Two months after the Indian government allowed flights of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, Airbus A380, into India, Singapore Airlines (SIA) said on Monday that it will be the first carrier to start operations of the superjumbo. The announcement comes after India recently made changes to its air services agreement with Singapore, which previously prohibited the deployment of A380s.
SIA will start A380 operations daily to both Mumbai and New Delhi from May 30 on select flights, taking over from the two daily flights that currently serve each city using smaller Boeing 777s. The move paves the way for others like Lufthansa and Emirates to follow suit. The twin-deck A380, which can seat up to 800 passengers in an all-economy configuration and also lowers operation costs, promises a new level of luxury with a separate bar area and spa services on offer (depending on cabin configuration).
?We have been keen to operate the Airbus A380 to India and are glad that the Air Services Agreement between Singapore and India now allows us to do so,? said Lee Wen Fen, SIA’s senior VP for marketing planning.
Incidentally, SIA’s joint venture with the Tata group for a domestic full-service carrier also got a no-objection certificate from the civil aviation ministry last week.
David Lau, GM ? India for SIA said, ?Singapore Airlines was the first airline in the world to operate the A380. The Singapore Airlines A380 not only has immense public appeal, but also showcases our commitment to offer the best in-flight experience to our Indian travellers. Customers from India will now be able to enjoy the A380 experience from Delhi and Mumbai to our onward A380 destinations including Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo Narita and Zurich.?