Singapore to Hong Kong on SIA's new long-haul Business Class
BACKGROUND
Greetings! This trip report will cover my flight to Hong Kong with Singapore
Airlines in September 2017. I was traveling to Hong Kong with my family for
a final vacation prior to my enlistment as a full-time national serviceman in
the Singapore Armed Forces – a rite of passage for all Singaporean males. I was
thus exceptionally excited to fly once more with my beloved home carrier,
before a potential cessation of all commercial flying activities for the next
two years.
I last flew with Singapore Airlines (SIA) in December 2015. That trip coincidentally
originated from Hong Kong, and also in Business. This flight is operated by the
Boeing 777-300ER, a mighty workhorse in SIA’s long-haul network. The cabin
product offering differs from that on the Airbus A380, featuring the 2013 Long
Haul Business Class product. Read on to find out more about my experience with
the product, services and the crew.
AIRLINE INFO
Brief information about Singapore Airlines (accurate as of September
2017);
Name: Singapore Airlines
IATA Code: SQ
ICAO Code: SIA
Main Base: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/WSSS)
Number of aircraft in fleet: 115
Main aircraft types: Airbus A330, Airbus A350, Airbus A380, Boeing 777
Average age of fleet: 7.2 y/o
Destinations: 63
Alliance: Star Alliance (joined April 2000)
CHECK-IN
My family and I arrived at Terminal 3 at slightly past 915am in the
morning. Our uber dropped us off at door 5, which is located closest to SIA’s
Business Class check-in counter at Terminal 3.
As SIA’s operations in T3 tend to peak in the later part of the day,
there was no queue at the counters and we proceeded to check-in. Our passports
and frequent flyer details were verified with the check-in agent, and the
process was completed with little fuss. We received our boarding passes and
decided to head straight airside.
As is typical
at Changi Airport, immigration was a breeze as well, and we completed the
entire process from check-in to immigration in less than ten minutes.
LOUNGE
Singapore
Airlines operates their own lounges in Singapore (rightfully so, with Singapore
being their homebase). Four lounges, to be precise.
There are two tiers of SIA
lounges – the SilverKris Lounge (for premium class travellers) and the
KrisFlyer Gold Lounge (for elite status holders with SIA or their partners) at
each of the two terminals SIA operates from in Changi. I had
access to all four lounges as I was traveling in Business.
This section will
cover my experience on the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3.
The
SilverKris Lounge (aka. SKL) is Singapore Airlines’ flagship lounge across
their major destinations around the world. While I’m sure that quality of
service and standards of products offered will not differ too much between SKLs
in SIA’s network, there is something special about spending time in the
flagship lounge of the carrier’s home base ;).
The SKL
in T3 is located closer to the A-gates, and can be easily located by turning left
after passing through immigration. The SKL can be found in a cluster of lounges
including the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge and a DBS Bank-branded lounge for their
premier banking customers. As it was rather early in the morning, and I had yet
to have breakfast, I chose to visit the SKL for some morning grub.
My
boarding pass was presented to the lounge attendants and I was shown the way
into the Business Class section. First Class and Suites passengers had their
separate section within the lounge. If only I could visit that part of the SKL
one day…
The
lounge was warm and inviting, and presented a sense of exclusivity and
excellence. Although it was slightly dim and lacked natural light, I
appreciated that its fixtures and furniture looked classy and stylish, fitting
for a lounge of its nature.
SIN T3 SKL
SIN T3 SKL
SIN T3 SKL
Vast selection of literature
SIN T3 SKL toilet
The toilet was well-stocked with amenities for any long-haul traveler
There were even showers!
The SKL
was still serving food from the breakfast service at 1030am. The options around
the buffet table included Singaporean Laksa, Fried Carrot Cake, and breakfast
fare like omelettes, pancakes, cereal etc. I made myself a bowl of laksa and
settled down at one of the dining tables with my family. As there was other
passengers around us, and I wanted to respect their privacy, I did not take
much photos from this area.
SIN T3 SKL drinks
No shortage of booze!
Not my own photo, but an example of a bowl of laksa in the SKL
The laksa
was tasty and comparable with the standards at Singaporean hawker stalls.
Yummy!
SIN T3 SKL coffee machine
I was
quite happy to find an espresso machine, and had a cup of latte while relaxing
after the meal while starting on this trip report.
AIRSIDE
I decided
to leave the lounge to walk around for a bit. I felt a sense of nostalgia as I
revisited some of the places I spent my internship at. Changi Airport is one of
the better airports, if not the best, I’ve ever been to – in my experiences as
a staff and as a passenger. There was a good mix of shopping options, ranging
from the usual IT shops, designer labels and novelty stores.
SIN T3 airside
A Volvo S90 was one of the prizes to be won in the annual Changi Millionaire retail promotion
Interesting shop...
However,
the airport is notorious for its lack of planespotting opportunities. Each
terminal only has a limited number of spotting locations, and aircraft parked
at these spots aren’t exactly very unique or special most of the time.
