Singapore Airlines about to ramp up Auckland flights by a third

Singapore Airlines said it would operate two A350s on the Auckland route. Photo / Nicolas Economou, NurPhoto via AFP

Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand will soon increase the frequency of Auckland-Singapore services by a third.

Flights will go from 21 a week to 28 a week from Monday, October 27.

Currently, the joint venture partners use an Airbus A350-900 for seven weekly services and a Boeing 777-300ER for 14 services.

From October 27, four aircraft will each operate seven services a week.

Singapore Airlines said it would operate two A350s and one 777 on the route.

Air New Zealand will operate a 777.

Singapore Airlines said the Boeing could seat 264 people.

Its extended-range 777-300 configuration had four first-class seats, 48 in business, 28 in premium economy and 184 in economy.

Under the “long haul” Singapore Airlines configuration, the Airbus had 42 business-class seats, 24 in premium economy, and 187 in economy.

Another change is expected on January 18, when Singapore Airlines will bring the giant Airbus A380 to Auckland.

That’s the world’s biggest commercial passenger aircraft and the only full-length double-deck jetliner.

On the main deck, the quadjet has 44 premium economy seats and 343 in economy.

On the upper deck, it has 78 business-class seats and six suites.

The suites have padded compartments, an ensuite wardrobe, leather recliner chairs and in some cases, double beds.

A suite inside a Singapore Airlines A380. Photo / Toh Ting Wei, AFP

The A380-800 is expected to fly between Auckland and Singapore until March 29.

Singapore Airlines’ September operating results showed its Southwest Pacific services had a passenger load factor (PLF) of 90.5%.

That was higher than any other region the airline served.

PLF measures how much available seating capacity is filled with passengers.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and courts. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.

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