Singapore Airlines delays Airbus A380 return to Tokyo Narita

Back in August 2024, Singapore Airlines announced a host of network adjustments for the 2025 Northern Summer season, which runs from 30 March to 25 October 2025.

Among the changes was the planned reintroduction of the Airbus A380-800 to Tokyo Narita for a two-month period, replacing the current two-cabin Boeing 787-10. This would be the first time Singapore Airlines deployed a whalejet on the Tokyo route since March 2024, and coincided with the peak Sakura travel season.

The switch was scheduled to take place from 30 March 2025, but unfortunately there’s some bad news to report here: Singapore Airlines has delayed the return of the A380 to Tokyo Narita by a whole month, with the aircraft now making just a brief cameo appearance for May 2025.

Singapore Airlines delays Airbus A380 return to Tokyo Narita

Singapore Airlines’ original plan was to upgauge the aircraft operating SQ638/637 to Tokyo Narita from a B787-10 to an A380-800 for a two-month period, running from 30 March 2025 to 31 May 2025.

However, the schedule has now been updated to push back the changes. From 30 March to 30 April 2025/31 March to 1 May 2025, SQ638/637 will be operated by a B777-300ER aircraft instead.

SQ638/637 will then be operated by an A380-800 from 1-31 May 2025/2 May to 1 June 2025 instead.

From 1/2 June 2025, SQ638/637 will revert to a Boeing 787-10, as previously planned.

What’s the difference?

At the risk of stating the obvious, the A380-800 and B777-300ER are very different beasts, with the four-engined Airbus offering different cabin products than the twin-engined Boeing, not to mention a different inflight experience altogether (how often can you climb a set of stairs at 38,000 feet?)

The biggest differences will be felt at the pointy end of the plane, where the A380 offers unique Suites and Business Class products that can’t be found on any other Singapore Airlines aircraft.

In Suites, passengers enjoy a private room with separate seat and bed, and a double bed option for those travelling together. The two lavatories are big enough to do jumping jacks inside, and while it may not be the world’s best premium cabin product, it’s impossible not to have a good time.

In contrast, the B777-300ER’s First Class seat veers more conventional, with a combination seat/bed and regular-sized lavatories. There’s nothing wrong with this per se — you’ll still have a very comfortable flight — but it’s probably not what you had in mind when you redeemed your miles!

For detailed reviews of both products, refer to the articles below.

Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites (JFK-SIN)

Review: Singapore Airlines B777-300ER First Class Frankfurt to Singapore

Over in Business Class, the A380 offers a unique seat that can only be described as experimental, seeing how it’s not made its way onto any other Singapore Airlines aircraft. Couples in particular will enjoy a much better experience, as the design of the seat facilitates conversation and the sharing of meals when the privacy divider is lowered. There’s even the possibility of a double bed for certain seat pairs.

Over on the B777-300ER, the Business Class seat is largely identical to that which you’d find on the A350-900LH and A350-900ULR aircraft. It’s not shabby by any means, but it’s certainly showing its age and would actually be in the midst of a phase out by now, if not for the troubled B777X programme.

For detailed reviews of both products, refer to the articles below.

Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class (SIN-JFK)

Review: Singapore Airlines B777-300ER Business Class Singapore to Frankfurt

What if you’re affected?

If you’re affected by the aircraft swap, you should have received an automated email from Singapore Airlines informing you of the change.

You can also go to Manage Booking and look at the flight details to see what aircraft type is rostered for your flight.

There’s no difference in miles or taxes required for A380-800 and B777-300ER flights, and if you’re flying in the Business, Premium Economy or Economy Class cabin, there isn’t much question of compensation. You booked a Business, Premium Economy or Economy Class seat, and that’s exactly what you’ll receive- just on an B777-300ER instead.

If you’re flying in Suites, the situation is a little trickier. Singapore Airlines has always marketed Suites as “a class above First”, but when it comes to downgauges like this, the two are treated the same- even though everyone knows there’s a substantial difference here! 

I don’t think there should be any problem getting a full refund without penalty if you decide to change your travel plans because of this, and for those who have their hearts set on flying the A380, it’s worth seeing if KrisFlyer membership services are able to wrangle you a confirmed seat on another route, with the associated top-ups if necessary. 

It’s a YMMV situation though, made more complicated by the fact that there is no other A380 service to Tokyo (SQ308/319 has also been downgauged to a B777-300ER from 1 February to 29 March 2025, but since there are other London flights with the A380, getting a switch on that route may be more feasible).

Incidentally, since there are six Suites on the A380-800, compared to just four First Class seats on the B777-300ER, it is possible that someone now finds themselves without a chair. In that case, I imagine customer service will be reaching out with alternative options, including a refund.

Conclusion

Singapore Airlines’ planned reintroduction of the Airbus A380-800 on the Tokyo Narita route has been delayed, reducing a two-month stint into a one-month cameo from 1-31 May 2025. 

The truncation of the A380’s reinstatement will no doubt disappoint a lot of passengers, especially since the aircraft has been so rare on the Tokyo route post-COVID (though to be fair, the type was rostered for the whole of the 2023/24 Northern Winter season from October 2023 to March 2024).

Unfortunately, with Singapore Airlines retiring seven A380s during the pandemic and operating a smaller fleet of 12, it’s simply not possible to offer regular A380 service to Tokyo Narita anymore.

Are you affected by the aircraft swaps? What will you be doing?