Singapore Airlines is scheduled to take possession of the wide-body jet during the first half of 2018. The carrier has a firm order for 30 Dash-10s — the largest and most fuel-efficient member of the Dreamliner family — and has signed a letter of intent to buy an additional 19 of the planes.
The initial 787-10 for commercial use will now be painted with the Singapore Airlines livery before undergoing system checks, fueling and engine runs. Singapore Airlines plans to use the plane on its medium-haul routes.
There currently are 177 orders for the 787-10. United Airlines, which has ordered 14 of the planes, will be the first U.S. airline to get a Dash 10.
There are three 787-10s in Boeing’s test flight program, which is being conducted mostly on the West Coast. Combined, those planes have flown nearly 700 hours as Boeing tests their performance and systems. Test flights are expected to wrap up early next year, with Federal Aviation Administration certification to follow.
Unfortunately, they will only use 787-10 on regional (Medium) flights. It’s highly likely that the SIN-MAN-IAH section will still stick up to A350-900 (or back to 777-300ERs according to rumours) 🙁
@Kiz They will introduce the new medium product on 787-10 which will be using
Stelia Opal as Business Class seat with staggered layout (1-2-1)
The real question here is if SQ will go Scoot and fit it as 3-3-3 instead of a more comfortable 2-4-2 in the back. Fitting it 9-abreast would make it cramped in the back, but drive prices down due to the higher CASM from the extra seats.
The 78J is a replacement for their high-density domestic 773s, the furthest you’ll probably see them is Narita.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they opt 3-3-3, but they might consider to place 2-4-2 to prioritize passengers’ comfort. Hopefully they will opt 2-4-2 (but unlikely)
I got really confused there when you said “Dash” and thought you were referring to the Bombardier Dash planes xD. Can’t wait for these new planes though!
Here’s an interesting question. The Boeing testbed 787-10 that is going to SIA, will that be registered 9V-SCA? I’m presuming yes as it’s the first 787, but it would also make sense if another 787 that was commercially produced is to be registered as SCA.
9V-SCA will be ZC004 based on an information from SQTalk
EDIT : According to SQTalk, Apparently 9V-SCB won’t be the first B787 delivered to Singapore the next one built will be. This one is going to be used by Boeing for the next few months to help with the certification of the 787-10.
