Singapore Airlines’ superjumbo A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, returned to New Zealand at the end of 2023. Stuff Travel took a tour inside the giant aircraft and its famous first class suite.
The special experience for first class travelers begins with boarding, where passengers walk across a separate airbridge to arrive on board the double-decker Singapore Airlines A380.
Once aboard the world’s largest airliner, travelers ascend the stairs to six suites. Prices start from NZD $5,616 one-way from Auckland to Singapore.
Each suite features plush carpeting, leather recliners, pull-out tables for in-flight dining, and doors for maximum privacy. Instead of storing carry-on luggage overhead, there is a wardrobe large enough to fit a suitcase and hang a suit jacket.
Everything from the lights to the 32-inch TV is controlled by a tablet.
When it’s time for bed, the crew pulls out the bed, lays out sheets and pillows, and lowers the window shades.
Ricky Wilson/Staff
Stuff Travel’s Emma Stanford checks out a first class suite on the Singapore Airlines A380.
Couples who want to travel together can even book adjoining suites and watch their own movies while sleeping next to each other. Each person wears their own seat belt, even in bed.
Passengers are required to wear seatbelts even when sleeping, and seatbelts are tied to the bed.
There are two large bathrooms in the first class area, but even the smaller bathroom is about three times the size of the economy bathroom.
As soon as you step inside, you can feel the light floral scent. This bespoke fragrance was created specifically for Singapore Airlines and is made from flowers that are native to the country and are also featured on the airline’s famous uniforms.
Ricky Wilson/Staff
Adjacent suites are perfect for couples looking to share a first-class experience.
There is a makeup counter and a full-length mirror where you can sit and relax, so you can freshen up before landing.
First class passengers receive lotions, lip balms, facial mists and fragrances as part of their toiletries.
Ricky Wilson/Staff
Located in one of the two bathrooms in our First Class suite, this is a space where you can refresh during your flight.
As for dining, top-notch dishes are served on bone china on tablecloths.
Passengers can choose from the in-flight menu or main courses compiled by the airline’s international culinary panel, which includes former MasterChef Australia judge Matt Moran.
The Auckland menu includes New Zealand lobster, New Zealand king salmon, Wakanui beef fillet and lamb loin.
Ricky Wilson/Staff
The first class suite is positioned for takeoff, with the bed folded to the left and the dining table stowed in the front right console.
Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 will fly from Auckland to Singapore at 3:15pm daily until 31 March 2024.
The aircraft has a total of 471 seats: six first class suites, 78 business seats, 44 premium economy seats and 343 economy seats. Economy and Premium Economy are located on the lower deck.
Emirates is the only other A380 in service with New Zealand, flying from Dubai to Auckland and from Dubai to Sydney before heading to Christchurch.