Singapore Airlines Elevates Customer Experience With $45 Million Investment In Changi Airport Terminal 2 Lounges

T2 SilverKris First Class Lounge Bar

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will transform its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 over the next two years, investing S$45 million to elevate the on-ground customer experience at its main hub.

Renovations will begin on 15 April 2025, progressing in phases, with completion expected around mid-2027. The revamped lounges will boast 50% more space and seating capacity, and feature upgraded facilities, signature elements from SIA’s flagship lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and an enhanced variety of food and beverage options.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines said: “This significant investment underscores Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to elevating the end-to-end travel experience for our customers. Building on the success of our Terminal 3 lounges, we are extending our signature hospitality and thoughtfully curated offerings to Terminal 2. This upgrade reaffirms our continued dedication to providing a seamless, world-class experience that meets the high expectations of our discerning customers.”

The all-new First Class SilverKris Lounge will feature a spacious area with increased capacity, higher ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The renovated bar will offer a premium experience, including barista services in the morning.

The live cooking stations in the First Class SilverKris Lounge will serve a wide range of popular Singaporean, Asian, and Western cuisine of dishes, while the self-service buffet will also be expanded to mirror the offerings available at the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3.

The Business Class SilverKris Lounge will expand by 30%, providing customers with more space and comfort. It will include a quiet rest area with recliners for customers to relax before their flight, and a redesigned living room area with diverse seating options including wingback chairs, sofa seats, and productivity pods. These will give customers the flexibility to work, dine, or rest in comfort.

T2 KrisFlyer Gold Lounge

The expanded self-service buffet will feature both Asian and Western cuisines. A new full-service bar will complement the dining experience, serving fresh barista-made coffee in the morning and signature cocktails in the evening.

The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double its capacity, offering various seating options, such as armchairs for lounging, workstations, and dining seats. New amenities will include in-lounge restrooms and shower suites, enabling customers to freshen up before their flights.

To minimise disruption to customers, renovation will be carried out in phases. Construction of the new First Class SilverKris Lounge will begin on 15 April 2025, with expected completion by the fourth quarter of 2025. Construction of the new Business Class SilverKris Lounge is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, and the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in the first half of 2026.

Artist impressions of the new SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Terminal 2 can be found here.

Contact
Website: https://www.singaporeair.com/en-au/

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WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT LANDS FIRST INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE

• Singapore Airlines will operate at Western Sydney International Airport when it opens in 2026.

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has landed its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate from the airport, connecting Western Sydney passengers to the world.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said: “This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks,” he said.

“Western Sydney International Airport’s late-night departure capacity, for instance, could allow
Singapore Airlines’ business travellers to finish a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight and arrive in Singapore before their first morning meeting the very next day.

“Late-night departures could also allow passengers to transit more swiftly from Singapore through their award-winning Changi Airport hub to connect to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group.”

Mr Hickey said Western Sydney International Airport was focused on delivering a smooth and simple experience for its customers, underpinned by the latest technology, which was another major drawcard for Singapore Airlines.

“Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board,” he said.

Based in the state’s cultural heartland of Western Sydney, which is home to more than 150 different ancestries, this new commercial arrangement will also unlock new opportunities for the region’s residents who welcome family or friends overseas or travel to visit them.

“With the airport build now more than 80 per cent progressed – including the recent completion of our terminal roof – and today’s step forward to advance international airline negotiations, our diverse communities can really get a sense of their future airport, and the experience they’ll have flying from here in late 2026,” Mr Hickey said.

Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Mr Louis Arul, said, “This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney, and providing additional services for Australia, which is a major market for the Singapore Airlines Group.

“This is a unique opportunity to work with a greenfield airport to set a new base line for customer experience throughout an airport ecosystem.

“We are working closely with WSI to ensure that our customers will continue to enjoy the comprehensive, end-to-end, world-class experience that is synonymous with Singapore Airlines,” Mr Arul said.

Today’s agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties in 2023, which set the scope to explore the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities.

Singapore Airlines celebrates 40 years of flying into Brisbane

Last month Singapore Airlines proudly marked four decades of connectivity between Brisbane Australia and Singapore.  The airlines’ inaugural Brisbane flights took place in 1984 with the then cutting-edge Boeing 747-300, fondly named ‘Big-Top’.

While the global landscape has significantly changed since 1984, Singapore Airlines has consistently upheld its commitment to Queensland, even throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic, where Singapore Airlines exhibited unwavering resilience, ensuring operations to Brisbane continued where possible and facilitated crucial connections, repatriation and freight services.

