Airline News

WORLD FIRST - SMS MESSAGING FROM 40,000 FT

In July Singapore Airlines will introduce new technology to its leading inflight entertainment system that will enable passengers to send SMS messages to compatible mobile phones and email boxes around the world from their seat. Passengers in all classes will be able to send SMS messages to up to 400 service providers in 130 countries using their in-seat telephone keypad during the flight.

The new SMS service will be offered on all flights to and from Australia, and with a current estimate of 800 million SMS messages sent around the world each day - around 6 million of those in Australia - it is bound to be popular. The new development forms part of phase two of the airline's world first technology upgrade.

AND AIRLINE OF THE YEAR GOES TO:

Singapore Airlines has won a number of categories in this year's coveted OAG Awards including Airline of the Year for the fourth time, Best Airline Based in Asia, Best Trans-Pacific Airline and Airline With The Best Executive/Business Class. Singapore Airlines performance in this year's awards continues a longstanding record of being ranked first or second 17 times in the past 20 years. The OAG Awards are based on questionnaires completed by OAG frequent business travellers worldwide and verified by independent research company, Taylor Nelson Sofres.

MORE SERVICES TO DUBAI

From 19 June Singapore Airlines will introduce three new 777-200 services from Singapore to the popular United Arab Emirates capital of Dubai. The new flights will depart from Singapore on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. SIA currently operates a daily 777-300 flight from Singapore to Dubai and the new flights represent a 37 % increase.