Brisbane,
17
October
2017
|
10:26
Australia/Brisbane

Singapore Airlines’ A350 touches down at Brisbane Airport

Singapore Airlines' A350 at BNE 17 Oct

Singapore Airlines’ brand new A350-900 aircraft touched down at Brisbane Airport (BNE) this morning, signalling the beginning of upgraded Airbus services for three of Singapore Airlines’ four daily flights between Brisbane and Singapore.

To celebrate this milestone, passengers and VIP guests enjoyed a champagne breakfast and a tour of the luxury aircraft.

Brisbane’s local ‘plane spotting’ community was also treated with a hosted airside tour to capture the moment the A350 touched down for first time.

The A350 brings to Brisbane Singapore’s new Premium Economy cabin (24 seats per flight; 52,416 seats per year), and a 42 per cent increase in Business Class capacity to nearly 100,000 weekly seats per annum.

Compared to current operating capacity, by January 2018 Singapore Airlines’ overall Singapore-Brisbane capacity will increase by 53,040 seats per annum (two way).

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and Managing Director, said with more travellers wanting a premium experience, it makes sense for Singapore Airlines to bring the state-of-the-art A350 into the Brisbane market.

“Combined with Singapore Airlines’ brand new airport lounge at the International Terminal and our award winning customer service, Brisbane Airport is increasingly becoming the gateway of choice for discerning business and leisure travellers,” Ms Alroe said.

“Additionally, premium flight options attract premium visitors seeking high-end experiences which significantly contribute to a vibrant growth in tourism, with the benefits rippling through the entire state.

“Any extra or upgraded service to Brisbane Airport helps boost the economy and will benefit all of Queensland as visitors connect onto other popular intrastate destinations, as well as visiting local hot spots like the Gold and Sunshine Coasts,” Ms Alroe said.

Last financial year Singapore Airlines carried more than 690,000 passengers to/from Brisbane and, from January 2018, will be offering 750,000 seats over 2,900 annual aircraft arrivals/departures, reinforcing Singapore Airlines’ major presence in Brisbane.

Singapore Airlines is also an important contributor to Queensland tourism, drawing in visitors from a variety of countries including Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, the UK, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Scandinavia.