The Singapore Tourism Board is among leading destinations Routes Forum 2012 in Abu Dhabi, discussing the latest developments in the global aviation sector.

The destination, which will play host to the World Travel Awards Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean ceremony on October 18th, has revealed a number of exciting developments and initiatives in recent months.

Enhanced connectivity inflight

Singapore Airlines rolled out In-Flight Connectivity as part of a US$50 million programme to bring Internet and mobile data services to customers, when flying at 35,000ft.

In-Flight Connectivity is available on 14 aircraft in the fleet, including all five Airbus A340-500s which are deployed on the world’s longest non-stop flights, between Singapore and both Newark and Los Angeles.

Services have also been extended to more markets such as Australia, for which regulatory approvals had not previously been obtained.

Travellers can surf the Internet, send and receive emails on smartphones and other electronic devices, and send and receive SMS text messages with GSM-compatible mobile phones.

Through a partnership with leading connectivity provider OnAir, the technology will be progressively rolled out across all of SIA’s long-haul Airbus A380-800, A340-500 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft over the next two years.

“As our customers’ preferences towards entertainment and connectivity options change over time, so must we”. Said SIA’s Senior Vice President Product & Services, Mr Tan Pee Teck.

“Mobile and Internet connectivity capabilities are just the start, enabling our customers to stay connected even when flying at 35,000ft. There will be much more investment in the months and years ahead to keep our customers both connected and entertained,”

“We have always been a leader in embracing technology and are confident that these initiatives will both meet and exceed our customers’ high expectations, keeping us at the forefront of airline product innovation.”

In addition to the US$50 million investment in In-Flight Connectivity services, work is underway to bring the next generation of in-flight entertainment offerings to our customers. This will include the latest hardware systems with new screen and handset technology, in addition to much more video and audio content.

Airport lounges set for $20m modernisation programme

In addition to enhancing its product onboard, Singapore Airlines is in the middle of a $20 million investment programme in SilverKris Lounges for the next five years.

The new design concept will be rolled out progressively to the Airline’s lounges from the middle of next year.

The SilverKris Lounge at Sydney Airport will be the first to be fitted out with the new design concept.

“Many of our customers tell us that the moment they step on board a Singapore Airlines aircraft, they feel an immediate sense of ‘home’.” Explains

We hope to replicate that ‘home away from home’ experience in our lounges, along with the warm Asian hospitality that Singapore Airlines is renowned for,” explains Tan Pee Teck.

“Apart from providing customers with an inviting and exclusive contemporary space, the next generation of SilverKris Lounges will meet the changing needs and expectations of both business and leisure travellers and better integrate the ground and air travel experience.”

Singapore Airlines has 15 SilverKris Lounges at airports around the world, inclusive of new lounges at Delhi and Seoul airports.

The Delhi lounge recently had its soft opening and is to be officially opened in September. The Seoul lounge is slated for completion at Incheon International Airport by the end of this year.

In addition, the SilverKris Lounge at Melbourne Airport will be undergoing expansion and renovation works. Due for completion around the end of November, the improvements will offer increased seating capacity as well as a new dining area.

Singapore Tourism Board has been nominated in the categories of Asia’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination, Asia’s Leading Meeting and Conference Destination, Asia’s Leading Destination and Asia’s Leading City Break Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2012.

City guide launches ahead of WTA Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony

Ahead of the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony, a dynamic city guide has been unveiled to help travellers discover the highlights of scintillating Singapore.

Capturing the cultural diversity, safety and elegance for which the South East Asian destination is renowned, Singapore.City.Mobi. lists everything visitors to the island country need to know about Singapore during their stay.

Savvy leisure and business travellers can become instantly immersed in the local culture, with carefully selected information, facts and figures and contacts easily accessible.

From the fashion emporiums of Orchard Road, the antique shops in Chinatown, the incredible range of cuisine, the swanky bars and clubs and the stunning city parks, Singapore’s many unique sights and hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.

The mobile guide includes extensive information ranging from accommodations, to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and transport.

In addition there is emergency information to hand. 

Other innovative features include a currency converter and translating tool while web links and contact details are provided for all the featured services.

Commenting on the guide, Kelly Footit, head of development at World Group said: “Singapore.City.Mobi aims to inform travellers of their many options, featuring up-to-date information about the Singapore’s superb attractions, diners, cafes, bars, accommodation options, shopping, spas, and so much more so that they can make the most of their time in this buzzy destination.”

The Singapore mobile guide – created by leading mobile web development company World Mobi – is available free of charge at Singapore.City.Mobi.

This clever pocket sized buddy can be run using a mobile or smartphone browser. It is also accessible on desktops.

Designed specifically for the needs of travellers on the go, the guides load efficiently and reduce download costs for the user.