Before today’s launch of Singapore Airlines new Premium Economy A380 Service from Sydney, KarryOn got first dibs on checking out all the sexy new cabin has to offer.
If you’re a bit of a plane nerd like me, you tend to get rather excited when a new airline product comes online that you just can’t wait to experience for yourself.
So getting the chance to hop on-board the Singapore Airlines A380 at Sydney airport two hours before flight SQ232 made it’s inaugural departure to Changi for me was extra special, even if I wasn’t going to be actually flying on it today.
Very comfortable. But disappointed not be flying somewhere today.
Two years in the making to the tune of a roughly US$80 million, the new Premium cabin is instantly impressive from the moment you board, with a contemporary, stylish design, extremely comfy leather seats and plenty of space to store your stuff and plug in all your favourite devices.
Sure to wow every traveller is the sleek 13.3-inch full HD monitor, the largest in its class and just perfect for taking in a few movies whilst reclining in a seat with a generous pitch of 38 inches and width of 19.5 inches. As a 196cm giant, I was more than comfortable sitting there which isn’t something I say very often outside of Business Class.
Very comfy seats and a great pitch to boot
Other key features in the cabin include active noise-cancelling headphones, an enhanced in-flight entertainment experience, leather calf-rest and foot-bar for every seat, individual in-seat power supply, two USB ports and a small cocktail table.
Food and beverage wise you get to choose from three different main courses as part of Singapore Airlines ‘Book the cook’ service which enables you to pre-order your meal choices online before you fly if you wish. Handy for avoiding that awkward “I’m sorry that dish isn’t available sir” moment.
You can choose from main dishes such as The Seafood Thermidor with roasted trussed tomatoes and Saffron Rice or The Wild lime Sauce Pan Fried Fish Pasta with steamed green beans. All to be enjoyed with champagne, fine wines and Singapore Airlines award winning service on your journey.
And let’s not forget the Singapore legendary service
With priority check in, 35kgs of luggage included, Kris miles and a sharp lead in price point of around $3,600 return to London, Singapore Airlines Premium Economy service is certain to be a popular option for both business and leisure travellers alike.
The airline is pitching premium economy as an upgrade for economy passengers, rather than a downgrade for business class customers, the only feature missing being lounge access at this stage.
“The new cabin product is the culmination of two years of work, which included extensive research and focus group studies involving customers and our design partners. Our Premium Economy Class will provide customers more comfort and in-flight amenities. Complemented by the exceptional service that Singapore Airlines is so well known for, the new cabin class will be ‘a great new way to fly’.”
Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah
Whilst the service out of Australia is currently only ex Sydney on the A380 route, the service will be progressively rolled across the network in the coming months.