Ojas From India, joined Mar 2008, 1024 posts, RR: 1 Posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 16003 times:
Hi Folks,
For long I was planning a short holiday to Singapore around the end of June. I had traveled SQ last year as well, during the same month and was very impressed with their service. Then, I had the B777-300A's both ways. Knowing it was the time when SQ would inaugurate it's B77W services to BOM from SIN, I chose to travel on the 2nd of July. On this trip as well I had my friend and fellow A.net member, Karan69, along with me. Our itinerary to Singapore was as follows
SQ 423 2 July BOM - SIN 0025 0820 B77W
SQ 424 5 July SIN - BOM 2005 2300 B77W
First Leg of the journey: Mumbai - Singapore
Flight no.: SQ 423
Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-312/ER
Aircraft Registration: 9V-SWR ( the newest SQ B77W)
I left Pune at around 1500 hrs on 1st July, a little bit early as there were reports of heavy rains in BOM and flooding in some areas. I reached Karan's residence at around 1930 hrs, from where we left for the airport at around 2115 hrs. When we were approaching the airport we could notice the renovation work going on and I could not recognize the airport I traveled just 6 months ago. The airport now has three terminals at the departure 2A,2B,2C. Singapore Airlines as usual operates out of 2C. As we were climbing towards the departure gates, we could see the chaos, passenger :see off members being 1:20 on an average . Usually all European/US Airlines operate during the peak time i.e 2300 hrs to 0300 hrs. Adding to this the list of Jet Airways' departures to various destinations.
After finally being able to get out of the car along with the luggage, we proceeded towards the entrance. After a final goodbye to Karan's parents who dropped us to the airport, we proceeded through baggage screening. Karan decided to take one big bag which was almost empty, and therefore I dumped my medium sized handbag into that. Just when we were about to queue up at the baggage screening line an SQ ground staff guy came up to us and asked us whether we are traveling to Singapore. Upon answering his question he handed us our departure card, arrival card of Singapore and a brochere of the SQ B777-300ER. This was just the beginning of the publicity of the SQ B77W. The departure card has a field of "flight number" which already had SQ printed, we just had to enter the number, whether 423 or 421( this is the day flight from BOM to SIN). Here are few pictures.
Air India check-in counters
SQ people hired an event management team to commemorate this occasion and almost all the SQ staff donned these blue T-shirts today.
Neatly decorated!
So ultimately, I had nothing to check-in and we just had a backpack each. We could see a lot of people in a special blue T shirt which donned the SQ logo. The check-in counter was decorated with balloons and a banner for the inaugural B777-300ER to BOM. We were very impressed, imagine just two letter changes in the equipment, B777-300 to B777-300ER. It meant a lot to SQ, and yes SQ knows how to show off their new product in the most dignified way. There was no queue at the check-in counter, and a very nice and polite agent greeted us with a " Namaste, Welcome to the inaugural flight of the B777-300ER to BOM". It took just 1min to check-in and of the numerous SQ staff in the blue T shirts, one of the females requested us to proceed through immigration. Karan could figure out that the excess SQ staff maybe a group from an event management company and yes I had thought the same. We had a quick glimpse of the terminal 2B which was not functional when I had gone in January to Doha. Terminal 2B is mainly used by 9W and I could see Air Arabia using the counters here as well. At that time there were passengers checking-in for the SIN,HKG, AUH and MCT. The next set of departures included ones to BRU-EWR, LHR, BKK for which check-in had not yet begun. After having a glimpse of the terminal 2B we decided to proceed through immigration.
9W 76 -- to HKG & 9W 540 to MCT
They shifted the immigration counters towards the extreme left of the terminal, so after walking towards the immigration we queued up in the line, which was not all that crowded considering the huge list of departures. It took us not more than 5 minutes to cross immigration and we straightaway headed to the security check on the floor below.
Immigration is very well organized compared to the chaos it used to be 8 years ago and before.
Before going down the escalator, a CISF official cross checked our passports. After passing the security check we entered the duty free section. Duty free at BOM .... I'm sure many regular passengers to BOM reading this will fall of their chairs. The shop was really good and one can now at least think of buying something contrary to what it was a couple of years ago.
