Singapore, 25 March - Starting in mid-April 2025, Singapore Airlines will elevate its service on the popular Singapore to Bali route by transitioning all six of its daily flights to the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, marking a significant upgrade from the current mix that includes the Boeing 737-8 MAX. This shift will establish an all-widebody operation between Singapore’s Changi Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, a move designed to enhance passenger comfort and increase capacity just ahead of the peak travel season. The decision reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to improving the travel experience on one of its busiest regional routes, which has seen steady growth in demand over the years.
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The Boeing 787-10, the largest variant of the Dreamliner family, is a cornerstone of Singapore Airlines’ fleet, boasting 337 seats across two classes: 36 in Business Class and 301 in Economy Class. This aircraft replaces the smaller Boeing 737-8 MAX on the SQ948 and SQ949 flight pair, which previously offered fewer seats and a narrower cabin configuration. The upgrade, effective from April 13, 2025, for the outbound SQ948 and April 14, 2025, for the return SQ949, will boost weekly seat capacity on the route to 14,154 in each direction. This represents a record for Singapore Airlines on this route and a substantial 49% increase compared to the 9,478 weekly seats offered in April 2019, when the airline and its former subsidiary SilkAir operated a combination of widebody and narrowbody aircraft.
Historically, Singapore Airlines maintained a strong presence on the Singapore-Bali route, with four daily widebody flights supplemented by a single daily narrowbody service operated by SilkAir using the Boeing 737-800 before the pandemic disrupted global travel. Following the merger of SilkAir into the mainline operation by late 2022, the route gradually expanded, reaching six daily flights by July 2023. The majority of these services have been flown with the Boeing 787-10, but the final transition of the last remaining Boeing 737-8 MAX service to the larger Dreamliner underscores the airline’s strategic focus on optimizing capacity and comfort. The Boeing 787-10 offers a spacious cabin, with direct aisle access for all Business Class passengers and increased legroom in Economy Class, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a premium experience on this short-haul journey of approximately two hours and 45 minutes.
This upgrade aligns with broader trends in Singapore Airlines’ fleet management. As the launch customer for the Boeing 787 - 10 in 2018, the airline has steadily integrated this aircraft into its regional network, leveraging its efficiency and passenger-friendly design. With a total of 31 Boeing 787-10s expected in its fleet following additional deliveries, Singapore Airlines is positioning itself to meet rising demand across Asia, where short-haul routes like Singapore to Bali often see high-density traffic. The shift to an all-widebody operation not only increases overall seat availability by 10% but also enhances Business Class capacity by 14%, catering to both leisure and business travelers drawn to Bali’s beaches, cultural attractions, and growing economic significance. For passengers, the change brings tangible benefits. The Boeing 787-10’s advanced features, such as larger windows, improved air quality, and a quieter cabin, elevate the inflight experience. Business Class passengers will enjoy fully flat beds and greater privacy, while Economy Class travelers gain additional legroom and access to the airline’s renowned KrisWorld entertainment system. The timing of this upgrade, ahead of the summer 2025 travel season, ensures that Singapore Airlines is well-prepared to accommodate the influx of visitors to Bali, a destination that continues to rank among the most popular in Southeast Asia for international tourists. This move reaffirms the airline’s reputation for anticipating customer needs and maintaining a competitive edge in the region’s aviation market.