Foundation year : 1972
The airline can trace its origins back to 1947, when the predecessor airline Malayan Airways Limited was created to serve the region. After Singapore seceded from the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, the airline was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, adding Boeing 707s and 737s to its fleet.
The airline split into two (Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines System) in 1972 after a disagreement over international expansion. In the division, Singapore Airlines maintained all international routes and the fleet of Boeing aircraft, and created the iconic Singapore Girl flight attendants.
A year later, it added the Boeing 747, used on flights to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Taipei, Taiwan. It also added Boeing 727 and Douglas DC-10 to the fleet. In 1977, the carrier shared a Concorde with British Airways, with the supersonic jet painted in BA colors on one side and Singapore Airlines on the other. It was used to fly between London and Singapore, but was discontinued after Malaysian officials complained about the noise. It was stripped away but ended in 1980 after Indian officials also complained about the noise.
After purchasing five wide-body four-engine Airbus A340-500s in 2003, the airline used them to launch the two longest nonstop flights in aviation history: Singapore-Newark and Singapore-Los Angeles. It also began flying the first double-decker Airbus A380 in 2007 after several delays in the program. The A380 has suites, a single cabin with a sliding door and a separate bed, separated from a seat.
Singapore Airlines received Airbus’ 10,000th aircraft, an A350, in October 2016, which is being used on its San Francisco route. The airline has 67 more of the type on order, with plans to use the plane on routes including Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Germany, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Head Office: Singapore
The airline’s home is Changi Airport, which was named the best airport at the 2016 World Airport Awards for the fourth year in a row. Changi Airport, which also won the award for best airport for leisure services, was praised for its “unique and outstanding features that underline the dedication of this airport to ensuring the highest levels of passenger satisfaction.” Services at the airport include: a swimming pool; gardens; a butterfly sanctuary; a cinema; A game room; children’s parks; convenience stores; rest areas; a hotel; beauty / spa centers; pay salons; business centers; family rest areas; an aviation gallery; and a health clinic.
Website
Fleet
Seat maps
Phone number: 1 (800) 742-3333
Frequent Flyer Program / Global Alliance: KrisFlyer / Star Alliance
Accidents and Incidents: On October 31, 2000, Flight 006, a Boeing 747-400, attempted to take off on the wrong runway at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport as it exited Los Angeles International Airport. The plane collided with construction crews parked on a closed runway. The accident killed 83 of the 179 passengers aboard the 747, while 71 others were injured. At Mach 12, 2003, another 747 flight suffered a tail bump when taking off from Auckland International Airport in New Zealand.
Airline news
Interesting fact: The airline was the first to offer free headphones, a selection of free economy class food and drinks, in the 1970s. And its local airport offers travelers with a layover of at least 5.5 hours the Free Singapore Tour. The Heritage Tour takes visitors to areas such as Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glamand, and Merlion Park. The City Sights Tour goes to Merlion Park, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade.
