Cover Airbus A380-800 in Singapore Airlines livery (Image: Singapore Airlines)

Fans of Singapore Airlines can still enjoy features of national carrier's world-class services with minimal environmental impact

This story was updated on October 6, 2020.

Earlier this month, we reported on Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) possible plans to launch “flights to nowhere”, which would take passengers on an approximately three-hour journey to and from Changi Airport for a sight-seeing flight experience.

The news caused quite a stir, with many raising concerns about the environmental impact these flights may have. This includes SG Climate Rally, which published a statement imploring the travel industry to question if carbon-intensive travel is a sustainable source of revenue for the country, as well as Peta, which addressed Singapore Airlines in an open letter calling for vegan meals onboard these “flights” to offset carbon emissions.

Now, it appears the national carrier has scrapped these plans in favour of more environmentally-friendly initiatives to sustain the business while offering Singaporeans a taste of their in-flight services and dining experiences. Here’s what to expect:

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Above Passengers onboard the Singapore Airlines Suites on A380 (Image: Singapore Airlines)

Restaurant A380 @ Changi

On October 24 and 25, an A380 plane at Changi Airport will transform into a restaurant, where diners can experience SIA’s in-flight dining services. Like any other flight, diners will be entering the double-decker craft via an aerobridge, where they will be served lunch in the cabin class of their choice. Prices range from S$50 for a reservation in Economy Class, to S$600 for a meal in the Suites. The dining seats are redeemable with KrisFlyer miles as well.

The menu features SIA’s international cuisines as well as an exclusive Peranakan menu designed by Singaporean chef Shermay Lee, with free flow of beverages and two complimentary alcoholic drinks served with each meal.

Other perks include KrisShop discounts and a goodie bag, and if you turn up in traditional heritage—such as a sarong kebaya, cheongsam, saree, or even a kilt—you will receive a special gift.

Covid-19 safety measures apply, with each dining group capped at five pax, and both crew and diners required to wear a face mask at all times except when eating or drinking. Reservations for the dining experience begin on October 12.

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Above A cabin crew member on the A380 (Image: Singapore Airlines)

Inside Singapore Airlines

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a pilot or cabin crew with SIA. don’t miss this exclusive tour of SIA Training Centre. In this experience, visitors will have the opportunity to speak to pilots and crew and ask their burning questions about their training. The tour will also feature the airlines’ latest cabin products and offer a glimpse into its flight simulators, where training is conducted.

For an additional fee, visitors can personally try the flight simulators, enjoy a wine appreciation session conducted by air sommeliers, and even attend a grooming workshop by Singapore Airlines’ cabin crew trainers.

Children can get in on the fun with a junior cabin crew experience, which will see them dressing up in the iconic SIA uniform, picking up customer service skills, and simulating a flight onboard a mock-up of the A380 business class cabin. Complete the tour with in-flight cuisines served at the SIA canteen.

The Inside Singapore Airlines tours will be held on November 21, 22, 28 and 29, with booking commencing from November 1. Admissions are priced at S$30 for adults and S$15 for children, and add-ons range from S$38 for a wine appreciation experience to S$500 for a 30-minute flight simulator experience for up to three participants.

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Above Chinese gourmet choices available in Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class (Image: Singapore Airlines)

SIA@Home

If travelling to Changi Airport to dine on board a plane isn’t for you, you can still indulge SIA’s menu in the comfort of your home from October 5. Available in first-class or business-class packages for two, choose from a selection of 10 menus—designed for the carrier’s First Class and Business Class passengers by world-renowned chefs Chef Georges Blanc of France, Chef Matt Moran of Australia, Chef Yoshihiro Murata of Japan and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor of India—and have it delivered to your home.

Each meal is paired with a bottle of wine or champagne—depending on the package—and served with SIA’s signature satay canape. They will also be delivered with a First Class or Business Class amenity kit, along with a digital guide on how to heat and plate the dishes. You can also recreate the onboard experience with aircraft cabin videos and a specially curated playlist.

To elevate the experience further, you can opt for add-ons such as luxury tableware and amenities. You can also ‘Book-the-Chef’ via SIA’s cabin crew concierge, which will send a private chef to reheat, plate and serve the meal in your home. Prices start from S$288 for a business-class meal for two and S$448 for a first-class meal for two.

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