By Emmie V. Adadilla
The Philippines is a “growing market” for Singapore Airlines (SIA), according to General Manager Balagopal Kundavara. “We would like to increase our capacity here. The only way to do it now is to have bigger aircraft.”
Hence, the airline welcomed its newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 the other day (July 3, 2018), when it started operating on SQ915/SQ918 flights from Manila to Singapore and back.
SQ918 departs from Singapore Changi Airport at 7:25 p.m. and arrives at NAIA 3 at 11:00 p.m. SQ915 departs from NAIA 3 at 7:40 a.m. and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport at 11:20 a.m. daily.
The Dreamliner represents “our commitment and dedication to provide our customers with a premium travel experience, both on the long haul and the medium haul (flights ranging from 3 to 4 hours),” the SIA GM stressed.
“SIA is the largest customer for the 787-10, with firm orders for 49 of the type. We believe that the experience of business-class customers on the medium haul should as good as those on the long haul,” he reiterated.
Business-Class customers can rest in more comfort with a seat that reclines directly into a 76” fully-flat bed, even on the shortest flights.
The new seats also provide more personal space with its retractable armrests which can be raised and lowered while adjustable dividers at the center seats provide for a customized level of privacy to suit individual preferences.
Economy -Class customers can enjoy travelling in comfort on seats with an ergonomically-designed contour backrest, together with a six-way adjustable headrest and foldable wings to provide more neck support.
All customers on the new 787-10s will also have greater control over their in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience through myKrisWorld, allowing for world-class IFE personalization.
Features of myKrisWorld include content recommendations based on customer preferences and viewing history, and KrisFlyer members being able to bookmark and resume content, as well as customize and save preferences for subsequent flights.
The new 787-10s will also be equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi supported by Panasonic’s Global Communication Services and GSM phone services provided by Panasonic’s wholly owned subsidiary Aeromobile.
SIA’s 787-10s will also be used on flights up to eight hours and have commenced services between Singapore and both Osaka and Perth in May 2018, and Bali in July 2018, with more destinations to be added as additional aircraft are received.