First flight: Singapore Airlines Business Class Airbus A350-900 to Singapore

On July 22, 2016 at 6:10 a.m., the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 landed in the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital for the first time and was traditionally greeted with a water fountain. From now on, the renowned five-star airline will connect Düsseldorf Airport non-stop three times a week with its hub in Singapore. I was very lucky to be on the inaugural Singapore Airlines Business Class flight on the Airbus A350-900 from Düsseldorf.

Check-in for the first flight SQ337 to Singapore

The free shuttle bus from the Lindner Hotel Airport Düsseldorf, where I stayed, took me to the airport around 9 a.m. After a short walk, I reached the newly installed Singapore Airlines check-in counters 142 – 147. A crowd of press representatives had already gathered in front of it. Everyone was just as excited as I was to see what is currently the most modern long-haul aircraft in the world up close. There was also a long queue at the check-in for economy class. Luckily, since I was flying in business class, I had the choice between two counters that were still empty.

First flight event at the gate

With a new airline, a new long-haul destination and a new aircraft type, there were three new things to celebrate. For reasons of space, the first flight event did not take place at the actual departure gate A79, but one floor higher at gate A75. From there I had my first view of the Airbus A350, unfortunately only through two panes of glass. Singapore Airlines sent the first A350-900 into its fleet to coincide with the first flight from Düsseldorf. They are easily recognized by their registration 9V-SMA. The other four of the 63 aircraft ordered so far have the letters B, C or D at the end.

Buffet with German and Asian specialties

A large buffet with German and Asian specialties was set up for the passengers of SQ337 and the numerous media representatives. There was also sparkling wine and other drinks. I made do with a double espresso and a water because there was a sumptuous five-course meal waiting for me on the plane.

opening speeches

As befits an opening ceremony, several speeches were given. In his welcome speech, Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President Commercial of Singapore Airlines, highlighted the completely new possibilities that the Airbus A350 offers for multiple non-stop flights to long-haul destinations. “This will help us expand the competitiveness of our network and strengthen Singapore as a key hub. With the flights from Düsseldorf we are also introducing the latest generation of our cabin products in Germany. These include award-winning Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats, as well as our advanced entertainment program KrisWorld.”.

After the welcoming speeches, the red opening ribbon was ceremoniously cut and a large chocolate cake with a world map and the flight connection from Düsseldorf to Singapore was served. I treated myself to a small piece of this cake – very rich.

Boarding for the first flight to Singapore

Boarding began around 11 a.m. Local media representatives, politicians and partners of Singapore Airlines were able to inspect the Airbus A350 in front of the passengers. As one of the first passengers, I was allowed to board the aircraft through door 2L (second door on the left in the direction of flight). So I was able to photograph the cabin, which was still almost empty. I already had Economy Class and Premium Economy Class Preliminary report briefly introduced to this trip.

Through the open cockpit door I was lucky enough to be able to watch the pilots preparing for the flight. The cockpit of the A350 looks very modern and no longer like the old “watch shop” of old.

For the first flight to Singapore I have a seat in class 20. This is in the back and therefore smaller area of ​​business class with only four rows of seats. When I arrived at my seat 20A, I was greeted warmly by a flight attendant. As a welcome drink you could choose between orange juice, water and champagne. I thought you could celebrate the day with a glass of champagne. Singapore Airlines is currently serving Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne in business class. Unfortunately, a bowl with a warm nut mixture was not served. As the flight progressed, these were only available out of the bag. I suspect it was simply forgotten in the excitement of the first flight. Because on the return flight, four days later, there was a small bowl of champagne.

Farewell and start in Düsseldorf

Our start in Düsseldorf was delayed by around 40 minutes due to the event and the great media interest. Before we left for Singapore, the airport fire department honored us once again and said goodbye to us with a water fountain. For me it was the first time. At 12:38 p.m. the pilot took off the Airbus A350 on runway 05R heading northeast.

What is the cabin and seat like on the Singapore Airlines Business Class Airbus A350-900?

Thanks to the 1 – 2 – 1 seating arrangement (1 window seat, 2 middle seats, 1 window seat) chosen by Singapore Airlines in the A350 Business Class cabin, every passenger has access to the aisle. Nobody has to step over the legs of the person sitting next to them, as is unfortunately still common practice on some airlines.

The A350 offers me as a passenger a significantly improved travel experience. The lack of luggage compartments above the middle seats in business class makes the cabin appear higher and more spacious. Storage compartments with a load capacity of 45 kg are only on the outside. However, there should be enough space for hand luggage even when the cabin is full.

The specially developed LED lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere. Programmed scenes, such as a sunrise or sunset, are intended to reduce the effects of jet lag. The cabin was pleasantly bright when boarding and the seats in business class created a pleasant atmosphere with indirect lighting. The seat lighting can be switched off by the passenger if necessary, for example when sleeping.

What I also noticed very positively were the clearly understandable announcements on board. How many times have I sat on older airplanes and couldn't understand the announcements because of the tinny noise. Also new is the introduced symbol for using your own cell phone. This will now be displayed next to the seat belt sign on a small digital screen.

