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The Airport: Smooth Sailing

Anticipation is what makes travel so exciting and seeing Changi Airport after months of not flying brought a smile on my face. Getting through the airport was as efficient as we’ve all come to expect at this award-winning venue. Passengers (or rather guests) will still have to go through necessary steps: you have to do SafeEntry when you enter Changi, leave your passport when you check-in, as well as go through a security screening at the boarding gate.

The biggest difference is at the boarding or pre-departure area, which has been transformed into a lively events space. There was a caricature artist on hand, a tattoo station, a stall giving away fabric roses crafted from the same material used in the cabin crew uniforms, and prizes for those who came in traditional wear.

There was a jovial atmosphere overall especially when the cabin crew arrived—everyone welcomed them with a round of applause. Boarding commenced by rows and classes, exactly the same practice that we’ve all been accustomed to.   

The Plane: A New Perspective

Diners were also entitled to a comprehensive plane tour that showcased the new look of the A380 aircraft, which has recently been retrofitted. It was heartwarming to be welcomed by the Singapore Airlines cabin crew—not even a mask could conceal their smile and enthusiasm—as we boarded the plane. The guides took our small group of five people to the luxurious Suites first, then onto Business Class, Premium Economy, then finally to Economy Class. The tour ended with a visit to the cockpit, with the pilots inside eagerly waiting to answer your questions and take your picture.

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The visit also offered a peek into what flying will look like in the new normal. One notable change is that hand sanitiser stations have been installed outside lavatories and high-touch areas such as doors. Each seat also comes with Singapore Airlines care pack, which contains a mask, hand sanitiser as well as a cloth wipe for the screen.

The Meal: Up In The Air

The plane may be parked on the tarmac, but Singapore Airlines has pulled out all the stops to make you feel as if you're about to head somewhere. After settling into my Business Class seat, a Singapore Sling was served, putting everyone in a celebratory mood. 

There was an audible gasp of delight when the captain spoke welcoming and thanking everyone for being on board. It wouldn't be a captain’s announcement without safety reminders, but this time it was about the precautions the airline is taking to keep everyone safe (such as installing a high-grade HEPA filtration system). He also reiterated that guests should not wear the seatbelt during the three-hour dinner service.

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The meal started with Singapore Airlines' signature satay—a dish of pure comfort and nostalgia (it surely brought back memories of the long-haul flights I’ve taken with the carrier). The Business Class experience on Restaurant A380 offered two menus to choose from: a Peranakan menu by Shermay Lee and an International Selection with a variety of dishes inspired by French, Japanese and Italian cooking techniques. Wines were offered for every course, with the selection of bottles similar to what was previously offered in-flight.

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I chose the Shermay Lee menu and the first course, Chicken, Prawn and Jellyfish Salad with Coleslaw Dressing, was a refreshing start. At this point, my seat was already reclined and I was happily watching reruns of Friends, which really made me feel like I was travelling (we all have our in-flight rituals, don’t we?).

The main course of Nonya Grandma’s Nasi Lemak—jasmine rice infused with coconut with fish in a tangy tamarind sauce, sambal prawns, fried ikan bilis—arrived complete with keropok and dipping sauces. The complexity of this dish would be difficult to replicate on a normal flight; this ensures that the pop-up experience will still be memorable even when flights eventually resume. The meal ended with a medley of indulgent offerings—a Gula Melaka ice cream sandwich, a fruit plate, a cheese platter and more wine for those who wanted it.

It was close to 10pm when dinner started to wind down, and many guests engaged in deeper conversations with the crew followed by selfies while sipping their coffee and tea. As a pop-up restaurant, Restaurant A380 @ Changi offers more than just a great meal but also a chance to rediscover the joy of flying. Absence does make the heart grow fonder, and while we may not travel as often as a result of the new world order, I have a feeling it will be more special than it was before. 

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