Inside a luxury suite on Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 in Auckland

Singapore Airlines says demand for luxury travel remains strong, with luxury suites on its Airbus A380 flying to Auckland this summer selling well.

Superjumbo Suite Standard Round Trip Fare Converted to
In 2018, fares are $18,237 from Auckland to London and $11,035 from Auckland to Singapore.

On yesterday’s arrival flight, all six suites to Singapore Changi were filled, with four sold.

Airline real estate is some of the most expensive on the planet, and Singapore Airlines’ A380 real estate is huge. They are unique among top-tier airlines, with separate fully flat beds (1.93 meters long and 53 centimeters wide) in each room, with adjustable recline and plush leather chairs, allowing passengers to You can lounge comfortably on the chair or rest on the bed. There is no need to convert the bed from a sitting position.

If you are traveling as a couple, the beds in the first two suites in each aisle can be converted into double beds. The bed can be completely stowed away when not in use.

The airline showed that herald Six suites onboard an aircraft at Auckland Airport as it prepares for a return flight to Singapore this week. Taking quick measurements using an iPhone app, the suite measures 2.51 meters x 1.72 meters, with a total floor area of ​​4.31 square meters, and one of the two bathrooms (for six passengers) measures 3.3 meters x 1.55 meters. , the total area was 5.1 square meters.Square meter

Singapore Airlines’ New Zealand general manager George Robertson said the suites were the epitome of calm luxury and character.

The airline said it is satisfied with the demand for luxury space.

Each suite features a 32-inch Full HD monitor that can be rotated for different viewing angles in seat and bed modes, a full-sized personal wardrobe, a customized handbag storage compartment, and a soft leather-lined amenity box , specially designed carpets, and other features. Wall with mood lighting.

Each seat is upholstered in high-quality Poltrona Frau leather and is fully adjustable using electronically controlled side panels to accommodate different sitting and relaxing positions.

“The chair’s swivel capability (135-270 degrees) and up to 45 degrees of recline provide even more flexibility for dining and relaxation.”

Passengers are also given a 50kg baggage allowance.

The menu includes dishes created by the airline’s International Culinary Committee. Meals can be served at any time during the flight (except during takeoff and landing).

Customers can pre-select their main course from the in-flight menu or the Book the Cook menu up to 24 hours before their flight. The popular lobster Thermidor is available in suites, first class and business class from Auckland. From Singapore.

Also available for children.

“Children traveling in suites can also pre-order meals with Yummy!, our in-flight meal service for children traveling in premium class, with a wide range of options specially prepared for children. . ”

Every meal served on Wedgwood bone china is complemented by a carefully selected selection of fine wines and champagnes specially assembled by the airline’s panel of wine experts. A specially trained aviation sommelier will recommend the perfect wine pairing.

Suite passengers can choose between Krug Grand Cuvée or Taittinger Comte de Champagne during the flight.

Behind the suite, 78 business class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout.

On the main deck, the premium economy cabin is located in the nose of the A380, offering customers a secluded cabin with 44 seats in a 2-4-2 layout. Meanwhile, the economy class features his 343 seats in a 3-4-3 configuration. layout. On Thursday’s inbound flight to Auckland, there were only six empty seats on the entire plane.

Mr Robertson said this was due to strong demand for New Zealand as a luxury tourist destination and continued pent-up demand among New Zealanders wanting to travel overseas.

The A380 will operate on Auckland routes until March 31st.

Flight Center Travel Group’s luxury brand Travel Associates said it has seen an overall increase in demand for first class and suite bookings over the past year.

“As an aside, what we know about customers who enjoy premium cabins is that most believe business class is a comfortable way to travel and would rather spend money on destination experiences and luxury accommodations instead. We like it,” said Ashley Teixeira, director of operations.

“Those interested in a suite experience typically do so only on flights of 12 hours or longer to Europe. Others may choose to fly in a suite for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Passengers traveling in First Class or Suites can stay in the exclusive Club. Last year, Travel Associates accounted for just 0.5% of bookings.

Grant Bradley has been with the Herald since 1993. Business He is deputy editor of the Herald, covering aviation and tourism.