Düsseldorf to Singapore

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Singapore Airlines have launched 3 times a week flight from Singapore to Düsseldorf since 21 July this year with their brand new Airbus A350.

I have a business trip from Germany to Hong Kong in December. I always wanted to try out something new. So without a doubt, I booked myself on Singapore Airlines flight from Düsseldorf to Hong Kong via Singapore.

 

Flight SQ337 departs Düsseldorf at 11:00am and scheduled to arrive in Singapore at 6:10am the next morning.

Check-in is swift and very efficient. I was informed there were only 86 passengers on this low season departure day.

 

Business Class and top rank frequent flyer of Singapore Airlines were invited to use Lufthansa Business Lounge at Düsseldorf airport.

The lounge was a typical business lounge. It was quite bright, with good seating area and good choice of beverages and some snack on offer.

 

 

 

 

Boarding started at 10:20am, 40 minutes prior to departure at Gate A77.

Our flight parked next to the regional rival Cathay Pacific A350! I could have flown with Cathay direct to Hong Kong, but as an aviation enthusiast, I chose the longer routing via Singapore 🙂

 

 

Welcome Onboard

I was greeted warmly by the Singapore Girl at Door 2.

There are a total of 42 Business Class seats on the Singapore Airlines A350. My seat is 19K in the second business class cabin. The first cabin has 26 seats and second cabin has 16 seats.

It turned out I was the only person in the second cabin. The crew was nicely enough to ask whether I want to move to the forward cabin as there will be some noise coming through the galley. I politely declined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also took a peek at the new Premium Economy Class. The seat looks really good!

 

 

Singapore Airlines traditionally decorate the cabin to celebrate Christmas, this year is no exception.

I was quite impressed even the menu feature the festive season on the cover. I ordered a glass of Mimosa as welcome drink.

Ready to push back on a clear, but cold day at Dusseldorf.

 

During push back, I take a detail look of my new Business Class seat. There are plenty of storage and a lot of button to choose and adjust.

However, I found the seat pitch too tight as I am more used to the conventional business class layout.

 

The pilot came on the PA to welcome his passengers. The flight time to Singapore will be 11 hour 40 minutes.

Due to the freezing condition, we’d require de-icing on the wing. After 10 minute of de-icing, we’re cleared to takeoff from Runway 23L.

 

Takeoff

 

 

 

In-Flight Service

As soon as we reach initial cruising level, the crew came around offer me my beverage of choice.

The Singapore Airlines signature Satay service follow the drinks.

I receive 2 chicken and 1 lamb Satay. I still think Malaysia Airlines does better but this is not bad at all!

Lunch service start with table setting without the tray.

Starter: Salmon Trio. It was excellent.

 

 

Main Course: Beef Fillet. Not bad for Business class standard, slightly overcooked.

 

FA Isabella offer dessert from a tray.

Polar bear fancy chocolate ice cream 😉

Follow by Fruit and cheese cart.

Before the lunch finish, the crew came with a tray of chocolate. I tried the 10g 999.9 Gold Bar 😉

 

Excellent clear weather flying across Europe today.

I was the only passenger in the rear (2nd) business class cabin due to the light load. The cabin was so quiet.

Here is a photo of the unconventional leg rest on the new Singapore Airlines Business Class suite.

The sun is fading fast but I was treated to this amazing view over Georgia.

I really appreciate the larger window on the A350. Much better than the A380.

 

 

Over Tabatskuri Lake in Georgia

The scenery was surreal on this cold clear evening. The pink sky lasted about 15 minutes before giving away into darkness. These are the magic moment best enjoyed from the air!

 

 

 

When the sun goes down, it is time for a nap.

The seat can be flipped over and convert into full flat bed by the crew.

I must say I am not the biggest fan of the new Business Class design. The design limit the sleeping position.

You sleep in a weird diagonal shape and my leg keep touching the wall in front…..

Passenger sitting behind the galley in Row 19 may be affected but the noise from the galley. But you also benefit from better leg room due to bulkhead. Beware!

Nevertheless I managed a few hours nap……

 

 

I slept soundly for a few hours and then enjoyed a couple of movies from the excellent selection of KrisWorld.

I ordered a Oriental Chicken noodle. (made from instant noodle)

Taste was good, perfect for an overnight flight snack.

 

Few hours later, breakfast service started about an hour before landing into Singapore.

I have fruit plate as starter but skipped cereal and yogurt.

Breakfast main: Fried Noodle

Generous portion, but noodle presentation is always a problem 🙂

 

We landed on Rwy 02C around 06:10, ending the 11 hours 50 minutes flight.

A sweet ending as always 🙂

 

Conclusion

I still think Singapore Airlines is the best in terms of professionalism and customer service. The competition has definitely raise the bar and closing the gap between Singapore Airlines and others. Many passengers have very high expectation on flying Singapore Airlines by paying premium fares. We should think no airlines is perfect. My flight was perfectly fine, although I think the crew can go a little more personal with passenger on interactions. I observed a general trend that the senior crew tend to be more easy with passengers and the younger crew lack of the warmth and charisma/charm the older crew carries. Nevertheless, Singapore Airlines didn’t disappoint. Always a great way to fly!

Sam’s Travel Hacks

As a frequent flier, I recommend book flights and compare prices on Skyscanner and JustFly for the best deals on the internet. We have put together many useful travel tips and airfare promotions in my Smart Travel section to guide you travel in more luxury with lower price!

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