The first of 19 firm orders from SIA, the new A380 is also fitted with 60 business-class and 399 economy class seats, for a total of 471. This less crowded configuration compares with an Airbus recommended average of 525, and an Air France configuration of 538 in three classes.

The new A380 will take off on its first operational flight on the Singapore-Sydney route on October 28. The airline will take delivery of another three of these super jumbos next year, the first of which will be deployed on one of the carrier''s three daily flights to London Heathrow from the first quarter of the year.

The SkySuites

The facilities provided by the Singapore Airlines SkySuites will allow the airline to separate itself from rivals, who will be offering convertible seat/beds in their first-class cabins. Located on the main deck these 12 Suites will be referred to as the Class R, or the Singapore Airlines SkySuite.

This newly introduced class, not to be called, or confused, with a First Class, will also offer a personal 23 inch LCD screen with 1280 x 768 pixels in each suite, surround sound and, as stated, a flat bed.

Located on the main deck are also 311 economy class (Y) seats in a 3-4-3 configuration. The business class (J) will include 60 seats located on the upper deck. These seats, along with those of the economy class, will match those of the upgraded classes introduced on the Boeing 777-300ER. The business class seats will be laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, while an additional 88 economy class seats on this deck will come in a 2-4-2 configuration.

Finalised through consultations with passengers, the design work for the Suite has been done by French luxury yacht designer Jean-Jacques Coste, while manufacturing is the handiwork of Jamco of Japan and Sicma of France.

The leather-upholstered seats in the Suites are almost a metre wide with the armrest folded away and can be adjusted to different sitting and lounging positions. The cabin crew will also prepare a separate full-sized bed with a mattress, duvet and cushions. Apart from a full-flat position, adjustments will allow passengers to sit up or recline while reading or watching the IFE screen.

Other furniture in the suites includes a chaise longue for companion seating, luggage stowage space, a coat closet, and a wide, height-adjustable table capable of being used for work, meetings and dining. Work facilities comprise in-seat laptop power and a USB port to accommodate a data stick holding the passenger''s files so that he can work on them with the suite of office tools available via the Panasonic eX2-based IFE system.

Entertainment facilities in addition to the 23in wall-mounted LCD screen include a Bose noise-cancelling headset and a KrisWorld IFE offering comprising a hundred on-demand films, more than 180 TV programmes, 700 music CDs, 3D games, learning programmes and other content.

Business Class

Along with the Suite passengers, business-class passengers will enjoy LCD intelligent lighting, and occupy what SIA describes as the world''s widest business-class seat. The seats have been designed by James Park Associates of the UK and manufactured by Koito of Japan.

The A380''s extra space has allowed the airline to order a bigger, 34in-wide, variant that can transform into a fully flat bed. Other features include a 15.4in LCD screen, USB ports, laptop power, a height-adjustable dining table, under-seat luggage stowage, and a back shell that can be extended for greater privacy.

The business class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 formation, with all seats facing forward and giving direct access to the aisle. A "Passenger Corner" offers snacks between meals and allows travellers to socialise.

Economy Class

The economy-class seat, manufactured by Weber of the USA, incorporates lighter and thinner materials, resulting in increased leg and knee room. Features include a 10.6in screen, USB port, laptop power (in two seats out of every three), a reading light, storage space for spectacles and other small items, a coat hook and a footrest.