While flying overseas for a vacation is still not possible, you will soon be able to dine in style in an actual aircraft. Singapore’s national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced today (29 September) that it would be offering Restaurant A380 @Changi, an exclusive dining experience coupled with SIA’s signature award-winning service inside an Airbus A380 – a double-decker superjumbo jet.
Get onboard the aircraft that’s parked at Changi Airport and sup on international cuisine or choose your favourite dishes from the airline’s special Peranakan menu that was designed by Singaporean chef Shermay Lee. Each meal comes with two complimentary alcoholic drinks and a free flow of other beverages. Plus, you can watch a movie on KrisWorld while you dine. The airline will also be offering limited slots for an exclusive pre-lunch tour of the A380 – including private access areas – if you book a dining appointment. All diners will receive KrisShop discounts, a limited edition goodie bag and additional gifts if they turn up in traditional heritage wear. The restaurant will operate only on 24 and 25 October 2020 and reservations will start on 12 October 2020.
Furthermore, the airline is offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their training facilities over two weekends in November during the school holidays. Inside Singapore Airlines will allow visitors to get an insight into SIA’s history and interact with pilots and cabin crew to find out more about their intensive training. Family-friendly activities such as balloon sculpting, making batik roses and dressing up as cabin crew will keep the young ones entertained, while parents can try their hand at operating a flight simulator, tasting in-flight wine labels and attending a grooming workshop. You can also choose from a selection of inflight meals available any time during your visit. The tours will be on 21, 22, 28 and 29 November 2020, and bookings will open on 1 November 2020.
If you want to enjoy the SIA experience at home, you can choose to have meals sent to where you are. Available from 5 October 2020, take your pick from 10 menus for two, featuring chef-created First Class and Business Class meals that come with wine or champagne. Chefs behind the menus are from SIA’s acclaimed International Culinary Panel, such as Australian chef Matt Moran. To enjoy the full experience of a perfectly re-created First Class or Business Class experience at home, opt for the all-inclusive package which comes with a 22-piece set of tableware and luxurious amenities from Lalique or Penhaligon’s previously available exclusively on board the flights. You can even “book a cook” by choosing to have a chef present to reheat, plate and serve the meal (limited slots available each day).
In its press release, SIA adds that while they had initially explored the idea of a one-off short “flight to nowhere”, that was shelved after a comprehensive review that also considered factors such as the attractiveness of the initiatives to members of the public, the environmental implications, and their financial viability.
The new experiences come in the wake of devastating effects felt by the travel industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With Covid-19 drastically reducing the number of flights operated by the SIA Group, we have created unique activities that would allow us to engage with our fans and customers during this time,” says SIA Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong. “These experiences offer something for everyone – from frequent flyers who miss our world-class in-cabin products and service, to couples and families who want an exclusive dining experience, and parents who are after an enjoyable activity-filled day with their children during the school holidays.”
SIA says it will keep to strict precautions, including enhanced cleaning procedures, temperature screening, safe distancing and the SafeEntry digital check-in system, to ensure the health and safety of all customers.
You can book your experience on KrisShop.com. For more information, visit the Discover Your Singapore Airlines website.
SEE ALSO: A taste of Singapore