The seats of the newly designed Singapore Airlines Business Class on the Airbus A350-900, which will be used from Germany for the first time, are forward-facing and covered in leather. Each seat is either beige or purple. Once seated, I could have spent more here than the 12 hour flight to Singapore. The padding is comfortable and you can make yourself really comfortable with the large, fluffy pillow. If I want to put my legs up, you have to stand except in the 11th and 19th positions. The feet then disappear into a small gap, in my case towards the window. This was a bit unusual for me at the beginning. There is also a footrest that is infinitely and separately adjustable. Like the backrest, you can adjust this using the buttons on the side. The seat belt with integrated airbag was also new for me. Hopefully it will never be needed.

The seat offers a variety of storage options in different sizes for personal items. Next to the screen there is a storage area for a drink and above it a small illuminated compartment (can hold up to 1 kg) for moving. This is where I safely stowed my camera during the flight. The mirror, which is covered with a panel, is practical, but probably especially for women. This saves you having to go to the airplane toilet to check whether your three-weather taffeta hairstyle is still holding up as promised after a 12-hour flight.

On the side facing the window there is a small storage compartment that initially housed Phitek's noise-reducing headphones. In the pull-out next to it there is a sufficiently large and stable table. This is extended by pressing the lid. When extended, the table can be moved or rotated in all directions. The height can also be adjusted individually. Getting up without unfolding the table is possible with a little caution.

There is another, larger compartment to the left of my seat back. For example, you can store a newspaper, a magazine or a water bottle here. After starting, I mainly used the storage compartment to store the laptop. Right next to it are the personal ports for USB devices and power plugs (110V/60Hz). A standard Euro plug (plug type C) fits here without an adapter.

The individual lighting, like much of the cabin lighting, is LED-based. In my seat 20A I had a three-part reading light on the backrest on the right and a simple one on the left. With the button underneath I could choose between two different brightness levels. I also found it a nice detail that I could hang the headphones over the individual light when I didn't need them.

In Singapore Airlines' new Business Class, privacy is also guaranteed at every seat thanks to various privacy screens. From my seat 20A, I could only see what my seatmate across the aisle was doing during the in-flight entertainment.

The new 71 cm wide business class seat on the A350 converts into a fully flat bed with a horizontal lying area of ​​1.98 m. You have to know that on Singapore Airlines the seat is not moved to the lowest position like on other airlines, but the backrest is folded forward. On the back of the backrest there is then a thin mattress or mattress topper, a blanket and an additional pillow. For me, the conversion wasn't that easy the first time. But the flight attendants are happy to help you and prepare the bed.

One advantage is that you have a completely flat and, above all, wide bed. Singapore Airlines advertises that it is the widest bed in its class. I also think it's a good idea to buckle up when sleeping. This does not happen with the normal and rigid lap belt, but with an additional belt. This is similar to that in a car and moves with you to a certain extent. This makes turning over in your sleep easier and more comfortable. What could be disadvantageous for some passengers is that they have to sleep in this business class seat at an angle to the direction of flight.

Was gibt es in der Singapore Airlines Business Class Airbus A350-900 zu essen & trinken?

In all classes, Singapore Airlines also relies on the highest quality in the kitchen. In order to delight even the most demanding guest, Singapore Airlines launched the “International Culinary Panel” (ICP) in September 1998. It consists of award-winning chefs from the world's gourmet capitals. The dishes created by the ICP team are particularly identified by a logo (cloud with fork) on the menu cards displayed at the table.

Singapore Airlines makes every effort to tailor the in-flight meals to the region of the destination and thus give a taste of the destination's food culture. So I was very happy about the delicious satay skewers with chicken and lamb, which were typically served in Singapore with onions, cucumbers and a spicy peanut sauce. Incidentally, in a documentary about the Singapore Airlines caterer SATS, I saw that 12,000 satay skewers are turned by hand every day in their kitchen at Singapore Airport. What a gigantic number!

As a starter I was served a Scandinavian seafood platter. There was gravlax, a shrimp, smoked salmon, salmon roe and egg salad. I also drank a 2012 Bordeaux from Château Bellevue Cruz Bourgeois Haut Medoc. Drinks were continually refilled as they were served. So I was never left high and dry.

For the main course I could choose between four different dishes. These included both Western and Asian dishes.

Roasted veal sirloin with caper liquorice sauce
Served with celery puree, asparagus and celery
Created exclusively by ICP Chef Carlo Cracco from Ristorante Cracco in Milan.

Roasted lamb fillet in rosemary jus
With carrots, asparagus, cherry tomatoes and potato gratin

Rice noodle soup with seafood
Kway Teow noodles with shrimp, fish and vegetables in chicken broth

Gang Kiew Wan Kai
Thai style green chicken curry with vegetables and steamed rice

I decided against Carlo Cracco's dish and opted for the lamb fillet. This could have been a little less fried for my taste. But the spice combined with the rosemary jus was perfect.

When we reached the Black Sea, dessert service arrived. Here you could choose between strawberry ice cream and cherry cake. Since I'm a big ice cream fan, I chose Häagen Dasz's strawberry ice cream, which was served with a berry coulis. I couldn't do anything wrong!