With the reopening of borders, Singapore Airlines has observed a surge in demand, with four additional weekly services commencing later this year. This expansion translates to an impressive 2,600 annual services linking Brisbane to the world, potentially accommodating 787,800 passengers, the equivalent of filling Suncorp Stadium 15 times over.

This week, Cairns Airport also marked a significant milestone, welcoming the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 wide body passenger service to the region for the first time since the airline started operations in Tropical North Queensland. 

The historic deployment of this aircraft to Cairns will inject thousands of additional seats into the market and provide significant growth opportunities for local exporters. 

TEQ continues its strong partnership with Singapore Airlines, through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which sees us collaborating on marketing activity to drive bookings on the airline to Queensland from key source markets. Campaign activity under the MOU is currently live in Singapore, India, the United Kingdom and Germany, and has recently concluded in Indonesia.  

Singapore Airlines returns as NTIA major sponsor

L-R: Singapore Airlines cabin crew Yijia, AFTA CEO Dean Long,
Singapore Airlines General Manager Agency Sales Greg McJarrow

The 2023 NTIAs are fast approaching and celebrating excellence by once again partnering with the best.

The highly anticipated National Travel Industry Awards will be held in Melbourne on the 18th of November and AFTA is thrilled to announce Singapore Airlines as the major sponsor for the event for the second year running.

Singapore Airlines has committed to supporting the NTIA under a multi-year partnership, returning as major sponsor.

The NTIAs will be a celebration of the recovery and thriving success of the Australian travel sector and what our businesses and people now represent.

Quotes from Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) CEO Dean Long (who is available for interview)

“AFTA is thrilled to be hosting NTIA again this year and welcoming Singapore Airlines returning as our major sponsor.”

“The Awards are an excellent opportunity to come together to celebrate and acknowledge the innovation, determination and resilience of our people and our sector.”

“We thank Singapore Airlines for their incredible support and we look forward to seeing everyone in Melbourne in November for a much deserved celebration and revamped approach to NTIA.”

Quotes from Singapore Airlines General Manager Agency Sales Greg McJarrow (who is available for interview)

“Singapore Airlines is proud to continue its support of the National Travel Industry Awards as major sponsor.”

“We are pleased to play a part in the continuation of this very important event to recognise the industry and its people. We look forward to celebrating with the industry the successes of the past year and look to the future with continued optimism and positivity.”

* LJ Loch, AFTA,  lj.loch@afta.com.au

ROUTE BOOSTS TO SYDNEY AIRPORT

Qantas recommenced direct services between San Francisco and Sydney on 22 May 2023, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. 

Additionally, Singapore Airlines' twice-daily A380 operations to Sydney have returned for the first time since January 2020.

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FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here 

*Source: Destination NSW

Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble key for Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific turnaround, says GlobalData

Following the news that Singapore and Hong Kong are in talks over the postponed travel bubble, Animesh Kumar, Director of Travel & Tourism Consulting at GlobalData, a leading research and consulting company, offers his view:

“While the flight and travel restrictions have impacted airlines across the globe, the bearing has been extremely severe on Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Due to international travel restrictions, several airlines have been focusing on domestic businesses. However, the same is not possible for the flag carriers of Singapore and Hong Kong as they do not have domestic air travel markets.

“The travel bubble was originally scheduled for November 2020, but the plan was deferred after the sudden spike in the COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong. Though the authorities have confirmed that the talks for the creation of travel bubble have resumed, it is too early to predict the kick-start time of the travel bubble and its new guidelines.

“It is certain that both Singapore and Hong Kong will put in stringent measures to ensure that the travel bubble is safe as well as sustainable. If the destinations would have gone ahead with the travel bubble in November 2020, it would have been the first quarantine-free travel arrangement in the world since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is likely to be a threshold for daily passenger numbers, mandatory negative test results, more testing during the stay, passenger tracking through Bluetooth and GPS technology and may be even a vaccination requirement. The travel bubble will certainly not result in an immediate meaningful recovery for the tourism industry but it will definitely be a start, which is expected to encourage the stakeholders across the globe.”

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

COVID-19: Singapore Airlines to provide 300 'care ambassadors' to fill manpower gap at hospitals

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will provide at least 300 "care ambassadors" to help fill a manpower gap at hospitals, in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Responding to CNA's queries on Friday (Apr 3), the national carrier said there is an "urgent and growing need to fill the manpower gap for the care of other patients as hospital nurses are re-directed from their original duties to care for patients infected with COVID-19".

