Singapore Airlines flights operate out of the International Terminal at Cape Town Airport. Having returned my rental car, I proceeded to the check in counters for my flight to Singapore. The Business Class counters were practically empty when I arrived, and the check in process was as smooth as ever.
Business Class passengers flying out of Cape Town are invited to the Bidvest Premier Lounge located in the International Terminal. Note that there is also another lounge of the same name located within the Domestic Terminal, but there would be absolutely no confusion if you’re departing on an international flight.
The lounge was very modern, and had a decent selection of snacks and beverages, but nothing too substantial though.
There was also ample seating, where it was possible to seat yourself at a table or comfortable lounge chair. Multiple power point sockets were also made available throughout the lounge for guests to use.
The flight in from Singapore and Johannesburg arrived on schedule, so I made my way to the gate at around 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Note that Singapore Airlines operates flights between Singapore and Cape Town but with a technical stop in Johannesburg. However, it is not possible for the airline to ferry passengers between the two South African cities.
I was pleased to see that there was a dedicated lane for only Business Class and PPS Club passengers at the gate. There was a separate lane for KrisFlyer Elite Gold, Star Alliance Gold, and Premium Economy Class passengers.
Boarding commenced on time and Business Class and PPS Club passengers were called upon to board first. Only one aerobridge was available for boarding through door 2L. Once on board, I turned left into the forward Business Class cabin and settled into seat 16F.
The A350-900 aircraft features the 2013 Business Class long haul product, with full front facing seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Flipping through the menu, there would be some light refreshments on the first sector from Cape Town to Johannesburg, followed by lunch and breakfast on the second sector from Johannesburg to Singapore. Now for only 45000 KrisFlyer miles per way in Business Class, and for a total flight time in excess of 12 hours, this is a redemption sweet spot for Singapore Airlines. You’ll get to enjoy an amazing long haul product, and 3 meals to go along with it.
After an on time pushback and departure, the cabin crew quickly commenced the refreshment service. I picked the beef biltong salad with pumpkin, spinach and beetroot. The salad came with some dressing with complemented the dish very well. The flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg was short and we were soon on our descent for our technical stop.
When the aircraft was on the ground, passengers were informed to stay at their seats, and there was no requirement to disembark to re-clear security again. Ground handlers also boarded the aircraft for some minor cleaning, and there was also a change of cabin crew. Apparently, the crew will base themselves out of Johannesburg instead of Cape Town.
With the new set of crew on board and cabin refreshed, we pushed back from our gate and were on our way once again onward towards Singapore.
The lunch service commenced soon after take off, beginning with Singapore Airlines’ signature chicken and beef satay, with onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce. The meat skewers were ever so tender and juicy, even at altitude, while the sauce packed a punch.
For the next course, I was served the smoked salmon nicoise salad, with Kenya bean, kalamata olive, potato, cherry tomato, and quail egg. It was accompanied by some dressing, and I had a couple of slices of garlic bread to go along with it.
Next was the main course, and I chose the Indian style braised spiced chicken, with briyani rice, cucumber raita, papadum, and cashew nut. The dish was very flavourful and had just the right amount of heat.
By the time I was served dessert, I was stuffed. But the caramel ice cream was a nice way to round up the lunch service.
Soon it was time for a nap. I had the seat converted into a fully lie flat bed. To make my sleep more comfortable, there were additional pillows and a duvet, which I found to be more than sufficient.
Business Class passengers have the option to select from a list of delectables mid flight if they get hungry in between meal services. I woke up craving for some comfort food, so I had ordered a bowl of oriental noodles with black mushrooms and chicken. It was served together with some sliced red chilli in soy sauce.
It was then more sleep for me, until around 2 hours before arrival when the cabin crew prepared for breakfast service.
To start, I had some sliced fresh fruit and a glass of apple juice.
Following that, I had some fruit yoghurt and a croissant.
For the main course, I chose the baked crepe filled with scrambled eggs, served with gammon ham, marinated tomato and roasted potatoes. The dish was absolutely filling and I was very satisfied by the end of the breakfast service.
The rest of the flight proceeded uneventfully, and I arrived in Singapore feeling very pleased with yet another great flight with Singapore Airlines.