| Lufthansa | Paris (CDG) → Munich (MUC) | A320-200 | Business Class | 20/07/2023 | |
| Lufthansa | Munich (MUC) → New Delhi (DEL) | A350-900 | Business Class | 20/07/2023 | |
| Vistara | New Delhi (DEL) → Bangkok (BKK) | A320neo | Premium Economy | 24/07/2023 | |
| Scoot | Bangkok (BKK) → Singapore (SIN) | 787-8 | Premium Economy | 09/08/2023 | |
| Lufthansa | Singapore (SIN) → Frankfurt (FRA) | 747-8 | Business Class | 09/08/2023 | Current review |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt (FRA) → Paris (CDG) | A320-200 | Business Class | 10/08/2023 |
| Lufthansa | Paris (CDG) → Munich (MUC) | A320-200 | Business Class | 20/07/2023 | |
| Lufthansa | Munich (MUC) → New Delhi (DEL) | A350-900 | Business Class | 20/07/2023 | |
| Vistara | New Delhi (DEL) → Bangkok (BKK) | A320neo | Premium Economy | 24/07/2023 | |
| Scoot | Bangkok (BKK) → Singapore (SIN) | 787-8 | Premium Economy | 09/08/2023 | |
| Lufthansa | Singapore (SIN) → Frankfurt (FRA) | 747-8 | Business Class | 09/08/2023 | Current review |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt (FRA) → Paris (CDG) | A320-200 | Business Class | 10/08/2023 |
Hello everyone, and welcome to this new Flight review! This marks the fifth episode of my trip to Asia. In this Flight review, it's time for me to return to Europe, and it won't be on just any aircraft! I am delighted to take you on board one of the last remaining passenger Boeing 747s in service, the Lufthansa Boeing 747-8, from Singapore to Frankfurt, in Business Class.
I've taken this flight, the LH779, many times over the years. Initially operated with the 747-400, then since 2012 with the A380, Lufthansa decided to operate the flight with the A340-300 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, since October 2022, it has been operated with the Boeing 747-8. It's a pleasure to see the 747 back in Singapore, and it's great to be back on board a 747 in 2023!
Last year, I had the opportunity to fly the Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 between Frankfurt and Delhi on a daytime flight, and I provided you with a Flight review. Today, it's time to present the same aircraft on a night flight.
Let's meet at Terminal 2 of Singapore-Changi Airport. I arrived there at noon from Bangkok with Scoot in the ScootPlus cabin (Premium Economy) on a Boeing 787-8. It was a nice experience, and I recommend checking it out!
After spending the afternoon exploring Singapore (it has been several years since my last visit), it's time to check in for my flight to Frankfurt.
Terminal 2 of Singapore Airport is undergoing renovations during my visit, and a significant part of it is closed. The detours everywhere seem a bit chaotic for my taste.
There are very few flights departing from this terminal tonight, and only a handful of airlines seem to still operate from here. Lufthansa Group is among the last ones present at this terminal.
Since my last visit to this check-in hall in 2019, it has changed significantly. It has been completely renovated, and while it is clean, modern, and rather beautiful compared to some European airports, I personally find it somewhat cold, lacking a certain charm, including the colors, carpets, and counters.
I have never seen this usually bustling terminal so empty – the atmosphere feels quite sad.
At least there is no wait at check-in.
Then, it's off to immigration. Again, no wait. Cleared in less than 30 seconds via fully automated kiosks. No counters, just like on arrival.
On the other side, my opinion remains unchanged. It's clean but very dull – a no man's land compared to the former Changi T2. Subjective as it may be, I am not a fan of their new carpet.
As few flights as ever...
Despite the ongoing renovations, there is no shortage of dining and shopping options! Between luxury boutiques, duty-free shops, and various stores, there's plenty to do, with barely anyone around.
There is a food court upstairs with a variety of dining options, including McDonald's, Subway, and 7-Eleven.
Heading to Concourse E to pass the time and reminisce about the post-Covid days when Lufthansa still operated flights from there.
As always in Singapore, there are green spaces!
We arrive at the E Gates (not yet renovated), and suddenly, we encounter the old carpet style. It may be outdated, but I don't find it any less appealing than the new one!
