Singapore Airlines has invested US$350 million to fit its first 20 787-10s with new regional cabin products, including fully-flat beds with direct aisle access in Business Class and new personalised entertainment systems for all customers through myKrisWorld.
The 787-10s with new products will be utilised on flights up to eight hours, with Osaka and Perth announced as the first scheduled destinations from May 2018. Prior to the launch of these regular services, the aircraft will be operated on selected flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur for crew training purposes.
The new products were announced this week at a launch event in Singapore, following the arrival of the world’s first 787-10 Dreamliner from Boeing’s production facility in North Charleston, South Carolina.
The new 787-10s feature 337 seats in two classes, with 36 seats available in the Business Class cabin. Manufactured by Stelia Aerospace, the new regional Business Class seats are arranged in a forward-facing 1-2-1 staggered configuration and can be converted into 76″ fully-flat beds.
Customers can also sit back and watch entertainment on a personal 18″ high-definition touchscreen monitor, powered by Panasonic’s latest eX3 system. While many airlines use older aircraft or cut back on features for shorter flights, Singapore Airlines has done the opposite, offering large entertainment screens and lie-flat seats.
Each seat measures up to 26” in width with retractable armrests that can be raised and lowered and the centre seats have adjustable dividers so passengers can choose their level of privacy. Additional features include ample stowage space for personal items, a business panel with in-seat power supply and USB ports, and integrated reading light unit with adjustable lighting intensity.
Singapore Airlines has also personalised its in-flight entertainment system, allowing passengers to have greater control over the experience. A bit like the Netflix experience, content will be recommended based on customer preferences and viewing history, and KrisFlyer members being able to bookmark and resume content where they left off. They’ll also be able to customise and save preferences for subsequent flights.
SIA is also the first airline in the world to offer a series of games from Toca Boca and Sago Mini, which will initially be available on the 787-10s but will be progressively rolled out on the rest of the fleet.
The new 787-10s will also be equipped with in-flight WiFi supported by Panasonic’s Global Communication Services and GSM phone services provided by Panasonic’s Aeromobile.
In order to develop a more comfortable experience on even the shortest flights, Singapore Airlines conducted a series of consultations with customers while worked closely with seat designers and manufacturers.
SIA is the first and largest customer for the 787-10, with 49 firm orders placed. The Airline also has a firm order with Boeing for 20 777-9s, which are due for delivery from the 2021/22 financial year.
Speaking at the delivery event SIA CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong said:
“It is an honour for us to be the world’s first airline to take delivery of this amazing aircraft. The 787-10 is indeed a magnificent piece of engineering and truly a work of art. It will be an important element in our overall growth strategy, enabling us to expand our network and strengthen our operations.”
“The delivery of the first 787-10 underscores our longstanding commitment to operate a modern fleet, and marks the start of a new chapter in our shared story with Boeing.”
Constructed using lightweight composite materials, the 68-metre 787-10 is the longest variant of Boeing’s Dreamliner range of aircraft. For Singapore Airlines the new aircraft provides exceptional operating efficiency and for customers it means a quieter, more tranquil cabin experience, with customisable lighting preferences, large electronically dimmable windows and cleaner air.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR REVIEW...