Singapore Airlines facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids
Singapore Airlines
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900
Founded	1 May 1947; 78 years ago (1947-05-01) (as Malayan Airways)
Commenced operations	1 October 1972; 52 years ago (1972-10-01) (as Singapore Airlines)
Hubs	Changi Airport
Frequent-flyer program	KrisFlyer PPS Club
Alliance	Star Alliance
Subsidiaries	Scoot SIA Engineering Company Singapore Airlines Cargo Singapore Flying College
Fleet size	163
Destinations	76
Parent company	Temasek Holdings (53%)
Headquarters	Airline House, Changi, Singapore
Key people	Peter Seah Lim Huat (chairman) Goh Choon Phong (Director & CEO)
Revenue	S$19.01 billion (2024)
Operating income	S$2.72 billion (2024)
Net income	S$2.69 billion (2024)
Total assets	S$44.26 billion (2024)
Total equity	S$16.33 billion (2024)
Employees	14,803 (2023)

Singapore Airlines (often called SIA or SQ) is the main airline of Singapore. Its main base is at Changi Airport. Many people think it is one of the best airlines in the world. Skytrax has named it the world's best airline five times.

Singapore Airlines uses many different types of planes, including Airbus A350-900s, Airbus A380s, and various Boeing models. It has been a part of the Star Alliance group of airlines since April 2000.

The Singapore Airlines Group has over 20 smaller companies. These include SIA Engineering Company, which fixes and maintains planes in nine countries. Singapore Airlines Cargo handles all the cargo flights. Scoot is another company that offers cheaper flights. Singapore Airlines is also famous for its "Singapore Girl" flight attendants, who are a key part of its brand.

Singapore Airlines was the first airline to use the Airbus A380, which is the world's largest passenger plane. It was also the first to use the Boeing 787-10. It is the only airline that flies the special ultra-long-range version of the Airbus A350. The airline is one of the top 15 airlines globally for how many passengers it carries over long distances. In 2023, it won "Best Airline" and "Best First Class Airline" from Skytrax. In February 2025, Fortune magazine ranked Singapore Airlines 28th among the world's most admired companies.

History of Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines started a long time ago. It grew from an airline called Malayan Airways, which began in 1947. The airline became Singapore Airlines in 1972.

How Singapore Airlines is Run

The government of Singapore, through its company Temasek Holdings, owns most of Singapore Airlines. As of March 2020, Temasek Holdings owned 55% of the airline's voting shares.

The airline's main office is at Airline House, which is a former airplane hangar at Changi Airport in Singapore.

In November 2022, Singapore Airlines made a deal with Tata Group in India. Their joint airline, Vistara, joined with Tata-owned Air India. This merger officially happened on November 12, 2024. Singapore Airlines now owns 25.1% of the new, bigger Air India.

In November 2024, Singapore Airlines shared that it was facing problems getting new planes. This was due to issues in the aviation industry's supply chain. The airline expected to have five fewer planes than planned by the end of its 2024 financial year.

Branding and Look

Singapore Airlines often focuses its advertising on its flight crew, especially the female flight attendants known as the Singapore Girls. This has been very successful.

The Singapore Airlines logo looks like a bird. It is inspired by a keris, which is a special dagger from the region. This keris symbol is used in many parts of the airline's brand, like the SilverKris lounge and the KrisWorld entertainment system. The logo has stayed almost the same since the airline started in 1972.

Airplane Designs

A Boeing 737–100 in the old Malaysia–Singapore Airlines design.

A Boeing 747-200 with Singapore Airlines' second design.

A Boeing 777-200ER with the current design before small updates.

An Airbus A350-900 with the current design. This plane has special stickers for Airbus' 10,000th aircraft delivery.

Early Designs (1966–1987)

Before Singapore Airlines, there was Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). Its planes had a yellow MSA logo on the tail and a black nose. The main body of the plane was white and grey.

When Singapore Airlines started in 1972, it introduced a new design. This design had blue and yellow stripes along the windows on a white plane. The bird logo was yellow, and the words "Singapore Airlines" were written in italics.

Current Design (1987–Present)

The current design has only small changes from the 1987 version. The gold and blue colors and the bird logo are still there. The yellow back part of the plane became a metallic gold, and a new orange line was added above it. The words "Singapore Airlines" also got a new look.

In 2005, the design was updated slightly. The "Singapore Airlines" words were made bigger and moved closer to the front of the plane. The bird logo was also made larger. The blue and gold parts of the tail were changed to be horizontal.

Where Singapore Airlines Flies

Singapore Airlines flies to many places on five different continents from its main hub in Singapore.

After a financial crisis in 1997, Singapore Airlines stopped flying to some cities like Berlin and Darwin. During the SARS outbreak in 2003–04, it stopped flights to places like Brussels and Chicago.

