 40 countries.




A Future of Firsts
Singapore Airlines will make Aviation history when the Airline will become the first Airline to operate the world's largest aircraft, the Airbus A380.


The future promises to bring more firsts like these, as we at Singapore Airlines, continually strive to drive quality service through innovation.

 
See less See more
9
#3 ·
SIA set to offer first S'pore-US direct flights

Pilots undergo series of tests to ensure they stay alert during non-stop flights that may last as long as 18 hours

By Karamjit Kaur

SINGAPORE Airlines looks set to be the first to fly passengers non-stop from Singapore to the United States, when it starts using the new Airbus A340-500 early next year.

The move will mean SIA cuts about four hours off the current flight time to Los Angeles, arriving on the West Coast in about 16 hours.

As such a long-haul has never been attempted before, pilots will be put through a battery of onboard tests to see how alert they are.

The Singapore to Los Angeles flight is likely to be the first such long-haul route, and the pilots will be wired up to monitor their brain waves. They will also be given special watches to monitor their activity level.

Scientists from the European Committee for Aircrew Scheduling and Safety will study the data, which will also be used to verify an earlier study they did, commissioned by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

An SIA spokesman said yesterday: 'The safety of our crew and passengers is a top priority for the airline and we will do everything that is required to ensure that this is always observed.'

In the first study last year, the team recommended four pilots be used on such flights, which can stretch up to 18 hours depending on, say, wind conditions.

SIA has ordered five A340-500s, with an option to buy five more.

Currently, Boeing planes are mainly used on the SIA flights to the US West Coast, which stop at either Hong Kong, Tokyo or Seoul.

Flight and cabin crew are changed during stopovers.

Current CAAS guidelines allow a pilot to be on duty for up to 18 hours, from reporting to work until signing off.

Pilots on the current US West Coast schedule are on duty, at most, 13 to 16 hours because of stopovers. The general rule is they are at the controls for only half that time.

The non-stop flight will require a new set of working conditions for the cockpit and cabin crew of SIA, which recently laid off 570 staff and announced its first net loss, of $312 million for the three months ended June 30.

CAAS has been discussing the matter with SIA and the pilots' association.

It has been talking separately with the Singapore Airlines Staff Union. Union president Eddie Chew, told The Straits Times various issues would be negotiated.

'This is a new service so we will be touching on topics like allowance, rest time and the number of crew on these super long-haul flights.'

Analyst Ian Thomas, a senior consultant at the Sydney-based Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation foresees SIA tapping the corporate market for this new service.

'The yield will be much higher,' he said, referring to earlier reports that SIA is likely to charge a premium.

Source
The Straits Times
 
#5 ·
Any flight time past 4 hours,is when jet lag begins to set intp the body clock.Even a 9 hour hop is wearisome and boring.It used to be great about 40 years back when jets just came in.One would have 4 hours say from SYD to NAN(Fiji)and then after an hour to stretch ones legs,it was 6 hours to HNL(Hawaii)and another stopover,then 5 hours to LAX.Now its one aircraft non stop,with 14 hours,which is TOO MUCH.:mad:
 
#10 ·
Amsterdam and New York (one of the airports)

I never heard of this route..I dont think its possible to fly nonstop from Singapore to NY.

Some info from Airbus's website

August 10 2003
Singapore Airlines’ A340-500 takes shapes

The first A340-500 for Singapore Airlines is now taking shape in the Toulouse final assembly line. Singapore Airlines, which has ordered five very long range A340-500s, will use them to open up some of the world’s longest air-routes such as Singapore to Los Angeles, which to day can only be served with one-stop. Deliveries are scheduled for this winter.

 
#12 ·
You're right, I was mixing some things up. I was actually thinking about the non-stop flights from LAX.

BTW, according to a message in rec.travel.air, there won't be coach class on the direct LAX-SIN flights:

Starting early next year, Singapore Airlines' new Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Singapore (SIN) flight will become the longest--one that requires around 18 hours to complete westbound and probably around 16 hours to complete eastbound. To stretch its range, the plane being used (Airbus A340-500) will only be fitted with premium seating--1/3 First Class and 2/3 Raffles (Business) Class with a seating capacity of around 175 passengers.
@kota16: jet lag actually doesn't have much to do with the length of the flight, but with the amount of time zones you cross. I can fly from the Netherlands to South-Africa without any jet lag problems.
 
