Singapore Airlines’ A380 Restaurant: Pricing Revealed

A couple of days ago Singapore Airlines announced a series of experiences that will likely make a lot of avgeeks very happy. Unfortunately with Singapore’s borders more or less closed, most of us won’t have access to these experiences.

The airline has now revealed pricing and shared more details for these experiences, so I wanted to update the post to reflect this.

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“Discover Your Singapore Airlines” experiences

Airlines around the world are looking for creative ways to generate revenue and engage with customers, from launching airplane-themed restaurants, to selling gin directly to consumers, to selling bar carts, to operating flights to nowhere.

There was recently talk of Singapore Airlines potentially launching flights to nowhere, though the airline decided against it, both for environmental and economic reasons. Instead the airline has launched the “Discover Your Singapore Airlines” program, which will offer three unique experiences.

Here are the details of each of these experiences:

Restaurant A380 @Changi

This is without a doubt the coolest of the three initiatives. Singapore Airlines will allow people to dine inside an Airbus A380 that’s parked on the ground at Changi Airport.

Those who take part in this experience can choose from special menus for each cabin class. Options include international cuisine, as well as dishes from the special Peranakan menu that has been designed by Singaporean chef Shermay Lee. Each “passenger” will receive two complimentary alcoholic drinks, plus unlimited non-alcoholic drinks for free.

All diners will receive KrisShop discounts, a limited edition goodie bag, and additional gifts if they turn up in traditional heritage wear. On top of that, special slots will be available for a pre-lunch tour of the A380.

As far as the details of this go:

• Reservations will start on October 12, 2020
• The experience will be available on October 24 & 25, 2020
• Pricing ranges from 50 SGD for a reservation in economy class, to 600 SGD for a reservation in Suites
• You can also redeem KrisFlyer miles, but you’re getting only 0.8 cents (in SGD) per mile, which I wouldn’t consider to be a good redemption
• Details about exactly what will be on the menu, as well as how the menu will differ between cabins, remains to be seen

Inside Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines’ next experience is the most reasonably priced option, and it’s also ideal for anyone who wants to get a behind-the-scenes look at airline operations. This will provide a tour of the training facilities used by Singapore Airlines.

Visitors will get an overview of Singapore Airlines’ 70+ year history, get an opportunity to interact with pilots and cabin crew, and find out more about the training they undergo.

Adults will be able to operate a full flight simulator, sample some premium in-flight wine labels, and attend a grooming workshop. Furthermore, some of the most popular meals served onboard Singapore Airlines will be on sale.

Children will be able to enjoy craft activities such as balloon sculpting, and make their own batik roses. They’ll even have the option to dress up and role play as cabin crew, and take home their own SIA sarong kebaya uniform.

As far as the details of this go:

• Reservations will start on November 1, 2020
• The experience will be available on November 21 & 22, and November 28 & 29, 2020
• Tickets will cost 30 SGD for adults and 15 SGD for children (3-12 years old)
• You can also redeem KrisFlyer miles, at the rate of 3,750 KrisFlyer miles and 1,875 KrisFlyer miles, respectively

In addition to the standard entry price, special experiences come at a cost:

• A flight simulator session costs 535 SGD, and there can be up to three participants
• A junior cabin crew experience costs 94.16 SGD
• A wine appreciation event costs 40.66 SGD
• A grooming workshop costs 94.16 SGD

SIA@Home

The last experience is for those who want a taste of Singapore Airlines without leaving home. While we’ve seen a few airlines sell meals you can enjoy at home, Singapore Airlines is taking a different approach.

With this option, people can choose from 10 menus, featuring first and business class meals, which will come complete with wine or champagne. All non-vegetarian options will come with Singapore Airlines’ signature satay. On top of that, limited edition dining ware and amenities are also available, depending on the package chosen.

A business class dining experiences starts at 288 SGD, and includes the following:

A Business Class meal for two based on your choice of menu comprising our signature satay canape, appetiser, main course and dessert. Main course options include international cuisine favourites such as Hanakoireki and roasted lamb loin. Customers may also select either a bottle of French wine or brut champagne. In addition, receive a pair of Business Class amenity kits. Add-ons available include tableware and more amenities.

A first class dining experience starts at 488 SGD, and includes the following:

A First Class meal for two based on your choice of menu comprising our signature satay canape, Oscietra caviar, appetiser, main course and dessert. Main course options include international cuisine favourites such as poached lobster and Kyo-Kaiseki. Customers may also select either a bottle of Burgundy red or white wine. In addition, receive a pair of First Class amenity kits. Add-ons available to upgrade the wine or to include tableware and more amenities.

These packages will be available starting October 5, 2020.

I’m intrigued by this for a few reasons:

• To my knowledge, these are the most expensive at-home dining options we’ve ever seen an airline sell, and the above are only starting prices
• You can purchase a 22-piece Singapore Airlines dining set as part of the experience
• You can add a 2008 bottle of Dom Perignon to your order
• There will be a “cabin crew concierge,” who can make menu recommendations to elevate your dining experience
• You can “book-the-chef,” whereby a chef will come to your home to reheat, plate, and service the meal (will they do a safety demonstration first, though?!)
• Alternatively, there will be a digital guide to prepare your meal yourself, including videos of Singapore Airlines cabins and music, so you can enjoy that while eating your meal

This is the most elevated at home dining concept I’ve seen from any airline. Most airlines selling meals to eat at home are selling cheap economy meals that you can stick in the microwave. Selling premium meals with the option to purchase a full dining set, as well as a bottle of Dom Perignon, is super cool. I’ll be curious to see how much the add-ons cost.

Bottom line

Singapore Airlines deserves huge credit for its creative way of engaging customers and getting some revenue during these tough times. While some airlines have offered flights to nowhere, I like Singapore Airlines’ concept a lot more — let people dine on the A380 without even leaving the ground. It’s more environmentally friendly, and also more economical.

As you can see, there’s something for most budgets here, from a 30 SGD tour of Singapore Airlines’ facilities, to a 600 SGD meal onboard a Singapore Airlines aircraft.

I wondered what the pricing would be like, so now we have the details on that. I’m still curious:

• What exactly will be on the menu when dining on the A380, and how it will differ between cabins
• How much Singapore Airlines will charge for add-ons for dining at home

I feel like demand for dining on the A380 may be huge, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the airline add more dates for that.

What do you make of these Singapore Airlines packages? Which would you book?