Singapore Airlines to launch new A380 on Sydney route

As a curtain raiser to their launch next week (November 2nd) of redesigned Suites Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, Singapore Airlines has released details of their launch routes.

Singapore – Sydney route announced

Starting on December 18 with flight SQ221 Singapore to Sydney, passengers will be able to experience the new interiors, that will appear in their 5 newly delivered A380’s, and slowly be rolled out to their existing fleet.

The return flight on December 19, Sydney to Singapore is SQ232. Details summarised below:

• SQ221 SGN to SYD 20:40 to 07:40 – starting Dec 18
• SQ232 SYD to SGN 12:15 to 17:35 – starting Dec 19

Availability – Business and First

For the first dates out of Sydney – there is only business points redemption availability at the ‘Standard’ level (180,000pts) rather than at the ‘ Saver’ level (usually more like 116,000). For First Suites – its waitlist again at the ‘Standard’ level of 300,000 points. These points calculations are all on return fares.

You are only put on the ‘Waitlist’ – so you are entering a lottery – which you can possibly nudge by waitlisting as far out as possible, calling the airline, and having status with their Kris Flyer program. You definitely have to have enough points in your account to cover the miles charges for your waitlisted flight.

I’m seeing something similar for the return journey around the launch dates for both Suites and Business.

Although onemileatatime was reporting good availability a few days ago, I’m not seeing it now – but obviously, I am not going to be checking every date! It looks like availability gets better in 2018.

I’m very tempted to try this – so I might keep searching. I have a little balance of KrisFlyer points left over from my trip earlier this year, and I love Singapore.

Next up Emirates

This is the first in a little cascade of A380 interior refurbishments across a number of airlines. Next up, Emirates are scheduled to unveil their new first class cabin at the Dubai Airshow (12-18 November).