Hello from Singapore, as I just flew Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 business class on the 50-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore (SIN), as part of my review trip. At just 184 miles, this is Singapore Airlines’ shortest flight, and it was also my first time flying the carrier’s regional A350 variant.
While I’ll of course have a full trip report upon returning home, in this post I’d like to share some initial impressions.
Singapore Airlines’ regional A350 business class seats are great
Singapore Airlines has two types of business class seats in its A350 fleet, and that includes a variant with the carrier’s standard long haul product, and a variant with the carrier’s standard short haul product. On this flight, I flew on one of the regional A350s (for what it’s worth, you’ll often find long haul A350s on short haul flights as well).
What’s hilarious is that even though this is a regional configuration, all seats are fully flat and feature direct aisle access, so this is easily a competitive long haul product. I’ve already reviewed Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 787-10 business class, which is also the regional product, and is identical (it’s the Stelia Aerospace Symphony seat).
This is a fantastic product, and what’s not to like? Of course you also get a huge entertainment library, free Wi-Fi, and even bedding, but it’s hard to take full advantage of that on a flight of this length. 😉
Singapore Airlines’ meal service is a bit quirky
It’s always funny to consider how service expectations differ around the world. This flight is shorter than my typical American flight from Miami (MIA) to Tampa (TPA), which covers 204 miles. If you’re in a premium cabin there, you get one drink (if you’re lucky), and nothing else.
On this flight, there were (non-alcoholic) pre-departure drinks, plus warm towels.
Then after takeoff, there was a cold refreshment, with two options.
I ordered the gado gado, a cold salad of boiled egg, potato, cabbage, green beans, and fried tempeh fermented soya bean cake, served with peanut sauce. The meal was nicely presented and fresh, and was served with water, coffee, and/or juice. With 40 business class seats, the crew stays very busy on this flight.
Obviously this is mighty impressive, though I do have to say, it’s not quite to the level of what you’ll get on Qatar Airways on the very short routes within the Middle East, in terms of drinks of choice, and even refills.
That’s for a very simple reason. Singapore Airlines is a very consistent carrier with very strict rules, and flight attendants have to prepare the cabin for landing well before arrival, with the pilot telling them to prepare 30 minutes out. That’s simply because Singapore Airlines takes the same approach to cabin preparations whether you’re flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore or from Los Angeles to Singapore.
Meanwhile on Qatar Airways, they’ll still be preparing a cappuccino for you while the gear is down, heh. So it just comes down to the crew having a very short window to provide service. Talk about a first world problem!
Singapore Airlines’ service is in a league of its own
Singapore Airlines is such a world class airline, and that really primarily comes down to the people. There’s not a single time that I fly with the airline where I don’t think “damn, they really nailed the service.” Of course they’re always friendly, professional, and attentive.
But what most impresses me about Singapore Airlines is the genuine warmth of crews, combined with how gentle, graceful, and calm they are in their service approach. Sure, they may be rushed as could be to provide the service on this flight, but they’ll never make you feel that way. They take their time with each passenger, greet them with a smile, and address them by name.
There’s not an airline in the world that offers the level of service consistency that Singapore Airlines does. And as much as I always assume an airline can’t possibly pull that off (given that we’re all individuals), the airline nails it every single time.
What I also love about Singapore Airlines is that virtually all of the carrier’s marketing seeks to convey that same service approach. The airline never has “laugh out loud” or edgy ads, but instead, the airline is always just focused on class and elegance. Even just watch the safety video, and you’ll see that same tone.
Bottom line
Singapore Airlines is a pleasure to fly with, whether you’re taking the world’s longest flight, or the carrier’s shortest flight. Ultimately it’s hard to get too excited about a 50-minute flight, but you certainly can’t beat getting a flat bed, endless entertainment, free Wi-Fi, and a tasty snack on a flight like this.
What do you make of Singapore Airlines’ regional A350 business class?