Kolkata : Singapore Airlines is pleased to announce the introduction of its Airbus A350-900 medium haul aircraft on the Kolkata to Singapore sector, which will replace the existing Airbus A330-300 aircraft. It will also be the first international airline to bring this aircraft type to Kolkata. The inaugural service SQ517 will depart from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 2350 hrs on 3 June 2019. The new aircraft will initially operate a daily service from 3^rd to 8^th  June 2019. From 10 June 2019, Singapore Airlines will operate four weekly scheduled services on the Airbus A350 aircraft type. Combined with its regional wing – SilkAir, it offers a daily evening departure service from Kolkata to Singapore.

The A350-900 features higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body delivering more space and comfort as well as lighting designed to reduce jetlag. Fitted with the new regional Business Class and Economy Class cabin products, the A350-900 medium haul Business Class cabin has 40 seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement that ensures direct aisle access for every customer, while the Economy Class cabin has 263 seats arranged in a comfortable 3-3-3 configuration.

Travellers can avail of special, all-inclusive fares starting from INR 18,000 for Economy Class and INR 66,410 for Business Class to Singapore. On sale till 31 May 2019, these promotional fares to Singapore and beyond destinations are valid for travel till April 2020. Customers who would like to experience the new cabin products on ground can also visit the product showcase at South City Mall, Kolkata from 7-9 June 2019. Visitors will get the chance to avail of spot fares, giveaways and  prize tickets to Singapore.

“With the commencement of Airbus A350 services, Kolkata becomes our third, Indian point to receive this aircraft type. Singapore Airlines’ latest regional cabin products combined with our award-winning inflight service will provide our Eastern India travelers enhanced comfort and an unparalleled travel experience.” said Mr. David Lim, General Manager India – Singapore Airlines.

New Business Class

The new medium-haul Business Class seats have been manufactured by Stelia Aerospace. With each seat able to recline directly into a 76” fully-flat bed, customers can rest in more comfort, even on the shortest flights. Each seat measures up to 26” in width with retractable armrests that can be raised and lowered. Other features include ample stowage space for personal items, a business panel with in-seat power supply and USB ports, an integrated reading light unit with adjustable lighting intensity and a personal 17” full high-definition touchscreen monitor.

New Economy Class

The new Economy Class seats have been designed and manufactured by RECARO and also offer customers an enhanced in-flight experience. Each seat has an ergonomically-designed contour backrest that provides greater relaxation, and a six-way adjustable headrest with foldable wings to provide more neck support. Economy Class customers can also enjoy an enhanced entertainment experience on their personal 11.6” full high-definition touchscreen monitor. Other features that have been introduced for Economy Class customers include storage space for small personal items, a coat hook, USB port and in-seat power supply.

In-flight Entertainment

The A350-900 medium haul aircraft are also fitted with the latest Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system – a first in SIA’s fleet. This has been designed with a new user interface that offers a more intuitive experience and navigation options, leaving customers with the pleasure of enjoying Singapore Airlines’ myKrisWorld and its selection of more than 1,800 movies, TV shows, audio programmes and games with even greater flexibility.

Customers can receive personalised content recommendations based on their preferences and viewing history, while KrisFlyer members can bookmark and resume content, as well as customise and save preferences and playlists for subsequent flights. KrisFlyer members and Business Class customers will also have access to additional in-flight entertainment content choices.

In addition, customers will have access to high-speed in-flight WiFi service on the new A350-900s, equipped with Inmarsat GX Aviation’s broadband connectivity system offered through SITAONAIR.