A short while ago, I stepped aboard the Airbus A340-500 aircraft that will be making this historic flight to Los Angeles. SIA has called it the A345LeaderShip. Having seen its spacious cabin and impressive features, I can understand why they chose that name. It is a perfect example of SIA’s leadership in the world of air travel.

SIA has maintained its position as a leader in the air travel industry for about three decades. Back in the 1970s, SIA created waves by being the first airline to offer free headsets, a choice of meals and free drinks in Economy Class. This was followed by many other ‘firsts’. More recent ones include the launch of its inflight entertainment and communications system, KrisWorld, across all three classes in 1996; and the launch of the revolutionary lie-flat bed, the SpaceBed, in Raffles Class in 2002. SIA’s position as the market leader is well-recognised. Indeed, just last week, the well-known American aviation magazine, Air Transport World, announced SIA as the winner of its Passenger Service Award for 2004.

I congratulate SIA for its highly successful track record of constantly anticipating change and leading the way in breaking new ground. Now, with the A345, SIA will once again be making waves by fully maximising the ultra long-range capabilities of this magnificent new aircraft.

With this new plane, SIA will be able to improve on its product to the United States, by offering travellers a non-stop flight which saves them 1½ to 2 hours of flying time. Later this year, when SIA starts flying non-stop to New York, passengers will save up to six hours in travelling time. Coming hot on the heels of the free trade agreement between Singapore and the US, the A345 will also help deepen economic links between the two countries. Over 1300 US businesses have offices here – with many them being regional centres. Banks, insurance companies, manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies, to name but a few, will now be able to connect with their home bases more easily.

SIA’s foresight in adding the A345 to its fleet was made way back in 1998, when it placed its order with Airbus for 10 such aircraft, five on firm order and another five on option. SIA’s decision came soon after Singapore and the US signed an Open Skies Agreement (OSA) in 1997. The OSA meant that carriers from each country could fly freely between Singapore and the US with no restrictions on capacity and frequency. Prior to the advent of the A345, we were unable to take full advantage of the OSA. This is because the other existing aircraft did not have the capability to fly non-stop to the USA. As such, we needed to obtain approval from intermediate countries for the flights from Singapore to the US to stop in their countries.

Fortunately, technology is on our side, and SIA has been quick to realise and capitalise on it. With the A345, we can now fully utilise our OSA with the US. Changi Airport’s position as an aviation hub has also grown, now that it can offer direct connections from this region to nearly all parts of the world without the need for an intermediate stop. In effect, the world has become smaller with the launch of this ultra-long range aircraft.

The futures of SIA and Changi Airport are intertwined, and each helps the other to progress and grow in a symbiotic way. With aviation facing ever greater and fiercer competition in the years ahead, it will become even more crucial for both SIA and Changi Airport to think ahead, develop strategies to meet future challenges, and prepare themselves for tougher market conditions. I am sure that you will rise up to this challenge.

To conclude, I would like to congratulate SIA for the launch of the A345LeaderShip. I wish all of you onboard this inaugural flight an enjoyable and relaxing time. Have a good flight!

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