Manchester launches inaugural transatlantic flight of Singapore Airline's first UK A350-900
The aircraft will fly on Singapore Airline’s Manchester routes, serving both Singapore and Houston and will be the first commercial A350 flight from Manchester Airport. It makes Manchester the only non-London airport in the UK to have an A350 in operation.
This landmark flight demonstrates the investment and confidence that Singapore Airlines has placed in the North West economy, following the launch announcement of transatlantic flights from Manchester to Houston and non-stop flights from Manchester to Singapore, late last year.
This is also a regional, North West success story, with the Singapore Airlines A350 wings being assembled at Airbus’ £400 million factory in Broughton, Chester (above). The factory, which covers a total area of 46,000 square metres, employs more than 6,000 people mostly in manufacturing and the remainder in engineering and support functions.
The production of Singapore Airlines A350s has also had a positive effect on the wider UK economy as it plays a major part in the production of each A350 aircraft. The programme supports more than 6,000 high skill, high value jobs in the UK - 1,000 of which working directly with Airbus and a further 5,000 in the production supply chain.
The A350 forms a key part of Singapore Airline’s new fleet, enabling the Airline to offer customers an enhanced on-board experience, to introduce new destinations and expand its current connectivity. It also welcomes the Airline’s new Premium Economy Class cabin, offering a wider seat with more legroom, 13-inch touch screen monitors and the latest Business Class design to those flying from Manchester.
Sheldon Hee, Singapore Airlines, General Manager of UK & Ireland said: “We are excited to announce our inaugural A350 flight from the UK and delighted to see this happening from Manchester Airport. The launch follows our recent announcement of new non-stop routes from Manchester to Houston and Singapore and shows our commitment to the economy and people of the North West. It is great to see that by working alongside Airbus our A350s have helped support jobs in the North West and wider UK economy and also allowed this region to showcase itself as a hotbed of technological talent.”
Paul McKinlay, Senior Vice President, Airbus Broughton Plant said: “The A350’s wings, landing gear and engines are all made in the UK so it’s a great British engineering success story. Since its launch it’s really setting the standard for efficiency and passenger comfort too which is a real positive for our customers and their travellers. The debut of the A350 on its first scheduled service from Manchester is excellent news and I wish Singapore Airlines every success in their services to Singapore and Houston."
Stephen Turner, Commercial Director at Manchester Airport, added: “The introduction of Singapore Airlines’ A350 is a historic moment for Manchester Airport, as we welcome this aircraft for the first time on a scheduled service here.
“The new direct services to Houston and Singapore are perfect examples of how Manchester Airport is connecting to global markets to the east and the west. The commencement of this new modern aircraft not only gives our passengers the latest technology but also an additional class when flying with Singapore Airlines. We know the A350 will prove popular with not only our 25m annual passengers but also our aviation enthusiasts on site.”