I take the opportunity to capture this concourse, so empty, as most of the stands are currently being renovated. Remembering the pre-Covid days when Lufthansa operated flights from here, especially the famous Gate E8, at the end of the concourse, occupied every evening by the German airline's A380.
Backtracking to Concourse F, where my flight will depart tonight. Duty-free shops continue to line the way…
A Starbucks stands out. Once again, the desert-like character of this terminal is apparent.
Drinking water is available on a self-service basis throughout the terminal – a thoughtful touch considering the high prices of water bottles at Singapore Airport.
An electronics store.
And various other boutiques.
The F concourse, also not renovated, still has the old carpet.
No need to walk far. I arrive at Gate F31, from where my flight to Frankfurt will depart. No one at the gate for now.
We catch a glimpse of our plane through the still unlit boarding area.
After a while, we can finally access the security checks leading to the gate.
Indeed, in Singapore, security checks are conducted directly at the gate. While it avoids congestion at a common security checkpoint for all flights, in my opinion, it has more drawbacks than benefits: liquids purchased in the transit area cannot be taken onboard, no access to restrooms after passing security (none in the boarding area), and transit passengers must always go through security again (far from a time-saver).
Security cleared in record time: I was one of the first, I must admit.
Final identity check.
And here we are in the small, retro-styled boarding hall.
At least it offers a nice view of our aircraft! It's D-ABYH, or "Thüringen," a Boeing 747-8 delivered to Lufthansa in 2013. Like most of the airline's 747 fleet, it still wears the old livery.
Boarding (the actual one this time) finally begins. First, passengers with infants and those requiring special assistance, followed by First and Business Class passengers.
First jetway for Business Class.
Welcome aboard this Lufthansa Boeing 747-8! We enter through door 1L. On the left is the First Class cabin, designed to accommodate 8 passengers.
Now, I am in the first Business Class cabin, with 36 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration.
We then pass through the galley, at door 02L, with the staircase leading to the Upper deck of the 747, and hence another Business Class cabin with 32 seats in a 2-2 configuration.
Now, I am in the third and final Business Class cabin, where I am seated. It can accommodate only 12 passengers in a 2-2-2 configuration. In my opinion, this is the most pleasant and cozy business-class cabin of this 747, with its two rows.
My seat for the next 12 hours will be 10A, in the first row of this small cabin, on the window side.
It has four windows of its own!
This cabin represents Lufthansa's most classic Business Class, launched in 2012 and found in most of the fleet. I have presented it several times, including last year on the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900. It stands in stark contrast to other Business Class cabins I've tested on board Lufthansa, notably the Business Class on board the Boeing 787-9 (ex-Hainan Airlines aircraft) and the Airbus A350-900 (ex-Philippine Airlines aircraft). I'll leave you to read the reviews of these two experiences if you're interested in finding out more.
A nice view of the leading edge and the two huge left engines of the Jumbo jet.
Upon reaching the seat, a blanket and a pillow are already there.
There is also a mattress to place on the seat for improved comfort, making it less firm. This is available in Business Class on flights exceeding 10 hours.
The legroom is excellent! An advantage of the 2-2-2 configuration, for sure.
One point that can be seen as an advantage or a disadvantage: Lufthansa's 747-8 (the first aircraft in the fleet to receive this 2-2-2 cabin in 2012) are the only ones with a small particularity in the Business Class seat. Seats close to the windows (A-C and H-K) are slightly facing each other so that two passengers can look at each other. Whereas on board the 747-400, A330, A340, A350, and A380, the configuration is slightly different, with seats A-C and H-K all facing the windows. This can be bothersome when traveling next to a stranger but is more pleasant when traveling with a companion, as was my case on this flight. You face your partner instead of turning your back.
In front, there is the entertainment screen. A not very large screen, not very bright, and of average quality. It is the first generation of IFE offered with this cabin introduced in 2012 (different from those on the A350).
On the left, a coat hook is provided.
You find the safety card, a sickness bag, and an inflight shopping magazine in the seat pocket.
Below, a compartment contains a small water bottle and an amenity kit. A pajama is also provided.
I did not take a photo of the Amenity kit's content, but it includes the usual: a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, creams, a headphone cover, and a mint. To reduce waste, Lufthansa provides eye masks, earplugs, and refreshing towels in the toilets.
