Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380-800s, known as super-jumbo airliners, have proven to be a favorite for aficionados of luxury flying.

Designed by James Park Associates, the people who gave the Eastern & Orient Express its lavish interior; the business class cabins on the A380-800s operated by Singapore Airlines design are elegant and spacious.

Plush leather seats in a soothing mocha-and-camel palette come with an Ottoman and are equipped with state-of-the-art innovations to ensure your comfort, personal space and privacy.

On Flight SQ12 to Narita, the business class cabin was situated on the upper deck with seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Check In

As Singapore’s flag carrier, the airline is known for its efficiency. Check in for business class was fast and came with proper hospitality.

The Lounge

At Changi International Airport, Singapore Airlines offer Silverkris lounges for business class passengers at Terminals 2 and 3.

As I was heading to Tokyo, I went to the lounge at Terminal 2. Recently revamped, lounge has a relaxing ambiance with many reading lights and comfortable armchairs.

The dining area with an Italian marble showcase table offered Asian and Western fusion dishes. The lounge was also armed with a bar that offered wine, champagne and basic spirits. For beer lovers, Tiger was available on draft and Singha in cans.

While business facilities with 12 computer stations were quite impressive, the bathrooms seemed forgotten during the revamping process and looked fatigued.

Boarding

Singapore Airlines flight attendants have been renowned for their smiles and great hospitality on board. This was exactly the impression I had during the boarding process. A warm welcome was extended to me, along with a hot towel and the offer of a drink. As always, I settled in with a glass of bubbly.

The Seat

This is without a doubt is the most important feature of any traveler’s airline experience. What’s on offer onboard the Airbus A380-300 is impressive.

Measuring 30 inches in width, this business-class seat is the largest of its kind. It can recline and convert into a 76”-long full flatbed where you can sleep normally. There is also a “Do Not Disturb” button, just like in a hotel, should you wish to slumber without interruption.

I also enjoyed the seat’s working aspects: A table adjustable to various heights, strategically positioned reading lights, in-seat laptop power supply and most of all, USB ports for chargers.

In-flight internet was surprisingly fast, reliable and inexpensive, coming in at just S$11.95 (US$8.86) an hour.

Entertainment was equally fascinating. The remote is cleverly hidden under the armrest and seat controls were adjacent.

From the 15.4”-seatback LCD screen, I could choose a great selection of movies and television shows, or connect my iPhone or iPod via data ports. The entertainment system also comes with noise-cancelling headphones with a place to hang on the side of the seat when not in use.

Dining

Lunch service began 45 minutes after takeoff, with flight attendants offering delicious chicken and mutton satay sticks with onion and cucumber in peanut sauce as an amuse-bouche. Service continued with a mozzarella salad and beef carpaccio before the beefsteak I chose as a main was finally served. I was very impressed with their ability to serve beef, perfectly cooked to medium, in the air. My meal ended with a great selection of cheese and grapes–and more bubbly, of course.

There was also a great wine list, offering old world vintages as well as renowned bottles from New Zealand. The dining experience was accompanied by excellent and attentive service without overdoing it.

Arrival

The flight landed after 6 hours in the air on schedule. I only wish it had been longer. I had trouble-saying goodbye to this stunning business class.

The Verdict

Highly recommended especially for long-haul flight to Europe or America. The full-flat seat means that you’ll arrive in a great mood, just like you see in the commercials.

Flight Information

Aircraft Type: Airbus A380-800
Configuration: 1-2-1
Seat Pitch: 55 inches
Seat Width: 30 inches
Price: Internet prices for a mid-week departure start from S$3,719.
singaporeair.com

The writer traveled as a guest of Singapore Airlines.

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