Singapore Airlines Welcomes New Powerhouse: First Airbus A350 Delivered

▲ Delivery of Singapore Airlines’ first Airbus A350. (Photo / Provided by Singapore Airlines)

Reported by Lai Wen-xuan / Taipei

Singapore Airlines officially took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft on March 2 at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France. This marks the first of 67 A350s ordered by the airline, including 7 ultra-long-range ULR variants, making Singapore Airlines the launch customer for this model.

In his speech at the delivery ceremony, Singapore Airlines’ CEO Goh Choon Phong stated that the addition of the A350-900 exemplifies the airline’s long-term commitment to maintaining a “young and modern” fleet. The A350 will enable non-stop flights to long-haul destinations, representing a significant step in enhancing Singapore Airlines’ route network competitiveness and reinforcing Singapore’s status as a global hub. In addition to the advanced technology provided by the new aircraft, passengers will also enjoy the latest cabin products on the A350-900, including award-winning business class, premium economy, and economy class seats, as well as the highly sophisticated KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system.

▲ Singapore Airlines. (Photo / Provided by Singapore Airlines)

The first batch of A350s feature a three-class cabin configuration with a total of 253 seats: 42 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 187 in economy. Details of the cabin layout for medium- and ultra-long-haul routes will be announced at a later date.

The new addition to Singapore Airlines’ fleet comes equipped with cutting-edge technology and exceptional operational efficiency, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. Features include higher cabin ceilings, larger windows, an extra-wide fuselage, and specially designed cabin lighting to help reduce jet lag.

Initially, the new aircraft will operate on Asian routes primarily for crew training. Starting May 9, 2016, they will be deployed on Singapore–Amsterdam long-haul services. The aircraft type will also be used on the planned Singapore–Düsseldorf route launching in July this year, as well as other destinations within the airline’s global network. More details will be announced throughout the year.

From 2018 onwards, the ultra-long-range A350-900ULR variant will join the fleet, operating the relaunched world’s longest non-stop flights: Singapore to New York, as well as Singapore to Los Angeles and a third destination in the United States.

▲ Singapore Airlines will launch direct flights from Singapore to the United States. (Photo / Provided by Elite PR Group's Weng Zi-han)