DALLAS — Singapore’s national carrier, Singapore Airlines (SQ), will operate its last service using the Boeing 737-800 aircraft on Sunday. 

Flight SQ 441 will depart Kathmandu (KTM), Nepal, at 22:50 on Saturday, arriving at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 06:15 (local time) on Sunday morning. 

The aircraft registered 9V-MGN is only 10 years old. This is relatively new compared to SG’s other commercial aircraft. However, the jet is not configured with flatbed seating in Business Class. 

Consistency in Premium Classes

SQ aims to deliver a more consistent premium product for its passengers, particularly in terms of seating and cabin. Thus, the withdrawal of the 737s from SQ’s fleet marks a step forward for the airline in terms of a more consistent in-flight passenger experience.

SQ has been operating the 737-8 for around four years. However, due to fleet modernization plans and a desire for service consistency, the airline has decided to phase the 737 family out of its fleet.

Why the 737s Came to the SG Fleet

The airline has not continuously operated Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These aircraft entered SQ’s fleet in 2021, when SQ merged Silk Air’s aircraft with its fleet. Silk Air is an SQ subsidiary. This move saw nine 737 aircraft entering the SQ fleet.

These aircraft have not been updated to date, leaving them with their original cabin and seating arrangements. Thus, SQ could not offer its signature premium passenger experience on flights offered with these aircraft. SQ operated flights to mid-haul destinations such as Cairns (CNS) and Darwin (DRW) with these aircraft.