Airline Industry: In-Flight Amenities That Make Us Hope for Tarmac Delays

There's been some chatter about whether first class suites are overkill, but we still think this is pretty fabulous. Couples in Singapore Airlines’ suites cabins (exclusively on the airline's 16 A380 planes) can get cozy by booking two middle-aisle rooms and transforming them into a double bed—the first such service in the industry.

The benefit of Virgin America’s free, Chromebook lending system is twofold. Skip the hassle of schlepping a laptop through security, and spend travel time zipping through work thanks to free in-flight Wi-Fi (only for Chromebook users). Through January 15, pick up Chromebooks on a first-come first-served basis at the gate for flights from San Francisco, Dallas–Fort Worth, Boston, Chicago, and New York (JFK); return the computers at your destination.

Fresh towels, Bulgari cologne, and the world’s only in-flight shower await first class passengers on Emirates A380 planes. The planes carry an extra 500 kg of water, enough for each flyer to refresh with a hot, five-minute shower. Emirates' A380s currently fly from Dubai to Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kuala Lampur, London Heathrow, Manchester, New York, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, and Toronto.

For more: In-Flight Amenities That Make Us Hope for Tarmac Delays - Yahoo! Travel

AFP: Singapore Airlines collects its fourth Airbus jet

For the complete report from the AFP click on this link

Singapore Airlines collects its fourth Airbus jet

Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A380 plane, the world's biggest passenger jet, which left Toulouse, France, on Saturday, Airbus said. The aircraft, delivered "on time," will service the first commercial link between Singapore and Tokyo, and is due to start flying the route on May 20, management said. The three giant airships already in the skies service London and Sydney flights. As with the existing craft, Singapore Airlines has restricted its 853 capacity to seating for 471 passengers, including 12 suites with full beds.

Financial Post: Singapore Airlines: 'A rocking party at 40,000 feet': Airbus' A380 first commercial flight lands

For the complete report from the Financial Post click on this link

Singapore Airlines: 'A rocking party at 40,000 feet': Airbus' A380 first commercial flight lands

James Wallace, a veteran aerospace reporter with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, was seated beside Singapore’s chief executive Chew Choon Seng during the flight, who apparently called the take off of the massive craft "so quiet it was eerie.'' Flight International is also running a challenge for the “sexiest” picture of the A380’s first commercial flight, inviting those with pics of the massive jet to upload them on their site. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the inside, the Times Online has a good video of what Singapore has done to deck out its new double-decker jet.

Singapore Airlines, arguably the best airline in the world in customer service, apparently pulled no punches on the flight, greeting passengers at the airport lounge in Singapore at 8 a.m. local time with a string quartet before serving up a delicious in-flight brunch. According to the International Herald Tribune, “a festive atmosphere prevailed” on the flight, fueled in part by the Dom Perignon that was flowing through the aisles with the passengers who were touring the plane. Singapore also had a piano bar on the upper deck of the double-decker plane.

BusinessWeek: Airbus A380: In Business at Last - check out the video clip on the new Singapore Airlines A380 - by Carol Mattack

For the complete report from Businessweek click on this link

Airbus A380: In Business at Last - check out the video clip on the new Singapore Airlines A380 at the bottom of this report - by Carol Mattack

It has private suites furnished with Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries and Givenchy linens and tableware. Even in economy class, there are USB ports at every seat and a choice of 100 movies to watch. Is the Airbus A380, as its manufacturer insists, "a whole new way of flying"? Some Singapore Airlines (SIAL.L) passengers are about to find out.Singapore is known for pampering travelers, and there's plenty of luxury on board this jet. The most distinctive feature: a first-class cabin comprising 12 suites concealed behind folding doors. Inside, the suites have either single or double beds—with Givenchy cushions and duvets—and a separate seat and table. "Customers can look forward to a flight with an unprecedented level of personal space, in their very own private cabin in the sky," says Yap Kim Wah, Singapore Airlines' senior vice-president for product and services.

Click here to watch a video on the Singapore Airlines new A380