A380 - Master Thread

[nickbot]

BTW, does anyone know which of the remaining 2 daily flights (SIN-LHR and LHR-SIN ) would be for the next A380? Apologies if this has been mentioned elsewhere but I can't find that info using the search facility.

That would be most useful information indeed - would like to try and snag some award seats whilst it's still listed as 744. Still hoping to get mrs nickbot and I into new C seats sometime this century!

[SQFAN]

In case people haven't seen this yet--amazing interactive view of the A380 cockpit:

http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/cockpit1.htm

Thanks, MovieMan

BTW, does anyone know which of the remaining 2 daily flights (SIN-LHR and LHR-SIN ) would be for the next A380? Apologies if this has been mentioned elsewhere but I can't find that info using the search facility.

[kras]

Thanks for sharing that, MovieMan... would give anything to see the real thing though... hehe

So close, yet so far

[MovieMan]

In case people haven't seen this yet--amazing interactive view of the A380 cockpit:

http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/cockpit1.htm

[UMD]

Thanks for sharing, LukeGT. This is both informative and interesting.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 7 Airport Readiness/Ground Operations

a) Which airports are ready for the A380?
Changi Airport in Singapore and Sydney International Airport, Australia, both of which SIA are starting operations to, are ready for the A380.

Another 58 airports around the world are in various stages of readiness for the jumbo jet. A total of 8 airports should be ready in 2008.

b) Do you foresee any difficulties to maintain the current turnaround time for the A380 as compared to the B747-400? What procedures are put in place to maintain the turnaround time for the A380?
Many tests have been done on this to ensure that major chinks in terms of operating a much larger aircraft will be smoothened out once we start flying the aircraft. We have been working closely with our ground handlers in the various airports to ensure that the standard turnaround time for the A380 will be no longer than that of the B747-400.

As a result of the target, all current operations such as passenger handling as well as baggage handling have been “scaled up” in order to maintain the same standards. This is being monitored closely and will be constantly refined as the A380 operations mature.

c) Will procedures that have been developed for servicing of the A380 be exported to other airports?
As part of our business requirement, SIA has already been in regular contact with airport authorities and our ground handlers worldwide on their preparations for the arrival of the A380. Under consideration by airports are a range of technical and customer service issues including direct upper deck boarding and catering access, larger boarding lounges and parking bays. This is to ensure the consistency of the SIA service delivery is maintained at all SIA destinations.

d) In operating the A380s, what kind of new equipment would SIA/SATS is needed for ground handling, such as meal servicing, baggage transporting and cabin cleaning etc.?
SATS has acquired new equipment in order to effectively handle the A380 when it joins the fleet, particularly with regards to catering, where direct upper deck access catering trucks, which will enable food to be sent directly to the upper deck of the aircraft, will be required.

Singapore Airlines has also been working closely with our ground handlers in the various airports to maintain the standard turnaround time for the A380 to be no longer than that of the B747-400 of 120 minutes.

We have also been working very closely with airport authorities worldwide on their preparations for the arrival of the A380. A range of technical and customer service issues including direct upper deck boarding and catering access, larger boarding lounges and aircraft parking bays as well as longer baggage carousels are being implemented.

e) What is the minimum turnaround time for the A380 as compared to B744?
For the A380, it is 110 mins and for the B744, 90 mins.

f) What are some of the key features / changes to existing procedures are in place to ensure everyone gets onboard on time and that the plane leaves on time?
We have revised our boarding sequence and have in place clear signage to ensure customers board at the right gates.

g) Are there any key changes to existing procedures that customers have to take note off?
As the A380 is a double-deck aircraft, customers are advised to take note of which deck they are seated on, and listen to the boarding announcements and follow signage put up at the airport. Also, to ensure that everyone gets on board on time, ground staff will be stationed to assist customers when necessary.

h) You recently conducted a live trial replicating the entire boarding and operational processes for the A380 when it was here in Singapore in August. What were some of the key observations learnt from that trial, and what did you do to make sure everything goes well with real passengers?
We have gained invaluable experience during the trials conducted in August, giving us clearer ideas on how we can improve on time management, manpower deployment, coordination and communications, and safety during an aircraft turnaround, all the while ensuring the consistency of the Singapore Airlines standard of service.


