Singapore Airlines A380 says Kia Ora to New Zealand
Today, for the first time, Singapore Airlines customers travelling to and from Auckland were welcomed aboard the luxury
and comfort of the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380.
Singapore Airlines is the first airline to provide a long haul service out of Auckland on the A380 super-jumbo, which is
designed specifically for long haul flying.
Edwin Chiang, general manager, Singapore Airlines New Zealand, says the arrival of the A380 in Auckland will benefit
travellers, the travel trade and the tourism sector in both New Zealand and Singapore.
“I am delighted that those travelling to and from Auckland can now enjoy the more spacious and comfortable travel
experience that only the A380 can provide.
“Customers heading to Europe can travel all the way in the comfort of the A380 with connecting services to Frankfurt,
Paris, London and Zurich and only a single stop en route – as can those travelling to Beijing and Shanghai in China, and
Mumbai and New Delhi in India.
“Introducing the A380 as part of our alliance with Air New Zealand will contribute to a boost in capacity on the
Singapore-Auckland route by up to 30 percent year round over time.
“Since Singapore Airlines established a presence in New Zealand in 1976, we have remained deeply committed to supporting
and promoting the wonderful and varied tourist attractions in New Zealand. The additional capacity the A380 brings will
mean more of our customers will be able to experience the warm welcome, generous hospitality and unique experiences only
New Zealand can offer,” said Mr Chiang.
Adrian Littlewood, chief executive, Auckland Airport, says he is delighted with the introduction of the A380 aircraft on
the Auckland to Singapore route.
“Singapore is a critical hub airport, providing access to South East Asia and key emerging markets such as India and
Indonesia. In the past five years, we have seen eight per cent growth per annum in South East Asia arrivals to New
Zealand, mirrored by an 11 per cent growth per annum in New Zealanders visiting the South East Asia region. The
introduction of the A380 by Singapore Airlines, and the extra capacity and luxury it brings, will certainly help to
further stimulate this impressive growth,” said Mr Littlewood.
“We also look forward to the commencement of the Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand alliance early next year, in
which the A380 service will play a pivotal role. Auckland Airport is committed to working with Singapore Airlines,
continuing to advance the significant contribution it already makes to the New Zealand tourism industry,” said Mr
Littlewood.
Passengers arriving on inbound flight SQ285 were welcomed into Auckland with a traditional powhiri while those departing
today enjoyed a complementary morning tea before boarding their flight and received a commemorative gift to mark the
occasion.
The height of luxury
Passengers flying from New Zealand will now be able to travel in their own private haven, Singapore Airlines Suites, a
new standard of sophistication, luxury and comfort for travellers. There are 12 exclusive Suites on the 471-seat A380.
Each Suite is effectively an individual cabin with sliding doors and self-adjustable roller-blinds giving customers
control over their level of privacy. Every Suite contains a full sized bed measuring 27 inches by 78 inches. The unique
design of the Suite allows for separate sleeping and sitting surfaces, meaning that the bed is not converted from the
seat.
In Singapore Airlines Business Class customers can enjoy seats that are amongst the largest in the industry at 34 inches
wide, with a generous seat pitch of 55 inches. The seat transforms into the largest full-flat business class bed in the
sky.
For business travellers who wish to work inflight, the Business Class seat is easily transformed into an office, with a
height-adjustable table, well positioned reading lights, in-seat laptop power supply, USB ports and a suite of office
applications available on KrisWorld, the inflight entertainment system.
The Economy Class seat on the A380 provides every traveller with an unprecedented level of comfort and personal space.
The special seat design gives customers more personal space and increased leg room and knee room.
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