Singapore Airlines is celebrating 50 years of service from London Heathrow, the inaugural flight launched on 3rd June 1971, setting the bar high for sensation service and a unique style that is typical Singaporean.
Can you believe it was 50 years ago that Singapore Airlines began its long history with the United Kingdom when the first flight flew between London and Singapore under the Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) brand started? The three times weekly service was the carrier’s first European route and took just over 18 hours flying via Rome, Bahrain and Mumbai (then known as Bombay) on the airline’s two-class Boeing 707.
To celebrate the carriers 1971 launch from Heathrow to Singapore, Singapore Airlines has issued some very special fares - £1971 business class fare or reminisce the first jet Boeing 707 with £707 Premium Economy fare or simply enjoy our 50 years of service from London with a 50% discount on economy fares. But hurry, these special fares to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket will only be available for a very short time.
Onboard the first flight passengers were well looked after, enjoying a total of four sumptuous meals. First Class customers could choose from three main courses including Roast Mignonettes of Lamb for dinner and Grilled Rainbow Trout for breakfast. As part of a lasting innovation, Economy Class passengers were also offered a choice of meals for the very first time.
Dining has continued to be a key element of the Singapore Airlines onboard experience. In 1998 the International Culinary Panel (ICP), composed of some of the world’s most renowned Michelin starred chefs were introduced, allowing passengers to enjoy carefully designed menus in the sky. Our global panel of Wine Experts curate a cellar of wines and champagnes so that once onboard, our Air Sommelier crew can ensure passengers enjoy the perfect accompaniment to their meal.
5 fun facts from the past 50 years
1. Singapore Airlines was one of four airlines to operate Concorde (1977)
Singapore Airlines jointly operated the Concorde in partnership with British Airways. The flight took approximately nine hours and operated via Bahrain.
2. A ‘Singapore Girl’ waxwork was produced and featured in London’s Madame Tussaud's (1993)
The work was the first commercial figure to be displayed at the museum. Madame Tussauds said the Singapore Girl was chosen “to reflect the ever-growing popularity of international travel.
3. Introduction of the world’s largest Business Class seat (2002)
Known as “the SpaceBed”, Singapore Airlines’ ground-breaking Raffles Class lie-flat seat was inaugurated on the Singapore to London route on the airline’s 747.
4. First airline to fly the A380 from London
Singapore Airlines became the first commercial airline to operate A380 flights from London, moving to double daily the same year.
5. Flying the first southern Koalas to the UK (2018)
As part of a global conservation initiative, Singapore Airlines carried the first ever group of five southern koalas from Adelaide to London.
(All images Singapore Airlines)