Flight Details:

Carrier: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ 212
Route: Sydney (SYD) – Singapore (SIN)
Duration: 7h 35m
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: 9V-SWG
Cabin Class: Business Class
Seat Number: 11K

After a bit of a respite from SQ’s Business Class, it was once again time to take to the skies aboard one of the nicest Business products out there. This trip will take us through to the Middle East, with stops across the UAE and Oman, so stay tuned for the other reports to come:

• Singapore Airlines Business Class (Singapore – Dubai)
• The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
• Oman Air Economy Class (Khasab – Muscat)
• Oman Air Economy Class (Muscat – Dubai)
• Singapore Airlines Business Class (Dubai – Singapore)
• Singapore Airlines Business Class (Singapore – Sydney)

The journey commenced with very warm and welcoming ground staff at the SQ check-in counter, who promptly issued boarding cards all the way through to our final destination (Dubai). In Sydney, premium passengers are issued with Express Cards to use the fast track lane for departure immigration and security formalities, a very handy tool at peak hour. We were through immigration and at the SilverKris Lounge in less than 10 minutes, to enjoy a light breakfast before a smooth and early boarding.

Once stepping onboard, the crew extended a warm welcome back and escorted us to our seats in the first row of Business Class. As they are bulkheads, these are perhaps the best seats on the 777, as they feature greater legroom and no restrictive footwell that all other seats have. Further, they are located just behind First Class in a mini-cabin of just eight seats laid out across two rows, adding to the intimate feel. On all 777’s, A380’s and A350’s, SQ removes centre or side overhead bins in Business Class to add to make the cabin more airy and spacious. Storage is certainly not a concern, given how much is available within the seat area.

This particular 777 featured the ‘older’ Business Class product found on the A380. Most 777-300ER’s are, however, being retro-fitted with the next generation product, which is a significant improvement. ‘Old’ as this seat may be, it was still very spacious and comfortable, with soft leather and generous recline. As with both the old and new products, the seat must be flipped over to reveal the bed, a tactic SQ uses in order to maintain forward-facing seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, as well as to provide a more comfortable sleeping surface.

The crew commenced their usual formalities, providing newspapers, magazines, hot towels and welcome drinks, whilst addressing everyone by name and taking orders for breakfast. The doors closed early and we pushed back on time for a prompt departure from Sydney.

As this flight departs in the morning, a full breakfast is served straight after take-off. The service commenced with a fruit plate along with a wide tea and coffee selection, with both instant and espresso Illy coffee available.

This was accompanied by a choice of pastries, followed by the starter – a choice of cereal, yoghurt or muesli.

 

The main course was later served, and I went for the brioche french toast. This was surprisingly well created, and was not too dry, nor too sweet.

The whole service was very quick, and concluded just over an hour after take-off. This is far more efficient than dinner services which can take up to 2 hours.

After breakfast concluded, most passengers closed their window shades and the cabin was dark for the next few hours. Throughout the flight, the crew were on hand to offer snacks and drinks at a moment’s notice.

Just under 2 hours before arrival, the second meal service – lunch – was served. Several choices were available, and I opted for the pork and rice, which proved to be a flavoursome and well presented dish.

Following this service, there was time to enjoy some more of the in-flight entertainment options before touch-down in Singapore. Something small to note – SQ recently changed the design of their Business Class headset, replacing the old “Phitek” design. The old one was quite stiff and grew uncomfortable quite quickly, whilst the new design is far softer and easier to wear. It also has an in-line volume control and appears to be better at noise cancellation.

In all, it was a pleasant, uneventful flight that was made utterly smooth thanks to the efficient and knowledgeable ground staff and cabin crew. Truly a well-executed journey.