New video from Sam Chui: A behind the scenes video of the World’s Best Airline – Singapore Airlines service and training. Video of how Singapore Airlines train the crew and deliver best service.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Canyon Ranch, the world’s premiere integrative wellness brand, have forged a partnership to re-invent ultra-long-haul travel with a focus on wellness cuisines, rest and relaxation, and general well-being on the world’s longest flights.

The Canyon Ranch team of experts from integrative medicine, exercise, nutrition and other disciplines – collectively known as Canyon Ranch Wellness Architects™, including the 17th U.S. Surgeon General – has developed science-based strategies for improved sleep, exercise and stretching, as well as new, nutrition-focused menus, applied specifically to SIA’s 18 hour 45 minutes non-stop service launching on 11 October 2018 between Singapore and New York (Newark), the world’s longest commercial flight. The programme will also extend to Singapore-US nonstop services to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“SIA is firmly committed to continually elevating our customers’ experience to be the number one in the industry. Our new partnership with Canyon Ranch builds on that commitment, as well as our strong legacy of service, tapping into their deep expertise and science-based recommendations and strategies to deliver an even more comfortable journey for our customers,” said Singapore Airlines Acting Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Mr Yeoh Phee Teik.

The partnership focuses on the following components:

•  Wellness Cuisines – developed by Canyon Ranch chefs and nutritionists focused on nutrition and hydration (taking into consideration longer flight duration with less body movement), combined with bold flavours and textures. These wellness cuisines are offered in addition to SIA’s own meal selections and creations by its International Culinary Panel chefs. (Please refer to Annex A for a sample of the wellness menu).
• Rest and Relaxation – which includes sleep strategies designed to help customers in all cabin classes improve the duration and quality of rest, as well as specific light settings in providing better cabin ambience for rest and relaxation.
• Guided Stretching Exercises – led by Canyon Ranch exercise physiologists, accessible via personal seatback entertainment systems to promote relaxation.

“As a trailblazer in integrative wellness for four decades, collaborating with the world’s most awarded airline that has ushered customers globally for more than 70 years, our affiliation is testimony to heritage brands that continue to innovate. We are fortunate to provide transformative wellness to guests on land, at sea and now – in the air, with a partner that is equally committed to their guests’ experience as we are,” said CEO of Canyon Ranch, Ms. Susan E. Docherty.

SIA will be the first airline in the world to operate the A350-900ULR, with seven on firm order with Airbus. This ultra-long-range aircraft will be configured in a two-class layout, with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. SIA’s existing A350-900s feature a three-class layout with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy Class and 187 Economy Class seats.

Singapore Airlines currently has 21 A350-900s in its fleet, with 46 more on order including the seven ULR variants. The first A350-900ULR is due for delivery in September, enabling the launch in October of the world’s longest non-stop flights, between Singapore and New York (Newark). Non-stop flights to Los Angeles are due to begin on 2 November 2018. Together with increased Singapore-San Francisco non-stop services, SIA will link Singapore and the US with 27 weekly non-stop flights by the end of 2018, while total US frequency will increase to 53 flights per week.

Images: Singapore Airlines.

Airbus announced:

The first Ultra Long Range Airbus A350 XWB to be delivered to launch customer Singapore Airlines has rolled out of the paintshop in the carrier’s distinctive livery. Now at an advanced stage of production, the aircraft will undergo further testing before being delivered to the airline in the coming months.

Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900 Ultra Long Range aircraft, and all of them are in various stages of assembly. The first aircraft to have flown has successfully completed its flight test programme, which focused on the redesigned fuel system. It is now being fitted with its cabin.

The airline will operate the aircraft on non-stop services from Singapore to the U.S. This includes flights between Singapore and New York, which will be the world’s longest commercial service, as well as on routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Ultra Long Range A350-900 is the latest variant of the best-selling A350 XWB Family, and will have an extended range of up to 9,700 nautical miles. This has been achieved by a modified fuel system, which increases the aircraft’s fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres without the need for additional fuel tanks.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the Ultra Long Range A350 is capable of flying over 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace by Airbus cabin, offering absolute well-being on board with the quietest twin-aisle cabin and new air systems.

