INTRODUCTION
The 10th of December was the day I left my home country of New Zealand and moved to Canada to start a new life. Instead of heading there the quickest way possible, the routing will have stops in Asia as I decided to tour there a bit before arriving eventually in Calgary. This flight report covers SQ's daily afternoon flight to Singapore. Normally, SQ286 is flown by a B777-300ER, but during the summer months it switches to an A380-800.
AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The flight was scheduled to depart at 1:30PM, and so I arrived at the airport a full 3 hours before flight departure in order to check-in. The queue was long and supposedly it was going to be an almost completely full flight as well.
The aircraft used for the flight to Singapore. Registration# 9V-SKE and as of August 2018, this aircraft is no longer in service with Singapore Airlines.
The walk to Gate 15 from the security checkpoint took almost 15 minutes.
Boarding was done according to row numbers, and I was seated in 79A located on the upper deck.
Economy Class on the upper deck has a smaller cabin, but is configured in a 2-4-2 configuration as opposed to the 10-abreast on the main deck, making it feel a little roomier.
PUSHBACK AND TAKEOFF
Pushback was on time, and the safety video was played but malfunctioned about 3/4 of the way through. The crew did a manual demonstration for the bits that did not show on the video.
Inflight connectivity was available onboard, but the prices weren't too appealing.
Passing by a Malaysia Airlines B777-200ER; MH has also retired them and uses A330s on their AKL services now.
An Air New Zealand 787-9
Air NZ 767-300ER
Takeoff shot with a view that I may not see again for several years.
FIRST MEAL SERVICE
After takeoff, the crew began to start the inflight service. A pack of peanuts and beverages were served to everyone. I requested for some chips as well.
The stewardess serving drinks. I opted for a 7UP.
Choices for the meal were sweet and sour fish or chicken and vegetables. Being a seafood person, I opted for the fish with rice. I opted for 7UP again for the drink.
The meal tasted very good, although I feel like SQ had reduced their main course portions compared to my Singapore to Auckland flight in 2013.
SETTLING IN
After the meal trays were cleared, I explored the IFE. There were plenty of choices for the 10 hour flight to Singapore.
For the most part, however, I put on the Flight Path.
The view outside was good; it was a nice day for flying.
I don't know if it's just me or are the A380 windows a little small?
I decided to walk around the cabin during the middle of the flight. I went downstairs to the main deck and stayed there for a bit just to stand and stretch my legs.
When I got back to my seat, I explored the IFE some more.
LIGHT BITES SERVICE
Sometime during the flight, the crew passed out some snacks to the passengers as well as drinks. I got myself a fudge brownie and cookie, as well as apple juice.
The crew making their rounds to see if passengers need anything.
PRE-ARRIVAL SERVICE
The lights were turned on about 2 hours before landing, and the crew came by and distributed hot towels to freshen up.
By the time the crew got to my row, there was only one option left. I got the chicken with potato wedges and opted for another 7UP as the drink.
The meal tasted much better than it looked!
DESCENT AND ARRIVAL
The view during descent.
I decided to use the IFE and listen to as much music and watch films before arrival.
The landing was rather hard, but nonetheless it was still an on-time arrival.
Passing by several SQ jets on the way to Terminal 3.
It was already getting dark outside.
Parked next to a B777-200ER.
SUITES VISIT
While all the other passengers were disembarking, I asked the leading stewardess serving my row if I could visit the suites. She happily agreed and just told me to wait till the other passengers have disembarked.
A (blurry) shot of the Business cabin.
The stewardess explained all about the suites and was happy to pose for a picture afterwards.
Afterwards, I headed back upstairs to grab my belongings. Another (blurry) shot of the Business cabin.
This concludes my flight on SQ286. It was now time for an overnight layover at the Crowne Plaza before flying on SQ118 to Kuala Lumpur.
Flight routing
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- 4SQ286 - Economy - Auckland to Singapore - Airbus A380-800
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I had no idea SQ were running A380s on that route. I guess it makes sense given their Joint-Venture with Air NZ. It's incredible how many A380s there were at one time at AKL for being a relatively small city--I remember seeing 3 EK A380s a few years ago (I know they aren't doing those Trans-Tasman A380 flights anymore, though). Still AKL gets some big birds, I guess it attests to the New Zealand's power to attract visitors. Thanks for sharing!
I was shocked as well when SQ sent an email to me saying that the aircraft was switched from the 77W to the A380! Although SQ still flies them today, I would rather much prefer the refitted 77W flight with newer cabin products.