Part 18: Surabaya (SUB) to Singapore (SIN) on Singapore Airlines in business class
Flight SQ931 - Airbus A330-300 - Seat 12A - 21,000 A3 miles + 16.42 EUR
STD 10:10am - STA 13:30pm (flight time 2h20m)

I was immensely looking forward to the upcoming two flights as it would be my first ones ever on Singapore Airlines and I would test out first the old A330-300 regional business class from Surabaya to Singapore, followed by the brand new Boeing 787 regional business class product from Singapore to Manila. I guess everyone here knows the feeling we airline geeks have when trying out a new airline and new product :-) the flights were a great deal too as the total costs were only 21,000 miles from my Aegean Airlines Miles+Bonus account plus just 16.42 EUR in taxes.

Priority boarding was neatly organised at Surabaya Airport with three dedicated queues, one for business class, one for * Gold, and one for everyone else in economy based on boarding group.



It was a great feeling being the first to walk on board of this relatively old but beautiful bird.



I was given a warm welcome by the crew on board and escorted to my seat. Upon seeing me snapping pictures the lovely male FA inquired if I wanted him to take a picture of me. I was explaining that it wouldn't be necessary but I did want to shoot some pictures of the aeroplane as an airline geek as it was my first time flying the airline. He could immediately understand and when I talked a bit more that I would write a trip report on Flyertalk he said he was even aware of the website.

The cabin is a bit old and dated, but I found the seats to be very comfortable – especially if you consider it is mostly used for short to mid-haul flights. And I mean, coming from Europe, what can I complain about in the first place when you are used to narrow-body planes with crap euro-business class seats?







The short menu for today's flight was already put in the seat pocket in front. I was very happy to see a lunch menu despite the 10.10am morning departure. I do not understand why many airlines still serve breakfasts at such hours in flights as surely people are already awake for at least 4 hours having had to come to the airport and have eaten breakfast before? It might seem like a no-brainer to serve lunch, but I'm surprised how many airlines do not understand this (Aeroflot for example on a flight I took just a few days ago..)



No drinks list was available, which was a bit odd. Although the fantastic crew (I cannot praise the flight attendants working this flight enough) were eager to discuss all options, including given a good run-down through the available wines which showed how well-trained they are having basic F&B knowledge. For a welcome drink, I naturally opted for a glass of champagne.



Economy class seemed to be quite full, but the load in business class was very light – perhaps just 7 or 8 seats in total were taken. While the others boarded, newspapers and hot towels were distributed as well by the crew as I made myself more comfortable in my seat reading today's news while drinking my champers.





One article did not bode well for my upcoming short layover in Manila as just some hours earlier a Xiamen Air aeroplane skidded off the runway and would cause big disruptions even in the following days. Not that I'm a person though who is easily worried, especially when getting a refill of champagne while still on the ground



Pushback from the gate was on time and gave some great views of the airport and some exotic airlines for someone based in Europe.





We had to wait for a Lion Air aeroplane to land before we were allowed to line up for take-off.











Meal orders were already taken when we were still on the ground, and service kicked in immediately when we reached cruising altitude. Talk about effectiveness. I opted for the salmon, which was very tasty. It was served with a sea food salad, I don't really like shrimps usually so I just picked out the tasty pieces of octopus in the salad. The strawberry cake was decent.



Best thing is the fresh, warm bread as I'm firmly on Team Garlic Bread and I could take as much I want (the FA came by twice or three times if I might want more).



To drink, I had a crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – which went down really well that I might have had two glasses of it.



The meal service was super efficient and completed within an hour when we were not even halfway to Singapore.



I played a bit around with my seat. The controls are super easy to use, but the seat does not get fully flat unlike the new B787's which eventually will replace these old Airbus A330's on regional flights.







I skipped on the coffee service after the meal and had a G&T or two instead before we would start our descent into Singapore.



After the FA brought my drink I had a great chat with him about Singapore, Singapore Airlines and a bit of an airline comparison between different companies. The guy clearly loved his job and was super enthusiastic about anything Singapore Airlines and airlines in general. It was very cool to finally get an answer why SQ has a business class on such planes as this one which starts at seat number 11 despite it being the first seat on the plane (answer: business class for many SQ and many other Asian airlines only start at a higher number as seat 1-2-3 etc. is always reserved for first class, so even when there is no first class on board, business class will never start with the seat number 1).

It's small touches which I think make for a stellar service, but this guy (and all SQ staff during my 2 flights generally) nailed it all. They would kneel down to be on the same level as you when talking to you, they would be super service-orientated, welcoming and friendly – but at the same time still talkative enough once they see that you do not mind a short chat.

When we started our descent, I went quickly to the toilet, which was spotlessly clean and had decent amenities.





Views on approach were cool – anyone knows what the construction pit/project on the island on the lower picture is?







Arrival was on time and after thanking the crew I was within minutes stamped into Singapore.





In short: Even though the regional business class product in the A330 is fairly old and seeing its age, SQ still nails it by its great crews, impeccable service and good food and beverages. I enjoyed my flight – but it would pale to what would be in store for next flight on the Boeing 787 in Singapore Airlines' new regional business class product.