Inside Singapore Airlines' new A350
SINGAPORE Airlines has
significantly increased
its business-class
capacity on the Johannesburg
route through the introduction
of its next-generation product,
which features 42 businessclass
seats.
Market development
manager, Sally George, says
the increase in capacity is in
response to market demand,
adding that while it is still
early days, booking numbers
have been good since the
new product’s introduction.
The highlight of flying
business class with
Singapore Airlines is the
airline’s refined sense of
hospitality. Flight attendants
are put through strict training
procedures to ensure
passengers are treated with
empathy and attentiveness.
During a visit to the
airline’s Commercial Training
Centre in Singapore, TNW
was given a sneak peek
at the training procedures.
New attendants are put
through a 15-week training
programme, during which the
first five and a half weeks
focus entirely on service. “It
goes beyond cabin training.
The hostesses need to
learn how to sell that unique
Asian charm,” says Juat
Fang Foo, assistant manager
for cabin crew training. To
qualify for business-class
service, attendants undergo
further training after a year’s
experience in economy class.
In terms of the product
itself, the A350’s new
business-class seat is
spacious, measuring 71cm
wide. It is surrounded by a
fixed back shell which helps
to create a general sense of
space and privacy.
Business travellers needing
to work will find the use
of space convenient, with
several compartments.
Travellers can connect
online via various electronic
devices, and in-seat laptop
power supply, USB and
HDMI ports are all available.
Passengers also have a
range of lighting options,
including an in-seat floodlight,
enabling passengers to work
or read with ease.
For passengers looking to
get a good night’s rest, seats
recline to a comfortable,
almost-flat position at an
angle of 132 degrees, and
a length of 198cm makes it
possible to stretch out their
legs.
More comfort, less cost
Travellers will appreciate the
premium economy product’s
seat pitch of 97cm, which
creates comfortable legroom.
A calf rest and foot
bar also make a significant
difference to passengers’
comfort.
A number of other touches
designed to create space
and introduce comfort are a
coat hook and the additional
stowage spaces for a water
bottle and mobile phone.
In-seat power supply and two
USB ports are also provided.
The same noise-cancelling
headphones that are
available in business class
are offered in premium
economy. The in-flight
entertainment system,
KrisWorld, also offers a
customised user interface
along with a wide selection
of content.
Premium economy features
a standard menu with three
different meal choices.
However, through the
airline’s Book the Cook
service, you can pre-order
a wider range of cuisine
for your travellers, including
meals such as seafood
thermidor and roast chicken.
7 things to do in Sngapore
1. Try authentic cuisine
For an authentic taste of Singapore,
travellers can visit the Mandarin
Orchard Singapore. The hotel’s
Chatterbox restaurant is famous
for being the first five-star outlet
to offer Chicken Rice, a unique
and tasty dish made famous by
the city’s local hawkers. The view
from the Meritus Club Lounge on
the 38th and 39th floors offers
panoramic shots of the city and is
not to be missed.
2. Take Merlion selfies
Singapore’s Merlion, the design
of which is based on Singaporean
legend, has become possibly the
city’s most iconic landmark. With
the added bonus of the equally
well-known Marina Bay Sands in the
background, posing for a pic with
city’s famed lion is a must.
3. Learn some culture
A visit to the Rumah Kim Choo
boutique gallery gives guests
a glimpse into the world of
Paranakan culture. From highly
intricate beadwork to beautifully
painted porcelain and unusual
sweet treats, there is a great deal
to be admired about this uniquely
Singaporean culture.
4. Hop on a cable car
Another great way to take in
stunning views of the city is to
visit Faber Peak and take a ride
on the Singapore Cable Car.
Travellers can also enjoy lunch at
the buffet restaurant where they
can appreciate the city’s beauty as
they dine.
5. Wander in the gardens
Paradise for nature lovers,
the Gardens by the Bay is an
architectural feat and realisation
of the National Parks Board’s
vision of transforming Singapore
into a city within a garden. The
attraction has won many awards
for its impressive indoor displays,
including the world’s tallest indoor
waterfall.
6. Get a bird’s-eye view
Much like the London Eye, the
Singapore Flyer, offers breathtaking
sights of the city. The largest
observation wheel in Asia, the Flyer
stands 165m off the ground.
7. Visit Resorts World
Children and adults alike will be
impressed by Singapore’s magical
Resorts World. The S.E.A Aquarium,
which Singapore tourist guide,
Suhail Jindran says is the biggest
in the world, is home to 50 000
different marine species, which
glide along in their respective
tanks.
Universal Studios has a variety of
different rides to appeal to different
audiences. Thrill-seekers will enjoy
being transported into the world of
Transformers on a not-to-be missed
4D ride that involves a high-speed
car chase. Visitors can also
immerse themselves in the worlds
of Jurassic Park, Shrek, The Mummy
and many more.
Travellers should leave adequate
time to explore the park, as it
draws crowds of visitors, which
means queues can be long.
