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Adelaide has this morning welcomed Singapore Airlines (SIA) new Airbus A350-900 medium haul aircraft as it made its inaugural flight from Singapore to Adelaide.

The aircraft entered into service as SQ279 and departed Singapore at 2234hrs local time on 17 December 2018, arriving in Adelaide at 0815hrs local time today. The return flight, SQ278, departed Adelaide at 1037 local time and is estimated to arrive in Singapore at 1530 local time.

The aircraft was greeted by a water cannon salute, while customers departing Adelaide on the inaugural service to Singapore were treated to a traditional Lion Dance, drinks and canapes, and a small gift to celebrate the occasion.  They also enjoyed a special 100mb of free data to use on board the inaugural flight.

Singapore Airlines’ Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Mr Philip Goh, said the arrival of the Airline’s newest cabin products in Adelaide was a testament to SIA’s longstanding connection and commitment to South Australia.

“We’ve enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with Adelaide, with 2019 marking 35 years of Singapore Airlines operations to this incredible city,” Mr Goh said.

“We’re excited that South Australians are the first in the world to enjoy the latest in cabin products and technology on our all new A350-900 medium haul aircraft, which delivers a superior level of comfort and amenity.

“We are very happy to be able to deliver an early Christmas present to South Australia and it is fitting that we do so just weeks before we begin celebrating our 35th anniversary of operations to the state.”

The introduction of the new A350-900 medium-haul aircraft delivers an almost 7% increase in overall capacity to the city creating more opportunities for South Australians to explore the world, and for the world to explore South Australia.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway, welcomed today’s inaugural flight which he said represented a further vote of confidence in South Australia as a world-class tourism destination.

“Over the past decade we have seen visitation from Singapore nearly double, with tourists not only coming from Singapore itself but from throughout Europe and elsewhere in Asia, including Japan and China,” said Minister Ridgway.

“With increased capacity comes even more visitors to South Australia, the potential for more jobs and increased spending in the local economy.”

The A350-900 medium haul aircraft has 303 seats in total, with 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement delivering direct aisle access for every customer, while the Economy Class cabin has 263 seats arranged in a comfortable 3-3-3 configuration.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mr Mark Young, said the arrival of the new Singapore Airlines aircraft was further great news for local customers.

“We’re delighted our customers will have the opportunity to be the first to experience the latest in aircraft technology and comfort,” Mr Young said.

“We have a very strong, longstanding relationship with Singapore Airlines, and we welcome their latest show of confidence in the Adelaide market as we embark on our latest terminal expansion project that will greatly benefit international travellers.”

The new aircraft features SIA’s new regional Business Class and Economy Class cabin products that were recently launched on SIA’s Boeing 787-10 fleet.

New Business Class 

The new medium-haul Business Class seats have been manufactured by Stelia Aerospace. With each seat able to recline directly into a 76” fully-flat bed, customers can rest in more comfort, even on the shortest flights. Each seat measures up to 26” in width with retractable armrests that can be raised and lowered.

Other features include ample stowage space for personal items, a business panel with in-seat power supply and USB ports, an integrated reading light unit with adjustable lighting intensity and a personal 17” full high-definition touchscreen monitor.

New Economy Class

The new Economy Class seats have been designed and manufactured by RECARO and also offer customers an enhanced in-flight experience.

Each seat has an ergonomically-designed contour backrest that provides greater relaxation, and a six-way adjustable headrest with foldable wings to provide more neck support.

Economy Class customers can also enjoy an enhanced entertainment experience on their personal 11.6” full high-definition touchscreen monitor.

Other features that have been introduced for Economy Class customers include storage space for small personal items, a coat hook, USB port and in-seat power supply.

In-flight Entertainment

The A350-900 medium haul aircraft are also fitted with the latest Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system – a first in SIA’s fleet. This has been designed with a new user interface that offers a more intuitive experience and navigation options, leaving customers with the pleasure of enjoying Singapore Airlines’ myKrisWorldand its selection of more than 1,800 movies, TV shows, audio programmes and games with even greater flexibility.

Customers can receive personalised content recommendations based on their preferences and viewing history, while KrisFlyer members can bookmark and resume content, as well as customise and save preferences and playlists for subsequent flights. KrisFlyer members and Business Class customers will also have access to additional in-flight entertainment content choices.

In addition, customers will have access to high-speed in-flight WiFi service on the new A350-900s, equipped with Inmarsat GX Aviation’s broadband connectivity system offered through SITAONAIR.

Following Adelaide, the A350-900 medium haul aircraft will be deployed to Brisbane from 7 January 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

The A350-900 features higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body delivering more space and comfort as well as lighting designed to reduce jetlag.

SIA placed orders for a total of 67 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, 30 of which are already in the fleet including seven ultra-long-range variants, 21 long-haul variants, and two medium haul variants.