Singapore Airlines A380 business and economy class

SINGAPORE–SYDNEY

BACKGROUND

SIA launched its first A380 in 2007. Now the carrier is retiring the five oldest aircraft and welcoming five new ones, each with a revamped layout, cabins and new seat products. This was the new aircraft’s first commercial flight to Sydney.

BOARDING

I was on a transit from Hong Kong, arriving into Changi Airport’s Terminal 3, with a ten-minute walk to gate B7 from where flight SQ221 was taking off. Additional security screening at the gate was efficient.

T H E S E AT

Fans of SIA’s current A380 business class seats – also found on the A350 and retrofitted B777-300ERs – will find a number of familiar features. Firstly, seats are wide and solid, set in large shells with a grey and orange trim that feels like a luxury sports car. Secondly, most seats are designed with an angled space for legs to go once fully flat, which is best for those who sleep on their side. Working with legs extended is also a bit awkward, as you need to position your body diagonally. Bulkhead seats are the exception, as these extend straight forward. Bedding is provided for each seat, including a mattress cover, pillow and blanket.

The new seats do have more storage space, notably a large footwell for carry-on luggage, plus multiple smaller compartments and surface areas. Next to the main three-pin plug and USB outlet is a magazine holder, which is great for storing a laptop, while an elevated platform next to your shoulder has space for a smartphone or tablet while it charges using the second USB outlet. There’s also an adjustable light and a mirror here, and a hidden compartment by the screen for yet more space.

One downside of the new seat design is a tighter 25-inch width, which doesn’t feel cramped but it’s certainly not as roomy as its predecessor – though small stowable armrests do help to maximise space. Seat controls are easy to use, but are also quite sensitive. On more than one occasion I found myself inadvertently reclining my chair or summoning a member of the cabin crew because I’d accidentally leant on the buttons.

W H I C H S E AT T O C H O O S E ?

Those who like to lie straightforward should aim for the bulkhead seats (the centre two can also form a double bed). For working, the window seats are superior, offering more solid fixtures, storage space and a greater sense of privacy. My seat 22A was just one row in front of the toilets – rows 13-20 would probably be best.

THE FLIGHT

Once on board, I was offered a sparkling rosé wine and hot flannel. Orders were taken for a post take-off drink and I opted for a gin and tonic (which could’ve done with a kick more gin to it). We departed about 30 minutes late, taking off at 2110. Food orders were taken 20 minutes into the flight, and served shortly after. This included a Parma ham and goat milk ricotta starter with four main course options: seared black cod “à la nicoise”; beef fillet in mustard-herb crust with red wine sauce; north Indian chicken biryani, and wok-fried seafood in garlic ginger sauce. I opted for the seafood, which was light and refreshing.

The IFE options were comprehensive, with a large library of films, TV shows and movies. The new A380s also have the airline’s latest offering, MyKrisworld, which

SIA is retiring the five oldest A380s and welcoming five new ones, with a revamped layout, cabins and new seat products

allows Krisflyer members to create and save their own playlists for future flights (films watched on previous Singapore Airlines flights can also be resumed from where you left off). Passengers also have the option of connecting their device to the screen.

After dinner, I made my bed up and then reclined my seat to catch a few hours of sleep. Breakfast was served 80 minutes before we landed, comprising fresh fruit, coffee, juice and a croissant.

A R R I VA L

We landed at Sydney Airport at 0730, on time despite the 30-minute delay. Premium passengers are given an “Express” pass, which expedites the immigration process in Sydney providing you fill out the entry declaration form (without answering “yes” to any of the customs or quarantine questions) and have fewer than two checked bags. Immigration was therefore swift, taking just over ten minutes, and gratifyingly my bag was already waiting for me at the belt by the time I got through.

VERDICT

This is a thoroughly comfortable seat and one in which Singapore Airlines has emphasised the “business” part of business class. While it may be a slightly tighter squeeze than the older product when it comes to sleeping, the addition of numerous smaller storage spaces makes this an easy environment in which to work.