Singapore Airlines gave away two pairs of return tickets to Amsterdam onboard their A350’s inaugural flight. SilverKris caught up with the winners just before they boarded the new aircraft.
Singapore Airlines enthusiast Ericson Beraquit (above, third from right) is about to make his first trip to the Dutch capital, and his excitement is infectious. He handmade a tag bearing the colours of the Netherlands flag, and today, carries it proudly on his bag. Beraquit won a pair of tickets to Amsterdam onboard Singapore Airlines A350, by entering a Facebook contest held by the Airline. It’s the first time the new aircraft is flying to the city. “I’m looking forward to the flight as I know that the service is going to be exceptional, as always. I also know that the seats will be more spacious.” said the 23-year-old.
Wearing a T-shirt (which he designed himself) depicting Amsterdam’s canal-side townhouses, he shares that he and his travel companion can’t wait to see them in real life, along with other famous attractions. “I really want to see the iconic windmills, the tulip garden, and the Anne Frank Museum.”
Having been flown from Manila to Singapore (from which the A350 departed) by Singapore Airlines, the Filipino enthuses, “I was really surprised as I was given priority check-in at the airport. There was even a Singapore Girl present to congratulate me, and a representative from Singapore Airlines who accompanied us to the SilverKris lounge.” So pleased was the 23-year-old that he shared his thoughts on being treated like a VIP in a personal Facebook post, shortly after arriving in Singapore.
Also in high spirits was sales account manager Kelvin Koh (above, third from left), the other winner of the contest. Coincidentally, he flew to Amsterdam on the very same day last year with friends. This time, he brought along his family, including his 16-month old toddler. The comforts of the enhanced aircraft are a welcome change for the new father, considering they will be taking a 13-hour long flight. “Being an aviation enthusiast, I’ve heard lots about the new aircraft and look forward to the refreshed cabin. It features enhanced air quality and ambient lighting to reduce jetlag,” he says. Although not new to the city, the 31-year-old looks forward to experiencing it with his family, from a canal boat (below), no less.
In the boarding room, Koh’s daughter dances animatedly to Pharrell Williams’ Happy, sung by live performers. Beraquit and his companion clink champagne glasses over canapés. It’s all part of the festivities planned by Singapore Airlines to mark the A350’s first flight to Amsterdam. Tonight, the contest winners celebrate the start of a new adventure.
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