A Jet Airways A330 being prepped for her return flight to Chennai
I did a
bit of duty-free shopping and returned to the SKL as there was still an hour to
go.
I had a
can of ginger ale and indulged in one of my favourite television sitcoms while
waiting for my flight’s boarding call.
Feat. Detective Jake Peralta ;)
Boarding
for my flight was scheduled at 1230, and I left the lounge at 1225. My flight
was departing at gate A12, which was only a short walk from the lounge.
FLIGHT DETAILS
Flight
route: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/WSSS) to Hong Kong International Airport
(HKG/VHHH)
Flight: SQ
866
Aircraft
type: Boeing 777-312ER
Aircraft registration:
9V-SWJ (Star Alliance livery)
Gate at
origin: A12
Gate at
destination: 29
Cabin:
Business
Seat: 18A
Cabin
Load Factor: 40%
Scheduled
flight duration: 4:00
Actual
flight duration: 3:50
Credits to their respective owners (:
It was my
second time onboard the same aircraft. –SWJ had taken me to San Francisco back
in December 2013. Although it was not a memorable flight due to the severity of
turbulence across the Pacific then, I was excited nonetheless as it was the
first time I managed to return another aircraft I’ve flown on before.
Photo of -SWJ taken in December 2013 during the stopover at Incheon
BOARDING
As
boarding had already been called for First and Business Class passengers when I
arrived at the gate, security was a breeze (shoes on, laptops and tablets off)
and I proceeded straight to the aircraft.
I boarded
through door L1, and was welcomed by In-Flight Manager (IFM) Farid and Leading
Steward (LS) Mohamed. This aircraft features SIA’s 2013-edition First, Business
and Economy Class and I was excited to be trying out this product for the first
time. Business Class was split into two sections, and I had chosen to seat in
the rear section, behind the First Class and forward Business Class cabins.
Within
minutes after settling in, Flight Stewardess (FS) Esther introduced herself as
the cabin crew serving my section. My Book-The-Cook meal order was confirmed,
and Esther further inquired of my preferred post-departure beverage. FS Adam,
one of Esther’s colleagues working in the galley promptly brought me a hot
towel and offered a pre-departure beverage from a selection, from which I
elected to go for a glass of champagne.
Bubbly!
SIA has
been serving Charles Heidsieck’s champagnes since my previous experience in
December 2015. I found this champagne to be a little too dry for my liking, but
enjoyed it nonetheless with its gentle and pleasant feel in the mouth.
SEAT FEATURES
Economy
Class boarding had just began when I made it to my seat at 18A. I managed to
grab a shot of the rear Business Class cabin before the bulk of the passengers
boarded.
SIA 77W rear Business Class cabin
The
2013-edition Business Class is fitted on most of SIA’s long-haul fleet,
including most 77Ws and the entire A350 fleet.
SIA 77W Business Class seat
SIA 77W Business Class seat
SIA 77W Business Class seat
Already
at my seat was a comfortable pillow. First impressions of this product was that
it managed to blend the best of traditional forward-facing Business Class with
the increasingly popular herringbone-style products.
There was
an ottoman worked into the seat in front – for passengers to sprawl out and
stretch their legs even in a non-recline position.
The foot cubby was my favorite feature in this product!
This
cabin also featured SIA’s new KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system that came
with a new touchscreen-enabled remote for easier control and navigation.
SIA 77W Business Class remote
Between
the window and the seat was an open storage compartment, where I was able to
store my iPad, laptop and other electronic devices. To the left of the
compartment was the power outlet, HDMI input and headphone jack.
SIA 77W Business Class seat
I found
the headphones in another storage compartment beside the tray table.
SIA 77W Business Class seat
SIA 77W Business Class headphones
The seat
pocket was well-stocked with the usual selection of SIA-branded reading
materials. I found that the table was a little too bulky for myself to lift up,
but provided a firm platform for work and meals.
Seat pocket contents for the month of September 2017
DEPARTURE
As the
load for this midday flight was quite light, boarding was completed within 20
minutes. Captain Derrick came on the microphone from the flight deck to
introduce himself and the crew, and provided details on our flight profile,
weather and cruising altitude that day, among others. He also informed us of a
slight delay due to some complications in documentation.
SIN T3
We pushed back at 1305, just as the safety video was played on our screens.
SIA was still screening the old safety video at the time of the flight...
SIN T3 feat. VietJet Air A320
SIN T3
We
arrived at our departure runway (RWY 02L) five minutes later, but held short of
the runway to allow for two arrivals before lining up for departure.
Following
the two arrivals, we lined up at 1315 and began our take-off roll. The gentle
spool of the GE90 engines were music to my ears, and I enjoyed every moment of
it. Click on this link to check out the video!
SIN SASCO
RSAF Changi Air Base (West), feat. some KC-135s and Fokker F50s
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin
Over Johor Bahru
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
Seat belt
signs were switched off five minutes later and I fired up the IFE system.
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
I settled
for King Charles III, a future history film focusing on the reign of Prince
Charles following his mother’s (QE2) death.
