SINGAPORE AIRLINES: A380’s back in the air from 18 November

This is heartening news, especially when added to the previous report of NSW opening its borders to unlimited international travellers from 1 November.

Content of this Post:

Background

Singapore Airlines grounded its A380’s back in March 2020, when the COVID-19 virus affected travel worldwide. 20 months later, at least some of the planes will return to service. Others, the firstborn, are being torn up as I write, once re-useable elements have been stripped from the planes

The Routes

Singapore will be putting these giant birds back to work on the Singapore to London route initially – as of 18 November:

SQ322 Singapore to London 11:45 pm arriving 5:55 am (+1 day)
SQ317 London to Singapore departing 10:55 am arriving 7:50 am (+1 day)

You might see it listed on other flights, but London/Singapore is the only route the airline has confirmed.

Remember that Singapore has recently cut its fleet of A380’s from the original 19 to an eventual 12.

Configuration of the Singapore Airlines A380 consists of 471 seats spread over 4 classes:

6 first class suites
78 business class
44 premium economy
343 economy

Singapore Open

The restored A380 service coincides with Singapore’s opening for vaccinated travellers as part of its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) which allows fully vaccinated flyers from select countries to travel to and through Singapore without needing to quarantine. You will need to be tested and travel on dedicated VTL flights

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 pleasure of travelling back from London back in 2016 in the (now old) First Class suites. I loved the suites and that I and my husband could sleep in a ‘double bed’ – if having a big solid divider up to the mattress height between you counts as a double bed! The service and food and beverage were impeccable if a little less friendly than that we received on Qantas.

I’m glad to know if any A380 service is back in the air since it is my favourite aircraft, but am particularly fond of this service – which I hope soon extends to Sydney.