Amazed by the developments in just few months, we entered the departure area. Now, unlike before, the whole glass part of the hall is covered up and you basically cannot see the action on the tarmac. There are just gates in the form of doors, which open when you board.
Now here was the big surprise. SQ 423 passengers had an exclusive waiting area where it seems a function was all set to begin for the inaugural service. As we had proceeded a lot early, the SQ staff was just about making preparations for the function. Finally, by around 2200 hrs the compere welcomed us to the inaugural B77W flight from BOM - SIN. We were distributed a nice snack box once the waiting area for SQ was full. The snack box also had a choice of Veg or Non Veg. The box consisted of a "Samosa", puff, Sandwich (option of chicken or cheese) and a slice of cake supplemented with Mango juice and a bottle of water.
a nicely designed oil lamp
The function started, welcoming all us passengers. Some guests present were the marketing head, sales head of SQ in India, MD Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL). The function began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony by all the distinguished guests including the Captain of our flight. In India it is a tradition to light a lamp whenever a function/ceremony for a new cause is to be held. It is believed when done so with the right intention, the cause will be a success.
Following this was a speech by the SQ head of India and the airport director. The SQ head told us that Singapore airlines has been operating to BOM since the last 37 years. The first flight to BOM was in 1971. I'm sure they would come up with something new on their 40th anniversary to BOM, maybe an A380 to BOM (LOL). A lucky draw was next on the cards, where in 3 lucky seat numbers were selected and an additional gift pack was given to them.
Our snack box
director Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL)
SQ Regional head (India)
This gentleman was the Capt. of our flight.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, to be done by the first checked-in pax of F, J & Y for this flight
This lady in the trousers is an ex-SQ girl.
During the flight, rather towards the end of it. the FA's had to rush with the drinks service, and we had descended substantially. Now this lady actually gets up and starts collecting the glasses from the other end easing the work of the crew. Speaks a lot of the work culture at SQ, very very impressive.
After enjoying this nice event organized by SQ, I was just talking to Karan about the whole SQ business out of India. It is not a hush hush fact that SQ's loads to BOM have dropped down slightly ever since 9W upgraded their aircraft to A332 and also the fact they code share with QF giving seamless connections to Australia. By introducing the B77W to BOM, SQ has actually dropped capacity to BOM. Earlier of the 14 frequencies to BOM , 12 were on the B777-300A (332 seats) and 2 on the B772 (288 seats), which makes a weekly 4560 seats to BOM. With the introduction of the B77W the operations now stand as 7 weekly B77W (278 seats) and 7 weekly B773A(332 seats) which makes a total of 4270 seats. A drop of almost 290 seats per week, 41 per day approx. It is a noticeable downgrade, but then SQ are clever enough to hide this flaw and actually make it into their advantage by offering a better product, especially the J & F class product.
After a nice function, it was time to board the flight. Boarding started at 2340 hrs. Boarding was done according to the normal priorities.
* F & J passengers, along with PPS members
* Passengers with special needs, with infants, and Star alliance privileged members
* Economy class passengers starting from the aft area of the aircraft.
which meant myself and Karan were going to be in the last lot to board. When the gates opened for boarding we could see a ribbon tied and the formal ribbon cutting ceremony was on the list next. The first checked-in passengers of F,J and Y were called and asked to inaugurate the flight. As usual we selected the seats back to back, he was on 37K and I was on 38K. Karan was hoping we would get the latest B77W, and as we proceeded towards the aircraft I finally noticed that yes it was the latest B77W, 9V-SWR. Just as we were about to enter the aerobridge, the SQ staff in the ink blue T-shirts gave us a small SQ bag, which had a box of sweets and a pen. Well I was already impressed a lot, just for the switch of an aircraft they made it look like an inaugural flight of a route.
After this point the lady in the right gave us a souvenir bag containing a box of chocolate and a pen.
As we stepped in the aircraft the beautiful SQ girl greeted us and guided to our seat. The aircraft looked newer than the registration it carried. In a 3-3-3 layout I settled on my seat 38K. The middle seat was empty, and on my seat a nice, warm blanket was waiting for me.
