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Singapore Airlines increases First Class capacity to Hong Kong

Singapore Airlines is now flying 10 First Class seats and Suites to and from Hong Kong each day, just as eased entry restrictions come into effect.

Singapore Airlines is progressively increasing its flight schedules to and from Hong Kong over the coming months, as restrictions begin to ease in the city-state, and in anticipation of increased demand from both transit and point-to-point travellers on the route over the coming Chinese New Year holiday season and beyond.

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On 1st December 2022, Hong Kong became the eighth city on the SIA network to have Airbus A380 service reinstated following the COVID-19 pandemic, in the form of SQ894/895, though it actually swapped places with Delhi, which reverted to smaller aircraft types the previous day.

It is therefore the only regional option on the network currently offering the carrier’s latest Suites and Business Class cabin products, first revealed in 2017 and still yet to be experienced by some of our readers.

Recent schedule changes

On 15th December 2022, the SQ882/883 service was reinstated, and despite being initially programmed using the Airbus A350 Long Haul variant, this morning flight was upgraded to the four-class Boeing 777-300ER before it even started, also adding more First Class capacity on the route.

SQ882/883 is flying to and from Hong Kong again, using four-class Boeing 777-300ERs. (Photo: Plane’s Portrait Aviation Media / Malcolm Lu)

More flights from January 2023

Finally from 15th January 2023, the SQ892/893 flight will make a return as a third daily service, using three-class Airbus A350 Long Haul aircraft.

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Here’s how SIA’s schedule looks for the rest of the northern winter season on this route, once this third flight is up and running, including which First and Business Class seats you can expect to find on board.

SIA Hong Kong
Seat Types
First Class
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1A-Overhead-Small.jpg2013 F This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1A-Seat-5-Small.jpg2017 R  
Business Class
2013 J 2017 J  

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Hong Kong
(15th January 2023 – 25th March 2023)

  F Seats J Seats
SQ882
777-300ER
2013 F 2013 J
SIN
08:25
HKG
12:25
SQ892
A350 Long Haul
None 2013 J
SIN
09:55
HKG
13:55
SQ894
A380
2017 R 2017 J
SIN
13:05
HKG
17:05

All flights operate daily

Singapore Airlines
Hong Kong Singapore
(15th January 2023 – 25th March 2023)

  F Seats J Seats
SQ883
777-300ER
2013 F 2013 J
HKG
14:10
SIN
18:10
SQ893
A350 Long Haul
None 2013 J
HKG
15:55
SIN
20:00
SQ895
A380
2017 R 2017 J
HKG
18:50
SIN
22:50

All flights operate daily

Both SIA First Class products are now flying to Hong Kong

The reintroduction of the Boeing 777-300ER on SIA’s Hong Kong route alongside the A380 each day means that both the 2013 First Class seat and 2017 Suites products are options on the four-hour flights between the two major Asian financial hubs again, for the first time since March 2020.

2013 First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER is now a daily option on Singapore – Hong Kong flights. (Photo: MainlyMiles)

In total, there are now 10 First Class and Suites seats on the route daily in each direction (four 2013 First Class and six 2017 Suites), making the Hong Kong third on the list of First Class capacity for the airline, after London (16/day) and Jakarta (12/day), coming in joint third with Sydney (also 10/day).

Though it’s the poorer cousin to Suites, we don’t think you should discount travelling in the 2013 First Class. We most recently tried it out in September 2021 on the inaugural VTL flight from Germany to Singapore, and we were happy to report that the experience hasn’t lost its shine, despite a few COVID restrictions still being in place at the time.

See our comprehensive review for a full rundown on our experience.

Meanwhile here’s our earlier review of the Suites cabin (including the double bed), on this very route from Singapore to Hong Kong.

We also have an earlier review of the 2013 First Class seats on a San Francisco – Hong Kong – Singapore flight in 2018, including the kind of service and catering you can expect on the shorter HKG-SIN sector.

Award pricing

Here’s a reminder of the latest one-way KrisFlyer award rates you’ll pay for the Singapore – Hong Kong route.

KrisFlyer Redemption
Singapore ⇄ Hong Kong
  Saver Advantage
Economy 16,500 30,000
Premium Economy 26,500 n/a
Business 34,000 50,000
First / Suites 45,000 73,000

Hong Kong is on January’s Spontaneous Escapes

There’s more good news for those looking to head to Hong Kong in the new year, with redemptions in Economy Class, Premium Economy Class and Business Class discounted by 30% from the usual saver levels, as part of the latest Spontaneous Escapes promotion.

Here’s how the Hong Kong selection looks, including all three flights in both directions (though remember, SQ892/893 only kicks off from 15th January).

Business Class Deals
(1 – 31 Jan 2023)

Singapore to Hong Kong
Miles Flights Aircraft Seats
34,000
23,800
SQ882
SQ892
SQ894
777-300ER
A350 LH
A380
2013 J
2013 J
2017 J
Blackout: 25 – 31 January 2023
Hong Kong to Singapore
Miles Flights Aircraft Seats
34,000
23,800
SQ883
SQ893
SQ895
777-300ER
A350 LH
A380
2013 J
2013 J
2017 J
Blackout: 19 – 22 January 2023

Premium Economy Class Deals
(1 – 31 Jan 2023)

Singapore to Hong Kong
Miles Flights Aircraft
26,500
18,550
SQ882
SQ892
SQ894
777-300ER
A350 LH
A380
Blackout: 25 – 31 January 2023
Hong Kong to Singapore
Miles Flights Aircraft
26,500
18,550
SQ883
SQ893
SQ895
777-300ER
A350 LH
A380
Blackout: 1 – 2 January 2023
19 – 22 January 2023

Economy Class Deals
(1 – 31 Jan 2023)

Singapore to Hong Kong
Miles Flights Aircraft
16,500
11,550
SQ882
SQ892
SQ894
777-300ER
A350 LH
A380
Blackout: 1 – 3 January 2023
25 – 31 January 2023
Hong Kong to Singapore
Miles Flights Aircraft
16,500
11,550
SQ883
SQ893
SQ895
777-300ER
A350 LH
A380
Blackout: 1 – 4 January 2023
19 – 22 January 2023

There are some (relatively obvious) blackout periods during the Chinese New Year holidays, where standard Saver and Advantage rates will be payable, if any award space is offered at all!

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Outside that though, this is a great opportunity to try out Singapore Airlines’ newest long-haul Business Class product on the Airbus A380 for 23,800 KrisFlyer miles each way.

A380 Business Class between Singapore and Hong Kong is available for 23,800 miles one-way in January. (Photo: MainlyMiles)

Sadly there are no discounts for the First Class or Suites cabin (there never are in Spontaneous Escapes), with most flights in these classes pricing at the higher Advantage rates next month, though immediately confirmable savers in both 2013 First Class and 2017 Suites do appear again from February 2023.

We think you probably know which one to choose in this case!

Hong Kong has relaxed its entry requirements

The latest increase in frequency couldn’t have come at a better time for SIA, kicking in just one day after Hong Kong made its most significant relaxation yet for international arrivals.

Those touching down in the city state are no longer bound by the ‘Amber Code’ movement restrictions, instead being free to roam, explore, visit restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues as soon as they have received a negative result from the free on-arrival PCR test.

🇭🇰
Travel to Hong Kong

Eligibility & Vaccination
  • Non-residents aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with the minimum dosage outlined here.
  • Some nationalities require pre-arrival registration or a visa (see here for details).
  • Travel insurance is not mandatory.
  • Tourist stays are limited to 7-180 days, depending on your nationality.
  • Singapore Citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
  • All international arrivals must complete the e-Health declaration form, up to 96 hours prior to departure.
COVID-19 Tests
  • Self-swab pre-departure ART test is required (no supervision, clinic visit or certificate is needed).
  • PCR test (throat swab) at the airport on arrival (Day 0), free of charge.
  • Self-administered ART test on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5 (if still in Hong Kong on those days). Reporting is optional, regardless of the result, but you are required to keep a photo of each test result.
  • Professional PCR test (throat swab) on Day 2, free of charge.
Restrictions
  • You must wear a face mask on board flights to and from Hong Kong, except while eating or drinking.
  • Take any mode of transport from the airport to your accommodation.
  • Remain in your accommodation until you receive a negative result from the on-arrival PCR test.
  • Free to roam on receipt of a negative test result.
  • Mask-wearing is required in both indoor and outdoor settings in Hong Kong.

  Hong Kong Entry Requirements

What about the summer season?

Singapore Airlines is still planning three daily Hong Kong flights for the upcoming summer 2023 season, using Airbus A350 Long Haul, Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Beware, however, as there’s a reshuffle in the works.

The A380 with 2017 Suites swaps across to the mid-morning SQ892, returning at lunchtime as SQ893. In turn the Boeing 777-300ER with 2013 First Class seats switches to SQ894/895, while the Airbus A350 Long Haul takes over the SQ882/883 service.

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This is an important change, especially if you have (or intend to book) a First Class or Suites flight, given the significant difference in product offered.

In essence, to get Suites on the Hong Kong route from 26th March 2023 onwards you’ll need to be looking at SQ892/893, not SQ894/895!

There is also one additional daily flight loaded from 1st October 2023, for a total of four daily services in each direction, which will use the Airbus A350 Medium Haul variant, providing afternoon service from Singapore to Hong Kong and a later evening departure option from Hong Kong back to Changi.

Here’s how the summer schedule looks.

SIA Hong Kong
Seat Types
First Class
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1A-Overhead-Small.jpg2013 F This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1A-Seat-5-Small.jpg2017 R  
Business Class
2013 J 2017 J 2018 RJ

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Hong Kong
(26th March 2023 – 28th October 2023)

  F Seats J Seats
SQ882
A350 Long Haul
None 2013 J
SIN
08:40
HKG
12:40
SQ892
A380
2017 R 2017 J
SIN
09:40
HKG
13:55
SQ894
777-300ER
2013 F 2013 J
SIN
13:05
HKG
17:05
SQ896
A350 Medium Haul
None 2018 RJ
SIN
14:30
HKG
18:40
From 1st October 2023

All flights operate daily

Singapore Airlines
Hong Kong Singapore
(26th March 2023 – 29th October 2023)

  F Seats J Seats
SQ883
A350 Long Haul
None 2013 J
HKG
14:25
SIN
18:20
SQ893
A380
2017 R 2017 J
HKG
15:40
SIN
19:35
SQ895
777-300ER
2013 F 2013 J
HKG
18:50
SIN
22:40
SQ897
A350 Medium Haul
None 2018 RJ
HKG
19:55
SIN
23:50
From 1st October 2023

All flights operate daily

With 49 flights per week in each direction on the Singapore – Hong Kong route pre-COVID, additional flights frequencies on this key city pair are inevitable, with more announcements likely to come.

What about the Hong Kong SilverKris Lounge?

Singapore Airlines has yet to announce a reopening of its temporarily-shuttered SilverKris lounge in Hong Kong, which includes a dedicated First Class section.

The Hong Kong SilverKris Lounge has a dedicated First Class section. (Photo: MainlyMiles)

The airline’s latest lounge reopening in Bangkok initially covered only three daily departures, so there’s definitely scope for a Hong Kong SKL reopening early next year in our view, as flight volumes increase from mid-January.

Until then, SIA passengers are directed to the Plaza Premium Lounge at HKIA, on Level 6 near Gate 1, a rather underwhelming alternative, so it may be better to redeem or book a First Class trip in the Singapore – Hong Kong direction, where you’ll then benefit from the latest remodelled lounges at Changi T3, including The Private Room.

Dining area in The Private Room, following recent renovations. (Photo: MainlyMiles)

Those flying First Class or Suites from Hong Kong to Singapore will also be able to access The Private Room on arrival at Changi, if they wish.

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There’s also the reopened First Class check-in facility and private immigration clearance at Changi T3 to look forward to, so a full experience now awaits once again for those flying in the carrier’s most premium cabins from home base.

Which other routes have SIA First Class and Suites?

