Overview & First Impressions
My recent journey on Singapore Airlines flight SQ899 from Hong Kong (HKG) to Singapore (SIN) offered a compelling glimpse into their regional Business Class experience aboard an A350. Departing from Terminal 1 at 9:05 a.m., Hong Kong International Airport was bustling with the morning rush. Despite this, the Business Class check-in line moved swiftly, securing my boarding pass in under 10 minutes. Immigration, however, presented a more significant challenge with long queues, though the airport staff managed the flow efficiently, getting me through in a commendable 15 minutes.
A business class flight experience often begins with a lounge visit, and for this trip, it was the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in Hong Kong. Reopened in August 2023 after a three-year hiatus, this lounge is one of only four dedicated First and Business Class outstation SilverKris Lounges in the network, located at the main departure hall, Level 6, near Gate 5. Spanning 913 square meters and last refurbished in 2014, it features a 'home away from home' design concept. Unfortunately, my first impressions were mixed. The lack of natural lighting and reliance on fluorescent fixtures created an outdated, 2000s clubhouse vibe, a stark contrast to the modern SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 3. The buffet offered a standard continental breakfast fare—eggs, bacon, toast—alongside some local dim sum. Not particularly hungry, I opted for a sparkling water before heading to the gate.
Boarding had already commenced, and a quick check-in agent’s warning about the distance to Gate 69 proved accurate. It was a 15-minute journey involving both the SkyTrain and considerable walking, arriving just 10 minutes before gate closure. Upon reaching my seat, 17A, I was warmly greeted by the Inflight Manager, the most senior cabin crew member, setting a positive tone for the flight ahead. The regional A350's Business Class cabin is divided into two sections, with rows 11-18 in the forward area and 19-21 aft.
The Details
The Business Class seat on Singapore Airlines' regional A350 is the Stelia Aerospace Symphony model, an off-the-shelf product also utilized by carriers like Turkish Airlines and China Airlines. These aircraft are specifically deployed on regional routes across Asia Pacific, typically for flights up to eight hours in duration. Settling into seat 17A, the experience began with a welcome drink. Despite the early hour, I indulged in a lovely Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve champagne, accompanied by Singapore Airlines' signature refreshing hot towel infused with their 'Batik Flora' scent—a brilliant branding move that evokes a memorable sense of place.
The KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system lived up to its world-class reputation, offering an extensive selection of movies, TV shows, music albums, and games. Whatever your preference, KrisWorld likely has it. The seat design incorporates practical features, including reading lights with varying intensities for all three positions: upright, lounging, and full flat. Near the seat's entrance, a small cubby provides convenient storage for personal items like phones and chargers, though it's not large enough for a laptop. An international power outlet and two USB-A ports ensure devices remain charged throughout the journey.
Boarding concluded swiftly, and we pushed back at 9:13 a.m., just eight minutes past the scheduled departure time. The taxi to Runway 7 was a lengthy affair, lasting approximately 30 minutes due to morning rush hour traffic. During this time, Singapore Airlines' iconic and tastefully produced safety video, almost seven years old, played—a testament to its enduring quality. Takeoff finally occurred at 9:43 a.m., as we rolled down Runway 7, bound for Singapore Changi Airport. Throughout the flight, Singapore Airlines provided noise-cancelling Bose headsets with hygienic ear covers. These made a significant difference, effectively drowning out the already soft hum of the A350, contributing to a superior audio experience. For rest, the seat conveniently converts to a full flat bed directly from the control panel, eliminating the need to stand up, offering both 'lounge' and 'full flat' settings. A plush pillow and blanket were provided, though I didn't utilize them on this relatively short day flight.
Service & Amenities
The inflight service commenced with breakfast, where the proactive inflight manager meticulously laid my table with a crisp tablecloth. The meal began with a fresh fruit platter featuring an assortment of papaya, rose apple, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes, accompanied by a croissant from the bread selection. For the accompanying dish, I had a choice between Bircher muesli and flavored yogurt, opting for the Bircher muesli. Unfortunately, this proved to be the culinary low point of the flight; the oats and milk concoction was excessively sweet, to the point of being unpalatable, and I stopped eating after just a few bites.
As a professional coffee taster, I approached the inflight coffee with a degree of skepticism, but I was genuinely surprised. What I expected to be a bitter, rubbery brew turned out to be a high-quality commercial coffee with minimal bitterness and acidity, and a pleasing, subtle floral character. For the main course, I had pre-ordered through Singapore Airlines' 'Book the Cook' service, selecting a grilled filet of beef with shallot tarragon sauce. While the beef was 'virtually well done,' making it a bit overcooked for my preference, it remained flavorful and tender. The accompanying mashed potatoes and french beans were well-prepared, making for an overall yummy main course, despite the beef's doneness. To pair with my meal, I requested an Australian Shiraz from Dandelion Vineyards, which was delicious, though the crew seemed a little hesitant to serve wine during breakfast service.
A visit to the aircraft toilet revealed a standard, functional space—certainly not a first-class lavatory. While amenities like fragrances and lotion were available, I wasn't inclined to use them on a short flight. However, I must commend the design of the rubbish bin, which offered an 'awesome user experience.' Throughout the flight, the service was, as usual, immaculate. The crew were attentive and prompt in anticipating and meeting my needs. This exceptional 'soft product' and the genuine human touch are precisely what compel passengers to repeatedly choose Singapore Airlines Business Class. The inflight manager, in particular, stood out, proactively observing my actions—suggesting a different seat for takeoff to capture a better video view and providing wet wipes, cutlery, and a spoon for my coffee without me having to ask. These personal touches elevated the entire journey.
Verdict & Who It's For
My Singapore Airlines Business Class experience on the regional A350 from Hong Kong to Singapore was, on the whole, highly enjoyable. The core strengths of Singapore Airlines truly shone through: their immaculate service, delivered by an attentive and prompt crew, and a robust hard product that offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The proactive and personalized service from the inflight manager was a particular highlight, transforming a very good flight into an amazing one through thoughtful gestures and genuine engagement. The world-class KrisWorld entertainment system and comfortable lie-flat seat contributed significantly to the positive inflight experience, as did the effective noise-cancelling Bose headphones.
However, there were a couple of areas where Singapore Airlines could improve. The catering quality, while mostly good, had some notable misses; the Bircher muesli was unpleasantly sweet, and my pre-ordered steak, though tasty, was overcooked. More significantly, the SilverKris Lounge in Hong Kong is in dire need of a refurbishment. Its 10-year-old design, lack of natural light, and dated clubhouse aesthetic felt out of step with the premium brand experience offered onboard, especially when compared to the modern lounges at their Changi hub. The lengthy walk to the gate and the 30-minute taxi due to morning rush were minor inconveniences but worth noting for time-sensitive business travelers.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. The human element of the service, coupled with a strong hard product, makes flying Singapore Airlines Business Class a consistently rewarding experience. The thoughtful sonic branding, with landing music that invokes a sense of wonder, rounded out the journey beautifully. This flight is ideal for business travelers who prioritize exceptional inflight service, a