SIA’s transpacific plans for the A380

San Francisco and Hong Kong are expected to be the next destinations for SIA’s growing fleet of A380s following the addition of Tokyo next month (see online news, March 12). Sources close to the airline say the superjumbo will make its inaugural transpacific flight in late summer or early autumn. If the flight takes place before the beginning of October then SIA will pip Emirates to the post by becoming the first airline to launch the A380 into the important US market. (Emirates plans to start Dubai-New York JFK services with the A380 on October 1 – see online news, January 17). SIA has yet to publish schedules for its first A380 transpacific service but it’s likely it will be rostered for key flights SQ1 and SQ2 (currently operated by B747-400s) which operate from Singapore to San Francisco with an en route stop in Hong Kong. SIA has traffic rights for all these busy sectors. It means that A380 fans will be able to sample the superjumbo not just between Singapore and San Francisco (departing 1750, arriving 2015 same day) but also Singapore-Hong Kong (departing 1750, arriving 2135) as well as Hong Kong-San Francisco (departing 2245, arriving 2015). Return timings call for a 0120 departure out of San Francisco with a next day arrival into Hong Kong at 0630. The flight departs Hong Kong at 0800 to reach Singapore at 1140. As with SIA’s other A380 flights, passengers can expect the latest premium products including the famous Suites in first class. The state-of-the-art superjumbo will give SIA a competitive edge over rivals Cathay Pacific and United (neither of whom have ordered the A380) who ply the route. For more information go to singaporeair.com. Report by Alex McWhirter