The following SIA routes currently offer a First Class or Suites option (or both) on selected flights.

Simply click the city name below to expand the list of applicable flight numbers and seat types, valid through to the end of the winter season in late March 2023.

To and from Singapore

Singapore to Auckland
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2853882017 R22NOV23 - 30MAR24
Auckland to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2863882017 R22NOV23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Delhi
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ4063882017 R01AUG23 - 16OCT23
77W2013 F17OCT23 - 18OCT23
3882017 R19OCT23 - 27OCT23
77W2013 F28OCT23 - 29OCT23
3882017 R30OCT23 - 30MAR24
Delhi to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ4033882017 R01AUG23 - 16OCT23
77W2013 F17OCT23 - 18OCT23
3882017 R19OCT23 - 27OCT23
77W2013 F28OCT23 - 29OCT23
3882017 R30OCT23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Frankfurt
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2677W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
Frankfurt to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2577W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Hong Kong
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ892 3882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ894 77W2013 F01AUG23 - 28OCT23
Hong Kong to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ893 3882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ895 77W2013 F01AUG23 - 28OCT23

Singapore to Jakarta
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ95077W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ96477W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ96877W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
Jakarta to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ95177W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ95377W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ96577W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to London
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ30677W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ3083882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ31877W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ3223882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
London to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ30577W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ3173882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ3193882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ32177W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Los Angeles
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ1277W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
Los Angeles to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ1177W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Melbourne
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ20777W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ2373882017 R01AUG23 - 21NOV23
Melbourne to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ20877W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ2283882017 R01AUG23 - 21NOV23

Singapore to Mumbai
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ4243882017 R01SEP23 - 30MAR24
Mumbai to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ4233882017 R01SEP23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to New York
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2677W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
New York to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2577W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Paris
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ33677W2013 F01AUG23 - 17OCT23
3882017 R18OCT23
77W2013 F19OCT23 - 28OCT23
3882017 R29OCT23
77W2013 F30OCT23 - 30MAR24
Paris to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ33577W2013 F01AUG23 - 17OCT23
3882017 R18OCT23
77W2013 F19OCT23 - 28OCT23
3882017 R29OCT23
77W2013 F30OCT23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Shanghai
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ8303882017 R01AUG23 - 01OCT23
06OCT23 - 09OCT23
77W2013 F02OCT23 - 05OCT23
10OCT23 - 03JAN24
3882017 R04JAN24 - 30MAR24
Shanghai to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ8333882017 R01AUG23 - 01OCT23
06OCT23 - 09OCT23
77W2013 F02OCT23 - 05OCT23
10OCT23 - 03JAN24
3882017 R04JAN24 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Sydney
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ21177W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ2213882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ2313882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
Sydney to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ21277W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ2223882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ2323882017 R01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Singapore to Tokyo Narita
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ1277W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ6383882017 R29OCT23 - 30MAR24
Tokyo Narita to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ1177W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
SQ6373882017 R30OCT23 - 31MAR24

Singapore to Zurich
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ34677W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
Zurich to Singapore
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ34577W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

“Fifth freedom”

Frankfurt to New York
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2677W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
New York to Frankfurt
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ2577W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Tokyo to Los Angeles
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ1277W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24
Los Angeles to Tokyo
FlightAircraftSeat TypeDates
SQ1177W2013 F01AUG23 - 30MAR24

Summary

Prior to COVID-19, Singapore Airlines was flying 22 First Class and Suites seats to and from Hong Kong each day.

That total might never be seen again, with the cabin disappearing from many aircraft types in recent years, but a reinstatement of 10 seats per day at this early stage of reopening is a good sign that the carrier’s flagship products are here to stay on this important intra-Asia city pair.

We’ve been surprised at the number of readers who have told us they are now planning travel to Hong Kong given the latest eased entry requirements, even with PCR testing and the threat of five days isolation lurking in the background!

Though it’s no use for First Class awards, the latest Spontaneous Escapes award sale is a good way to travel to and from the city in January for a discount in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class, including on the popular Airbus A380.

Be sure to pick the right flight numbers to experience the latest Suites product on the Hong Kong route, and beware – there’s a change coming there from 26th March 2023!

(Cover Photo: Agent Wolf / Shutterstock)

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