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Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ910
Route: SIN-MNL
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 XWB
Registration: 9V-SHC
Delivered: February 2019
Flight Duration: 3 hours 25 minutes
Distance: 1,474 Miles
Overall Impression:
Singapore Airlines (SQ) is widely regarded as one of the world’s best airlines, so it’s always a pleasure to experience their product—even on shorter regional routes. On this flight from Singapore to Manila, we had the chance to try their regionally configured Airbus A350-900 business class.
The cabin features a 1-2-1 staggered layout, offering direct aisle access for every passenger—a big plus even on a relatively short 3.5-hour flight. Seat selection matters here: odd-numbered window seats are positioned closer to the window for added privacy, while even-numbered ones sit nearer the aisle. In the center, the “honeymoon seats” (even-numbered) are closer together—ideal for couples—while the odd-numbered pairs are more separated.
Despite the shorter flight time, the experience felt properly premium. The cabin crew were polished and attentive, offering pre-departure beverages and proactively topping up drinks throughout the meal service. Catering out of Manila was also impressive, especially with the ability to pre-order meals through “Book the Cook.” Overall, this was a very strong intra-Asia business class experience—exactly what you’d expect from Singapore Airlines.
What I liked:
The seats – I’ve always liked SQ’s regional A350 business class seat, and this flight reinforced that. The seats feel spacious, well-padded, and thoughtfully designed, offering a nice balance of comfort and privacy. Even on a shorter flight, having a fully lie-flat seat and direct aisle access makes a noticeable difference.
For maximum privacy, the odd-numbered window seats are the best choice since they’re positioned closer to the window. If you prefer easier access or a bit more elbow room, the even-numbered window seats closer to the aisle may work better. For those traveling together, the center “honeymoon seats” are a great option if you want to chat during the flight.
The onboard service – Singapore Airlines’ reputation for service is well deserved. The crew were warm, professional, and attentive throughout the flight. Passengers were addressed by name, meal service was efficient without feeling rushed, and drinks were proactively refilled. It’s the kind of consistent, polished service that elevates even a short flight.
The food – Catering was excellent, especially for a regional route. Shortly after takeoff, breakfast service began with a starter of fresh fruits and bircher muesli, accompanied by warm breads and drinks.
For the mains, my companion pre-ordered the Lobster Thermidor through “Book the Cook,” while I preordered the Singapore dry char siew and wonton noodle. Both dishes were flavorful, well-prepared, and satisfying—easily above average for a flight of this length.
The IFE – SQ’s KrisWorld system continues to be one of the better inflight entertainment platforms. The interface is intuitive, the screen is clear and responsive, and the content library is extensive enough for most travelers. Complimentary Wi-Fi for business class passengers is another major plus, even on a short flight like this.
What I didn’t like:
No air vents – As with most A350s, the lack of personal air nozzles is noticeable. The cabin felt a bit warm during boarding, and without individual airflow control, it can be harder to stay comfortable. Thankfully, once airborne, the crew adjusted the temperature and kept it at a comfortable level for the rest of the flight.
It was OK…I guess:
The SilverKris Lounge at Changi T2 – The SilverKris Lounge at Changi T2. The space is somewhat small compared to the massive SilverKris Lounge at T3, though we were still able to find seating without too much trouble.
The buffet offered a very good selection of food and beverages much like the T3 lounge, albeit to a smaller scale.
The Amenities – The business class amenities felt a bit basic, but it got the job done. At the seat, we were provided with noise-canceling headphones, a pillow, blanket and bottled water. Additional amenities were also available in the lavatories, which were stocked with toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries.
Bottom Line:
This short regional hop with Singapore Airlines shows just how consistent the airline is, even on shorter routes. The comfortable lie-flat seat, polished service, and strong catering—especially with “Book the Cook”—all contribute to an experience that feels more premium than the flight time would suggest. While small drawbacks like the lack of air vents and a more modest lounge exist, they don’t take away from what is ultimately a refined and dependable intra-Asia business class product.
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