SIA Fleet: Airbus A380-800 (V2)

The Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 fleet operates in three configurations. This page details the Version 2 configuration. For Version 1 or Version 3, click the links below.

Version 1	Version 2	Version 3
12 R (2006 R) 60 J (2006 J) 36 W (2015 W) 333 Y (2006 Y) 441 Total	12 R (2006 R) 86 J (2006 J) 36 W (2015 W) 245 Y (2006 Y) 379 Total	6 R (2017 R) 78 J (2017 J) 44 W (2015 W) 343 Y (2017 Y) 471 Total
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This is our fleet guide for the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Version 2 aircraft. For Version 1 or Version 3 aircraft, click the respective links above.
A380 Version 2 aircraft in service at 31st July 2021: 4
9V-SKL	9V-SKQ
9V-SKP	9V-SKR

How can I tell which Version I’m flying on? If you’re flying in Suites Class and the seat map shows a 1-2-1 configuration, you’re in a Version 1 or Version 2 aircraft, which are identical in this cabin (you’re on the right page already). If it shows a 1-1 configuration, you’re in a Version 3 aircraft. If you’re flying Business Class and the seat map goes up to row 27, you’re in a Version 1 aircraft. If it goes up to row 96, you’re in Version 2 (you’re on the right page already), if it goes up to row 97 you’re in Version 3. If you’re flying Premium Economy Class and the seat map features rows 31 to 35, you’re in a Version 1 or Version 2 aircraft, which are identical in this cabin (you’re on the right page already). If it has rows 31 to 37, you’re in Version 3. If you’re flying Economy Class and the seat map goes up to row 83, you’re in a Version 1 aircraft. If it goes up to row 66, you’re in Version 2 (you’re on the right page already), and if it goes up to row 79 you’re in Version 3.

A380-800 Version 2

The SIA Airbus A380 Version 2 has 86 business class seats on the upper deck in a 1-2-1 configuration. On the lower deck there are 12 first class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, 36 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration and 245 economy seats in a 3-4-3 configuration.

The A380 operates predominantly long-haul flights from Singapore – to destinations in Europe, the USA and Australia, as well as selected routes to India, China and a daily flight to Hong Kong.

A380 Version 2 Suites Class

The A380 is the only aircraft in the SIA fleet with a suites cabin. On the Version 2 aircraft it features 12 fully enclosed individual seats with their own sliding door and window blinds. Eight of the suites are arranged individually by the windows (A and F seats), with two centre pairs at row 2 and 3 (seats 2 C/D and 3 C/D), which can be set up either as individual suites or combined as adjacent seats which convert into a double room when travelling with a partner.

Best Seats

There are no bad seats in suites class, in our opinion, so separating the best from the worst is certainly nitpicking. For solo travellers, the window suites are better, with 3A and 3F featuring three windows instead of two.

Row 1 window suites (1A and 1F) are nicely separated from the rest of the cabin, with the main aircraft staircase between them, to the side of the aisle in each case. Some may find the staircase wall a bit claustrophobic, others will appreciate the added privacy. Either way the staircase is seldom used and there should be no significant foot traffic as the suites cabin is all served from a galley behind row 4.

Worst Seats

As mentioned above, it’s very much nitpicking, but suites 4A and 4F, the furthest to the back of this cabin, will have the greatest foot traffic and potential galley noise. Neither are a big issue in the quiet and private suites section, but bear it in mind if you have a choice on your flight.

A380 Version 2 Business Class

Business class on the A380 Version 1 occupies the entire upper deck, and is equipped with a 1-2-1 configuration flat bed seat, albeit the slightly older 2006 J product.

Best Seats

The forward two sections of business class on the A380 Version 2 aircraft are almost a carbon copy of the Version 1 cabins mentioned above, and our recommendations therefore still stand for these aircraft.

Our negative impressions of Row 16 D&F seats are slightly alleviated as the toilet to the right of 16 F has been relocated in the Version 2 aircraft to behind the second right main aircraft door, though this does now encroach somewhat on the privacy of seat 17K.

Life in the forward cabin of the A380 Version 2 business class (rows 11 to 16) is even better, as the bassinet positions have been removed from this section on these aircraft.

The big difference in the A380 Version 2 aircraft is that the entire upper deck is now configured as business class, with two additional cabins at the back; five rows between the third and fourth doors (rows 91 to 95) and a single row behind the fourth door (row 96).

This provides two more bulkhead rows (91 and 96), giving more opportunity for those spacious full-width bench feet areas and larger beds.

Row 96, right at the back, is separated by partition-style sections from the rest of the cabin (rather than a full dividing wall). It’s location right at the back does not look appealing, close to the toilets and the rear galley. We have not personally travelled in this row or seen it, but most of the reports actually seem very positive about it’s privacy and space.

It seems that the rear business class section is less popular and so usually quieter if the flight is not full, and that most passengers use the toilets further forward by the third main doors, so the only significant foot traffic in row 96 is cabin crew (not necessarily a bad thing from a service perspective, especially on a day flight).

Worst Seats

The negatives for the Version 1 aircraft also apply to these Version 2 types, we would avoid Row 16 and Row 27.

Row 96 is a mixed bag – a single row cabin it offers really nice privacy, but galley and toilet proximity is a concern. We have also read reviews that the cabin gets really cold in this area.

Other Tips

If travelling solo, one of the window seats (A or K) is preferable, giving you the highest level of privacy.

As a couple it’s up to you whether you prefer two A or K seats one in front of the other, or the slightly more sociable (but still sufficiently private) D/F middle pair. We tend to go for the middle pair, as it’s easy to talk and provides the best food envy at meal times.

While the A380 has a certain allure and is very quiet and spacious, it doesn’t have the latest business class seats, now fitted on the new Version 3 aircraft since December 2017 (that product will be retrofitted onto the existing fleet starting in late 2018). Many of the 2006 J seats are really starting to show their age.

Our personal preference in business is the A380 Version 3 aircraft (we reviewed the new 2017 J business seat in January 2018). After that, we like business class seat on the 777-300ER Version 2 aircraft (which is the vast majority of the 777-300ER fleet), and the A350, as these have the far superior latest 2013 J business seat. Do note however that the A350 business class seat is a smaller version of the 2013 J seat, with significantly less legroom.

Note that rows 11 and 12 are blocked for advance seat selection until 96 hours prior to flight departure time on shorter flights and 48 hours before departure for longer flights on the A380 Version 2 aircraft, unless you are a PPS Club member.

A380 Version 2 Premium Economy Class

Premium Economy is located on the lower deck of the A380, behind the suites cabin and in front of the economy section.

There are five rows (four rows in the middle section) with a 2-4-2 configuration, for a total of 36 seats.

Seat width is 19.5 inches and seat pitch is 38 inches, the same as on the 777, but wider than the A350 which has a narrower fuselage, so choose this aircraft or the 777 if you want the best premium economy seat. One benefit of the A380 at the window seat is some extra space between the window seats and the cabin wall, due to the fuselage curvature.

Best Seats

The window pairs located at the first row in this cabin, 31 A/C and 31 H/K, have additional legroom, but be aware of a few drawbacks – firstly it’s close to the bassinet positions in the middle of the same row (though there’s probably no escaping the sound of a screaming baby in this small cabin), secondly the IFE screens are mounted on the bulkhead wall in front of you across row 31, not housed in the armrest as with other seats in this cabin.

Worst Seats

Row 35 may suffer increased noise from the first row of the economy class cabin directly behind, which is also a primary bassinet position. It may be better to choose a seat further forward.

Other Tips

Solo travellers will probably want to opt for one of the aisle seats (C, D, G or H), or possibly a window seat (A or K) depending on personal preference. For couples, the window pairs (A/C or H/K) make perfect sense.

There are no dedicated toilets in the premium economy section, and you aren’t allowed forward into the suites cabin to use their toilets, so that means heading back through an economy section of six rows, to use the main bank of economy toilets at the third main set of aircraft doors.

A380 Version 2 Economy Class

The economy class cabin on the A380 Version 2 is split across three cabins, a smaller forward section, which also houses the main bank of toilets for economy and premium economy passenger use, and two rear sections between the third and fourth main aircraft doors and the fourth and fifth main doors respectively.

Best Seats

Extra legroom seats can be found at 47 A/B/C and 47 H/J/K, and also at 57 A/B/C and 57 H/J/K on this aircraft, but beware the bassinet positions across two of the seats in proximity to both of these groups of seats.

Seat 51D, an aisle seat around halfway back in economy, is missing an entire seat in front of it giving this seat significant extra legroom. The seat in front is missing to allow space for the lower deck crew rest emergency escape hatch. A redesigned crew rest compartment on the A380 Version 3 means this extra legroom seat is exclusive to the Version 1 and 2 aircraft.

It’s easy to avoid proximity to the toilets by choosing a seat towards the front of the first economy cabin (we would suggest rows 41 to 43), the middle of the main cabin, around rows 50 to 53, or the front of the rear cabin (rows 57 to 61).

While the smaller forward cabin may look attractive, remember that up to 36 premium economy passengers will be walking through to use the toilets at the back of this section, and also that the main bassinet positions for economy are in this section. Our opinion is to aim towards mid-cabin in the second section.

Worst Seats

Row 46: The last row of the smaller forward economy class cabin is right in front of the main bank of five toilets on the aircraft, so it’s susceptible to increased foot traffic, queuing and noise. Avoid.

Row 47 A/K and 57 A/K: These seats are missing a window, and are close to the main bank of five toilets on the aircraft (in the case of row 47) and a large galley area (for row 57). Avoid.

Row 56: The last row of the second economy class cabin is right in front of the a large galley area, so it’s susceptible to increased foot traffic and noise. Avoid.

Row 65 / 66: These seats, right at the back of the main deck, have limited recline, and are close to the rear toilet and galley meaning more foot traffic, queuing and noise. There is no window at these rows. Avoid.

Comments?

What did we miss? If you have personal experience of specific seats to favour or avoid on the A380 Version 2 aircraft, please let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll certainly try to incorporate your feedback.