Singapore Airlines is one of the world’s leading airlines. It has established itself as one of the key players in the commercial aviation industry over the years, with the airline regularly receiving praise from industry experts and travellers from all around the globe.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading airline. In no particular order, here are 20 fascinating facts about Singapore Airlines, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
1. The airline’s history traces back to the 1940s
Singapore Airlines’ history traces back to May 1947 when Malayan Airways began operations.
Malayan Airways – which was a partnership involving the Liverpool-based Ocean Steamship Company, the Straits Steamship of Singapore, and Imperial Airways – operated as a regional carrier and later became known as Malaysian Airways and Malaysia–Singapore Airlines.
However, in 1972, Malaysia–Singapore Airlines separated into the two national airlines.
2. When did Singapore Airlines begin operations?
In October 1972, Singapore Airlines commenced operations as an independent national carrier, beginning its journey towards becoming one of the world’s leading airlines.
3. National flag carrier
There are three airlines based in the Republic of Singapore – Singapore Airlines, Jetstar Asia Airways, and Scoot – but it is Singapore Airlines that holds the distinction of being the national flag carrier.
4. Singapore Airlines is based at one of the world’s best airports
Changi Airport in Singapore serves as the primary hub for Singapore Airlines. It airport provides a popular gateway for the airline’s extensive global network.
Singapore Changi Airport has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top airports, thanks to its numerous awards and accolades.
5. It is a member of a major airline alliance
Singapore Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance. The airline joined the alliance in March 2020.
The Star Alliance also includes Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
6. How many aircraft are in Singapore Airlines’ fleet?
According to Airfleets, Singapore Airlines has 159 active aircraft in its fleet.
The fleet includes the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-MAX 8, Boeing 747-400, Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-Freighter, and Boeing 787-10.
7. The airline serves over 70 destinations
Singapore Airlines serves over 70 destinations across six continents, connecting passengers to major destinations and key markets around the world.
Two of the airline’s key routes are Singapore-London Heathrow and Singapore-Sydney.
8. Singapore Airlines is ranked as a 5-star airline
Singapore Airlines has been regularly ranked as a 5-star airline by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization.
The airline was first certified as a 5-star airline by Skytrax in 2004.
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9. It was ranked as the World’s Best Airline
Skytrax named Singapore Airlines the world’s best airline in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2018, and 2023.
10. Singapore Airlines was the first airline to put the Airbus A380 into service
Singapore Airlines became the first airline to operate the Airbus A380 – the world’s largest passenger aircraft – on October 25, 2007.
The service was a direct flight from Singapore to Sydney.
11. It was also the first airline to put the Boeing 787-10 into service
Singapore Airlines made history again in 2018 by becoming the first airline to operate the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.
12. Singapore Airlines has a low-cost subsidiary
Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary airline is called Scoot.
The carrier was first founded in November 2011. It commenced operations the following year.
13. It has won many awards over the years
In addition to being certified as a 5-star airline and being named the World’s Best Airline multiple times by Skytrax, Singapore Airlines has received numerous other awards over the years, including multiple Skytrax awards for the World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew and the World’s Best Airline and World’s Best First Class Onboard Catering.
14. What is Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program called?
KrisFlyer is Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program.
It has five tier levels: KrisFlyer, KrisFlyer Elite Silver, KrisFlyer Elite Gold, The PPS Club, and Solitaire PPS Club.
15. It operates the two longest flights in the world
Singapore Airlines operates two of the longest non-stop flights in the world – New York (JFK) to Singapore and Newark, NJ to Singapore.
New York-Singapore takes 19 hours and 20 minutes, while Newark-Singapore takes 19 hours and 35 minutes. Both flights operate using an Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft.
16. The airline offers five classes of service
The five classes of service Singapore Airlines offers are Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class, and Suites. Classes may vary depending on the route and aircraft.
17. It has codeshare agreements with over 30 airlines
Singapore Airlines has codeshare agreements – an agreement in which an airline sells and markets another airline’s tickets as its own – in place with over 30 airlines.
Aside from its fellow Star Alliance members, the airline also has codeshare agreements with airlines such as Air France, Malaysia Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
18. Singapore Airlines has been involved in several incidents
The airline has been involved in eight significant incidents over the years.
In October 2000, 83 people were killed when a Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 took off from the wrong runway in Taiwan and crashed into construction equipment.
Additionally, a 73-year-old man died from a fatal heart attack onboard a Boeing 777-300ER in May 2024. 71 injuries were also sustained on this London to Singapore service following severe turbulence.
19. The “Singapore Girl” is a global marketing icon for the airline
The reason the “Singapore Girl” is a global marketing icon for Singapore Airlines is because she epitomizes the airline’s hallmark of exceptional service, warmth, and cultural heritage.
It became a key figure in the airline’s branding and marketing in 1972.
20. Singapore Airlines’ current chairman
Peter Seah Lim Huat, the Singaporean businessman, has been the chairman of Singapore Airlines since April 2018.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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