Review of Singapore Airlines flight Singapore → Sydney in Economy

Flight details:
Airlines: Singapore Airlines
Flight :SQ 221 SIN-SYD
Reg : 9V-SKB
Aircraft: Airbus A380-841
Dep - SYD : 00.35
Arr - SIN : 6.05
Flight time : 7h 55m
Distance : 6,305 kilometers or 3,404 nautical miles.

Introduction

This is a return trip report from Singapore in 2008. You can read the inbound flight report by clicking here -> Sydney - Singapore on Singapore Airlines

Trip Report Video: Singapore Airlines SQ221 Singapore to Sydney

Check-IN

I had arrived early at the airport as I did not have access internet.

View of Terminal 2 from new Terminal 3.

The check-in counter was not open. I waited close to the counter,

Small queue had gathered before the counter opened. I completed my check-in and was free to check the new building.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 was newly constructed and opened to handle Airbus A380.

Departure entrance in the centre.

Lot of space and high ceiling.

Only Singapore Airlines and some star airlines members were using this terminal. Empty check-in as not many flights from the terminal.

View of arrivals area

Arrivals escalators towards immigration.

Heading towards viewing mall. Not spotter friendly as double layers glass.

Flight Schedule at Terminal 3. SQ221 not listed as still early.

View of check-in area

Skytrain to terminal 1 and 2. As there were not many food options, took sky train to terminal 1.

Train arriving

Had dinner in the restaurant at Terminal 1. It was time to head back to Terminal 3. Took SkyTrain back to Terminal 3.

Electronic schedule boards

Heading to departure entrance.

Immigration and Security

As flight departure time was getting close, passed immigration. Headed to gate. Terminal 3 has common security check for all gates on a pier.

Boarding

After completing security, waited for boarding call near the gate. Boarding call was on-time, Passport and boarding pass was checked.

Aircraft was 9V-SKB. Singapore Airlines second A380. In those days, SQ had 2 A380 aircraft's - 9V-SKA and 9V-SKB. This was my 2nd flight on same aircraft. Plane was parted on pier without any window of the outside.

Flight was not full. I had no neighbours.

Windows of Airbus A380, not photo friendly due to gap in glass. Aircraft is quiet inside.

Remote in cradle

Window view

Empty seats as no many passengers on this mid-week flight.

Departure

Soon it was time for push-back,

cones were cleared around the engines and push-back commenced.

Safety instruction was conducted by video demonstration.

Lights were turned off inside the cabin for takeoff.

After a short taxi, took off towards South.

Lights were turned on after takeoff and cruising altitude was reached.

Leg rest on Airbus A380.

Flight Information

Screens on the Airbus A380 are larger and clear.

Flight map

Flight route.

Crew distributed amenity kit and menu to passengers.

CaBIN Service

Cabin service commenced with drinks, followed by dinner.

Menu and tray presentation.

I chose the chicken option for dinner along with white wine.

Rest of flight

Being a red-eye flight, cabin lights were turned off after dinner trays were cleared. Most passengers had enough space to stretch. I slept till morning.