Fifty years ago today, on June 3rd, 1971, Singapore Airlines began its long history with the United Kingdom when the first flight – ML782 – flew between London and Singapore.

Back then, cabin crew already wore the iconic Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebaya, however the Boeing 707’s livery was in black and yellow representing Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, before becoming Singapore Airlines in 1972.

Initially operating three times weekly, the journey in 1971 took almost 18 hours, as the aircraft made stops in Rome, Bahrain and Mumbai (then known as Bombay) on its way from London Heathrow to Singapore.

Customers were well looked after on board, enjoying a total of four meals during the flight.

First class customers could choose from three main courses and as part of an important and lasting innovation, economy class customers were also offered an alternative choice for the first time.

The London-Singapore route was the Airline’s first transcontinental service, and its launch was celebrated with the largest half-hour fireworks display ever to be staged in Britain at the time.

Just six years after the first flight from London, Singapore Airlines entered the UK history books again, by becoming one of only four airlines to operate Concorde.

A partnership with British Airways saw a Concorde painted in the livery of both carriers, Singapore Airlines on the portside and British Airways on the starboard.

To celebrate the 50-year milestone of continuous flights between London and Singapore and the long history with the UK, Singapore Airlines will be launching two exciting new partnerships with British brands in the coming weeks.