The Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is set to get its first ever A350 medium-haul aircraft experience as Singapore Airlines introduces the aircraft on the Bengaluru to Singapore sector. The inaugural service SQ505 will depart from Bengaluru International Airport at 0120 on 18 May 2019. Progressively, all ten weekly scheduled Singapore Airlines services will operate on this new aircraft type, subject to regulatory approval.

“Will provide Indian travellers enhanced comfort”

David Lim, general manager India – Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is delighted to start services on this latest generation aircraft to Bengaluru. In line with the company’s commitment to product and service excellence; the Airbus A350 medium-haul aircraft combined with our award-winning inflight service will provide Indian travellers enhanced comfort.”

The A350-900 features higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body delivering more space and comfort as well as lighting designed to reduce jet lag. 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.

Business class perks

The new 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 storage 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.

Premium economy

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 include storage space for small personal items, a coat hook, USB port and in-seat power supply.

The A350-900 medium haul aircraft is 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 for an intuitive experience and navigation options, to enjoy a 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.

Singapore Airlines placed orders for a total of 67 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, 29 of which are already in the fleet including six ultra-long-range variants, 21 long-haul variants, and two medium-haul variants.

Singapore Airlines Bengaluru Schedule w.e.f 18 May 2019: