Each leather-upholstered Business Class seat measures 30 inches (76 cm) in width and is almost 50 percent wider than most products in this class. Providing customers with more personal space and privacy, the seats are arranged in a 4-abreast, 1-2-1, layout, with every seat having direct access to the aisle. When it is time to sleep, the new Business Class seat converts into a fully-flat bed.

If you want to experience such amenities (and more), be sure to take the all business class flights (see schedule here). Not all flights between Singapore and New York are equipped with such business class seats.

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The A380 may have the world’s first airborne double bed, but it won’t be put to the obvious use if Singapore Airlines has its way: “If couples used our double beds to engage in inappropriate activity, we would politely ask them to desist,” said the company’s Stephen Forshaw.

“There are things that are acceptable on an aircraft and things that aren’t, and the rules for behaviour in our double beds are the same ones that apply throughout the aircraft.”

As the first passengers commented:

“So they’ll sell you a double bed, and give you privacy and endless champagne — and then say you can’t do what comes naturally?” asked Tony, a vigorous 76. “Seems a bit strange.”

“They seem to have done everything they can to make it romantic, short of bringing round oysters,” said Julie, 51. “I’d say they shouldn’t really complain, should they?

I am definitely sure there will still be couples who will try, despite the ban. I mean, Ralph Fiennes and a flight attendant allegedly did it inside the toilet; wouldn’t a private cabin with a full length double bed be more inviting?

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Some trivia to remember this flight by:

• Youngest passenger: 10 month-old Singaporean Quek Pin Liang
• Most expensive ticket: $US100,000 for a Suite, paid by Sydney resident Brit Julian Hayward
• The passengers represent 35 different nationalities, with the largest group being Australians (28%), then Singaporeans (14%), Britons (11%) and Americans (8%). Those who have come furthest for the first flight are 4 Norwegians.

More trivia from the Singapore Airlines A380 website. The Sydney Morning Herald also made a photo slideshow of the highlights of the flight starting from the check in counters in Singapore to the touchdown in Sydney. TAke a special look at photo #7, the double suites class seats converted into a doublebed. Ah, what luxury!

Today, the A380 returns to Singapore departing at 1600hrs and arriving at 2215hrs. Starting Sunday, October, 28, the A380 will commence scheduled service between Singapore and Sydney on one of the three daily flights in each direction.

The next aircraft delivery is being dedicated to serve one of the three daily flights between Singapore and London’s Heathrow Airport from the first quarter of 2008.

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Although even the passengers in the Economy class will also enjoy a bit more legroom and enhanced features for the in-flight entertainment, those who will really feel the difference are the passengers in the Business, and the Suites, a “class beyond the First”.

Want a preview of the new Singapore Airlines A380 interior? Here you go! Til I figure out how to win the lottery, a peek of those luxury suites is all I’ll ever get, I guess. Sigh.

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Based on Sun Microsystem’s StarOffice platform, the programme supports most commonly used file formats. To ensure customers’ privacy, any data stored temporarily will be cleared at the end of each flight.

For more info, and more productivity tips while flying, see Singapore Airline”s press release.

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For those flying between London and Hong Kong, you have until the end of the month to take advantage of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural offer. Fly between 1 November and 14 December 2006, for just £141 one-way in economy and £556 one-way in business (including all taxes and charges).

If you don’t know it yet, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines is the first low-cost, long-haul flight connecting Europe and Asia. As the website says:

[snip] on Oasis Hong Kong Airlines you’ll enjoy your low fare with the same standard of comfort and service as more expensive airlines. Comfortable seats, multiple meals, lots of audio channels and even a personal TV to enjoy our non-stop video entertainment.

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Whether you need to take a shower, to unwind, or to catch up on some work, you can spend your stop-overs in comfort at the lounge. And whatever time of the day you arrive, a large buffet and a full bar offers a wide selection of food and beverages. Take a virtual tour, so you can see what’s in store for you next time you fly via Singapore on Emirates.

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