Singapore Airlines to launch Airbus A380 Flights to London in March

Singapore Airlines has confirmed it will fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft - the Airbus A380 - on the Singapore-London route, from 18 March 2008, after the airline takes delivery of its third A380 by mid-March. The inaugural flight will be the first-ever A380 commercial service to Europe.

The first A380 flight to London, SQ 308, will leave Singapore’s Changi Airport on Tuesday, 18 March 2008, at 0900 hrs and arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport at 1505hrs (all times local).

On the same day, the aircraft will return to Singapore, operating as SQ 319, departing Heathrow at 1855hrs, arriving back into Singapore at 1535hrs on Wednesday, 19 March 2008.

Thereafter, the Singapore Airlines A380 will commence regular scheduled services, operating SQ322 daily on the Singapore-London sector from the evening of Tuesday 18 March, and on SQ 317 for the return leg from 19 March.

Singapore Airlines is the first airline to fly the A380. The British capital is the airline’s second A380 destination after the launch to Sydney in October 2007.

“With the addition of London as the second A380 destination, more of our customers can now enjoy the award-winning cabin products, enhanced inflight entertainment and renowned Singapore Airlines service,” said Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Marketing and Regions, Mr Huang Cheng Eng.

“The A380 will provide a capacity expansion on the popular Singapore-London route. For the first time, an aircraft larger than the B747-400 will fly this route, thereby meaning more seats without the need for more frequencies to what is already one of the world’s busiest airports,” Mr Huang said.

Seats on A380 services, including the inaugural flights, are already open for sale. Those who wish to be part of this landmark experience may purchase tickets via the Singapore Airlines website, singaporeair.com, or through their travel agents.

Customers who hold ticketed bookings on flights to be operated by the A380 will be automatically accommodated on the new aircraft without any change required to their tickets. Customers holding bookings, but not yet ticketed, may need to check if there have been changes to their fares as a result of the aircraft change.

On board the inaugural London flights (SQ308/319) on 18 March, customers will receive personalised certificates recognising their participation in the milestone event, as well as limited edition Singapore Airlines A380 souvenirs and exclusive premium giveaways.

The Singapore Airlines A380 seats 471 passengers in three classes - 12 in the luxurious Singapore Airlines Suites, 60 in the award-winning Business Class, configured in a spacious 1-2-1 layout on the upper deck, and 399 in Economy Class.

Singapore Airlines currently has two A380s in service, a further 17 on firm order and options on six more.

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