At the end of the 5-course menu there were selected cheese specialties and fresh fruit from the serving trolley. Actually, I was already so full, but I couldn't resist a delicious piece of cheese and a few strawberries. Afterwards I had a coffee and two chocolates brought to me.

Between meals there are a variety of different delicacies that you can pick up yourself from the galley or that will be served to you at your seat. These include, among other things, various pasta specialties, sandwiches or other snacks (nuts, chips, fruit).

The selection of drinks in business class is very extensive. As I wrote at the beginning of the trip report, Singapore Airlines offered Charles Heidsieck champagne on the flight from Düsseldorf to Singapore. By the way, two types of champagne are offered in First Class and in the suites, Dom Pérignon and Krug Grande Cuvée.

The selection of red, white or port wines includes internationally award-winning wines, including from France, Germany, South Africa and Australia. I only tried a Bordeaux with the lamb fillet. But alcoholic cocktails such as the famous Singapore Sling or a Screwdriver, aperitifs (Campari) and non-alcoholic mocktails are also on the Singapore Airlines menu. Here I can recommend the Midsummer Breeze. This is made from apple, orange, pineapple juice and 7-up. Very refreshing!

If you like to drink something hard, you will find various spirits on board. Highlights include a Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey or an Imayotsukasa Jungmai Sale. Not to be forgotten is the international selection of beers. There are also coffee specialties from illycaffe and various international, Asian and Chinese teas. So the passenger doesn't have to be left high and dry.

When it comes to the breakfast service, the passenger can choose between the full offer and the continental breakfast. In order to ensure a longer, undisturbed night's sleep, the passenger should announce his choice of continental breakfast before switching off the on-board lights. This is served approximately 1 1/2 hours before landing and consists of freshly cut fruit, squeezed orange juice and pastries. Unfortunately, I wasn't tired enough to sleep yet, so I decided to have a full breakfast.

Breakfast service began approximately two hours before scheduled arrival in Singapore. First I was given a freshly squeezed orange juice, where I had the choice between orange, apple or tomato juice. Afterwards there was a colorful fruit plate, jam, a muffin and a warm croissant.

For the main course for breakfast I had the choice between a warm crepe, nasi lemak or an egg frittata. I chose the warm crepe with quark, sour cherry compote and vanilla sauce. Simply delicious!

How is the service in the Singapore Airlines Business Class Airbus A350-900?

The Singapore Airlines cabin crew was very accommodating and friendly during the flight. I was constantly asked about my wishes. Between meals, the elegant and now famous “Singapore Girls” came by with a selection of snacks. They look very elegant in their distinctive uniform, a traditional wrap dress, the sarong kebaya in a batik look.

To celebrate the first flight, each passenger received an exclusive gift bag. The highlight was a certificate of participation in the first flight signed by the chief pilot of the Singapore Airlines A350 fleet, Captain Paul Ho KC. There was also an SQ tie-dye luggage strap, a luggage scale and Singapore black tea.

Singapore Airlines does not distribute pre-packed amenity kits on this flight. However, the usual items such as slippers, sleeping mask and socks are handed out by the flight attendants immediately after take-off. The razor, comb and toothbrush were in a small drawer in the washroom. At first I was disappointed because a high-quality amenity kit is a kind of collector's item for me. But if you look at the whole thing ecologically, waste is avoided because everyone only takes what they really need. For example, I prefer to use my sleeping mask, which I got from our Lufthansa first class flight have.

What is the in-flight entertainment like on the Singapore Airlines Business Class Airbus A350-900?

If you don't want to sleep or work on board, you can keep yourself entertained with the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system on a 46 cm LCD screen. The A350 is equipped with one of Panasonic's latest entertainment systems. The picture and sound quality through the Phitek noise-canceling headphones was very good. The selection of films, series and music was very large. I found the commercial break that was shown before the start of the film or series annoying. After watching a film, you can give a rating from 1 to 5 stars.

As a flight enthusiast, the flight map and a look out of the window are usually enough to keep me entertained. There is no onboard or tail camera installed on Singapore Airlines' A350.

The FlightMap offers a variety of different views and settings. For example, a virtual view from the cockpit window or a rotating tracking shot around the Airbus is possible. The FlightMap offers a great feature in combination with the wired hand controller. For example, if you watch a movie, you can always see the remaining flight time and information such as the current position on the smaller display of the controller. A useful second screen!

Since I was doing a live blog about the first flight, I had to rely on a working internet connection. After starting, WiFi was activated. At first I had massive problems logging in with the iPhone. I was constantly being thrown out of the net. Luckily it worked without any problems with the laptop.

You can choose between three different time packages. The cheapest price for a 12-hour flight is the full flight rate at $21.95. Payment can be made via PayPal account or credit card.

After logging in via the laptop, the internet was available to me at good speed for the rest of the flight. Singapore Airlines' collaboration with the leading network operator OnAir was therefore worth it.

Participation in the trip was supported by Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board. At this point we would like to thank you again for your cooperation and support. This article represents our free and independent opinion. Further information on journalistic independence can be found under this point Cooperation.

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