One of the world’s most popular airlines is about to undergo a multimillion-pound makeover as it seeks to improve its outstanding product even further.
Incorporated in January 1972, Singapore Airlines has regularly won awards for its services.
In 2020, the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards gave SIA the overall award for Best Airline and Best Asia-Pacific Airline for the 20th year running.
It has also been voted second-best airline by Condé Nast’s Traveller magazine readers for 2024.
The airline’s management has just announced that the company is going to splurge a whopping 1.1 billion Singapore dollars (£643m) on a root-and-branch refurbishment of its planes.
The plan is to upgrade all classes on its 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range planes by the end of 2030.
The retrofitting will be carried out in-house by the airline’s SIA Engineering Company.
The first refurbished A350-900 long-haul aircraft is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026.
The first A350-900ULR model is planned to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2027.
Many travellers rate the airline’s onboard service as one of the best in the world. And it is no coincidence that they do so.
New cabin crew recruits receive a comprehensive four-month training – twice as long as the industry average.
This incorporates every aspect of service, from meals and making wine recommendations to cultural sensitivity toward travellers from different countries.
Worn with pride, even the crew’s uniform is exceptional and distinctive. It was designed by Parisian fashion designer Pierre Balmain and features a sarong kebaya crafted from Asian batik fabric.
Food on flights is a cut above the ordinary aeroplane fare, with menus drawn up by eight world-renowned chefs.
For those travelling in Premium Economy, choice of food includes options such as lobster Thermidor, pad Thai, or sirloin steak all paired with Champagne or wine from an expertly composed list.
