SIA's New Long-Haul Plane to Boost Changi Airport's Hub Status

January 2, 2004

SIA's New Long-Haul Plane to Boost Changi Airport's Hub Status 
Channel News Asia, Singapore 
 
SINGAPORE : For just $1,800, you will be able to fly non-stop to Los Angeles in 
just 16 hours!

Singapore Airline's new ultra long-haul plane has arrived and will make its 
maiden flight on February 3.

It was touchdown at 12.40 on Friday for Asia's first ultra long-haul plane.

The A345 Leadership is one of 10 planes SIA has ordered from Airbus in a $2.2 
billion deal.

The name perhaps hints at how it can help cement Changi's and SIA's positions 
as leaders.

You can book one of the 181 seats on the maiden flight next month and enjoy 
some of the luxuries like free flow of champagne, and be a part of history.

It will be the world's longest non-stop flight - from Singapore to Los Angeles 
- and leave you at least three hours ahead of other travellers.

The crew raved about the plane's smooth ride and say passengers do not have to 
worry about its welfare.

Captain H.K. Leong, Chief Pilot of A345 Leadership, SIA, said: "The pilots have 
their own rest facilities and that's how we use that to extend the duty time. 
Two sets of crew, so they take rest and that's why we come back we can still 
talk to you, otherwise we would be too tired."

Passengers are also likely to get better rest.

Those in Business Class have the option of a flat bed - plus DVD entertainment.

And Economy Class passengers get roomier seats, larger screens and can even 
work on their laptops all through the flight.

One unique feature of the A345 Leadership is the lounge area where passengers 
can come to get a snack or network with other passengers.

Targeted at business travellers, the airline said they would have to pay 5 to 
10 percent more than current non-stop flights.

But special prices will be offered for two months.

Business Class seats are priced at $7,000 and Economy Class seats at $1,800.

"What you pay, definitely you will get the value for it."

"Just quicker, less in and out of airports with a two-year old."

"As long as I get there on the right days."

The flight will also serve up better connections for travellers.

Michael Tan, Senior Executive Vice President (Commercial) at SIA, said: "When 
they leave Singapore in the afternoon and arrive in LA, you can connect to 
almost all the cities in the USA, and when you arrive in Singapore you can 
connect to practically all the cities in Southeast Asia."

This should give Changi and SIA an edge in the battle to be an airhub.

By June, SIA will launch an 18 hour non-stop service to New York - which will 
cut six hours in travel time. - CNA

 
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