#13 ·
18 hours....either you watch 9 movies one after the other, go for an extended nap, or hopefully its possible to surf on ssc up there! :D
 
#16 ·
Originally posted by chrisaus

**** that would be as boring as hell....>(
There is a personal entertainment unit for each seat aboard SIA planes.........so I don't think boredom is much of an issue.......I spent the exact amount of time crossing the pacific from Taipei to LAX too (I think the Airbus A340-500 are faster than a 747-400.....:?) on Eva Air ......no personal entertainment unit....only a small TV screen on the ceiling showing 'Bring It On' .....arrggghhhh!

Luckily I din sleep the entire night so I slept for 13 hours on the plane.....waking up for meals and a game of cards with my sis and dad......

I reckon that a non-stop flight is so much better than a 4-hours stopover (midnight) in Taipei....that's what we did! ........The terminal is boring as hell as all shops were closed!!! :rant:
 
#20 ·
Shiza I didn't realise the new A340's will be able to fly *that* far.

LAX is already home to the current worlds longest nonstop flight.

That is LAX-Melbourne which is approx 14-15 hours and is now served by the current longest range aircraft: Boeing's 747-400ER, first ordered by Qantas with extra fuel tanks in the cargo hold to complete the journey without occasional stopovers for fuel that sometimes hindered the flight when served by previous 747-400's
 
#21 ·
Confirmed: SIA to operate the world's longest non-stop flight

Source: The Straits Times

SIA direct to US, a world's first
It will cost more, but airline packs fewer seats and adds stretch areas on new Airbus aircraft for flights starting Feb 3

By Goh Chin Lian


SINGAPORE Airlines will make aviation history on Feb 3 when the world's longest non-stop commercial flight takes off at Changi Airport for a 16-hour trip to Los Angeles. For five to 10 per cent more than a ticket with a stop in Tokyo or Taipei, travellers will save up to two hours a trip.

And to make the non-stop flight - which can stretch to about 18 hours on the trip back - more comfortable, they will get wider seats and more leg room. Business class passengers can stretch out for an extra 15cms, and their Spacebeds will be equipped with DVD ports. Those in economy will be seated seven abreast instead of the usual eight, have 12.5cms more leg room and can lean back an extra 5cms while sipping on champagne. Passengers can also mingle at special corners, and pick up sandwiches, muffins and fruits from a snack bar to nibble between meals. The long-haul flight will have 14 cabin crew, more than the usual 11, and include four pilots.

Tickets for the service, offered on a newly acquired fleet of long-range Airbus 340-500 planes, go on sale today. The airline declined to reveal the price just yet, but industry players estimate that an economy class seat would cost more than $1,600 excluding agent service fees and taxes, based on the basic fare of $1,550 on economy class for current flights.

SIA officials released details of the new service yesterday at Swissotel, The Stamford, where reporters were ushered into a darkened room with atmospheric lighting. A multimedia show introduced the new service and real-size models of the seats were displayed for reporters to try out, guided by a bevy of the airline's trademark Singapore Girls in their kebayas.

The press conference also signalled a new chapter for the airline, which was badly buffeted by the Iraq war and Sars. It cut flights by more than a third during the Sars outbreak, and reported its first-ever quarterly loss of $312 million at the end of June. But it now expects to restore nearly all the suspended flights by the end of the year, and is planning to add more next year.

The new service will complement its two existing daily services to Los Angeles, through Taipei and Tokyo. Time-conscious business travellers can also look forward to a new 18-hour non-stop service between Singapore and New York City starting next August, which will cut travel time by up to six hours.

Offering such flights between Singapore and the United States will allow SIA to make full use of the open skies agreement between both countries, said Mr Michael Tan, SIA's senior executive vice-president (commercial). 'It is difficult to continue to add one-stop flights because of restrictions imposed by countries along the way,' he added.

But the break-even level on the new services will be higher than on other flights, as they will carry fewer passengers to give them more room, said Mr Tan. There will be just 181 seats, almost half of what similar-sized jets can carry. SIA also decided against putting in a first-class section, which would have taken up even more space and raised operating costs.

As a sweetener to try out the new service, those on the SIA's frequent flyer programme will receive double miles if they travel on it between February and May.
 
#22 ·
Source: Singapore Airlines Press Release

SIA Makes Aviation History With The A345LeaderShip
15 October 2003


Singapore Airlines (SIA) today unveiled the newest aircraft type to join its fleet – the ultra long-range Airbus 340-500. SIA’s A340-500 will offer the longest non-stop commercial service in the world with its first flight from Singapore to Los Angeles in February 2004.

This SIA service to Los Angeles will take 16 hours, and the return service from Los Angeles about 18.5 hours. This is a savings of 1.5 to two hours over SIA’s current one-stop flights.

