A Peek Into Singapore Airline’s A380
As my taxi pulled up at Changi airport, I knew this was going to be a special day - the day of the first A380 commercial flight was finally here.
Singapore Airlines - the first airline in the world to fly the new Airbus A380 - is preparing for the first commercial flight of the new double-decker jumbo jet, from Singapore to Sydney and return. It will take place in the month of October 2007.
And in an unprecedented move, all proceeds from the sale of tickets on the first flight will be donated to charities.
In response to requests from people all over the world to be passengers on the first flight, Singapore Airlines will auction the seats on global online marketplace, eBay.
Bids will be invited for seats on this history-making flight, and winning bidders will know that every dollar they pay will go to worthwhile charities. All customers will receive a personalised ceremonial certificate confirming they were part of the first-ever commercial A380 flight.
Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Chew Choon Seng, said the Airline wants to acknowledge the widespread interest in the entry into commercial service of this all-new airplane, and to use the opportunity to benefit worthwhile charities.
“The first commercial A380 flight will be a moment in aviation history. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, on an aircraft that will mark a new chapter in air travel.
“And while we will celebrate the event, we also wish to remember the people who are less fortunate and can be assisted by the charities to which all the proceeds will go,” Mr Chew said.
Singapore Airlines has secured support from three important partners for this charity event.
One of the Airline’s strategic fuel suppliers, and a key partner, ExxonMobil Aviation, will donate the fuel for the flights.
“We are pleased to support this event as a strategic partner of Singapore Airlines. This charity event is in line with our long-standing effort to make a positive impact on the communities in which we operate,” said Mr Kwa Chong Seng, Chairman
and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
eBay - the world’s leading online marketplace will subsidise the fees and charges from this auction, and PayPal, a global leader in online payment solutions, will rebate a portion of its fees and charges to help support the charities.
“eBay is uniquely positioned as a global online marketplace to provide boundless opportunity for fund-raising and social responsibility programs and we are delighted to support Singapore Airlines in this very unique charity auction,” said Sam McDonagh, Director for eBay Southeast Asia.
The actual date of the flight will be fixed soon, after final notification from Airbus about the delivery date this coming October.
The proceeds of the auction will be split evenly between the following exceptionally worthwhile organisations:
• One-third to Singapore’s Community Chest
• One-third split between the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, both in Sydney
• One-third to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders.
Singapore Airlines and eBay plan for the auction to be conducted some weeks prior to the flight. Those interested in pre-registering for notification on auction details - which will include the date of the flight and the charities to benefit from proceeds - may do so by visiting singaporeair.com/a380.
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Travel Tips - Health and Safety
Health and safety always come first when we are travelling, and many travel-specific health concerns arise on the road: you may be uncomfortable with local drugs and procedures, be prone to food poisoning, or have trouble explaining medical needs to others. The best advice is to bring what you need and find ways to communicate your health concerns to locals. Before you leave, make sure you have had all of the necessary inoculations and vaccinations. Strongly consider vaccinations that are recommended but may not be required. For example, in parts of Central and Eastern Europe, stray dogs run rampant, bites are common, and rabies shots are available in very few hospitals; especially for those traveling to regions outside capital cities, it is advisable to have a rabies shot before departing.
Be sure to bring enough prescription medicine to last your trip. Although foreign pharmacies sell medicines, it may be hard to find drugs you are comfortable with, so it’s best to pack any over-the-counter medicines you may need. You can buy most hygiene products such as soap and toothpaste on the road, but if you wear contact lenses, you’ll need an ample supply of contact lens solution, which is not available in all countries, to fend off eye-infection. A first-aid kit is always advisable and is a must when traveling to the wilderness or the developing world. In areas where hospitals are unsanitary, you’ll need to bring your own syringes and bandages.
If you have a medical condition, write down or learn how to express your needs in the language of the country you are visiting. If you have an allergy, you’ll need to bring your EpiPen, a note from your doctor, and a scrap of paper stating “I’m allergic to X.” If you have a food allergy, you’ll need to explain, “I will die if I eat X” every time you dine. Acclimating oneself to local bacteria prevents food poisoning. Tricks include eating locally produced yogurt and brushing teeth with local tap water. Beware of food sold on the street, as it can be a breeding ground for food poisoning. Check up on the quality of local water: if it is not drinkable, buy bottled water or bring a water purifier.
Many travelers experience food poisoning, infection, or injury because they are unaccustomed to local bacteria and engage in physical activities like hiking or extreme sports which they do much less frequently at home. While dining on local cuisine and ascending a breathtaking mountain can be the most rewarding parts of a trip, it is essential to keep in mind that health comes first.
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