At the end of June 2018, Airbus has recorded a total of 882 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Singapore Airlines is one of the largest customers for the A350 XWB Family, having ordered a total of 67 A350-900s, including the seven Ultra Long Range models. The carrier has already taken delivery of 21 A350-900s.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch nonstop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles using the new Airbus A350-900 ULR (ultra-long-range) aircraft in November.

In addition, SIA will step up existing daily nonstop Singapore-San Francisco services to 10 times per week. Together with the earlier announced nonstop Singapore-New York services, SIA will link Singapore and the US with 27 weekly nonstop flights by the end of 2018.

Flight SQ38 from Singapore to Los Angeles will commence on November 2, 2018. The route will initially be served three times per week, departing Singapore on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Daily operations will commence from November 9, 2018 after an additional A350-900 ULR aircraft enters service. From December 7, 2018, a further three services per week will be added as SQ36, lifting total nonstop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles to 10 times per week.

With the introduction of nonstop services between Singapore and Los Angeles, SIA’s existing one-stop service to Los Angeles via Seoul will cease after November 30, 2018. Singapore-Seoul frequency will be maintained at four flights per day with the introduction of a new Singapore-Seoul return flight from December 1, 2018, operating as flight SQ612. Together with SIA’s current daily one stop service to Los Angeles via Tokyo, Los Angeles will be served 17 times per week.

SIA will also be increasing frequency on the existing Singapore-San Francisco route with three more weekly flights, with effect from November 28, 2018. The three additional services will operate as SQ34, departing every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to San Francisco and will complement existing daily SQ32 nonstop services. Together with SIA’s current daily one-stop service to San Francisco via Hong Kong, San Francisco will also be served 17 times per week.

SIA will be the first airline in the world to operate the A350-900 ULR, with seven on firm order with Airbus. This ultra-long-range aircraft will be configured in a two-class layout, with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. SIA’s existing A350-900s feature a three-class layout with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy Class and 187 Economy Class seats.

Singapore Airlines currently has 21 A350-900s in its fleet, with 46 more on order including the seven ULR variants. The first A350-900 ULR is due for delivery in September, enabling the launch in October of the world’s longest non-stop flights, between Singapore and New York (Newark).

Singapore Airlines currently operates 40 flights per week to the US cities of Houston, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. With the new flights, total US frequency will increase to 53 per week by December.

Images: Airbus and Singapore Airlines.

Video: Sam Chui reviews the Airbus A350-900 Business Class:

Singapore Airlines has made this announcement:

Business Class customers on selected Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong can look forward to a new in-flight Chinese dining concept, Shi Quan Wei Mei (食全味美).

Created by Zhu Jun¹, a world-renowned chef on the Airline’s International Culinary Panel², Shi Quan Wei Mei uses traditional cooking methods and fresh seasonal produce to present an authentic in-flight Chinese meal experience for Business Class customers. The new three-course menus are built upon the well-acclaimed Shi Quan Shi Mei (食全时美), Chinese fine dining on board, which was launched in 2015 to Suites and First Class customers on selected flights between Singapore and China.

To create an authentic Chinese dining experience, customers who select a Shi Quan Wei Mei menu can expect a side dish, such as Pumpkin with Scallion Oil, and Marinated Cucumber. For appetisers, customers can savour a selection of two Chinese-style cold dishes, such as Fried Marinated Seabass and Spicy Tofu Beef Salad. Main courses such as Pepper Braised Beef Brisket with Turnip and Carrot, and Braised Pork Belly in Pickle Sauce, will be served in separate serviceware from the rice and noodles. Customers can also look forward to Chinese desserts such as Chilled Orange Scented Malva Nut Soup and Chilled Double Boiled Papaya and Snow Fungus Soup to complete their meal.

