Taking off from Singapore Chiangi Airport at 01:45 local time on December 1st, the A350-900 landed at Turkey’s Istanbul Airport at 08:25 local time. To witness this special moment, press members, including myself, took our place in the hall at the Istanbul Airport International Terminal. While the A350-900 was completing its taxi and proceeding towards the parking position, the traditional welcome ceremony (water salute) was made for Singapore Airlines’ A350-900. After it was parked, we started to tour the aircraft accompanied by Singapore Airlines personnel, HAVAŞ, IGA, and Civil Authority. After touring Business Class, we had the opportunity to see Premium Economy Class and receive detailed information. What will the airline be offering to passengers in Business Class and Premium Economy Class flights? I`ll share the details shortly below. But before that, let’s briefly touch upon the speeches made at the ceremony. Singapore Airlines held an exciting event at Istanbul Airport for the first flight of its new aircraft, the A350-900, which brings the comfort of Premium Economy Class. The event was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Istanbul Airport Administrative Chief İsmail Şanlı, IGA CEO Consultant Melih Mengü and Singapore Airlines Regional President Sek Eng Lee. Especially at the end of the dance show that fascinated guests with its Anatolian-themed choreography, the giant ribbon connecting the two towers formed by the dancers symbolizing the cultural bridge between Istanbul and Singapore received a big round of applause from the audience. Sek Eng Lee: “We trust Turkey; we’ve introduced Premium Economy Class” Singapore Airlines Regional President Sek Eng LEE, in the opening speech of the event said, “The fact that we have put into service our newest and most modern aircraft, the A350-900, and introduced the comfort of Premium Economy Class in Turkey, is a reflection of our trust in Turkey”. Reminding the audience that the first flight to Istanbul coincided with Republic Day celebrations on October 29, 1987, Lee added that they are grateful for the great support provided by Turkish customers as well as for the new airport. Special menu and travel pillow prepared for the first flight For the first flight of Singapore Airlines to be made by A350-900 from Turkey to Singapore, a special menu was prepared and the dishes on the menu were determined by the votes of more than 100,000 people following the Singapore Airlines Turkey Facebook Page. Dishes included on the Business Class menu were Stuffed Vine Leaves with Olive Oil, Turkish Kebab and Special Turkish Dessert (Kadayıf) and the passengers flying in Premium Economy and Economy Class are offered the most favorite flavors of Turkish Cuisine such as Stuffed Eggplant with Onion and Tomato (İmambayıldı), Turkish Kebab and Rice Pudding. Additionally, a travel neck pillow in four colors, made from Sarong Kebaya cabin attendant uniform fabrics, designed by the famous French fashion designer Pierre Balmain was given as a gift to all passengers. An aircraft minimizing jetlag effects Singapore Airlines` Airbus 350-900 aircraft has a total of 253 seats; 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy and 187 Economy Class. Offering a superior travel experience to its passengers with advanced technology and operational efficiency, Airbus 350-900 features a higher ceiling, larger windows, and wider interior body, as well as a specially designed interior lighting system to minimize the effects of jetlag. The aircraft also offers Wi-Fi access to its passengers and high technology touchscreen in-flight entertainment systems, KrisWorld. By introducing one of the most modern aircraft, the A350-900, Singapore Airlines will reduce carbon emissions by 25% and burn less fuel than with the previous aircraft type. The A350-900 has a more aerodynamic design, lighter materials, much quieter engine and more space. How is the flight different in Premium Economy Class? Offering a more spacious cabin with a seat configuration of 2-4-2 in the Premium Economy class, Singapore Airlines used comfortable seats with a greater width of 19.5 inches in this cabin. While the seats that can recline up to 8 inches make long-distance travel more comfortable, the foot support feature is offered to the passengers for a leg rest, like in the comfort of Business Class. The Premium Economy class, which also has new and fast USB ports, aims to make the journey more efficient with its individual reading lights and large bi-fold tray tables. You can select from the wide-ranging movie archive and enjoy entertainment on 13.3 inch wide screens with headphones that completely block out external noise and this allows you lose track of time on long journeys. Singapore Airlines aims to make a difference in catering to their guests needs by providing an option for Premium Economy guests to order special meals on flights departing from Singapore. Another advantage that Premium Economy Class offers you is champagne accompanying your meal which is prepared by famous chefs including Michelin star chefs. The most important factor for passengers to prefer the economy Premium class is undoubtedly the ticket prices, because it will be possible to get service close to the comfort of Business Class and to fly cheaper. Even though the Premium Economy Class prices differ for each flight, you should be kept in mind that it is relatively very cheap compared to the price of Business Class. So, it is useful to follow Singapore Airlines` special offers regularly. Have a safe flight…