Customers flying between Singapore and London have become the first to experience Singapore Airlines’ next generation of cabin products, with the entry into service today of the first aircraft equipped with the new seats and in-flight entertainment system.
The new products, which are set to be the industry benchmark for premium air travel, are being introduced on an initial eight Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the first of which was recently delivered by Boeing. The aircraft entered service on flight SQ318, which departed for London at 12:45hrs today, and will operate selected flights between Singapore and London through the month of October. Flight frequency will be gradually increased as more aircraft enter service, with daily operations from late October[2].
Nearly $150 million is being invested in the new products on the initial eight B777-300ERs. The aircraft feature the world’s most advanced in-flight entertainment system, with larger screens and touch-screen handsets, as well as more spacious and comfortable seats in First, Business and Economy classes.
The aircraft are equipped with Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s (Panasonic) true broadband Wi-Fi, mobile phone service and revolutionary in-flight entertainment experience.
With partners Deutsche Telekom and AeroMobile, Panasonic will deliver broadband Wi-Fi, mobile data and services, and passengers will use their own devices to connect to their social networks, access real-time news and information, and communicate with their family, friends and co-workers. Using HDMI and USB interfaces, passengers can also integrate their personal device with KrisWorld and view their own content on large, high-definition displays.
Enabled by high performance 24-inch, 18-inch and 11-inch high-definition displays, SIA’s KrisWorld inflight entertainment system will feature Panasonic’s open platform technology that delivers a more personal experience and intuitive navigation similar to tablets and smartphones, including multi-tasking using the video touch screen handset as a “second screen.”
Today’s entry into service is the outcome of several years of product development, reaffirming Singapore Airlines’ commitment to product innovation and leadership.
N.B. Image credit: Singaporeair.com