Every seat was equipped with a USB port, one power port for every 3 seats, an AV port. I was just amazed to see the B77W, especially the J seats. I was envying my cousin who could enjoy her ride in the B77W for a long time, that too in J class on the SIN-TPE-LAX leg.
The Y seats weer equally good, new generation seats which had a good recline and a head and foot rest. The seats were very comfortable.
The famous knee shot LOL, decent legroom.
The souvenir bag we received while boarding
the box of chocolates, had 4 pieces in it.
This was AI's EWR-CDG-BOM flight continuing onwards doing a domestic leg to AMD.
Another Star Alliance member. SA 285 BOM - JNB
Inflight:-
Within 5-10 minutes the FO welcomed us and announced that the flight to Singapore would be a nice 5 hour ride. The Singapore girl as usual was at her best, when the hot towels and pre-departure drinks arrived along with the menu cards. At about 0028 hrs we pushed back and headed towards the famous spotting location of BOM, turned towards A4 and without holding we took off and by 0043 hrs we were airborne. With a sharp U turn we headed towards Singapore. Promptly the drinks came around, after a quick distribution of headsets, with some munching. I chose Bacardi and Coke and after a few minutes another round of drinks came , especially to refill our glasses. The FA's this time came to distribute their economy "amenity kits" ( was not in our flight last year), which contained a pair of socks and toothbrush.
Very soon the meal service started and according to the Menu there were 2 choices of Non Veg , Indian and western , and a veg option. I prefer to have Indian food on most of the occasions, but on this occasion I thought let us try the international option. When I read the menu once again the western option consisted of beef, I decided to stick to the Indian non veg option. I chose Indian non veg which consisted of minced lamb curry "paranthas" a kind of Indian bread, dahi wadas (an Indian starter) , Mango Rasmalai ( Mango flavored dumplings made from cottage or ricotta cheese soaked in sweetened, thickened milk delicately flavored with cardamom), a cup of curd with some "papads". The food was delicious, SQ's food is in my list is almost at the top just second to AI when comparing strictly on the basis of taste.
In the mean time I was playing around with the IFE, a wide selection of movies games, TV shows etc. I preferred to watch "Horton hears Ho", wanted to see that for quite some time. IMO the IFE is good enough to keep passengers entertained on an ULH flight as well. However, I feel EK's ICE is better.
After our tables were cleared, I dozed off and got up just one hour prior to landing. Water and juices were served. And after freshening a bit the Capt switched on the seat belt signs as we had started our descend into Changi airport. The weather was nice, and throughout our journey, we did not experience any turbulence. Soon we aligned onto RWY 20R and touched down at 0810 hrs. And minutes after our exit we docked at our gate at around 0813 hrs.
After experiencing the wonderful SQ service, it was time to leave the aircraft. We entered into the brand new terminal 3 which was shining. Immigration was quick as there wasn't any queue. Baggage took some time to come, longer than my last years trip to SIN. Last time it was already there when I arrived , this time our bag took 3 mins to come (LOL). After claiming our bags we took the MRT train to our hotel.
During our stay in SIN, we made a quickie to BKK on the BG DC-10 and return on Thai Air Asia B733. Shall post a separate TR for that.
After an exciting trip to BKK on BG, FD and some nice sightseeing in SIN, it was time to backtrack to BOM. After some last minute shopping we took a cab to the airport. After 20 minutes we were already at the Changi airport. Our flight was to depart from Terminal 2.
Return Leg of the journey: Singapore - Mumbai
Flight no.: SQ 424
Code Share: NH 6276
Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-312/ER
Aircraft Registration: 9V-SWO
Counter opened for EY 473 coming in from BNE and continuing onwards to AUH.
Terminal View & Check-in
Check-in row:8
The terminal was looking less crowded than I expected it to be. All the Indian subcontinent departures were assigned row 8. There was a queue for check-in, but then it had passengers checking-in for BLR,MAA,HYD,CCU,DAC,CMB,BOM and DEL. Silk Air passengers to COK,TRV, CJB were assigned Row 10. After crawling through the line for 15 mins myself and Karan checked-in separately. Earlier when we tried to web check-in we noticed all the good seats had gone. By default I was assigned 41K and Karan 40B. Karan was irked by the fact he would have to sit in the middle, so while check-in he requested for an aisle seat. His boarding pass had 40B, however while boarding through the gate he got a new seat 32D assigned. Good for him, at least an aisle seat.