This programme has so far received more than 300 applications and the number of care ambassadors will be reviewed depending on the needs of the hospitals, it added.

“To support the nation, Singapore Airlines has opened its call for support to all cabin crew to fill the role of care ambassador. With our crew’s expertise at providing care and world-class service, they are deemed to be a natural fit for this role.
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“The spirit of giving back to the community runs high in the company’s culture, as evident in the numerous ways our crew have risen to the occasion in this trying time,” said the airline.

Under the supervision of nursing staff, care ambassadors will provide administrative support and attend to patients who require routine medical care in a non-clinical role.

This can include, but is not limited to, care-giving such as attending to call bells, helping patients to sit up in bed, accompanying patients to the washrooms, serving of meals and assisting during therapy sessions.

Care ambassadors may also help with service management such as collating feedback from patients and families as well as managing visitor traffic, said SIA.

SIA said the application is open to cabin crew who are Singaporean or permanent residents. They will then have to go through a mandatory training programme conducted by the hospital.

“There will be competencies to be attained before they are allowed to be deployed to the wards. Our crew have been trained in first aid and customer handling skills, which are part of the skillset to be a patient care provider,” SIA added.

Regarding the safety of the care ambassadors, SIA said the staff members will be deployed at low-risk wards in some of the hospitals.

“The safety of our staff is our top-most priority. Cabin crew who sign up as care ambassadors will be placed in a safe environment with necessary precautions taken. The scope of duties will not require care ambassadors to come into close contact with bodily fluids or COVID-19 patients.”

Care ambassadors will also be trained on safety measures and necessary infection control to protect them from unnecessary exposure to injuries and infections.

All staff members will be required to report their temperature twice a day and not report to work if unwell to prevent any spread of illness. Vaccinations will also be provided by the hospital, said SIA.

Care ambassadors will need to commit to a minimum of three months of service, with an option for a three-month extension.

They will earn a monthly salary, subject to CPF contributions and income tax, and will not be entitled to any monthly salary or monthly fixed allowances from SIA. In addition, care ambassadors are not entitled to any ex-gratia or bonus payouts provided to healthcare staff during the contract period.

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

Source: CNA/zl

Singapore Airlines – Still Flying High in Ratings

A stylish personal note from six of the SQ 232 crew. They were thanking me for thanking them for their genuinely professional service on a recent Sydney to Singapore flight. A warm touch that reminds you just how great an airline Singapore Airlines continues to be after decades of legendary service and competition.

We had a dilemma with the airport lounges as we were spoilt for choice, First or Business Class. Trying to entice us to stay in the First-Class Lounge, the maître de confided that the champagne was superior here compared to the Business Class Lounge. A wonderful predicament to be in. A no-brainer in the end.

We were a group of four embarking on the recent Rugby World Cup series in Japan, two in Business Class and two in Premium Economy. I had an invitation to road test the Singapore Airlines lounges at Sydney Airport. My travelling mate and I were initially ushered into the First-Class Lounge to enjoy the spoils of the Kris Flyer Premium Lounge.

Perhaps we arrived early as the Lounge was all but empty. The dutiful staff made us warmly welcome, offering beverages, breakfast fare with full table service along with a mouth-watering buffet if you needed a quick exit. I opted for a Verve Clicquot champagne and cooked to perfection eggs benedict. We joined our friends in the Business Class Lounge, that offered similar dishes but no waiter service and a help yourself buffet.

Thanking the First-Class Maître de and heading to the business lounge he said “Your SYD-SIN flight is not boarding for some time yet and the champagne in Business Class is not as good as the Verve. The Hubert Clavelin et Fils Brut is certainly a great quaff and a perfect fit for the Business Class Lounge. Heading towards departure time we noted flights were not called, so headed to the gate in perfect time for the three boarding lines to start moving.

Earlier, check-in was a breeze with a very efficient friendly and communicative lady who explained all about the renovated Sydney airport and the priority lane which had been inoperative for some time due to renovations. Once through immigration and security we headed to the two lounges which are side by side.

The flight experience was another highlight with swift and efficient service. I pre-ordered the lamb shank korma - who said airline meals were crook? This tasty treat with the trimmings would make Raj and Rakesh jealous. It was salutary to express my thoughts on the wonderful service and a note came in reply from six of the cabin crew about what a wonderful gesture.(see a copy) Everything about the flight was A plus except, in my opinion, for the movie Rocketman, a look at the life of Reggie Dwight AKA Elton John.

