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SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has scrapped its “fly to nowhere” plan following a review of factors including environmental implications and financial viability.
Instead, for a limited time, SIA will offer a dining experience aboard an A380, take tours of its training facilities and provide a home delivery service with first class and business class meals.
The announcement, made by the airline in a press release on Tuesday (September 29), comes amid unprecedented challenges for Singapore’s national carrier after COVID-19 crippled demand for travel around the world. .
READ: The Big Read – Shot Down by COVID-19, Can SIA Fly Again? The fate of the Singapore Aviation Center depends on it
SIA Group reported the first annual net loss in its 48-year history in May and has said it will cut about 4,300 jobs, affecting about 2,400 employees. Industry watchers expect further job losses.
On Tuesday, the airline said the three new initiatives are the result of a market study and “comprehensive review, which also considered factors such as the attractiveness of the initiatives to SIA customers and members of the public, the environmental implications and their financial viability “. “.
“An idea for a single short-haul flight, or ‘flight to nowhere,’ was also initially considered but was not followed up after review,” SIA said.
READ: Comment: Flights to Nowhere Raises Bigger Questions About Singapore Airlines’ Future
There has been “a lot of interest” in the airline’s customer engagement initiative in recent weeks, said Mr. Goh Choon Phong, SIA CEO.
“With COVID-19 dramatically reducing the number of flights operated by the SIA Group, we have created unique activities that would allow us to interact with our fans and customers during this time,” Goh said.
The suite of services, called Discover Your Singapore Airlines, will be available for booking on the SIA website from the selected dates.
KrisFlyer members can use their miles to pay for all three services and also earn miles on their purchases.
Dinner in business class on a Singapore Airlines flight. (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
A380 RESTAURANT @CHANGI
For two days in October, SIA will operate a catering service aboard the Airbus 380 (A380), touted as the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
Diners can order from SIA’s international cuisine options or choose from a Peranakan menu designed by Chef Shermay Lee.
There will be limited spaces for a tour of the aircraft before lunch.
Diners will receive KrisShop discounts, a limited-edition goody bag and additional gifts if they appear in traditional clothing, SIA said.
Customers can also watch a movie while dining using the inflight entertainment service.
The A380 @ Changi restaurant will operate on October 24 and 25, and reservations will open on October 12.
Children can enjoy craft activities during the Inside Singapore Airlines tour. (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
INSIDE THE AIRLINES OF SINGAPORE
Coinciding with the November school holidays, SIA will take a behind-the-scenes tour of its training facilities with a variety of activities for the family.
Inside Singapore Airlines will traverse more than 70 years of SIA history. Visitors can also interact with pilots and cabin crew, and learn more about the intensive training they receive.
Kids can participate in craft activities and role-play as cabin crew, while bringing home their own iconic SIA sarong kebaya uniform.
Visitors can also try their luck operating a full flight simulator, taste premium wine labels in flight, and attend a preparation workshop.
A selection of the most popular meals served aboard SIA flights will also be on sale.
Tours will take place on November 21, 22, 28 and 29, and reservations will open on November 1.
Singapore Airlines SIA @ Home home delivery service. (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
SIA @ HOME
Customers can also show their support from home through SIA’s food delivery service.
SIA @ Home will offer 10 menus of French, Australian, Japanese and Indian cuisines, with business class and first class meals, with wine or champagne.
Customers will receive a “digital guide” for preparing their food at home, which includes interactive 360-degree videos in the aircraft cabin and a specially curated playlist.
They can also opt for the private Book-the-Chef dining experience, which includes a chef who comes to reheat, prepare and serve the food.
Reservations for SIA @ Home will open on October 5.
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