Without any delay we headed for immigration, which took us say 10 minutes thanks to the queue. Being detached to the internet for some days me and Karan decided to part ways and meet directly at boarding, as the internet kiosks seemed to be full and we had to search for empty ones separately. Before that I took some pictures of the limited tarmac action going on.
This SQ B772 was headed for KUL.
After some shopping , I bumped into the "Oktoberfest -- Munich @ Changi" event sponsored by Lufthansa. Maybe it has to do something with the promotion of the flight MUC - SIN. They were playing some good music, Bavarian style I think. Here is the picture.
These guys were distributing free mugs of Beer, all you had to do was show your Boarding pass. There were some typical picnic games organized as well. Ihad already guessed it was some sort of festival famous in Germany specifically MUC, found a link on Wiki and got to know more about it.
The top of the list shows AI 443 delayed by almost 14hrs 30 mins
Sky train for internal transfer between Terminal 2 and 3 only.
As time flew by it was time for us to board our flight. By around 1920hrs myself and Karan reached the gate. The waiting area was already full
Of the destinations SQ operates to India, AI has started code sharing on all their flights except to BOM. ANA is the only airline that code shares and that too only on SQ 424 SIN - BOM and SQ 421 BOM - SIN. ANA however operates a daily BOM - NRT using their Biz jets.
After entering the gate F56 we passed through security. By this time boarding had already started, and as soon as the security check was over we headed to board our flight. Again we were greeted by this wonderful SQ CSD. I settled down at my seat 41K, and had a look around the aircraft. The aircraft was as good as the -SWR. After we settled down, the FA's came around with some hot towels, followed by some drinks and then the menu cards. We left the gate at 2002 hrs and the Capt. thanked us a couple of times for boarding early and that we would reach BOM an hour early. However, I knew that the congestion at BOM at that time might ruin our plans of early arrival into BOM. We were airborne around 20 mins after push back.
Oops! wrong timing of the picture.
Inflight:-
Just like the previous leg, headsets were distributed right after take off. Drinks service started with some munching. I had a can of Ginger ale, and was completely engrossed in the IFE. I chose to watch an Indian movie this time " U , me aur Hum". In the mean time another round of drinks came and could observe passengers enjoying their multiple glasses of drinks LOL. At this time there was a slight turbulence, and thus the FA's had to pause their service for 15 mins. After the mini break, the FA's came around with the meal. The meal options were similar Indian non veg, western and Veg. The Indian non veg option was really tempting, chicken "Biryani" made in the typical south Indian style (Malayalee style to be precise), Along with starters ( "Chana chat" -- chick pea salad, papads, pickle and a cup of curd. The FA asked whether I would like to have some wine and I just could not refuse. The food was even better than the BOM - SIN flight, very delicious. soon after the meals the tables were cleared and Ice cream was served. On my trip to SIN last year, they had served "H'agen Daaz" on this very sector, this time however it was "Movenpick" I think. It was a chocolate flavored ice cream, which everyone emptied down in minutes. Soon we were relaxing , and I like the way these new generation seats recline. It does make you comfortable. As time ticked by, we could see the effects of mood lighting in the cabin, indeed very impressive. Take a look at the cabin now:
During the movie, I felt like having something to drink, hence I asked the FA for a" Diet Coke".I waited for 5 mins, but no sign of the FA. Had to pressed the "call" button and reminded her , and within seconds she came rushing with a can of coke and she apologized saying it had just slipped off her mind. I replied with a smile "No problem at all". It wasn't an issue, which many people that I have observed do. She was human after all and can forget things after doing her work just perfectly throughout the flight. Little did she know how forgetful I'm .
At around 2220 hrs we were almost over BOM, but as I had guessed we were in Queue to land and that it would take another 30 minutes before landing. Fair enough, STA was 2300 hrs, so we were well before time. Soon at 2245 hrs we aligned for our finals on RWY 27 and touched down at 2250 hrs. Had to backtrack to the 27 end of the runway as we entered the apron from the last exit. At 2300 hrs sharp we docked at the gate.
