Well, luckily I managed to snag 4 economy tickets on the return leg of SQ380, and decided to go with my friend (who helped me get the tickets) and family. I had a relative on the same flight, but in business class.
I may add more pictures later, as my shots are spread over about 3 or 4 cameras.
My family decided to go first, on the 24th, to visit the Blue Mountains near Sydney, while my friend came the day after, purely for the flight.
We arrived at the airport around 1 hour before the flight, and preparations for the inaugural the next day were in full swing.
The beautiful Changi Airport Terminal 2
Welcoming the A380
Gate F31, and preparations were well underway for the next morning
To my delight, at gate F35, I saw 9V-SMU, the 1000th 747 built. Boarding was quite efficient, and we were soon on our way out of 20C.
The dinner in flight, chicken with potatoes, which was really nice. I especially liked the smoked salmon appetizer.
Dawn over Australia
Fogged up
We landed on 34L, i think, but I can't be sure. We then taxied over to the gate, past a sister 747.
The pilot was kind enough to let me visit the flight deck and snap a few photos.
9V-SMU
Some shots of the Blue Mountains
Ratatouille!
A farm in Megalong Valley, where we stayed
The next day, we headed back for the airport. Unfortunately, due to an accident of sorts, there was a traffic jam on the M5 motorway, and we barely arrived at the airport in time, 45 minutes before scheduled departure. Fortunately (for us), the A380 flight was delayed for some reason.
The huge A380 model in SYD
Economy class check-in counter
oneworld
The whalejet herself
New decor in the airport
A live band at the gate area.
Frontal view
This was nice, but i don't know what it was. I think it was a cake.
The party at the gate was nice, Captain Robert Ting (chief pilot) was walking around talking to people, and there was free champagne (although I'm underage for that, sadly). Afterwards, due to the delays, the holding area was cut in half as the gate next door had to be used by a Jetstar aircraft. I went with my friend to the Silver Kris Lounge in the airport.
9V-SMU was back, with a Thai friend. Although the 747 flight was scheduled later than the A380 (if I'm not wrong), she departed first. Symbolism for a Boeing fan like me?
SKL in Sydney
Soon after, boarding started (1 and a half hours late), through all 3 aerobridges. Unfortunately I do not have photos at present due to my phone battery running flat, but I might have some when my friend sends me his photos.
I was in seat 55D, an aisle seat. The first thing I noticed was that besides a big pillow and a thick blanket, there were black bags on each seat, about the size of a laptop case. Inside was an array of souveniers, including a limited edition 1:400 diecast model of the A380, a Rolls Royce pen, a handy bag for use when taking liquids through security, a calendar and some various other things.
Also, there were 2 Krisworld magazines, one of them the regular and the other a special edition for the A380, packed in a nice case.
We taxied off about 20 mins after boarding, and moved to the runway. When the engines spooled up for takeoff, a round of applause erupted in the cabin. Another round of applause ensued as 9V-SKA rotated and flew off the ground.
Soon after takeoff, champagne and starters were served, which included salmon mousse, prawn cocktail and chicken Waldorf salad. I might have a picture of the starters, but not at the moment. Myself and my friend took a walk around the cabin, while my family settled down to enjoy the new Krisworld.
At this time, I had already begun recharging my handphone, and thus I was able to take more pictures.
The new Krisworld
The spiral stairs at the back of economy
The upper deck galley, the lift was just to the side
Sunset over central Australia
Looking down the stairs
The Singapore Girl
As my aunt was in business class, we were allowed to enter the business cabin, and I got a nice view of the premium cabin.
The "Grand Staircase" down to suites.
Myself posing in a business seat
At this point, meal service in business was starting, so we got kicked out. Around this time, I met MadameConcorde, who also introduced me to Tsen Tsan. Myself and MadameConcorde chatted a while, then my friend and I went back downstairs.
I've scanned the menu here, for your viewing pleasure.
Autographed by Captain Robert Ting and a couple of FAs
Autographed by Stephen Lee, chairman of SIA
Autographed by Matt Moran
Autographed by Sam Leong
Unfortunately, my photo of the meal seems to have disappeared, but if I find it, I'll put it up here. I had the Asian set, which was absolutely wonderful, something you'd never see in economy anywhere.
I watched this while eating, an interesting feature that tells you all about flight, such as how runways are chosen for takeoff and so on
The dessert, some ice cream, which was pretty nice.
Economy cabin (upper deck), Capt. Ting walking down the right aisle
Lift to the main deck (for carts)
Galley
Throughout the flight, me and my friend kept trying (and failing) to sneak a peek into Suites, though later on we eventually managed to do so.
The office software allowed me to read the PMDG 747-400's manual while in flight.
Around this point of time, as I had earlier been interviewed by a reporter from SilverKris, the photographer for the magazine came round to take a shot. I discovered he was an aviation enthusiast, and we chatted a while. Following that, he gave me his business card and I was surprised to discover that it was none other than KC Sim!
Following that, MadameConcorde celebrated her birthday, with guest such as Steven Lee, chairman of SIA, and other VIPs. The cake was nice. Soon after, she came around looking for KC, but she couldn't find him. So, my friend went to look for him. After a while, he was found. While they were talking, I went back up to business to look around a bit more.
The refreshments were served, and I had the shepherd's pie, which was, again, excellent. I tried the udon as well, but it wasn't as nice, and the prawns tasted a little suspect.
Matt Moran's pie
The playlist function on Krisworld
The new economy handset
Soon after the refreshments, and all too early, we began our descent and approach into 20C, with Capt Ting announcing that it would be the first commercial autoland of the A380. As the plane landed, I noticed that the effects of pressurisation were less noticeable than on the 747, but not that much. We landed to another round of applause, and yet another as we taxied in. When the aircraft docked and stopped, again another round of applause. My family deboarded first, but my friend and took the roundabout way upstairs, through the business, down the Grand Staircase to suites and out door 1L after walking up and down the suites.
Economy Class upper deck
Business Class
The new Singapore Airlines Suites
We disembarked to the sounds of a percussion band, where most of the VIPs were personally thanking everyone. I met MadameConcorde there a final time, and we took a photo together, which I might upload later as it's on my friend's camera. We were also decked with a garland.
The live band at the gate.
First to fly the A380.
After leaving, we went to baggage claim and customs, then enjoyed a free limousine transfer back home.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I hope to get on such a flight again (maybe ANA 787?). It was also a pleasure meeting all the forum people and talking with them, and I hope that I get the chance to have such a wonderful experience again.
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