Singapore Airlines (SIA), the worldwide launch customer for the Airbus A340-300E the extended-range model of the A430 — took delivery of the world’s first two such aircraft on 25 April 1996.
The two aircraft were received officially by Dr. Cheong Choong Kong, SIA’s Managing Director, at a glittering ceremony at Airbus Industrie’s plant in Toulouse, France.
Speaking at the function Dr Cheong said, “We rate the aircraft highly in terms of economy, modernity and comfort — It is a star performer in all categories. Inspired by this we have decided to name our A340-300E the CELESTAR. We believe this aircraft will truly be a star of the skies. “
The two CELESTAR A340s, powered by CFM56-5C4 engines, will start their regular operations in May their initial destinations. being Bangkok, Jakarta and Melbourne, followed later by Sydney. The long-range capability of the aircraft will be fully exploited to operate non-stop services to Paris in October this year.
The CELESTAR A340, acclaimed as the quietest cabin in the sky, has several “firsts” to its credit in the areas of passenger comfort and entertainment. The aircraft are fitted with SIA’s state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, Kris World, in all the three classes. Kris world offers passengers a choice of 22 video channels, 12 audio channels, 10 Nintendo games, real-time text news and destinations information on 16 cities in SIA’s route network, together with a personal in-seat telephone allowing them to call virtually anywhere in the world.