We disembarked the plane and I thanked the FA for a wonderful flight. Immigration at BOM was quick and surprisingly our bags arrived in just 5 mins. After the customs screening we left the airport at around 2315 hrs. After thanking Karan for his company on our short holiday, I took my ride to Pune and was back home at 0345 hrs.
Most of my air trips have been between Mumbai and Doha ( as I was born and brought up in Doha). As many of us know that there are people from all sections of the society on these flights, only QR and 9W actually do justice and treat them well as observed by many. But even though having flown QR on the DOH - LHR route, I think SQ is one of the best airlines I have flown, however 2 trips only and that too BOM - SIN return. SQ has its own class and from the list of airlines I flew no one comes close to SQ. I place QR on the top of my list along with SQ for other reasons. The long and short of the whole thing is SQ is my favorite airline! .
As far as the B77W's go, Of the 3 I flew (EK,EY,SQ) SQ ranks #1 followed by EY. EK has a 3-4-3 in Y which is not all that comfortable for flights more than 3 hours.
I shall the post the TR of SIN - BKK - SIN on BG,FD soon.
Queries/suggestions/criticisms always welcome from our members
Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 856 posts, RR: 23 Reply 1, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 15933 times:
Hey Ojas!
Excellent TR! ..
Every airline now wants a piece of the India Market! Everyone wants to send their best equipment and offer their utmost flagship service there. All that due to 9W making an appearance at their respective home base. Simply amazing
I have yet to try SQ (in this day and age), but i must admit, their 77W does look great. From the one's ive tried, EY is my favorite
Thanks a lot for sharing, and cant wait for your Biman report
Regards,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Nimish From India, joined Feb 2005, 2708 posts, RR: 9 Reply 2, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 15901 times:
Hey Ojas (and Karan),
Great trip guys - and I can tell you - that SQ 77W is a joy - and their J is even better - it's a dream come through IMO
SQ really does set the bar very high and it's no wonder that they do so well.
I hope AI's new 777s and 9W's new bunch of 332s/ 77Ws are at least as good as SQ's 77W/380 (if not better), but I have my doubts.
The pre-departure ceremony at BOM seemed quite impressive - considering it's just a gauge change. I guess this is where SQ realized that it has to make a mark above that of 9W.
N867DA From United States, joined May 2008, 787 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 15541 times:
I can almost guarantee my sister flew a SQ 773 to BOM in 2004! I didn't realize this was something new for SQ. Even the itinerary read 773 and I remember being jealous she got to fly a new type while I just got a 772 to BLR! Maybe she was lying/mistaken since she's not a really big aviation buff.
I'm glad to see SQ is still keeping to some standard. Their Indian meals are second only to the Indian carriers, and the service is excellent. I've noticed that a lot of companies light oil lamps to commemorate something new in India, but all that fanfare for a new aircraft type! You'd think BOM got regular Concorde service to SIN!
Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 856 posts, RR: 23 Reply 5, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 15478 times:
Quoting N867DA (Reply 4): I can almost guarantee my sister flew a SQ 773 to BOM in 2004! I didn't realize this was something new for SQ. Even the itinerary read 773 and I remember being jealous she got to fly a new type while I just got a 772 to BLR! Maybe she was lying/mistaken since she's not a really big aviation buff.
Perhaps your sister flew the 777-300. The reported flight here, is SQ's inaugural 777-300ER flight from BOM.
Regards,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Quoting N867DA (Reply 4): I can almost guarantee my sister flew a SQ 773 to BOM in 2004! I
At that time the night flight used to be numbered SQ 412/411 and was operated by the B777-300A daily and the day flight was SQ 422/421 done by the B777-200. So your sister would have actually flown the B777-300A
Quoting N867DA (Reply 6): That must be it...but that wouldn't explain why it's such a big deal for SQ.
The B777-300ER is a NG aircraft and the SQ premium product is one of the best available. When compared to the regional product on the B777-300A, the B777-300ER would offer a better premium product and a slightly better Y product.