The airline plays a big role in the "Kangaroo Route". This route connects Australia and the United Kingdom through Singapore. As of summer 2023, Singapore Airlines flew more flights to Australia than any other country.

Singapore Airlines used to fly two of the longest flights in the world. These were non-stop flights from Singapore to Los Angeles and Newark. They used special Airbus A340-500 planes. These planes were retired in 2013, and the non-stop flights stopped.

However, from October 2016, Singapore Airlines started non-stop flights to the United States again, starting with San Francisco. Then, in October and November 2018, it restarted non-stop flights to Newark and Los Angeles. This was possible with new Airbus A350-900ULR planes. This means the airline once again operates some of the world's longest non-stop flights.

World's Longest Non-Stop Flights

On October 14, 2015, Singapore Airlines announced it would restart the world's longest non-stop flight between Singapore and New York. This 15,300 km (9,500 mi) journey takes 19 hours. The airline had stopped this route in 2013.

Singapore Airlines restarted this route on October 18, 2018, using its new A350-900ULR planes. At that time, Singapore Airlines Flights 21 and 22 was the longest scheduled flight in the world. It was paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but restarted in March 2022.

On November 9, 2020, SIA relaunched non-stop flights between Changi Airport and New York, but this time to John F. Kennedy International Airport. This route, Singapore Airlines Flights 23 and 24, is currently the longest scheduled flight in the world.

Partner Airlines

Singapore Airlines works with many other airlines through "codeshare agreements." This means they sell tickets on each other's flights. Here are some of their partners:

Singapore Airlines also has "interline agreements" with Porter Airlines.

Singapore Airlines Fleet

Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 'Megatop' at Adelaide Airport

Singapore Airlines mostly uses large, wide-body planes. In March 2021, it started using Boeing 737 planes again after merging with SilkAir. The airline also has Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777F planes just for cargo. As of February 2025, Singapore Airlines has 163 planes. This includes 151 passenger planes and 12 cargo planes.

Services on Board

Different Travel Classes

Singapore Airlines' original Suites cabin. These seats were removed by 2020.

Singapore Airlines offers five types of service: Suites, First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. In October 2006, the airline announced big changes to its cabins and services. These changes cost about S$570 million. The new designs first appeared on a Boeing 777-300ER flight from Singapore to Paris in December 2006.

In July 2013, Singapore Airlines showed off new designs for its First, Business, and Economy classes. These new designs were first used on new Boeing 777-300ER planes. They were also added to Airbus A350s and older Boeing 777-300ERs.

On November 2, 2017, Singapore Airlines revealed new cabin designs for the Airbus A380-800. These updates cost about S$1.16 billion. They were made to compete with other big airlines. The new A380s have 6 Suites and 78 Business Class seats on the top deck. The lower deck has 44 Premium Economy and many Economy Class seats. These new designs were put on five new A380s and later added to the existing A380 fleet.

Business Class

An older Business Class seat on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER.

Singapore Airlines' new Regional Business Class on a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.

The newest Business Class was shown in July 2013. It is on updated Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A350-900s. These seats are arranged so that each passenger has direct access to the aisle. They have a power outlet, storage, and an 18-inch entertainment screen. The seat can recline a lot and turn into a 78-inch long bed.

For very long flights, Business Class on the Airbus A380 and updated Boeing 777-200ERs has a fully flat bed. These seats are 30 inches wide and face forward. They have a 15.4-inch TV, power, and USB ports.

On some Airbus A380s, the entire upper deck is for Business Class.

For medium and short flights, Business Class on Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 777s has seats that recline into a lie-flat position. They have a 15.4-inch screen for entertainment.

On March 28, 2018, a new regional Business Class was introduced on the first Boeing 787-10. These seats are also arranged so everyone has aisle access. Each seat is up to 26 inches wide and can become a 76-inch fully flat bed. There are also dividers for privacy.

The new A380 Business Class seats, shown in November 2017, are being added to the Airbus A380-800 fleet. There are 78 Business Class seats on the upper deck. They can become a fully flat bed. The middle seats have dividers that can be lowered to create double beds. There is an 18-inch touchscreen TV and ports for power and USB.

In November 2024, Singapore Airlines announced it would spend S$1.1 billion to update the seats on its long-haul planes. This includes brand new First and Business Class products.

Economy Class

Singapore Airlines 2017 Economy Seats

A new Economy Class seat design was announced for the A380 and newer A350 and 787 planes. These seats have more legroom and back support. They also have a headrest that can be adjusted in six ways. The screen size is the same, but the old hand-held controllers have been removed.

A new Economy Class seat design was also shown in July 2013. These seats have 32 inches of legroom and are slimmer. They have an 11.1-inch touchscreen entertainment system. These new seats were first used on new Airbus A350-900 and updated Boeing 777-300ER planes.

