Singapore Airlines has announced a range of new creative initiatives to stimulate cash flow as it continues to navigate the COVID-19 crisis, including plans to rejig one of its currently grounded jumbo jets into a pop-up restaurant.
Under the initiative, travel-hungry customers can board the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, for a nostalgic meal, and even pick between different cabin classes and menus, all designed by international chefs.
Passengers will reportedly be offered goodie bags as they dine, and those who wear traditional clothing on their experience will receive additional gifts.
Customers can also opt to have traditional SIA plane food delivered to them at home, which come packed with videos, guides on how to heat and plate the dishes, and even a “specially curated” playlist, all to simulate the onboard experience.
Further, the airline will also offer tours of its training centre, as well as flight simulator experiences, to the public, as a means to recoup some of its extensive losses seen in light of COVID-19, and cater to travel-hungry customers who are stuck at home.
Notably, the airline has also publicly changed its tune on its previously announced ‘flights to nowhere’, after it copped backlash over environmental impact concerns, instead opting for these measures on the ground.
Singapore Airlines has taken a harder financial hit than most, according to analysts, as it has no domestic network to rely upon until international conditions improve.
Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, said, “With COVID-19 drastically reducing the number of flights operated by the SIA Group, we have created unique activities that would allow us to engage with our fans and customers during this time.”
Earlier this month, Thai Airways began a similar endeavour, as it transformed the cafeteria of its Bangkok HQ into an airline-themed restaurant, complete with plane meals, airline seats, and cabin crew in full uniform.
