Singapore Airlines lets Filipinos experience next-gen seats

If you can’t afford a first-class ticket on board Singapore Airlines (SIA), here’s the next best thing: a tour of the inside of an actual cabin complete with the brand’s iconic “Singpore Girls.”SIA brought its newly designed first class, business class and economy class cabins to the Glorietta 2 Activity Center to let Filipinos experience the airline’s renowned amenities over the weekend.Once a privilege for big spenders, Filipinos were able to not just sit on the ultra-comfortable seats but also enjoy the full HD screens installed in each cabin and stretch their legs on the flat-bed seats.Most commendable was the new economy class which now boasts the features of business class seats – movable headrest, a touchscreen monitor and headset on each seat and a touch screen game controller.[gallery link="file" ids="38571,38572,38570,38569,38568,38567,38566,38565,38564"]Speaking with Marketing, Ranjan Jha (pictured left), Singapore Airlines’ general manager for the Philippines said SIA wants to promote premium air travel in the Philippines not as a privilege but an affordable option.“People know about Singapore Airlines and the perception is that it is expensive and niche. We want to send out the message that it is meant for everybody. The only way we can do it is to be experiential.”To maximize the foot traffic from the on-ground activation, SIA set up an all-in fare seat sale in the event exclusive to BPI Express Credit card holders, Ayala Mall shoppers, Globe Platinum Subscribers and KrisFlyer members. A round trip ticket to Singapore starts at only US$150 and US$888 to 12 European cities, among others.The seats are part of a region-wide roadshow. After flying back to Singapore, Jha said that the cabins will be showcased in Malaysia.The new seats will be fitted on its upcoming fleet of 8 Boeing 777-300s and on 70 Airbus A350s. To date, only two SIA planes flying to London have the new seats installed.