News

SIA to add Munich stop to Manchester-Singapore route

15 Dec 2009 by Mark Caswell

From March 28, 2010, Singapore Airlines' service to Manchester will make a stop at Munich. Frequency will rise from three to five times a week and the carrier's new first class seat will be introduced on the route.

Only recently SIA reaffirmed its commitment to the Manchester-Singapore route (see online news November 5) but the carrier neglected to mention the service will no longer be operated non-stop.

Starting on March 28, SIA will now fly from Manchester to Singapore via Munich. It means that Bavarian travellers will have access to SIA flights for the first time. Although Mancunians will see their current journey time extended by over two hours, Bavarian travellers will benefit from much more choice. In addition to the new SIA service they will still enjoy their existing five times weekly Lufthansa service.

Bavarians will enjoy easier access to Asia and Australasia (thanks to SIA’s myriad connecting opportunities at Singapore) while most passengers departing Manchester are expected to welcome the development. That is because frequency out of Manchester will be increased from the current three to a five flights a week and the plane type will be upgraded from the existing two-class B777-200 to a larger and more modern three-class B777-300ER.

It means that premium class passengers are in for a treat. Not only will SIA be one of the very few carriers to offer first class out of a UK regional airport but both its first class and business class will comprise some of the carrier’s latest products.  

In particular business class passengers will welcome the B777-300ER because they will be accommodated four across (1-2-1) on wide fully flat seats as against the current arrangement on the B777-200 where the narrower seating is angled lie-flat and disposed in a denser six across (2-2-2) layout.

Another interesting development is that SIA will have traffic rights to carry passengers between Manchester and Munich and vice versa.  

This route is already flown by Lufthansa and Easyjet but there will be a number of SIA fans who will appreciate the higher standards in the premium classes and who will be prepared to pay for the privilege.  Timings in at least one direction will be suitable for business people.

SIA has yet to announce fares but it is likely that keen rates will be offered for Manchester-Munich as the carrier lacks market identity on this route and there will be empty seats (to accommodate passengers joining in Munich) which will be wasted unless filled.

Schedule details are:

For more information visit singaporeair.com.

Report by Alex McWhirter

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