Singapore Airlines rolled out a major upgrade Monday on their Singapore-Frankfurt-New York JFK service, shedding the previously used Boeing 747-400 for the larger Airbus A380 super jumbo aircraft.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 (9V-SKK) on short final for New York JFK. (Photo by moose135)
Government dignitaries and airline and airport brass along with selected media were on hand for the event at JFK’s Terminal 4 for the inaugural departure. The new aircraft represents a 25% increase in daily capacity on the route to the Big Apple, and offers a range of additional comforts that only an airplane nicknamed the whale jet can provide.
Already known for their industry leading product and exceptional in-flight service, the airline’s A380 fleet is built to please the passenger. Featuring a three-class configuration, the aircraft comfortably seats 471. The economy sections are located on the main and upper rear decks, featuring 399 seats with 19in width and 32in of pitch along with personal entertainment systems for all. The much-touted Singapore Business class features the largest seat width of any business class around at 34 in-wide—with 55 in of pitch—and covers almost the entire upper deck. Only the A380 can accommodate this gargantuan business class seat to begin with, nevermind in a 1-2-1 configuration. The first class cabin, located on the forward main deck, contains twelve jaw-dropping suites.
Economy seat pillow blanket entertainment system legroom. (Photo by Manny Gonzalez)
Frankfurt and New York represent the ninth and tenth destinations, respectively, for Singapore’s A380 service. The flight—SQ26—arrives at JFK at 11:10am local time and departs for Frankfurt as SQ25 at 8:10pm local. The carrier currently has 15 of the superjumbos in service with four more on firm order.
Singapore becomes the fourth airline to operate scheduled A380 service at JFK, joining Emirates, Air France and Korean Air. Lufthansa previously operated the A380 to JFK but has downgraded the flight to smaller equipment for the winter season.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 (9V-SKK) parked at JFK Airport in New York. (Photo by Manny Gonzalez)
