Singapore Airlines ditches ‘flights to nowhere’ and offers Airbus A380 restaurant, tours

The Singapore national carrier attracted criticism after proposing tour flights, as other airlines have done during the coronavirus pandemic

It will instead offer a ‘suite of experiences’ such as a chance to dine on the superjumbo at Changi Airport and a tour of its training facilities

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Singapore Airlines said its Restaurant A380 @ Changi idea follows customer engagement initiatives on ways to generate revenue during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Handout

Published: 6:15pm, 29 Sep 2020Updated: 6:26pm, 29 Sep 2020

Customers of Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be able to have a meal on board one of its Airbus A380s and explore the aircraft while it remains parked at Changi Airport, the Singapore national carrier said on Tuesday.

SIA’s initial idea for short tour flights, or “flights to nowhere”, was jettisoned after it conducted a market study and review which looked at factors such as environmental implications and financial viability.

“We currently have no plans to revive the idea,” SIA said.

In recent weeks, the idea attracted criticism from people who were concerned about the carbon impact, while others defended such flights – which other airlines are also pursuing – as a way to help the ailing airline cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

SIA chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong said there had been “a lot of interest” in its customer engagement initiatives over the last few weeks.

The Restaurant A380 @ Changi idea is part of a “suite of experiences” meant for SIA’s Singapore customers and fans over the next few weeks, he said, including a tour of its training facilities and a chance to enjoy SIA’s in-flight meals at home.

On October 24 and 25, customers will be served lunch in a cabin of their choice on the double-decker superjumbo aircraft.

The A380 will be parked and linked to a gatehold room, with diners entering via an aerobridge. SIA will apply for airport passes on behalf of the diners since the activity will be in a restricted area.