SQ to lease B744 from MH

[singaporu_kooku]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, in regards to IFE, I think both SQ and MH are using the Panasonic Avionics 3000i. If it's true, probably they can just change the software and it will be the same as the rest of SQ fleet.

[StarG]

I wonder if the IFE programs will be the same as the rest of SQ's 744 fleet.

[flyguy]

Yes SQ is in fact leasing two B744 ex-MAS, one is ex-9M-MPE and the other will be ex-9M-MPC. Both airplanes have the recently configured MH new F & J class cabins. MPE has been in Subang for a while and is already painted all-white and readied for dleivery to SQ, while MPC will come to Subang soon for preparations for redelivery.
FYI, both MPC & MPE are being sold by MAS to an international leasing company who will then lease them to SQ.

[MAN Flyer]

This would make sense due to SQ's chronic capacity shortage at the moment. MH scaling back their 744 fleet, SQ in need of more.

I heard they were actually looking for 2 x 744's on a temporary lease.

[StarG]

I dreamt that it will be the new config version of the aircraft.

[RJA]

Guess it makes to lease some short-term sense with committments SQ have to the likes of KA and CX waiting on their 744s while the A380s have been delayed. SQ could just refit them with the their 744 F/J (skysuite and spacebed) seats since SQ probably had to rip them out of 9V-SMJ, SMM, MP, MR, PC, PD prior to these aircraft being transferred.

As an AKL-based individual it's great to see SQ will keep the 744 on the route for the time being!

Out of curiosity what happens to AKL once the lease ends on the 744? Put a 77W on the route perhaps?

[flyguy]

yes it unlike SQ to lease a older 744 from MH for 10 mths - if this is indeed true - as its such a short lease and even retrofitting the interiors to SQ's standards or even changing the interior somewhat will still be a high cost to pay and to do for such a short term - and if its used exclusively for the SIN-NZ route, then will suppose its ok to have some difference between the other SQ's 744s.

[singaporu_kooku]

Does anyone heard of this news yet?
http://www.airliners.net/discussions....main/3428482/

It appears that it will be leased from MH. I wonder, if it will be retro-fitted with SQ's configuration considering it's only going to be leased for 10months or so. I believe there are 2 MH's B744 that is yet to be retrofitted with their new biz and first class and I think, one these aircraft is probably the one that goes to SQ.