The Hindu Business Line : Strap up for that flight of fancy

COME February, Indian passengers travelling to the US via Singapore can experience a whole new flying experience. Singapore Airlines (SIA) is to launch non-stop services between the island state and Los Angeles and New York using the Airbus A-340-500 aircraft.

SIA is scheduled to operate the longest non-stop commercial flight using the Airbus A-340-500 aircraft when it starts daily services between Singapore and Los Angeles on February 3. In addition, the airline will offer non-stop flights between Singapore and New York from August with the new aircraft.

But those not wanting to wait that long for a flight on the Airbus A-340-500 aircraft can consider flying with the Dubai based international airlines, Emirates, which operates the same aircraft on its daily Dubai-Sydney route.

"The new aircraft will help us add more services to the United States. Besides, the new aircraft will help a passenger save not only time but also the inconvenience of having to stop en-route before reaching their final destination," SIA's Vice-President, Public Affairs, Mr Rick Clements, said.

The airline hopes to receive the first of the five Airbus A-345 aircraft to start these new flights to the US towards the end of December with the second aircraft expected a few days after the first delivery.

The third aircraft is expected to join the fleet next January. The airline also has the choice of taking five more such aircraft, which it can exercise at a later date. "The decision of exercising the options will depend on the demand," Mr Clements said.

In an effort to make the long journey more comfortable, SIA is to have only 181 seats — 117 seats in economy class which is being called executive economy and 64 seats in business class — although the aircraft can easily seat more than 300 people.

There will be no first class section in the aircraft as the airline believes that there will not be enough demand through the year for seats in the front of the aircraft. But airline officials are quick to point out that they do not believe that the aircraft will herald the end of the first class cabin.

Designed to keep the passenger comfortable throughout the 16-18.5 hours flight between Singapore and LA, the executive economy class features an expanded seat pitch, a leather adjustable headrest, and extended leg and footrest. A personal video monitor would provide access to more than 250 on-demand entertainment options. AC power supply outlets are also available in the seats, enabling customers to power their laptops throughout the flight. "The aircraft will target the leisure traveller who is looking for special leisure. With a 2-3-2 configuration of seats in executive economy the aircraft delivers a premium travel experience to the business traveller," SIA officials said.

An Indian traveller connecting on to the A345 flight, can arrive in Singapore from India in the morning and either attend a conference or have a meal before continuing their journey onwards to the US, airline officials said.

Besides, the arrival of the aircraft into the US has been so timed that the passenger can easily get connections to onward destinations. Similarly, on the flight back to Singapore, a passenger can easily get connections to several worldwide destinations within a short time, SIA officials said.

But like everything else in life, a flight on SIA's A-345 leadership aircraft will not come cheap. Airline official said that on an average the economy class fares on the sector are likely to be about 10 per cent higher.

"The airline believes that the market is there for such a product and we will break even on the flight," airline officials said. The start of the flight to LA will help cut between one to one-and half hour of flying time between the two points.

However, people still wanting to fly with SIA to the US and not being either in a position or able to spend more monies need not loose heart. The airline plans to continue to operate its one-stop flights to and from the US and Singapore.

But those not willing to wait till February to get a first hand experience of the Airbus A-340-500 aircraft can travel by Emirates. The airline, the first to operate the new ultra-long range Airbus aircraft has already started daily flights between Dubai and Sydney a journey which takes just under 14 hours.

And unlike SIA, Emirates is also offering 12 seats in the first class cabin of the aircraft, which are the world's first enclosed suite with sliding doors that can be closed for privacy.

Air travellers including those from India can now surely look forward to fulfilling their flights of fancy.

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