Singapore Airlines upgrades premium economy in-flight offerings

Singapore Airlines is set to elevate the culinary experience for its premium economy passengers with an array of new menu options. From crab curry to garlic roasted prawns, and from chicken biryani to fine red & white wines and apple crumble cheesecake, the upgraded menus promise to delight the taste buds of travelers.

The new menu, which will be rolled out from March 31, includes new dishes, main courses, veg and non-veg appetisers, snacks as well as deserts, is a part of the first revamp to its premium economy in-flight services, introduced on its aircraft in 2015.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, SIA’s Global Food and Beverage Director Antony McNeil said, "We have over 200 new dishes including 175 new main course dishes, 26 new vegetarian & non-vegetarian appetisers, 34 new desserts... SATS Singapore has a team of chefs from India including north Indian chef and south Indian chef and they have conceptualised a lot of new meals for us."

Customers will have the option to choose from two premium main course options, either international or Asian cuisine, on every flight.

There will also be a Book the Cook menu, which features up to 20 dishes available on rotation, for pre-order at least 24 hours before departure.

Those having a sweet tooth can enjoy the chocolate feuilletine cake, mascarpone cream cake, as well as apple crumble cheesecake.

Almonds, cashews, potato chips, assorted buns, sandwiches, muffins, flavoured popcorn, and chocolate bars are some snacking options for passengers on medium and long-haul flights.

Passengers will also get a new eco-friendly amenity pouch that has a lip balm, eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material.

Betty Wong, Singapore Airlines’ Divisional Vice President Of Inflight Service & Design told CNBC-TV18, "We have been listening to our customers tell us what they like and what they don't like. We did a deep dive to see exactly what is the value driver of our premium economy class and we found it is food and beverage."

While customers get enhanced services, there is no additional cost to these upgrades.

"We are doing this upgrade to make sure our customers are happy with us and make sure our loyal customers stay with us", Wong added.

SIA’s Premium Economy Class is available on 74 of its 143 aircraft in 31 of the 76 destinations including Delhi & Mumbai.

"It is a segment which is value for money, it has a little bit of luxury and is priced competitively so I would say that the growth in premium economy class is very much similar to the growth of all the other classes especially with revenge travel coming back," Wong said while talking about the growth in SIA's premium economy traffic.