Older Economy Class seats on some Airbus A380-800s and Airbus A330-300s are 19 inches wide. They have power outlets and a 10.6-inch personal TV screen. These seats are arranged differently depending on the plane type. They also have a cup-holder, a USB port, and a power socket.

Singapore Airlines also updated the Economy Class seats on its Boeing 777 planes. The Boeing 777–300 was the first to get these updates in July 2009. They have slightly smaller 9-inch screens but offer on-demand video at every seat.

Food and Drinks

An appetizer served in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Singapore Airlines offers many food choices on its flights. They often serve local dishes on flights to certain regions. For example, First Class passengers on flights to Japan, China, and India can enjoy special regional meals.

The airline also has a "Popular Local Fare" program. This offers local favorites like Singaporean "hawker" food, such as Hainanese chicken rice and Satay, on some routes.

Passengers in Suites, First, and Business Class can use a service called "Book the Cook." This lets them choose specific dishes from a larger menu before their flight. Premium Economy passengers can also use "Premium Economy Book the Cook" on some flights.

In-Flight Entertainment

KrisWorld is Singapore Airlines' entertainment system on planes. It was first introduced in 1997. KrisWorld changed the in-flight experience by offering many movies, TV shows, music, and games. It also had phone and fax services, news, and flight path information.

Over time, KrisWorld was updated. In 2002, "Enhanced KrisWorld" was introduced with more movies, TV, music, and games. In 2005, they tried offering in-flight internet, but this service stopped in 2006. Since October 2005, Singapore Airlines has offered free language lessons.

In 2007, a new KrisWorld system was launched. It had a new look and more programs. All cabins got widescreen personal video systems. First Class had 23-inch screens, Business Class had 15-inch screens, and Economy Class had 10.6-inch screens. This new KrisWorld is on Airbus A330, Airbus A380, and Boeing 777-300ER planes.

In 2012, a new $400 million KrisWorld system was revealed. It has larger, higher-resolution screens and touch-screen controllers. It also offers in-flight internet access for a fee. Passengers can make calls, send texts, and access the internet. These new systems are on the Airbus A350-900 and updated Boeing 777-300ER planes.

Airline Leaders

Chairman: Peter Seah Lim Huat (since January 2017)
Chief Executive: Goh Choon Phong (since January 2011)
Vice President: David Lau (since November 2023)
Chief Financial Officer: Jo-Ann Tan (since June 2023)

Awards and Recognition

On June 24, 2024, Skytrax named Singapore Airlines the "Best Airline in the World" for the second year in a row. They also won awards for "Best Cabin Staff" and "Best First Class in World." In the same ceremony, they were named "Best Airline in Asia."

On January 29, 2025, SIA was ranked 28th on Fortune’s list of the world’s most admired companies.

Accidents and Incidents

Singapore Airlines has had some incidents and accidents:

July 13, 1982: A Boeing 747 flight flew into ash from a volcano. It lost power in multiple engines but landed safely in Jakarta.
March 26, 1991: Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked. Singapore's Special Operations Force stormed the plane. All hijackers were killed, and no passengers or crew were harmed.
July 21, 1997: A small training plane for Singapore Airlines crashed in Thailand, killing both pilots.
October 31, 2000: Singapore Airlines Flight 006, a Boeing 747-400, tried to take off from the wrong runway in Taiwan. It hit construction equipment, killing 83 people and injuring 71. This was the first fatal accident for Singapore Airlines.
March 12, 2003: A Boeing 747-400 flight had its tail hit the runway during takeoff in Auckland. The plane returned safely, but it was damaged. This happened because the pilots miscalculated the plane's weight.
June 27, 2016: Singapore Airlines Flight 368, a Boeing 777-300ER, had an engine oil leak. During an emergency landing in Singapore, the right engine caught fire. The fire was put out quickly, and no one was hurt.
May 6, 2022: Singapore Airlines Flight 439, a Boeing 737-800, had its tail hit the runway during takeoff in Nepal. The plane had to land in Kolkata, India. No one was injured.
September 28, 2022: A passenger on Singapore Airlines Flight 33 from San Francisco to Singapore made bomb threats. The plane was escorted by fighter jets to Changi Airport, and the threat was found to be false.
October 25, 2022: Singapore Airlines Flight 319, a Boeing 777-300ER, had to divert to Batam, Indonesia, due to bad weather in Singapore. After three tries, the plane landed with very little fuel left. No one was hurt.
May 21, 2024: Singapore Airlines Flight 321, a Boeing 777-300ER, faced severe turbulence over Myanmar. One passenger died, and 104 passengers and crew members were injured. The plane was diverted to Bangkok.