Quoting N867DA (Reply 6): Does the -ER allow SQ to carry more freight or something?
Read this extract of my TR, Do not know the cargo comparisons, but the reason it is a big deal is answered below.
Quoting Ojas (Thread starter): After enjoying this nice event organized by SQ, I was just talking to Karan about the whole SQ business out of India. It is not a hush hush fact that SQ's loads to BOM have dropped down slightly ever since 9W upgraded their aircraft to A332 and also the fact they code share with QF giving seamless connections to Australia. By introducing the B77W to BOM, SQ has actually dropped capacity to BOM. Earlier of the 14 frequencies to BOM , 12 were on the B777-300A (332 seats) and 2 on the B772 (288 seats), which makes a weekly 4560 seats to BOM. With the introduction of the B77W the operations now stand as 7 weekly B77W (278 seats) and 7 weekly B773A(332 seats) which makes a total of 4270 seats. A drop of almost 290 seats per week, 41 per day approx. It is a noticeable downgrade, but then SQ are clever enough to hide this flaw and actually make it into their advantage by offering a better product, especially the J & F class product.
[Edited 2008-07-14 08:08:57]
Why is that we drive in a parkway and park in a driveway?
SQ772 From Singapore, joined Nov 2001, 1741 posts, RR: 4 Reply 8, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 15264 times:
I'm kinda surprised one of the meal choices on your BOM-SIN flight included beef. I always thought that no beef is served on flights to India and other destinations where beef is considered taboo for religious reasons.
Does SQ now serve pre-takeoff drinks in Y? Have never had that before.... perhaps they're really trying to up their game in view of the fierce competition 9W is giving them. I guess competition does bring about better service for the consumer!
Terminal 2C looks nothing like what I had experienced and seen when I was there last year! There's even a decent looking duty free shop now! I'm very impressed! It's good to see that Changi Airport International (CAI) had indeed left their mark after the 100 day improvement programme consultancy project!
[Edited 2008-07-14 08:09:04]
It gets a little lonely when you're way up there...
Ag92 From India, joined Jul 2006, 1207 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 15170 times:
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8):
Does SQ now serve pre-takeoff drinks in Y? Have never had that before.... perhaps they're really trying to up their game in view of the fierce competition 9W is giving them. I guess competition does bring about better service for the consumer!
They have always done it on the Singapore - Delhi route at least
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8): I'm kinda surprised one of the meal choices on your BOM-SIN flight included beef. I always thought that no beef is served on flights to India and other destinations where beef is considered taboo for religious reasons.
Thats my exact same thoughts
Anyways, great TR, now I just need to wait for the day SQ realizes that 9W is taking too many customers away so they move our flights into Terminal 3
Ojas From India, joined Mar 2008, 1024 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 15052 times:
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8): Does SQ now serve pre-takeoff drinks in Y? Have never had that before.... perhaps they're really trying to up their game in view of the fierce competition 9W is giving them. I guess competition does bring about better service for the consumer!
They had done the same last year on my trip to SIN, both ways.
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8): I'm kinda surprised one of the meal choices on your BOM-SIN flight included beef.
Quoting Ag92 (Reply 9): Thats my exact same thoughts
Considering beef was an option in the western selection and not Indian, it might have been kept. And besides a lot of Indians eat beef, it is only the Hindus/Sikhs who generally avoid beef due to religious reasons, however in 2008, many Hindus find beef as an option in their meal. Also on SQ flights to BOM,DEL, BLR you would have many Australians, Chinese, Singaporeans and Americans from the west coast and I'm sure taking this fact in mind the beef option was there.
Rogerbcn From Spain, joined Sep 2006, 588 posts, RR: 10 Reply 12, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 14939 times:
Hola Ojas!
Thanks for this interesting TR.
It is nice to see the new stores and that finally there is a 2B Terminal at BOM. I have been there three times, last in January, and always surprised me that signs on the arrival way displayed 2A and 2C; I always wondered about 2B.
That Duty free store must be really new as well, as I did not see it back in January.
What really impressed me on the arrival was that my bag was already on the conveyor belt when I arrived there after immigration.
SQ flight seems really excellent. I look forward to fly them one day, only if their fares were not that high from BCN.
