WELCOME

Welcome to our final issue of the year. It’s natural to look both back and forwards, and appropriately enough, we have our review of the new ultra long-haul service between Singapore and New York. It is a matter of looking forward, because the route is being served by a new-generation A350-900 with the added designation of ULR – Ultra Long-Haul. But it is also worth looking back, because as regular readers will know, it is Singapore Airlines reinstating a route it abandoned in 2013 because the aircraft it was using – the A340-500 with its four engines – proved too thirsty on fuel and therefore uneconomic. Interestingly, the new attempt also focuses on premium traffic, not just because a direct route such as this commands a higher price for the extra convenience, but because the airline has omitted economy seating altogether, and fitted the A350-900ULR with just premium economy and business class seats.

Linked with this is a review of one of Plaza Premium’s new lounges – the Plaza Premium First – which is located only a few metres from one of its existing lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, but which, for a higher price, is targeted at passengers who don’t want to share a lounge with the hoi polloi and are willing to pay additionally for premium-brand drinks at the bar. And the theme continues as we investigate the phenomenon that is the Crazy Rich Asians film, looking at the locations used in Singapore for filming, and also how to live the lifestyle if you find yourself subject to a windfall, or perhaps just very fortunate in the person you choose to marry.

In case you think we have let the season go to our heads, rest assured that other features cover all budgets, and we are currently planning features on affordable hotel brands worldwide, and another on the current state of play of low-cost carriers in Asia. Until next year, have some happy travelling.