Singapore Airlines takes delivery of world’s first Boeing 787-10

Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of the world’s first Boeing 787-10 at a ceremony in Charleston, on 25th March 2018. The aircraft, first of the 49 on firm order, is due to enter commercial service next month. After a flight from North Charleston via Osaka, the new aircraft will arrive in Singapore on 28th March 2018.

Speaking at the event, SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said that…

….. It is an honour for us to be the world’s first airline to take delivery of this amazing aircraft. The 787-10 is indeed a magnificent piece of engineering and truly a work of art. It will be an important element in our overall growth strategy, enabling us to expand our network and strengthen our operations.

….. The delivery of the first 787-10 underscores our longstanding commitment to operate a modern fleet, and marks the start of a new chapter in our shared story with Boeing.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Mr Kevin McAllister acknowledged that it was also a ‘big day for Boeing. 

….. And we are honoured by Singapore Airlines’ partnership and trust, as reflected by their repeated orders for the Dreamliner.

Where can I see the first Boeing 787-10?

SIA’s 787-10s will be used for flights up to eight hours. Osaka and Perth are the first scheduled destinations, with flights planned to start by May 2018. Until these services begin, the aircraft will operate on selected flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur for crew training purposes.

What’s special about the new aircraft?

The 787-10s will feature SIA’s new regional cabin products. They will feature 337 seats in two classes, 36 Business Class and 301 Economy Class seats. The new products will be on show at the arrival ceremony when the aircraft flies in to Singapore on 28th March. Like the other variants in Boeing’s Dreamliner range, the 787-10 aircraft are constructed using lightweight composite materials. The 68 metre long 787-10 is the longest variant of of aircraft.

Singapore Airlines and their customers are expected to benefit from the much vaunted exceptional operating efficiency and advanced technology used throughout the aircraft. The manufacturers claim that the newest addition to the Airline’s fleet is designed to offer a more tranquil cabin experience.

Given that quietness is already a favourite with Dreamliner passengers it will be interesting to see if SIA can further improve their 

• customisable lighting preferences
• large electronically dimmable windows
• cleaner air
• and a quieter and smoother ride

SIA is the largest customer for the 787-10 and low-cost subsidiary Scoot operates a mix of  787-8s and 787-9s. This makes SIA the first airline group in the world to operate all three variants of Boeing’s Dreamliner family.

In addition to the 49 787-10s on order, SIA has a firm order with Boeing for 20 777-9s. These aircraft are due for delivery from the 2021/22 financial year.