SQ to Launch All-Business Class on A345

[internet]

A345 is much different than the A319's over the Atlantic. Sure would be a nice ride.

I'm wondering if anyone knows what Singapore has thought of the A345. I get the impression AC didn't like theirs. What are the economics like for this type? Is this a more or even less appropriate mission?

Singapore Airlines to Launch First All-Business Class Flights From USA to Asia

LOS ANGELES, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Citing consistently strong demand from business travelers, Singapore Airlines has announced plans to convert its five Airbus A340-500 ultra-long-range aircraft into an all-Business Class configuration, on daily flights between New York and Singapore, and Los Angeles and Singapore.

The current 2-class, 181 seat, configuration will be replaced with 100 of the airline's new, award-winning, Business Class seats in a 1-2-1, configuration. At 30-inches, the seats are the widest Business Class offering in the sky.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080304/nytu038.html?.v=101

[Homerun]

It was a great airplane to fly, lots of power, LCD flight displays, more auto brake selections. J-class seats were terrible but that's not an airplane issue. The 777-200LR carries the same load but significantly less fuel burn.

[Fido]

The cost per seat of a 777-200LR is about 12% better than an A340-500 according to public quotes from AC management.

The flat with a slight angle J seats on AC were reviled by the frequent flyer on AC but are standard and acceptable on carriers such as AF/TG/SN etc.

SQ is going to all business for two reasons.

1. No one wants to be in any economy seat on an 18 hour flight.

2. Consequently the demand for Business Class outstripped the supply.

[Homerun]

SQ is putting lie flat seats/beds similar to AC's in all their aircraft. Everyone is going away from the angled lie flat seating, it's terrible.