SIA's history can be traced back to May 1947, when Malayan Airways operated its first commercial flight linking Singapore with Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways (1963) and Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (1967), which was split in two in 1972, creating Malaysian Airline System (since renamed Malaysia Airlines) and SIA. Over a period of more than half a century, SIA has earned a reputation as an innovative market leader, combining a quality product with excellent service.
SIA, together with its airline subsidiaries, Singapore Airlines Cargo and regional airline SilkAir, has a route network extending to 65 destinations in 35 countries, serving Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, the South West Pacific, and Africa.
SIA has one of the youngest fleets of any major airline, with an average age of just over 6 years. The airline operates a fleet of MEGATOP 747s, JUBILEE 777s, A340-500s and took delivery of its first A380-800 in October 2007.
Excellence in customer service has been integral to SIA's success. Superb inflight service is the cornerstone of its reputation for customer service and hospitality. SIA has developed a reputation for being an industry trend-setter. The list of industry-leading innovations by SIA includes being the first to offer free headsets, a choice of meals and free drinks in Economy Class in the 1970s, and the first with satellite-based inflight telephones in 1991. In 2001 the airline became the first to introduce a global inflight e-mail system to all passengers. SIA has also taken inflight dining to new heights with the formation of its International Culinary Panel and World Gourmet Cuisine.
The care and attention that Singapore Airlines gives its customers, symbolised by the Singapore Girl, has earned the airline many industry and travel awards, including Conde Nast Traveller's "Best International Airline" award in 19 out of the last 20 years.
