Boeing 747-400 - Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines once belonged to the biggest Boeing 747 users. The airline had more than forty 747-400s in service and also flew earlier 747-versions like the -200 and -300.
The 'Singapore Girl airline' started flying in May 1947 as Malayan Airways with an Airspeed Consul. In 1965 Singapore became an independent state and one year later the airline was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines.
In 1972 the operations were split up in two separate identities: Malaysia Airline System (MAS, now Malaysia Airlines) and Singapore Airlines. SIA is among the most profitable airlines in the world.
Singapore Airlines is a big widebody user. Apart from the 747 it flew the Airbus A300 and A310 and today flies the A330, A340 and A380. The airline also operated the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and today has a large fleet of Boeing 777s. SIA had 81 passenger Boeing 747s in service and Singapore Airlines Cargo acquired 20 freighters of whicht 13 are still in service. The first 747-200B aircraft were introduced in 1973 and the first 747-400s joined the fleet in 1989.
Singapore Airlines named the Boeing 747-400 'Megatop'. The earlier 747-300s were named 'Big Top'. The airline phased out its last passenger Boeing 747-400 on 12 April 2012. The 747s have been replaced by Airbus A380 Megajets and Boeing 777-300ERs.
The 'Megatop' on the picture above is approaching Frankfurt Rhein/Main Airport. The small photograph shows a SIA 747-400 in the livery of the Star Alliance, also at Frankfurt.
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