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
Just as I
started my movie, my selected post-departure beverage was delivered by FS
Esther. My cocktail of choice – a citrus rum cooler (orange liquer, rum, orange
juice and 7-up), was delivered with a pack of almond and cashews.
SIA Business Class Citrus Rum Cooler
As part
of SIA’s 70th anniversary celebrations, amenity kits were
distributed to passengers in Business Class. The kit was simple, but still a surprise
to me as SIA is infamous for being a legacy airline that does not provide
amenity kits of any sort for passengers across all classes.
SIA Business Class Amenity Kit
SIA Business Class Amenity Kit contents
MEAL SERVICE
The
tables were set half an hour after departure and meal service began shortly
after.
The appetizer of Nicoise salad with prawns was served.
SIA Business Class appetiser
SIA Business Class appetiser
FS Adam
went around the cabin offering breads and fresh rolls, from which I chose the
ever-popular garlic bread. I really enjoy SIA’s garlic bread. No airline seem
to be able to serve garlic breads the same way they ought to taste on the
ground.
SIA Business Class garlic bread
The salad was cleared before the main course was served, and I opted for a citrus mocktail to enjoy my main course with.
I had pre-selected my meal for the
flight through SIA’s Book-The-Cook service, exclusive to passengers traveling
in premium classes. Amongst the options, it included standard business class
fare like steaks, burgers, local favourites etc. I chose to have SIA’s
signature Lobster Thermidor for my main course.
SIA Business Class Lunch - Lobster Thermidor
The
lobster was meaty and flavourful, and paired well with the saffron rice. The
asparagus though, were a tad too dry to my liking, but I enjoyed the dish
nonetheless. The dishes were cleared just as I finished my main course.
SIA Business Class post lunch
For
dessert, I was offered tiramisu, which I could never say no to.
SIA Business Class Dessert - Tiramisu
I was
also offered a cheese plate, sorbet and fresh fruits by FS Adam to end the
meal, which I politely declined as I was stuffed by then. I did, however, order
a caffe latte, which was brought to my seat promptly and served with a praline.
SIA Business Class Caffe Latte
CRUISE
Disappointingly,
I did not find anything else that was interesting to watch on the KrisWorld
entertainment system. The Fast & Furious franchise seems to be a mainstay
on KrisWorld, as the entire series was also available from four years ago when
I flew with SIA to San Francisco.
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
Eventually,
I settled on the pilot episode of The Office, even though I had recently
completed the entire series all the way from seasons one thru nine.
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
Feat. Dwight Schrute :D
Admittedly
and unsurprisingly, I got bored of the episode after sitting through barely
five minutes. I decided to get started on this trip report instead with around
an hour and a half from Hong Kong.
SIA 77W Business Class remote
SIA 77W Business Class seat
SIA 77W Business Class workstation
PRE-DESCENT
We began
our descent around 45 minutes before our scheduled arrival in Hong Kong. As
Captain Derrick updated passengers on our arrival time and weather conditions
on arrival, the cabin crew went around distributing bottled water, which
carried Formula 1 styles as SIA is the title sponsor of the annual Singapore
Grand Prix.
The new
KrisWorld carried a unique feature on the moving map – a simulated cockpit view, complete with a virtual HUD. This stayed on my screen for the remainder of the flight.
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
ARRIVAL
The
weather conditions were cloudy in Hong Kong, as the city was bracing itself for
yet another typhoon.
SIA 77W Business Class IFE
The seat
belt sign was turned on about 15 minutes before landing, at which point the
cabin crew went around to ensure the cabin was prepared for arrival.
We got lower...
...and lower...
...and lower into the clouds
The
skyscrapers of Hong Kong came into view after passing through a massively thick
cloud layer. We would have been gotten a much better view of Victoria Harbour
on an ordinary day on this approach pattern if weather conditions were better.
Flying over the district of Tseung Kwan O. Kai Tak can be seen in the distance.
We touched
down and made a relatively long taxy to the assigned gate at gate 26.
Landing HKG
Touchdown HKG
Hello, new Cathay A359
Definitely in the airport where Cathay Pacific reigns supreme
We rolled
up beside a Virgin 787-9, which was heading back to Heathrow that night.
G-VMAP being prepped for her return flight to Heathrow
I had one
last view of the cabin as I was the last passenger in Business Class to
disembark.
SIA 77W Business Class cabin
CONCLUSION
SIA
delivered an amazing experience once again. Personally, the highlight was the
outstanding and superb cabin crew, who impressed me with their professionalism
and friendliness when interacting with passengers.
The hard
product was exceptional too, a step up from SIA’s 2006 business class seat – another
product which in my opinion still trumps most airlines’ business classes. The
2013 product isn’t a revolutionary one, but rather an evolution from its
predecessor. Still, it managed to impress me with its improvements in comfort
and functionality. The food and drinks were good too, consistent with SIA’s
standards.
Thank you
for reading this report. Your feedback and comments are appreciated!