You seldom hear the words, ‘If you want anything, please just ask’. Perhaps that is one of the reasons SQ has had more awards recognition than any other global airline and was recently recognised in the Skytrax World Airlines Awards 2019.
Best Airline in Asia 

World's Best Cabin Crew
World's Best First Class 

World's Best First-Class seat 

Best First-Class Lounge in Asia 

Best Business Class seat in Asia 

Best Premium Economy Class in Asia.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is also highly regarded having taken out the Skytrax award for the World’s Best Airport 2013-2019.

Singapore airlines was the first to take delivery of an A380 and they are still an integral part of the SQ fleet which comprises a passenger fleet of wide-body aircraft from five aircraft families: The Airbus A330, Airbus A350 XWB, Airbus A380, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline also operates Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft. As of 31 August 2019, there are 130 passenger aircraft and seven freighters registered in the Singapore Airlines fleet.

And another thing: It is always a dilemma when travelling with a group or even a partner and they have checked luggage and you have carry on. Do you wheel you bag through to the lounge and then onto the air bridge or are you better off checking it through because you have to wait for the others at the other end anyway? Probably check it through.

- On sale until 29 October 2019 fares from Australia (all points, including Cairns/Darwin) to more than 60 destinations across our network
- Valid for departures in 2020 for various periods (for travel in Economy/Premium Economy). Periods are: 28 January - 31 March 2020; 20 April – 21 June 2020; 20 July – 18 September 2020

Some indicative fares:
o Return to Singapore from AUD687 (Economy)
o Return to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) from AUD784 (Economy)
o Return to London from AUD1256 (Economy)
o Return to Paris from AUD3320 (Premium Economy)
- Business Class fares are also on sale, valid for travel from 7 October 2019 to 30 September 2020

For more information and to book, visit singaporeair.com, call 13 10 11 or visit your local travel agent.

Written by John Savage who travelled at his own expense.

Singapore Airlines To Launch $50 Million Upgrade Of Changi Airport T3 Lounges

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be investing more than SGD50 million in a major revamp of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Renovations are due to commence in August 2019 and are expected to be completed by mid-2021.

The redevelopment project will see an overall 30% increase in space and total customer capacity for the Terminal 3 lounges. The new lounges will offer more generous open spaces, upgraded facilities and a wide array of F&B selections, all tailored to the needs and preferences of our customers. SIA has engaged renowned hospitality designers Hirsch Bedner Associates to inject a fresh look and feel to each lounge that is modern yet homely, while inspiring a sense of timeless elegance.

For the ultimate bespoke lounge experience, Suites and First Class customers can look forward to a brand new The Private Room and First Class Lounge, with carefully designed luxurious and intimate seating spaces suitable for both work and rest. The First Class Lounge will continue to feature a flagship bar, and The Private Room, a full-service fine dining section within the lounge. Customers can look forward to an enhanced epicurean journey with fresh and seasonally curated dining offerings, on top of the perennial local favourites.

The Business Class Lounge will be expanded and feature four distinct zones that cater to travellers with different needs. Customers with a short transit can have a light snack in a relaxed café setting, while those with more time to spend may explore a full selection of Asian and international cuisines in the dining hall, including live stations that will offer signature local delights.

A highlight of the new Business Class Lounge will be a full service bar that doubles up as a self service breakfast station in the mornings. Productivity pods will also be available for customers who need a discreet corner to catch up on work, while a rest area with chaise lounges will be provided for customers to catch some shut-eye before their flight.

The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double in capacity and include dedicated working spaces, as well as larger al fresco seating and dining areas. The lounge will also be equipped with restrooms and showers.

“With extensive research and feedback garnered from our customers, we have relooked and re-envisioned our customer journey to develop this new design concept for our lounges at T3. Keeping the needs and wants of our customers in mind, we aim to deliver an experience that exemplifies the luxury and warm hospitality that SIA is known for. The project is a key part of our commitment to constantly elevate the customer experience, on the ground as well as in the air, and we look forward to revealing the exciting new offerings as construction progresses,” said Senior Vice President Customer Services & Operations, Mr Marvin Tan.

The construction process will be carried out over four phases, during which the lounges will be progressively renovated in sections, starting with the Business Class Lounge, followed by the First Class Lounge and The Private Room, and finally the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge. Customers affected by renovation works will be invited to temporary lounges to ensure minimal disruption during this period.

Artist impressions of the new lounges can be found here: https://bit.ly/2xoLRn2. Do note that these are reference pictures which may not be indicative of the final product.