Singapore Airlines unveils New Look First, Business and Economy Class Cabins

On Tuesday, Singapore Airlines launched its latest suite of cabin products that it believes sets new industry benchmarks for premium air travel.

Designed to deliver the most luxurious and stylish travel experiences, the suite of products and services include new Singapore Airlines First, Business and Economy Class seats, the next generation KrisWorld inflight entertainment system and an enhanced service delivery.

“This is by far our most important and comprehensive product and service development programme. Our customers’ involvement was key to the entire process. From initial conceptualisation to design review and prototype testing, the feedback and comments from our frequent flyers have given us invaluable insight to what customers want and perceive to be the inflight experience of the future,” said Bey Soo Khiang, Singapore Airlines Senior Executive Vice President, Operations and Services.

“What we are introducing is a suite of products that meets, if not exceeds the expectations of the increasingly sophisticated world traveller. It promises to deliver improvements to all aspects of the customer’s flying experience across all three classes.”

“This reaffirms our commitment to provide customers with the very best inflight experience through continuous advancement in product innovation and service excellence,” added Mr Bey.

The US$360 million product and service development programme marks the completion of an extensive four-year project, and is timed to coincide with the carrier’s fleet expansion plan that will see the Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) and the Airbus A380 join the fleet. Customers travelling on Singapore Airlines’ new B777-300ER services from this December, between Singapore and Paris, and subsequently Zurich, will be the first to experience these new products.

Singapore Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of its first B777-300ER in November 2006. The Airline has 19 B777-300ERs on firm order, 10 of which will enter service by the middle of 2007.

The Airbus A380 aircraft, of which Singapore Airlines will be the first to fly, will also feature variations of some of these products when it enters service, currently scheduled for end 2007.

First Class

Singapore Airlines’ new and spacious premium cabin distinguishes itself with just eight stately seats on the B777-300ER, offering each First Class customer complete privacy and enhanced attention from the cabin crew.

Upholstered in leather, the new seat at 35-inches in width, is one of the most spacious first class products ever to be introduced by a commercial airline. Its unique design offers premium customers the flexibility to use the seat as a daybed for lounging, reading and entertainment in their preferred seating or lounging postures as they would at home. By night, it converts into a full-sized flat bed that offers the customers the choice of resting in their natural sleeping position.

The new First Class seat is also the ultimate platform to enjoy the exceptional functionalities of KrisWorld inflight entertainment system, offering a sleek 23-inch LCD screen with a business panel equipped with USB ports and in-seat power supply, as well as new active noise reduction headsets.

Other exclusive features include a private vanity area, an easy to use sliding table that is also adjustable for height, as well as large in-seat stowage space, all complemented by furnishings and amenities designed by fashion house, Givenchy.

The First Class dining service, exclusively designed by Singapore Airlines’ panel of renowned chefs and wine experts, has also been further refined. Besides having complete flexibility as to when to dine, First Class customers can select from a revamped menu, presented with a daily chef’s recommendation.

Business Class

Measuring 30-inches, the new Singapore Airlines Business Class seat is a full-flat product that is almost 50% wider than most products currently offered in this class.

Seats are arranged in a forward facing, four-abreast (1-2-1) configuration that offers all customers direct access to the aisle. Every seat also has a fixed back shell that extends to the sides for enhanced privacy.

The innovative design of the seat allows it to be transformed into one of the largest full-flat Business Class beds in the sky to provide enhanced comfort not only when sleeping but also for lounging.

Other enhanced features include a 15.4-inch LCD monitor fully equipped with USB ports and in-seat power, exclusively designed bedding and dining-ware by Givenchy, enlarged dining table that is adjustable for height as well as trolley bag stowage under the seat.

Economy Class

The new Singapore Airlines Economy Class seat offers greater comfort to all customers. Using the latest designs and built in line with customer requirements, the new seats provide even more personal space and legroom.

Each seat also comes with a larger 10.6-inch monitor to access KrisWorld, the carrier’s renowned inflight entertainment system. USB ports are also available at each seat to allow customers to access the enhanced functionalities of the new entertainment system.

Other smart features include the installation of the handset on the seatback for easier reach, a non-intrusive reading light installed underneath the seatback screen, and in-seat power supply.

KrisWorld Inflight Entertainment System

This next generation KrisWorld offers over 1000 on-demand options that includes movies, TV programmes, interactive games, audio CDs and programming, as well as a variety of learning applications, allowing customers to make the most of their time onboard the aircraft.

In addition, it also makes available a comprehensive suite of office tools that includes spreadsheet, presentation and word processing on each personal KrisWorld system. The programme, powered by Sun Microsystems’ StarOffice Productivity Suite, supports most file formats.

Powered by the latest eX2™ inflight entertainment system, KrisWorld is one the most dynamic and versatile inflight entertainment systems available today.

KrisWorld also features larger, high-resolution screens across all three classes, sleek and compact handsets with intuitive controls, external USB ports in every seat, as well as new active noise reduction headsets for First and Business Class customers.

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