Useful Information:
Singapore Airlines has been in regular contact with airport authorities worldwide starting from 01/02 on their preparations for the arrival of the A380. Under consideration by airports are a range of technical and customer service issues, mainly due to the large size of the aircraft, including direct upper deck boarding and catering access, larger boarding lounges, runways, taxiways and parking bays.

Some examples:

Airside - Runways and taxiways must be of sufficient length and width. Separations between runways/taxiways and taxiways/taxiways must also be sufficient to take into account the increased wingspan of the aircraft.

Apron - Parking bays must be of sufficient size (80m X 80m). There must be sufficient parking bays and contact stands at the terminal buildings at each airport, taking into account the number of carriers which will operate the A380 to the airport.

Boarding - Passenger boarding bridges must lead directly to the upper deck. This is not only necessary for passengers’ convenience but also to cater for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) accessing the upper deck.

Ground Handling – Ground handling equipment such as catering trucks must be able to service the upper deck of the aircraft. Tow tugs to push back the aircraft, given its increased weight, must be available.

Terminal - Terminal facilities must be expanded/enhanced to handle the increased passenger numbers (e.g. Boarding Gate Rooms, CIQ facilities, arrival baggage belts, etc).

[LukeGT]

Cap. 6 - ENGINEERING / MAINTENANCE

a) How many engineers are trained to maintain the A380?
The numbers of engineers that we need depends on operational requirements. Currently, over 80 licensed engineers have been trained to provide maintenance and technical support for our A380 aircraft when it goes into service and the number of engineers will increase as the A380 fleet grows.

Training of engineers for the A380 commenced in December 2005 and it is an ongoing activity. The training is both theoretical and practical to ensure that our engineers are thoroughly competent to support the aircraft when it goes into service.

b) Do engineers require any special training for the A380?
The A380 is a new aircraft design that has many new electronic devices that are not found in other aircraft types in the Singapore Airlines fleet. In addition, the Airline would be introducing a range of new cabin products onboard the A380. As such, we are conducting three main areas of maintenance training, namely Aircraft Type Maintenance Training, Specialist Training as well as Cabin Product Training, in order to support the A380 aircraft when it goes into service later this year.


Background Information

I. Aircraft Type Maintenance Training
Phase 1: Theory - this training, which is conducted in Singapore, started in Dec 05 and was completer completed by Jul 06.
Phase 2: Practical – This will be conducted in 2 batches. The first batch of engineers will do their practical training in Toulouse from Oct-Nov 06. This first batch of engineers will be fully qualified by the time we take delivery of our first A380 aircraft. The second batch of engineers will then undergo practical training in Singapore.

II. Specialist Training

There will be specialist training to equip our engineers to work on specific areas of this aircraft, especially on new technologies that are used on the A380. These include the A380 structure maintenance and repair training, both of which have already started at SIA.

III. Cabin Product Training

Our engineers will undergo thorough training on the maintenance of our A380 cabin products (such as seats, Inflight Entertainment System and galley equipment) to ensure that our A380 cabin products are maintained to high standards of aesthetic appeal and reliability.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 5.3 CREW - Cabin Crew

a) How many cabin crew will you need and what is the crew to passenger ratio for this aircraft? How does this compare to the other aircraft types, like say the B744?
There will be 23 cabin crew on board the A380. The crew to passenger ratio will be comparable to that of existing aircraft type in our fleet. (Background info: PCL: 1: 4 ; JCL: 1:10 ; EY: 1:32)

Customers can be assured of the same, high-quality service standard that they are so used to enjoying on all SIA flights.

In the preparation for the A380, we also had the opportunity to re-look and improve some of the operational processes that are currently in place. We also had the opportunity to indicate how the galley could be designed to achieve higher efficiency in our operations, especially when there will be a higher number of passengers in the A380.

b) How much training is necessary to qualify the Cabin Crew for the A380?
All crew servicing the A380 will have to be certified for the aircraft type. Training for the new A380 will involve both service and safety aspects. This is on top of the 4-month training programme that all our cabin crew undergo. Training for cabin crew has commenced in the second half of this year and cabin crew will be trained in batches to meet with operational requirements.

c) Are there any special training required for crew operating this aircraft?
Crew operating the A380 will have to undergo specialised safety training in order to be certified to operate the aircraft. The twin-deck nature of the aircraft will require the crew to be competent in performing emergency actions if the need arises on two decks, instead of the traditional one.

We have installed new equipment as well as implemented a new curriculum for the training of both technical and cabin crew in the training centre. Singapore Airlines accords safety our top priority and it is no different for the A380.

d) What are the key differences between operating the A380 and other aircraft in your fleet?
The A380 features new products like the Singapore Airlines Suites and the new eX2 system, which is more advanced than the IFE system available on other aircraft (except B773ER) in our fleet. In addition, the galleys on the aircraft and the equipment (e.g. service carts) used are of a different standard from the rest of the aircraft in the fleet.

Our cabin crew have to undergo training to be familiar with the new product offerings, so as to ensure that they are able to provide seamless service to customers travelling on this aircraft.

e) Are there any differences in procedures because of the double-decker nature of the aircraft?
The double-deck nature of the aircraft will not affect service procedures as activities on both decks would be confined to their own respective decks.

f) How many crew have been trained to work on the A380 at the moment?
300 crew are currently in various stages of training to operate the SIN-SYD flights.

g) What new facilities are installed at the SIA Training Centre for cabin crew training?
The Singapore Airlines Suites mock-up cabin has been installed at the SIA Training Centre to facilitate practical training.

h) How long does it take to train a cabin crew before he/she can operate on the A380 aircraft?
Each A380 cabin crew member must go through 4 days of A380 conversion training, consisting of one day of Service Training, two days of Safety Training and one day of Aircraft Familiarisation.

An additional day of training is required for cabin crew who are selected to operate in the Suites cabin.

i) Are there any special training required before a crew can operate in Suites?
In addition to the normal A380 conversion training, cabin crew serving in the Suites, are required to attend an additional day of training with hands-on practices in the Suites mock-up cabin.

j) Will SIA be increasing cabin crew numbers in view of having ordered and operating many more A380s in future?
SIA will be increasing the cabin crew numbers to support future A380 destinations.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 5.2 CREW - Pilot Training

a) How many SIA pilots have gotten the type rating for the A380?
Currently, there are about 30 of them. By end of 2007, we expect to have 50 pilots trained, rising to 100 by mid 2008.

b) How do you select the pilots to fly the A380 aircraft? Do they come from any particular fleet? Do pilots currently flying Airbus aircraft have any advantage over Boeing pilots in terms of the selection?
All SIA’s pilots (B777, B744 and A345) will have the opportunity to be converted to operate the A380. The training and deployment of pilots for A380 operations falls within the structure of SIA’s normal operation and deployment requirements.

c) How many more pilots will be trained to fly the A380 in SIA? How many percent does that translate to?
We generally need about 12 sets of pilots (one Capt + one FO) for each aircraft.

A proportion of the Airline’s technical and cabin crew has been trained ahead of the A380 delivery. These numbers will increase as Singapore Airlines takes delivery of, and deploys, more A380s on its network.

d) How long does it take to convert a pilot to fly the A380?
The conversion programme for pilots operating the A380 will take approximately 25 days. This will be followed by training in the actual aircraft and proficiency checks.


e) Can you give us more details on the pilot training programme?
Besides going through the paces as in any other transition training, our pilots need to learn how to manage the Onboard Information System (OIS) that is installed on the A380. It is a highly integrated network infrastructure that is linked to the aircraft’s systems and the airline's operating requirements. It enables Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and backroom data processing and management. The pilots will have only electronic manuals or documents to consult. It will be a paperless cockpit.

We will also be using a fairly new training tool called Flight Training Device (FTD). It is a static cockpit replica consisting of large computer touch-screens and some cockpit hardware. It provides the same responses as a simulator except that it doesn't have motion or the confine of a real cockpit. The FTD is ideal for trainee providing a hand-on learning environment during the ground school phase. It is also very suitable for cockpit procedure training prior to training on the Full Flight Simulator.

f) What are some of the main challenges in flying the A380?
Some of the key points pilots have to take note when operating the A380 is that the aircraft has longer wingspan, compared to the other aircraft in our fleet, and it is much heavier, requiring more caution on the part of the pilot during take-off.

g) Is SIA going to get an A380 simulator and when will it be ready?
Yes, SIA has taken delivery of an A380 aircraft simulator and it is currently installed in the Singapore Airlines Training Centre.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 5.1 CREW - Technical Crew

a) How many pilots does it take to operate the A380-800 on a typical long-haul flight (eg Singapore to Sydney or Singapore to London)?
It would require a standard crew of one captain and one first officer to operate a normal flight e.g. SIN-SYD vv.

For long haul flights such as the Singapore-London service, as with the other aircraft on our fleet, it would require one or two more pilots up to a maximum number of 2 Captains and 2 First Officers to operate the A380. Crewing will be the same as a B747-400, and will be subject to regulatory directions as is the case with all aircraft type.

b) Will Airbus pilots be supervising the flights in the early months of your A380 operations?
Yes. They will be on board as technical advisors for the initial period of operations.

c) The A380 has been cited as one of the most technologically advanced aircraft so far. What are some of these new features?
The A380 currently features the highest level of electronic documents, checklists and flight plans. It is equipped with digital weather radar model for accurate analysis, vertical displays of weather and terrain in addition to horizontal displays, and back-up speed indication in case of failure of main speed indications, among others.

d) Do the pilots require special/additional training to operate the A380?
As qualified pilots, they will be provided with transition training to qualify them to operate the A380. This includes line training and proficiency check training using simulators and this will be done in batches.

Although the A380 is the biggest commercial passenger airplane ever built, what is required most from the pilots are still the skills and experience of operating a modern large commercial jet. This is because the A380 is designed to be handle and feel like the A340 and A330, as the flight control characteristics are computer-programmed to behave as such. This is Airbus' concept of creating a family of aircraft where all aircraft in the family have very similar cockpit layouts and respond in like manners.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 4.7 & 4.8 Inflight Connectivity - Inflight Telephony

Inflight Connectivity

a) Are there any Internet connectivity capabilities onboard any of your aircraft?
No, not at the moment.

b) Are there plans to reintroduce inflight connectivity onboard your flight?
We recognise that there is demand for inflight connectivity and we are keen to reintroduce connectivity to replace the now-closed Connexion By Boeing. We are exploring possible solutions and technologies that is currently available but there are no firm plans at the moment. Two concerns we have are to ensure technological capability (ie that the technology will not be quickly superceded) and that it provides a cost-effective solution for our business and our customers.

c) Airbus has announced that the A380 aircraft is capable of providing Internet capability? Why didn’t SIA opt for it?
We are currently exploring the possibility but there are no firm plans at the moment.

d) Do you think this would put you at a disadvantage especially with business travellers?
See answer (b)


Inflight Telephony

a) Can passengers make cell phone calls onboard your aircraft?
No, not at the moment.

b) Now that the technology is available, are there plans to introduce this?
We are exploring the possibilities but there are no firm plans at the moment.

c) What is stopping you from making this service available?
This is a matter still under study and a decision has yet to be made.

We will decide on whether or not to introduce such a service onboard based on the needs and preferences of our customers, as well as the social implications and regulatory requirements.

d) Do you think this would put you at a disadvantage especially with business travellers?
See answer (c).

[LukeGT]

Cap. 4.6 Inflight Entertainment

eX2

a) What inflight entertainment system will be fitted on the SIA A380?
Panasonic's eX2 is fitted on the A380. This is essentially the same advanced system which can be also found on our B777-300ER.

b) What is the difference between the eX2 and the ones in your current fleet?
The new system is the newest generation of technology. It is more advanced, user-friendly and interactive. It allows us to load more content onto the system, hence customers will a wider selection of movies, TV shows, music, games, travel and learning applications to choose from.

Singapore Airlines is the only airline to offer 3D games and office productivity software on eX2.

c) Are there any differences between the eX2 in the A380 and in the B777-300ER?
The system installed on the A380 is essentially the same as that on the B777-300ER but we are looking to enhance the system with additional features in the future.

d) Will you be installing the eX2 on the rest of your fleet?
eX2 will be available on all of our new aircraft. As for the rest of the fleet, we are exploring the possibility of installation but there are no firm plans at the moment.

e) Many airlines are already using the eX2 and/or have announced their orders. What then is the differentiating factor between SIA and other airlines in terms of IFE?
Singapore Airlines’ inflight entertainment system, KrisWorld is a unique system that not only offers customers a wide range of movies, TV shows, CD and games, but it also gives them a choice to learn and do their work using the applications found on the system.

Singapore Airlines is the first airline to offer 3D games and the only airline in the world to provide a comprehensive suite of office productivity software on the inflight entertainment system. In addition to movies, TV programmes, games and CDs, customers can select from a wide variety of interactive learning applications such as the Zagat Survey, a guide to restaurants and hotels in selected destinations, Take a Flight, an interactive program with facts and trivia about aviation, Berlitz® Word Traveller language learning software, Health Notes, Executive book summaries and City Guide by Rough Guides.

f) How is the response to the eX2 that you have installed on the B777-300ER? Have all the teething problems been resolved?
Response has been very positive. We have gotten feedback that the new KrisWorld is intuitive, user-friendly and offers an excellent choice of entertainment, travel and learning options.

Most teething problems have been resolved and we are continuing our efforts to improve it further.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 4.5 Inflight Services

a) Could you give a brief description of the serviceware and amenities available on the A380?
All the dining ware on board the A380 is specially designed by French fashion house Givenchy for Singapore Airlines. So are the bedding items and soft furnishings like cushions and duvets.

We have developed a brand new exclusive Ferragamo amenities kit for the A380 Suites customers, featuring the latest fragrance, F by Salvatore Ferragamo.


b) What new inflight service features can customers expect in the SIA A380?
Service concepts on the A380 have been enhanced to provide customers with the best possible level of service on board.

The Singapore Airlines Suites customers can expect more personalised, discrete and attentive service than before, while Business Class customers can expect more elegant, restaurant-style dining on board as meals will be plated on exclusive Givenchy-designed service ware, complemented by wines and spirits served in full sized glassware.

c) Are you using any new equipment for food preparation in the A380?
The equipment for food preparation will be the same as those found on our B777-300ER, which was launched just last October.

d) Will the A380 feature food that is unique?
Menus for all three classes on the A380 are specially created by top chefs like Sam Leong from Singapore and Matt Moran from Australia, both members of the Airline’s International Culinary Panel, while wines and spirits are selected by world-renowned wine experts, namely Karen MacNeil from the United States, Steven Spurrier from the United Kingdom and Michael Hill-Smith from Australia.

The gourmet experience is further enhanced by the use of exclusive Givenchy-designed service ware, silver and glassware.

e) Will food that’s being served onboard the A380 be prepared differently from that prepared for other aircraft, since the cabin air in A380 is less dry and this would alter the way food tastes as compared to conventional aircraft.
Designing inflight menus is a challenging task, even for the top chefs in our International Culinary Panel, as they have to take into account the various constraints on board, such as the method of food preparation, the cabin atmosphere and the effect altitude has on the palate.

We take the same care and effort in preparing the menus for A380 as we do for the other aircraft on our fleet. To ensure that food tastes as good on board as it does on the ground, we test all our inflight meals in a pressurised chamber, the first and only of its kind in world that simulates cabin atmosphere, in our inflight kitchens. With the masterful touch of the chefs on our culinary panel and rigorous taste-tests, customers can be assured that they are getting the best gourmet treats on board.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 4.4 General Product

a) Are you planning to retrofit your other aircraft in the fleet with your new products?
Currently, slightly different versions of the Business and Economy Class products can also be found on our B777-300ER but the Suites are exclusive to the A380.

b) When did you start work on these new products, particularly the Suites?
We started work on the products more than 5 years ago, gathering ideas and feedback from our customers and frequent flyers through workshops and brainstorming sessions.

c) In terms of cabin product development, what are your plans for keeping ahead in this competitive environment?
Singapore Airlines’ strength lies in its strong philosophy of product innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence. We are not stopping here with the introduction of the new products, we will continue to seek comments and feedback from our customers to improve and provide better products and services on board.

d) How so you analyse the effectiveness of new products and enhancements and how much of these feedback is reflected in your new products?
We gather feedback and comments on our new products through customer surveys and feedback sessions. We value customers’ feedback tremendously and whenever possible, will incorporate their comments in our efforts to enhance products and better services.

e) It has been a year since you introduced your new cabin products, how has the response been so far?
The response has been positive and very encouraging. Indeed, the new Business Class product has received much acclaim, being awarded Skytrax’s Best Business Class soon after its began operating.

f) Are the new products patented?
We have made patent applications to protect our intellectual property rights.

[LukeGT]

Cap. 4.3 SUITES

SUITES
Designer: Jean-Jacques Coste of Coste Design
Manufacturer: Jamco Corporation of Japan and Sicma Aero Seat of France


a) How did SIA come up with the idea for the Suites in the first place?
The concept of the Suites is developed with our most distinguished and discerning customers in mind. Our goal is to provide customers with an exquisite travel experience that is second to none, with unprecedented level of personal space, privacy and luxury. With the Suites, our premium customers are assured of the most superior products in the industry and the best service standard, rendered by our cabin crew.

b) Is the new Suites a new “class” or is it an improvement to “First”?
The Singapore Airlines Suites is a class above and beyond the sophistication and luxury of First Class.

Each Suite is the customer’s personal and private sanctuary in the sky. Featuring a Poltrona Frau upholstered leather seat and a separate full-sized flat bed in each private cabin, the Singapore Airlines Suites is a product beyond First and the first of its kind in the world.

Also, with the brand new product offerings, we’ve developed new service concepts to be delivered by our award-winning cabin crew. Customers in the Suites cabin can expect service to be even more personalised, attentive and discrete.

c) The new Suites is a significant departure from the traditional premium class configuration. What is the reason for offering such a high-end product?
From the results of our customer surveys, feedback sessions and workshops, we believe that there is a demand for this new cabin class in the market and this would be the future of premium air travel. The Suites product is created to cater to the most discerning and distinguished group of our premium customers.

d) How does Suites compare to Emirates’ First Class that adopts a similar concept?
The Singapore Airlines Suites is in a league of its own in terms of sophistication, class and luxury. Each Suite is the customer’s personal and private sanctuary in the sky. Featuring a Poltrona Frau upholstered leather seat and a separate full sized bed for maximum comfort, instead of a seat-bed like some of our competitors, the Suite is the first of its kind in the world.

Also, with the introduction of the new products, we have introduced new and enhanced service concepts, delivered with finesse by our cabin crew. The experience of the luxurious new products, coupled with exceptional services from our award-winning cabin crew, will make flying in Singapore Airlines Suites an exquisite experience second to none.

e) Can and will the Suites concept be replicated on other aircraft types? Will you be retrofitting your existing aircraft with Suites?
The Singapore Airlines Suites is exclusively available on our new A380.

f) There are now a total of 5 different “classes” – Suites, First, Business, Executive Economy and Economy. How will consumers, know which product they are buying each time they fly?
When booking a flight online, customers will be notified of the aircraft type they would be travelling on. Information on our entire range of products is available on singaporeair.com. In addition, our customer service officers will be happy to provide customers with information.

g) Who are the designers and manufacturers of your new Suites product?
The Suites are designed by leading yacht designer Jean-Jacques Coste of Coste Design and manufactured by Jamco Corporation of Japan and Sicma Aero Seat of France.

h) What is the cost of introducing Suites?

i) What is the cost of one Suite?
We can reveal that we have certainly invested much time and resources into the development of the Suites, however, the actual cost of the development and building of the Suites is confidential.

The cost of developing products and installing on the new B777-300ER and first 10 A380s in the fleet is around US$360m.