Originally Posted by SQveteran

I decided to try the newish “capital express” route recently; flying business class, SIN-CBR-WLG-CBR-SIN; and what a huge disappointment it was. There were a number of issues with the route:

First, SQ use old aircraft, a 777-200 series; a plane that’s usually employed for regional flights within Asia is put to use connecting the capitals of New Zealand and Australia to Singapore. One would think capitals deserve a product with more prestige! The angle flat business class seats are narrow and are inclined rather than parallel to the floor – not nearly as good for sleeping as seats on 773ER and some 772ER products and yet sleep is really what you need when you land in SIN at 5am and depart SIN at 11pm.

Second, SQ had equipment maintenance issues and before boarding the plane in CBR (to SIN) the public address system was used to advise all passengers of which there were around 200 to go to the toilet before boarding the aircraft because there were problems with the planes toilets. On board two of the three business class toilets were non-operational. Apart from two seats, business class was full on the CBR-SIN sector and so patience was needed during peak times (after meals, before landing etc.)

Third, Wellington airport is not well geared for international flights and neither is Canberra. In Wellington entry to the international departure area only opened 1.5 hours prior to departure and only a single hand luggage screening machine was in action, leading to a long queue and Canberra doesn’t have a proper international departure lounge. The lounge has a small duty free store and even smaller café. Full stop. Nice selection of chairs and good clean toilets though.

For those considering SIA connection options from New Zealand to Singapore I cannot recommend the Capital Express service. While the route may save a little time if you are located in Wellington the aircraft used via AKL and CHC are vastly superior. I’m hoping SIA reconsider their capital express aircraft selection in the future. Capitals deserve better.