Singapore Airlines has this morning become one of the latest airlines to launch its operations from the new Terminal 2 at London Heathrow Airport.

In celebration of the move, special guest Sir Stamford Raffles, the British statesman best known as the father of modern Singapore, was brought to the terminal by the world famous Madame Tussauds.

He checked in to welcome Singapore Airlines’ first flight from the Queen’s Terminal and after taking a tour of the A380 aircraft, helped send off the first Singapore Airlines customers from T2.

Madame Tussauds will be opening a new attraction on Singapore’s Sentosa Island on October 25th this year and as part of the joint celebrations, the first Singapore Airlines customers departing the new terminal will be given exclusive discounts to enjoy the popular attraction.

Wilson Yong, general manager UK & Ireland for Singapore Airlines, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our operations from the new Terminal 2 at London Heathrow and to be welcoming our customers on board the first of many flights to come from the Queen’s Terminal.”

It’s not just those departing from the new terminal that will enjoy the festivities, as arriving Singapore Airlines passengers were also greeted by traditional Beefeaters.

The celebration also featured a string quartet playing ‘classical oriental’ style music throughout the morning at check-in, while departing customers were given a celebratory goody bag.

Singapore Airlines passengers will benefit from four daily flights out of the new Queen’s Terminal to Singapore, as well as a new SilverKris Lounge currently undergoing the final finishing touches.

Andy Garner, T2 operations and programme director, added:  “This brand new terminal is a £2.5 billion project and home to the Star Alliance group of airlines. 

“What you see around you is the next step in Heathrow’s transformation, in a terminal named after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who officially opened the terminal last month, nearly 60 years after she opened the original terminal building.

“Over the next fifty years the new Terminal 2 will welcome nearly one billion customers.

“It will be the first impression of the UK for passengers and a fantastic welcome for all travellers.”