“The introduction of Shi Quan Wei Mei underlines Singapore Airlines’ commitment to innovation and the constant enhancement of our in-flight products and services,” said Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Singapore Airlines’ Acting Senior Vice President Customer Experience.

“Using locally sourced ingredients that are in season, we are pleased to offer our Business Class customers a truly authentic Chinese dining experience that will be both wholesome and flavourful.”

Added Chef Zhu Jun: “The design philosophy for the new Shi Quan Wei Mei is based on the innovative use of the freshest seasonal ingredients to showcase the essence of Chinese food culture. We hope that Singapore Airlines customers will enjoy the exquisite and delightful Chinese cuisine that we have created.”

¹About Chef Zhu Jun

Shanghai-born Chef Zhu Jun is a one Michelin-star chef, and Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of the Jade Group of restaurants. Classically trained in French and Italian cooking, Chef Zhu uses his Western culinary experience on the re-interpretation of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Well known for his innovative approach to the creation and development of new dishes, outstanding culinary skills, and sophisticated management philosophy, Chef Zhu is widely recognised by the media and industry in China. He is frequently invited to share his experience and knowledge at hotels, restaurants and seminars, and has appeared on many television programmes in China.

Chef Zhu has been a member of Singapore Airlines’ International Culinary Panel since April 2009.

²About Singapore Airlines’ International Culinary Panel

Set up in 1998, the International Culinary Panel (ICP) comprises award-winning chefs from the culinary capitals of the world. For the past 20 years, the Panel has been working closely with the Airline’s own chefs, to specially create the unique selection that is available for customers in all classes on board. On average, the ICP chefs design about 50 new in-flight meals for Singapore Airlines annually.

The Panel includes: Sanjeev Kapoor of India, George Blanc of France, Matt Moran of Australia, Suzanne Goin of the United States, Alfred Portale of the United States, Zhu Jun of China, Carlo Cracco of Italy and Yoshihiro Murata of Japan.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch the world’s longest commercial flights in October, with non-stop services between Singapore and New York using the new Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range).

Flights are to be launched on October 11, 2018, to Newark Liberty International Airport. The route will initially be served three times a week, departing Singapore on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Daily operations will commence from October 18, 2018 after an additional A350-900ULR aircraft enters service.

SIA is the world’s first customer for the new A350-900ULR, with seven on firm order with Airbus. The aircraft will be configured in a two-class layout, with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. Tickets will be made available for sale progressively across the various booking channels, starting from tomorrow.

Flights will cover a distance of approximately 9,000nm (16,700km), and traveling time will be up to 18hrs 45min. Singapore Airlines served the Singapore-Newark route until 2013, when services were suspended after the aircraft used at the time, Airbus A340-500s, were returned to Airbus.

The A350-900ULR will offer customers a more comfortable travelling experience with features such as higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body and lighting designed to reduce jetlag. Its carbon composite airframe also allows for improved air quality due to a more optimised cabin altitude and humidity levels.

Singapore Airlines currently has 21 A350-900s in its fleet, with 46 more on order including seven of the ULR variant. The first A350-900ULR is due for delivery in September, with all seven due for delivery by the end of the year.

Above Copyright Photo: Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 F-WZFY (9V-SMB) (msn 030) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 932494.

Singapore Airlines currently serves New York JFK, daily via Frankfurt. Other US destinations include Houston (five times weekly via Manchester), Los Angeles (daily via Seoul and daily via Tokyo), and San Francisco (daily non-stop from Singapore as well as daily via Hong Kong).

Nonstop Singapore-Los Angeles flights are also planned with the A350-900ULR, details of which will be announced at a later date.

Top Copyright Photo: Eurospot. Pictured on April 23, 2018 during the take off on the first flight, the first Airbus A350 ULR, A350-941 F-WZNY (msn 216)  will become 9V-SGE for SIA. The special titles were later removed and the aircraft repainted.

Singapore aircraft slide show: