HIGH TECH FLIGHT IS MOVING TO WORDPRESS

HIGH TECH FLIGHT IS MOVING TO WORDPRESS!

A new and improved layout, as well as easier to use links and pages, all right here:

https://hightechflight.wordpress.com

'Flight' - A Short Film.

A student film project, my latest work, 'Flight' is a hyper-short artistic film about the mesmerising experience that is flying.

Take a look at the trailer (click here), and the full film shall follow!


WATCH IN FULLSCREEN

Singapore Airlines Reveals Premium Economy Class!

After much anticipation, Singapore Airlines has finally revealed their brand new Premium Economy Class. The product is a welcome addition, especially for passengers on prime routes like Sydney, Hong Kong and London.

In the 24 hours leading up to the reveal, SIA posted a short video of a champagne bottle being corked, and emphasised the notion that "Something's bubbling at SIA... Stay tuned!". Following this, they posted an Instagram puzzle, where people could use Instagram to solve a puzzle, revealing a small section of the new Premium Economy seat. It was an incredibly creative idea! After reaching the special @NewSIAExperience page, one had to locate the correctly positioned tile before tapping on its tag to go to another account with the tiles re-arranged. This process continued until the puzzle was solved!

SIA also launched a dedicated website: siapremiumeconomy.com where the full details were showcased. The website has been updated with images of the seats, as well as the updated seat maps. The inaugural flight will be SQ221 on the 9th August from Singapore to Sydney, on an A380. Following this, the product will be introduced progressively on most A380's and 777-300ER's, and operate to Auckland, Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Mumbai, Munich, New Delhi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo and Zurich. The product will also be delivered with the new A350's, forming a 3-class aircraft (Economy, Premium, Business).

On the 777-300ER and the A380, the cabin has come at the cost of several Economy seats. On the 777 there has also been a loss of 4 (that's HALF) of the First Class seats, as well as an addition of 4 Business Class seats. The product will be installed in a 2-4-2 configuration on both the A380 and 777, and will be just being the Suites on the main deck, on the A380.

The seat itself is made from luxury leather and features a new colour scheme. There is a 38-inch seat pitch, extended recline and an inbuilt foot/calf rest. Tray tables are located in the armrest, and the KrisWorld screen is a larger 13.3 inches. Thankfully, there are also active noise-cancelling headphones.
There are also personal reading lights, water bottle holders, increased storage and coaster spots incorporated between the seats.

Furthermore, the class offer Priority baggage, check-in and boarding, as well as an increased allowance to 35kg.

As a welcome surprise, Premium Economy passengers will be able to "Book The Cook" just like in Business and First Class. In fact, this is a better option for the airline. When passengers select their meals in advance, the overall selection is more specific, meaning less food needs to be carried onboard, as fewer options are needed. The passenger gets a meal they want, and the airline saves on money!
When not Booking The Cook, 3 meal options are available, as well as free flowing champagne throughout the flight.

In terms of mileage, all paid Premium Economy bookings are pretty flexible and earn 110% of the actual miles flown. Currently there is no word on redemption prices or upgrade prices.

I hope to experience the product in the near future, and most certainly will report on it!

See you soon!

Fly Well.

Travel Safe.

And Enjoy Your Journey.

Trip Report: Singapore Airlines Next-Gen First Class (Singapore - Sydney)

I have flown Singapore Airlines in Economy, Business and Suites, and this flight would complete it all, so that I have flown all 4! It was truly wonderful to experience SQ's amazing new, next generation First Class product, despite the somewhat unpleasant flight timing.

Flight Details:

Carrier: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ 231
Route: Singapore (SIN) - Sydney (SYD)
Duration: 7h 15m
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (With SIA's next-gen interior)
Registration: 9V-SWV
Cabin Class: First Class
Seat Number: 01F
Date: 17/01/15

Trip Report: Singapore Airlines Business Class (Bangkok - Singapore)

A flight of this length is just at the threshold for providing a somewhat full service. Shorter flights will usually only have a tea/ coffee service, however a full service is provided on this flight. Onward, experiencing SQ's regional business on such a short flight!

Flight Details:

Carrier: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ 973
Route: Bangkok (BKK) - Singapore (SIN)
Duration: 2h 05m
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
Registration: 9V-STH
Cabin Class: Business Class
Seat Number: 15K
Date: 16/01/15

Trip Report: Singapore Airlines Economy Class (Singapore - Bangkok)

It was a very short flight, and the old interior made it feel like a nostalgic trip back in time! I felt as if I was flying in the golden days! However, there was one crew member who didn't come close to the SQ standard...

Flight Details:

Carrier: Singapore Airlines 

Flight Number: SQ978

Route: Singapore (SIN) - Bangkok (BKK)

Duration: 1h 56m

Aircraft: B777-200 (Refitted -SR Series)

Registration: 9V-SRJ

Cabin Class: Economy

Seat Number: 53B

Date: 09/01/15

Trip Report: Singapore Airlines Economy Class (Sydney - Singapore)

Hadn't flown SQ in a few months, so this was a welcome flight! As usual with Singapore Airlines, the crew (especially one flight attendant) made the flight exceptional! This flight also included some pretty rough turbulence over the region of QZ8501's crash.

Flight Details:

Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Flight Number: SQ232
Route: Sydney (SYD) - Singapore (SIN)
Duration: 7h 25m
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: 9V-SKJ
Cabin Class: Economy Class
Seat Number: 78K
Date: 09/01/15

Trip Report: Etihad Airways Economy Class (Abu Dhabi - Sydney)

An extraordinarily empty flight and yet another wonderful experience with Etihad! Once again, the crew made an Economy flight seem like Business.

Flight Details:

Carrier: Etihad Airways (EY)
Flight Number: EY 454
Route: Abu Dhabi (AUH) - Sydney (SYD)
Duration: 13h 45m
Aircraft: B777-300ER
Registration: A6-ETN
Cabin Class: Economy
Seat Number: 32K
Date: 24/11/14

Trip Report: Etihad Airways Economy Class (Sydney - Abu Dhabi)

Well, my first experience with Etihad. It was Economy, so expectations were originally low, but Etihad delivered well above the average! The crew made this Economy flight feel like Business!

Flight Details:

Carrier: Etihad Airways (EY)
Flight Number: EY 455
Route: Sydney (SYD) - Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Duration: 14h 00m
Aircraft: B777-300ER
Registration: A6-ETN
Cabin Class: Economy
Seat Number: 36B
Date: 12/11/14

Trip Report: Garuda Indonesia Business Class (Denpasar - Sydney)

Well, after an incredibly relaxing week in Indonesia, it was time to head back to Australia. As with the outbound flight, the return was to be onboard Garuda Indonesia's Business Class.

Flight Details:

Carrier: Garuda Indonesia (GA)
Route: Denpasar (DPS) - Sydney (SYD)
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Registration: PK-GPH
Cabin Class: Business
Seat Number: 10A
Date: 04/10/14
Flight Number: GA 714

Trip Report: Garuda Indonesia Business Class (Sydney - Denpasar)

What better way to start a quick trip to Bali than onboard Garuda Indonesia's Executive (Business) Class!

Flight Details:

Carrier: Garuda Indonesia (GA)
Route: Sydney (SYD) - Denpasar (DPS)
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Registration: PK-GPI
Cabin Class: Business
Seat Number: 07K
Date: 29/09/14
Flight Number: GA 715

Refurbished SQ Suites

MASAlert

#MASAlert More details have arisen regarding the possibility of the aircraft turning towards the west. The Aircraft Communications And Reporting System (ACARS) regularly transmits data regarding the aircraft's operational status to the airline operations centre. Some

authorities say that after the aircraft went off radar, the ACARS continued transmitting for 4-5 hours, implying the aircraft could have flown for quite some time. Military radar reports detecting an unidentified aircraft in the area over the Straight of Malacca, which could have been the aircraft. The search area is now being widened to the Indian Ocean.

MH370 Preliminary Report

Flag at half-mast out of respect for the family and victims of MH370. More than 48 hours after contact was lost, many, many questions remain. The main being the location of the aircraft. In a modern world where flying has become increasingly commonplace, it is strange and hard to believe how a modern airliner can simply disappear off radar without a trace left behind. The following is a summary of the events as well as my theories relating to the possible incident cause.

8/3 0341 - MH370 departs KUL. 227 PAX, 12 crew inc. 2 tech crew

8/3 0540 - Signal and communication lost. Last comm. with Subang Centre.

8/3 1500 - Vietnam confirms loss of contact and radar connection

8/3 1525 - Details about captain released. 53 yr old Zaharie Ahmad Shah with 18,365 flying hrs 

8/3 1531 - China dispatches 2 ships to investigate waters

8/3 1730 - Vietnamese report that the aircraft has intact crashed into sea.   UNCONFIRMED BY MAS

8/3 1800 - Malaysia PM hold press conference stating search underway, but no signs of aircraft

9/3 0000 - Reports of oil slicks discovered near last contact site. Unconfirmed as being related to MAS

9/3 0400 - Reports arise of two passengers travelling under passports stolen from Thailand

9/3 1000 - USA will send FBI to KUL to assist with investigation surrounding terrorism

9/3 1500 - Malaysia have activated counter-terrorism unit

9/3 1700 - Malaysia aviation chief confirms CCTV footage of boarding/security is being examined 

9/3 1800 - Revealed that the two people travelling on stolen passports booked their flights together. The flights were one way and included a connection from Beijing to Amsterdam on KLM.

The mesmerising Singapore Airlines Suites | SYD-SIN-HKG

So it's my birthday on the 24th of September, and for this, I am flying the amazing Singapore Airlines A380 Suites! My itinerary involves flying from Sydney to Singapore on the 24th of September, and then Singapore to Hong Kong on the 26th of September. After several conversations with the KrisFlyer Contact Centre about stopovers, unaccompanied minors, the website not working properly and redemption nominees, finally the flights are booked. At this stage, I have just got off the phone with KrisFlyer, and will update the report accordingly. This will be an amazing two flights, especially the one on my birthday! It'll be amazing using the First Class drive-in check-in in Singapore and The Private Room in T3. Can't wait! ✈

Extra 10kg baggage for Singapore Airlines

As of 15 November 2013, passengers in all classes on Singapore Airlines can enjoy an extra 10kg of checked in luggage. Economy will now receive 30kg, Business will receive 40kg, and Firstr and Suites will receive 50kg. Star Alliance/ KrisFlyer Gold members will continue to receive 20kg extra on top of these new allowances. PPS Club members can receive double the base amount. That is, 100kg in Suites and First, 80kg in Business and 60kg in Economy. The universal maximum 32kg per piece still applies (for OH&S). When travelling to and from the US or Brazil, all customers in all classes are limited to 2 pieces not exceeding 32kg each. Star Alliance Gold may carry 3 pieces, and PPS Club may take 4 pieces. 

This increase in baggage allowance is the latest in the string of amazing improvemts to the world's best airline.

The end of the Boeing 747?

                                 

                                   The final resting place for many 747's (Photo: Airliners.net)


The '747', 'Jumbo Jet' or 'Queen Of The Skies'  may soon be a rare sight. Why? Airlines simply don't want to buy them.

The introduction of the 747 into commercial service with Pan Am in early 1970 saw massive support throughout the whole aviation industry. For nearly 40 years it held strong as the biggest and most amazing airliner in the world. Every major airline in existence had huge orders for the aircraft. Singapore Airlines once had over 50 747's in their fleet, and had the largest fleet of 747's in the world. In April 2012, they retired their last 747. Many airlines are beginning to do the same, and every day the chances of seeing a 747 take-off or land get smaller. 

Tata and Singapore Airlines to launch new airline in June next year

After lengthy discussion and a final 'OK' from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, Tata-Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced that they hope to commence operations of their new Indian based commercial airline in May-June next year. This announcement was provided by Prasad Menon, the Chairman of the new airline. Plans state that SIA will initially hold a 49% stake, with a $49 Million investment. Tata will hold the remaining 51% as well as provide $51 Million for investment.

Unsurprisingly no information about the name, branding, cabins or routes has been released as yet. However, the Chairman stated that they may be utilising aircraft from SIA's current fleet. This will most likely include the airline's older 777-200s, as they are progressively replaced by the 777-300ER, A350 and 787-10X. This airline will be a premium full service carrier, and in the midst of this, Tata have revealed plans to create an Indian budget carrier with Air Asia.

Left to right: Goh Choon Phong (SIA CEO), Ratan Tata (Tata-Sons Chairman Emeritus), Anand Sharma (Indian Minister For Commerce And Industry) - Photo : AFP

Singapore Airlines New Cabin Launch and New Indian Carrier

It was recently revealed by a Singapore Airlines spokeswoman that the new cabins, that were revealed earlier this year, will be launched into service on September 27. SQ 318 on the day will be the first commercial flight of the first of the airline's brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. SQ 318 operates from Singapore to London, departing Singapore at 12:45pm. This aircraft features new Economy, Business and First class seating, along with the new KrisWorld entertainment system. It is apparent that the aircraft will not operate regular flights until October. Up until October 27, it shall be operating on various different flights between Singapore and London.
As well as this, Tata and Singapore Airlines have announced plans to create a new full service premium carrier based in India. Tata will own a 51% stake, with SIA holding the remaining 49%. This is another huge step into making SIA into a larger airline. Currently, the SIA group consists of a full service premium long haul carrier (Singapore Airlines), a full service premium short haul carrier (Silk Air), a budget long haul carrier (Scoot) and a budget short haul carrier (Tigerair). This new Indian airline will add to the airline's growing group.

The new Business Class seat (Photo: Singapore Airlines)

Singapore Airlines Launches New Ad Campaign

Singapore Airlines (SIA) yesterday premiered it's 3 new advertisements that will feature in TV, digital media (e.g. YouTube) and in print form. The ads se part of the theme "The Lengths We Go To", which is all about showing how the airline will do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and at home when flying. The ads focus on three aspects including bringing you tea from China, art films from Italy and soft leather from Scotland. 

The first ad shows an SIA flight attendant in the foggy tea fields off Fujian China. It continues to then show a man in a Business Class seat drinking the tea. The final scene (which is used in all the ads) is of the stewardess talking to the man and then a transition to an animation of moving clouds behind a gold SIA logo. The second ad displays an SIA stewardess in a foggy Scotland. She is shown in a leather shop, and the intricate cutting and application of leather to the Business seats are shown. The third ad portrays the stewardess in Venice picking out vintage art films. The cabin of the aircraft is then shown with people watching films on the entertainment system.

The airline's YouTube channel has updated their logo to the new gold/ beige that was used in the ads. 

The new ads clearly display how the airline will go places to bring back things for passengers to make them more comfortable. 

Along with this, SIA launched a new website: www.thelengthswegoto.com which displays a whole new aspect of the airline. It allows customers to discover more about the ads as well as seeing how the concepts of the ads are carried through. So, for the ad regarding leather, there are pages that show pictures and describe the seats onboard (in particular the next generation seats). There are also a variety of wallpapers to download as well as a screensaver that changes between those wallpapers.

The new branding will hopefully bring SIA back into the number 1 or 2 spot along with the next-gen cabin launch in a month's time. The airline continues to improve in many areas, keeping it as the world class airline it has always been.