COVID-19: Singapore Airlines A380 restaurant a hit – ridiculous!

According to the Mile Lion, the A380 dining experience hasn’t been going smoothly. Apparently in true airline tradition, Singapore Airlines has oversold seats on its grounded A380 restaurant experience, with Premium Economy and Suites passengers being asked if they were willing to be rebooked on different days. In compensation, they have been offered vouchers and guaranteed tour slots.

PR triumph which sold out in minutes turns into PR nightmare?

Previously . . .

I refrained from reporting this initially, as I just thought it was too silly for words – people paying to sit in an A380 on the ground while they consume a first-class or business class food and beverage service, or have it delivered to their home complete with airline crockery and cutlery, and even with a chef to plate it if you want/are prepared to pay.

I was wrong

Well, I was wrong, not because it isn’t silly, but because some people love it, and have bought so many tickets that they are doing it again!

I think its a stupid idea, but then again, I’m not everyone. If you want to book your meal on a stationary A380 or have it delivered to your home then here is the link to ‘Discover Your Singapore Airlines‘. You can even organise a private or corporate event around their catering.

What does it cost, and when can I eat?

The original date sold out in minutes, so SIA announced new dates. Lunch on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 – SG$600 in first-class suites, SG$300 business class, SG$90 premium economy and SG$50 for economy class.

Scalpers are already on to this offereing first-class tickets for resale at around SG$3,000!.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

I had the good fortune to experience Singapore Airlines first-class suites on the A380 back in 2017 between London and Sydney on a points redemption. What can I say, it was a great experience, and the food was good, but do we really fly first class just for the food?