Singapore Airlines (ICAO: SIA) is renowned as a leading global airline, celebrated for its premium services and extensive network.
Singapore Airlines' origins trace back to Malayan Airways Limited, founded in 1937, which later evolved into Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) in 1966. Following the dissolution of MSA due to differing national aviation policies, Singapore Airlines (SIA) was officially incorporated and commenced operations on October 1, 1972. The airline has since established itself as the flag carrier of Singapore, headquartered at Airline House in Changi, Singapore, with its primary operational base and main hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). It also lists secondary hubs in Southeast Asia, including Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Kuala Lumpur, and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines operates a modern and predominantly widebody fleet, including the Airbus A350-900 (including its ultra-long-range variant), Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-10, and the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for passenger services. Additionally, it operates Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777F freighters. As of September 2025, the fleet comprised 163 aircraft, consisting of 151 passenger aircraft and 12 freighters. SIA boasts the distinction of being the first airline to operate both the Airbus A380—the world's largest passenger aircraft—and the Boeing 787-10. Its extensive international route network spans five continents, connecting Singapore to over 70 destinations worldwide, with a strong focus on Asia, North America, Australasia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Notably, it operates some of the world's longest non-stop flights to New York (JFK and Newark) and Los Angeles using its Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft.
Singapore Airlines is a long-standing member of the Star Alliance, having joined in April 2000. This membership provides enhanced global connectivity through a network covering over 1,300 destinations in more than 190 countries. The airline offers five distinct cabin classes: Suites, First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class, catering to a range of travel preferences. Distinguished services include the "Book the Cook" option, allowing premium passengers to pre-select gourmet meals from an extended menu. The airline is also known for its iconic "Singapore Girl" corporate branding.
Singapore Airlines consistently ranks among the top airlines globally, and recent traveler reviews generally reflect a positive experience, though some areas draw criticism.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall sentiment summary: Singapore Airlines largely maintains its reputation for exceptional in-flight service and high-quality amenities, especially in its premium cabins. However, there appears to be a growing sentiment among some travelers regarding a decline in ground customer service, particularly concerning baggage handling and support for disrupted travel plans.
Singapore Airlines maintains a strong overall safety record, recognized globally for its commitment to operational excellence and stringent safety protocols.
In May 2024, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, a Boeing 777-300ER from London to Singapore, encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries among passengers and crew. Early investigations indicated a rapid change in gravitational force caused the aircraft to drop approximately 178 feet (54 meters) in 4.6 seconds. This incident marked the airline's first fatal aviation accident since 2000. Other reported incidents, which did not result in fatalities or significant injuries, include a cracked windshield on a Boeing 777-300 near Taipei in October 2024, lightning strikes on a Boeing 787-10 in June 2023, and white smoke from a Boeing 787-10's landing gear at Tokyo in August 2024.
Singapore Airlines adheres to stringent safety protocols, including rigorous maintenance procedures and comprehensive crew training. While specific regulatory certifications like IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) or FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) compliance were not explicitly detailed in all search results, the airline's consistent high safety ratings and awards imply compliance with leading international aviation safety standards. For instance, in January 2021, SIA received the highest "diamond" rating in a global audit of airlines' health and safety standards by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and SimpliFlying, signifying a "hospital-grade level health safety."
The airline operates one of the world's youngest fleets. As of 2023, the average age of its 133 aircraft was 6 years and 2 months. Singapore Airlines also owns SIA Engineering Company, a subsidiary dedicated to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, which operates across nine countries and maintains joint ventures with industry leaders like Boeing and Rolls-Royce. This robust in-house and partner-supported maintenance infrastructure underscores the airline's commitment to fleet upkeep and safety.
Overall safety assessment based on available data indicates that Singapore Airlines maintains a very high safety standing within the industry. Despite the tragic SQ321 turbulence incident, which highlighted the inherent risks of severe weather phenomena, the airline's long-term record, modern fleet, and rigorous maintenance practices contribute to a strong overall safety assessment. Singapore Airlines has received several safety awards and recognitions, including consistently achieving a seven-star safety rating by AirlineRatings.com.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAI → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
91 | 832 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| BWN → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
80 | 795 mi | B38M | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SIN → CGK |
Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta Int'l
Tangerang
|
69 | 549 mi | B77W | Dec 10, 2025 |
| HND → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
63 | 3297 mi | B77W | Dec 10, 2025 |
| PEN → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
59 | 374 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SIN → MNL |
Manila Int'l
Metro Manila
|
57 | 1477 mi | A359 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SIN → CAN |
Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l
Guangzhou
|
54 | 1647 mi | 787 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SIN → MEL |
Melbourne Tullamarine
Melbourne
|
51 | 3753 mi | A359 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SIN → HKG |
Hong Kong Int'l
Hong Kong
|
46 | 1596 mi | A359 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| DRW → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
43 | 2078 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SIN → KUL |
Kuala Lumpur Int'l
Sepang
|
43 | 185 mi | A359 | Nov 20, 2025 |
| KIX → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
41 | 3049 mi | B78X | Dec 10, 2025 |
| SIN → SFO |
San Francisco Int'l
San Francisco
|
38 | 8460 mi | A359 | Nov 18, 2025 |
| CAN → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
38 | 1647 mi | B38M | Dec 1, 2025 |
| BKK → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
36 | 881 mi | B78X | Dec 4, 2025 |
| BOM → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
35 | 2439 mi | A388 | Dec 1, 2025 |
| SUB → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
35 | 857 mi | A359 | Dec 3, 2025 |
| SIN → HYD |
Rajiv Gandhi Int'l
Hyderabad
|
35 | 2056 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SIN → CHC |
Christchurch Int'l
Christchurch
|
34 | 5228 mi | A359 | Nov 8, 2025 |
| SIN → JFK |
John F Kennedy Intl
New York
|
34 | 9603 mi | A359 | Nov 7, 2025 |
| CKG → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
33 | 1970 mi | B38M | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SIN → DPS |
Ngurah Rai/Bali Intl
Bali/Denpasar
|
32 | 1040 mi | B78X | Nov 20, 2025 |
| ICN → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
30 | 2878 mi | B78X | Dec 11, 2025 |
| KNO → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
29 | 386 mi | B38M | Dec 10, 2025 |
| HKG → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
29 | 1596 mi | B744 | Dec 10, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.