A FAM trip with Singapore Airlines at Heathrow Airport
Last week some of our team went on an exciting airport tour with the world’s most luxurious airline, experiencing the brand new A380 aircraft and having a browse through the deluxe SilverKris Lounge at Heathrow. Read on to find out about our fantastic experience.
So, what is a FAM trip? FAM stands for familiarization, which gives travel agents and executives the opportunity to embark on a trip or tour which helps them to familiarise with airlines and travel destinations. FAM trips are great for us at Brightsun, as we can use our travel experiences and extensive knowledge to help our customers plan their holidays, and also give useful advice and recommendations.
Singapore Airlines is a world-class airline which has already won numerous awards this year. In fact, the day we toured with them is the day that they were awarded with the World’s Best Airline in the Skytrax awards 2018, as well as the World’s Best First Class, Best Airline in Asia and Best First Class Airline Seat. Congratulations Singapore Airlines! Some of us at Brightsun got to experience first-hand what all the fuss is about last week on a FAM trip at Heathrow Terminal 2 where we explored the airline’s brand new A380 aircraft and SilverKris lounge. We feel very privileged to have toured with the world’s best airline! Singapore Airlines is currently operating 5 brand new A380-800 aircraft, and 14 more are set to be retrofitted by 2020.
After a quick tour around the departure zone at Terminal 2, we headed for the aircraft tour. What a beast of a jet… The A380 is a very contemporary, stylish double decker aircraft; even the Economy Class cabin feels like luxury. There are 343 Economy seats on board which include some extra legroom seats. We sat ourselves down in Economy and couldn’t believe how comfortable and spacious the seats were. Singapore Economy passengers can enjoy over 1,000 entertainment options on a 10.6inch wide LCD screen.
There are also 44 Premium Economy seats on board with a 2-4-2 configuration, greater width, a 38-inch seat pitch, a recline of up to 8 inches, a calf and foot rest, 2 USB ports, dedicated stowage areas and the Book the Cook service which allows customers to reserve their main course from a variety of dishes or choose from 3 meal choices on board. This is a very premium cabin, and definitely our recommendation in terms of great value if you plan on flying with Singapore Airlines.
Now let’s move on to the brand new Business Class cabin… There are 78 fully-flat bed Business seats on board the A380, and this premium cabin offers multiple stowage compartments, an 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, noise-cancelling headphones and your very own pair of slippers and eye mask on long-haul flights. The centre seats have a personal divider which you can raise all the way, bring to mid-level or lower completely to create a double bed. This is ideal for couples who’d like to be closer during the flight, and also individuals who prefer a bit of privacy. It’s a win-win.
Last but by far not least is the phenomenal First Suites. There are just 6 on board the new A380, and they are much like little living rooms. Seats are reclinable to 45° and freely swivel, and there’s a separate bed with a plush duvet and bedding – travel goals much? The cabin also has a 32 inch touch screen monitor and window blinds, and if you’re travelling in a couple, then you can opt for one of the double suites which have a centre divider that turns into a double bed. Even the First Class toilets wowed us with a sit down vanity counter, makeup mirror and Lalique toiletries. It’s no wonder SIA won World’s Best First Class!
After recovering from our visit into the dream realm of Singapore First, we headed for a tour of the SilverKris lounge where we were treated to a very delicious buffet breakfast that consisted of continental goodies and hot food, as well as extras such as fresh smoothies, chocolate brownies and Singapore sling flavoured ice-cream. The SilverKris lounge really completes the SIA flight experience and offers separate First and Business class areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV, bartender service, toilets and a shower.
Until the next FAM!
