The Airbus A380 is the most comfortable plane in the sky, and this month has been a great one. We have learned in recent weeks that British Airways and Qatar Airways will both put their A380s back in service. Now, a third airline is doing it.
A380 Singapore Airlines will fly to London starting November 2021
Singapore Airlines grounded the Airbus A380 for the first time in March 2020. This was around the same time as global travel was halted by the coronavirus pandemic. The plane will be restored to service after being grounded for approximately 20 months.
Singapore Airlines will start flying daily the Airbus A380 between Singapore and London as of November 18, 2021. The Airbus A380 will be flying the following frequencies:
SQ322 Singapore-London flight departing at 11:45PM and arriving at 5:55AM (+1 Day)
SQ317 London to Singapore, departing at 10:55AM and arriving at 7:50AM (+1 Day)
Although the A380 appears to be on the schedule for other routes in future, this flight is the only one that the airline has confirmed will receive it.
The total number of A380s from Singapore Airlines includes 471 seats. This includes six suites, 44 premium economy seats and 343 economy seats. Pre-pandemic, Singapore Airlines had 19 Airbus A380s. In late 2020, the airline announced that seven A380s would be retired. This means that the carrier will eventually have 12 A380s.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites
The A380 will fly the Vaccinated Travel Lane flight (VTL).
Singapore Airlines' A380 service restoration coincides with Singapore's reopening of travel to vaccinated travellers as part the Vaccinated Travel Lane concept (VTL). This allows vaccinated individuals from select countries to travel to and from Singapore without having to go through quarantine.
Travelers need not be tested. They also need to fly a VTL flight, which is only for those who are traveling under this arrangement. I find it a bit surprising that this arrangement has enough demand to fill the A380.
After not being able travel all their lives, I think Singaporeans are eager to travel. But is London really the place they desire to visit in winter?
Brits might want to escape the cold to go to Singapore. However, I personally couldn't see myself traveling to Singapore only from the other side, with no additional destination.
It will work out, and the booking numbers justify A380 on this route. I'm just not sure what to expect, so I am somewhat surprised.
Singapore Airlines A380s return to the skies
Bottom line
As of November 2021, Singapore Airlines Airbus A380s will make a comeback. The whale jet will fly daily between Singapore, London. We don't know when the 12 A380s will fly again or what other destinations the plane could be flying to in the future. It is great to see Singapore Airlines increasing its operations.
Three airlines are bringing back the A380 in the next year, which is great news for me as an aviation enthusiast.
What do you think of Singapore Airlines A380's return?