Ag92 From India, joined Jul 2006, 1207 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 14864 times:
Quoting Ojas (Reply 10): Did not get you. 9W already has shifted to Terminal 3 since March along with MU,UA,QR. Also our SQ flight landed into Terminal 3.
Basically the day all flights to India from SQ depart from Terminal 3
Singapore_Air From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2000, 13606 posts, RR: 25 Reply 14, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 14605 times:
A wonderful trip report Ojas - I am extremely pleased that you have an enjoyable experience on board Singapore Airlines' New Economy Class !
I liked the pictures too although some were a little blurry.
I was interested about your note regarding Singapore Airlines loads dropping from Mumbai a little. Although this is true for the First Class cabin, Business Class managed to maintain very high loads considering the product. Dunno about Economy Class.
Let's hope BOM airport improves though. Looks almost as bad as LHR T3 !
01 OCTOBER 2009: This user has retired from aviation to the status of lurker. Thanks Airliners.net for some great times
DocPepz From Singapore, joined May 2001, 1763 posts, RR: 6 Reply 15, posted (1 year 4 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 14337 times:
Quoting Ag92 (Reply 13): Basically the day all flights to India from SQ depart from Terminal 3
All SQ flights to India depart from SIN T2. However, the arrival terminal is not fixed by destination and depends on where the aircraft is due to be rotated off to next. The arrival terminal for all SQ flights in SIN is confirmed 2 hours before each flight's scheduled time of arrival.
As the 77Ws usually follow the Europe-SIN-India-SIN-Europe rotation, it is likely that most 77W flights operated from India arrive in T3, as SQ Europe flights (except DME) depart from T3.
Mk777 From United States, joined Oct 2006, 1127 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (1 year 4 months 1 week 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 13775 times:
Very nice report...
I enjoyed the pics from the renovated BOM terminal. the duty free looks quite good for an Indian airport....i am sure with new terminals @ BOM and DEL, we would have awesome duty free shops.
SQ loves to do things the big way, what a nice way to start an inaugural B77W flight. You guys were lucky to be a part of it.
Next time, when taking pic of the food, remove the tin foil...hehehehe!!
Ag92 From India, joined Jul 2006, 1207 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (1 year 4 months 1 week 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 13669 times:
Quoting DocPepz (Reply 15):
All SQ flights to India depart from SIN T2. However, the arrival terminal is not fixed by destination and depends on where the aircraft is due to be rotated off to next. The arrival terminal for all SQ flights in SIN is confirmed 2 hours before each flight's scheduled time of arrival.
I am fully aware of the situation in Singapore as I live there. Just made a simple comment stating when will there be a day (if ever) where SQ has to move its operations into T3, because I mean those who are aware of the new terminal would prefer to go to the newer terminal, and as 9W is giving SQ good competition, (9W departs from T3) I am hoping one day SQ moves its operations into T3 for its India flights
Christao17 From Thailand, joined Apr 2005, 739 posts, RR: 8 Reply 19, posted (1 year 4 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 13599 times:
Very nice report; love the extensive detail. I can't believe the effort SQ put into the launch of a new aircraft type on a particular route. You would think it was their first day flying there at all!
26 Ojas: It's ok Mark, glad you enjoyed the report. SQ has a good Y product in the B77W, and if you observed, the celebrations on this aircraft typr change we
27 NZ107: Nice TR! I'm amazed that you got away with taking pics in the customs area. Most countries forbid this. It's amazing how they put on such a show! I do
28 SQ772: The decision of whether to celebrate the switch in equipment lies mainly on the sales team in the country. For India, I suppose SIA India felt the ne
30 Ojas: Thank you for your appreciation. Are you asking the immigration pictures of BOM at Departure? Oh yes, being the crowded hour of the day I sneaked in
31 HAWK21M: Is it a restricted area....I don't think so. regds MEL.
32 PP705: Namaste Ojas Wonderful trip report. It was more like I was present on site. It's nice to see the changes at BOM airport. SQ has a good product but I b
33 Ojas: Well it depends, you know if they want they can make an issue of that as well. But yet it is risky. Namaste, thank you for your words of appreciation
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