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Winston Aldworth flies Singapore Airlines SQ285 from Changi to Auckland.
The plane:
A Boeing 777-300ER. These aircraft have Singapore’s new interiors. It’s a luxe, modern look with restful tones and, throughout the Business Cabin, soft edges.
Class: Business — I’m all about the soft edges, me.
The seat: I was in 21K. The Business suites are wonderfully private capsules, with loads of stowage space and a 28-inch seat that cradles you nicely for lounging before easily transforming into a 78-inch lie-flat bed.
Flight time: With a scheduled departure of 9.15pm and arrival set down for 10.30am — that’s about 9hr 35m in the air — this would be a terrific flight for catching up on sleep, if it weren’t for the fact that the Business Class suites on this plane are of the variety that make you want to stay awake to experience every second. Entertainment: The SilverKris system is packed with flicks. I got a fair way through Alien: Covenant before the need for sleep got the better of me.
Wi-Fi: Great news for anyone with a burning desire to keep their social media followers abreast of latest inflight developments. Business passengers get 30MB free, and you can purchase more.
Fellow passengers: Predominantly Asian travellers, including way back in Economy Class, a school group of very cute kids having the time of their lives.
How full: In Business, there was a sniff under half the cabin full. Economy Class was packed.
Food and drink: Somewhere in the global jurisdiction of Business Class behaviour, there’s an unwritten law that says when you’re sitting in the Business Class cabin of a Singapore Airlines flight you must accept the offer of a Singapore sling. I’m here to tell you it was good.
There is, of course, excellent champagne upon boarding and an extensive wine list for later. I had a superb fish meal for dinner, with great chardonnay to wash it down.
Business passengers can make use of Singapore’s new Book The Cook service — ordering fancy dishes by logging on 24 hours in advance — sadly I had internet dramas in Da Nang, but am happy to report that the a la carte menu will satisfy even the fussiest eater.
The service: Absolutely first rate. When I got up to brush my teeth and get ready for sleep, one of the staff snuck along and converted my suite into a bed, unasked. Well played.
The toilets: Clean throughout the flight, in Business and right back in Economy.
Airport experience: When you’re transiting through Changi Airport, be sure to take advantage of the airport’s S$20 voucher for duty-free purchases. I used it to get my son a sketch pad with Chewbacca’s fur and shoulder-strap thingy on the cover. It went down a treat.
Verdict: Singapore’s famous customer service is nicely framed in this plush interior.
Source: nzherald.co.nz