“We have named the aircraft the A345LeaderShip to underscore its unique characteristics and SIA’s continued commitment to product and service innovation. With the A340-500, we are offering non-stop services over long distances, that translate to greater convenience, comfort and time savings. It is specially designed for today’s business travellers,” said SIA’s Senior Executive Vice-President (Commercial), Michael Tan.

The SIA A345LeaderShip will commence with daily services to Los Angeles, with services to New York City to follow in August 2004. The service from New York to Singapore will shorten travel time by two hours, and from Singapore to New York, by six hours. The New York - Singapore service will take about 18 hours in each direction.

“We pioneered non-stop services from Singapore to London, and between Hong Kong and San Francisco, and we are doing it again with the A345LeaderShip,” added Mr Tan.

The Airline will be setting another marker with the premium configuration of the A345LeaderShip. The aircraft will feature just 181 seats in a spacious two-class configuration comprising Raffles (business) Class and a new Executive Economy Class.

A345LeaderShip Executive Economy Class

This new SIA class of travel will offer 117 Executive Economy Class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, with a seat pitch of 37” and a seat-back recline of 8”. It will also feature a seat width of 20”, a leather adjustable headrest, an innovative leg rest and foot rest, and a 9” personal video monitor for in-flight entertainment. In addition, SIA has introduced AC power supply outlets in the Executive Economy cabin.

A345LeaderShip Raffles Class

The A345LeaderShip Raffles Class cabin will feature 64 of SIA’s renowned lie-flat SpaceBeds in a 2-2-2 seat layout, with a larger seat pitch of 64”.

The SpaceBed offers a bed width of 26” and a bed length of 78”, as well as an adjustable headrest, leg rest and lumbar support. The 10.4” personal video monitor will enable customers to enjoy SIA’s comprehensive in-flight entertainment system in style, and an AC power supply outlet at every seat will be welcomed by the traveller who wishes to power up his laptop.

Other A345LeaderShip features

Another new feature on the A345LeaderShip will be passenger corners in both the Raffles and Executive Economy Class cabins, where passengers can gather to socialize. In addition, Executive Economy Class will offer an area where customers can help themselves to an array of snacks and drinks.

All seats will also be equipped with SIA’s renowned in-flight entertainment system, KrisWorld, which offers over 200 entertainment options including movies, television features, music stations, CD selections, and games. This is available on the latest Matsushita System 3000 AVOD (audio video on demand) platform that enables passengers to pause, fast forward or rewind any audio or video programme at will.

Said Mr Tan, “The interior of the A340-500, from the cabin layout to the seats, has been designed to offer excellent comfort for long-haul business travellers to ensure they arrive refreshed and ready to go.”

SIA’s frequent flyers (KrisFlyers) will receive double miles for travel on the A345LeaderShip from February until the end of May 2004. A 25 per cent discount is offered on this flight on Raffles Class companion awards, upon the purchase of a regular Raffles Class ticket, during the same period.

The A340-500 service between Singapore and Los Angeles will complement existing services to this business and entertainment capital. SIA currently operates two daily services via Taipei and Tokyo. Tickets on the A340-500 will be available from SIA ticketing offices, SIA website, and travel agents from 16 October 2003.

SIA placed its order for 10 A340-500 in 1998 with five on firm order and five on option. The order was worth US$2.2 billion, including the cost of spares and spare engines. The A340-500 will be powered by four Rolls Royce Trent 553 engines. This is the first new aircraft type to join the SIA fleet since 1997, when the Airline took delivery of its first Boeing 777. As at 26 October 2003, SIA’s operating fleet comprises of 51 B777s and 27 B747s, a total of 78 aircraft (23 were withdrawn pending resumption of all services).

FACT SHEET

SIA A345LeaderShip

Distance covered (Singapore – Los Angeles): Appoximately 7,900 nautical miles.

Estimated Travel Time:
Singapore to Los Angeles - 16 hours
Los Angeles to Singapore - 18 hours and 20 minutes

Northern Winter 03/04 Schedule:
From Singapore to Los Angeles
Flight No. - SQ20
Departing - 1600hrs
Arriving - 1600hrs
From Los Angeles to Singapore
Flight No. - SQ19
Departing - 2000hrs
Arriving - 0620hrs, +2
*All times local; +2 denotes arrival 2 days later

Executive Economy Class
Seats: 117
Layout: 2 - 3 - 2
Seat pitch: 37"
Seat width: 20"
Seat recline: 8"
Inflight entertainment screen size: 9"
AC power supply: Every two seats

Raffles Class
Seats: 64
Layout: 2 - 2 - 2
Seat pitch: 64"
Seat width: 20"
Seat recline: Flat bed
Bed width: 26"
Bed length: 78"
Inflight entertainment screen size: 10.4"
AC power supply: Every seat
 
Top