The news has dropped that Singapore Airlines (SIA) will no longer launch flights to nowhere.
It will instead offer a ‘suite of experiences’ such as a chance to dine on the superjumbo at Changi Airport and a tour of its training facilities.
The decision was made after several factors were considered, such as the attractiveness of the initiatives to members of the public and SIA customers, the environmental impacts, and their financial viability.
Flights to nowhere have previously raised concern among environmental groups, as they do not really provide transport yet increase carbon emissions.
The Straits Times has taken a look at what customers can expect with the three new initiatives, which can be booked on the KrisShop website. The cost of each option will be announced later, and KrisFlyer members can use their miles to pay for all three services and also earn miles with their purchases.
Restaurant A380 @Changi
On Oct 24 and 25, SIA will operate a dining service on board the Airbus 380 (A380), the world's largest passenger aircraft.Reservations will start on Oct 12.
An A380 plane can usually seat up to about 470 passengers, but it hasn’t been announced yet how the capacity will be affected by Covid-19 safe distancing measures.
Diners who book this package will get to choose the cabin class they want to dine in. The menu will feature international cuisines along with a Peranakan menu, customised and designed by chef Shermay Lee. Each meal will also come with two free alcoholic drinks and free flow of other beverages.
Diners will get other perks, such as KrisShop discounts and a goodie bag. They can also watch a movie while they dine using the in-flight entertainment service. And those who turn up in traditional costume, such as the sarong kebaya, cheongsam or saree, will get an extra gift!
SIA said it will take precautions to reduce the risk of spread of the Coronavirus These measures include cleaning and sanitising the plane, capping group sizes at five, implementing safe distancing and doing a temperature check.
Both crew and diners will also be required to wear a face mask at all times when on board, except when eating or drinking.
Inside Singapore Airlines
Taking place on Nov 21, 22, 28 and 29 to coincide with the November school holidays, SIA will conduct a behind-the-scenes tour of its training facilities with a range of family-friendly activities. Bookings will open from Nov 1.
Visitors will get to interact with pilots and cabin crew about the intensive training they undergo. Those who opt to pay extra can even try out the flight simulator that pilots use for training, enjoy a wine appreciation session or go through a grooming workshop conducted by SIA's cabin crew trainers.
They can also take part in craft activities and buy in-flight meals.
Parents with children can also opt for an add-on option to send their child for a junior cabin crew experience. The children will dress up in the SIA sarong kebaya uniform, learn customer service skills and act as cabin crew members in a mock-up of the A380 business class cabin.
SIA@Home
Those who miss the in-flight dining experience on board an airplane can opt to recreate it in their homes with SIA's food delivery service.
SIA@Home will offer 10 menus of French, Australian, Japanese and Indian cuisines, featuring business class and first class meals, complete with wine or champagne. Bookings will open on Oct 5.
Customers will be provided with an amenity kit and digital guide for how to prepare their meal at home, which includes interactive 360-degree aircraft cabin videos and a specially curated playlist.
They may also opt for the Book-the-Chef private dining experience, which includes a chef coming to reheat, plate and serve the meal.