On the side, there's an armrest that can be lowered.
At the headrest level, the seat has an adjustable reading light.
On the central armrest, you'll find the seat controls. The seat can recline into a Full Flat position. I'll show you a photo of the seat in the reclined position later during the flight.
In the armrest, you'll find the table, the (retro) remote for the IFE, and a compartment containing a USB-A port (with extremely low charging power) and an AKG headset.
The headset is of decent quality, with good passive noise reduction.
The tablet can fold, unfold, translate, and pivot. As seen in the photos, cleanliness is not perfect.
Each passenger has an individual universal power outlet. The wear and tear on this cab is obvious, reflecting its age and (perhaps) poor maintenance.
A welcome drink is served. I'll have a glass of orange juice – it's freshly squeezed, cool, and perfect!
A glance at the overhead panel, reminiscent of the one on the Scoot 787 a few hours ago!
Boarding completed. The small two-row cabin is half-empty, making it even more pleasant.
I find the seat's privacy quite good when sitting by the window and traveling with a companion. Additionally, the 747-8's cabin is so wide that you don't really feel the sense of obstruction that you might experience in the A350 with a 2-2-2 configuration, for example.
The safety video begins, followed by the pushback.
We start a fairly long taxi that will take us to runway 20L. I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the night photos.
We pass by Concourse E of Terminal 2, which is currently undergoing partial renovation.
In the background, the control tower and the top of the Jewel dome.
At 00:10, with a 15-minute delay, we take off from Singapore, heading to Frankfurt.
Over the illuminated sea with numerous ships, we continue our climb.
Now, let me introduce the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system on this 747.
It is available in several languages and offers a variety of content.
In particular, quite a few films…
TV series…
Music…
But also, games, podcasts, children's content, relaxation programs, etc.
On-board cameras are present on this 747-8, although we can't see much at this time of day, I grant you...
There's also a GeoVision system.
While I complained back in July 2022 (during my flight on 747-8 between Frankfurt and New Delhi) about the non-interactive mapping system in only one language and really outdated, it has obviously been revised since then, and it's top-notch!
It offers different views.
Including a cool cockpit view.
Lots of useful information.
You can also connect your smartphone to the screen to control it remotely and import a pre-designed playlist before the flight. If you're interested in this technology, I refer you to my review on board the Lufthansa A350 between Bangkok and Munich, dating from August 2022. I presented it in detail. It's a nice feature, but rather unknown.
IFE is generally good. Good software. A good mapping system. The only negative point is the aging hardware. As mentioned earlier, the screen is small, not very bright, and of low resolution. It's touch-sensitive, but very slow, unresponsive, and inaccurate. Whether you use your finger or the remote control, you often have to repeat your action to get it to take effect. However, given that this hardware is ten years old on a 747, it's understandable.
Lufthansa also offers a good selection of magazines and newspapers to download before the flight. I covered this service in detail in one of my last Flight reviews with Lufthansa, in case you're interested.
Turning now to Wi-Fi, it is possible to connect to the "Telekom_FlyNet" network, which gives access to a portal with various information. In particular, it allows you to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
On this flight, as on all Lufthansa long-haul flights, three Wi-Fi packages are available. A dedicated message offer valid for the entire duration of the flight, at 5€ / 5,50$. A high-speed pass is available for 2 hours at 15€ / 16,50$. And finally, a high-speed pass for the entire duration of the flight at 25€ / 27,50$.
Having purchased a Message access before the flight on the Telekom portal, all I had to do was enter my access code to access the network. How convenient!
The service begins slowly as the crew brings us the menu.
A hot towel is then distributed, and the table is set.
It is accompanied by an aperitif. For me, a glass of Sprite, a glass of water, and nuts/almonds.
The starter is then served. For me, it's the Balik smoked Salmon, Pesto Quinoa Salad, Crème fraîche, and Red Radish. The appetizer comes with salad and vinaigrette, a choice of bread, and butter.
The salmon is really fresh and good. The quinoa is also good. The heated bread is crisp on the outside and tender inside. The only downside is the presentation, as I'm not a fan of the tray, which adds a canteen effect to the product. It's a far cry from the pre-Covid days when there was a real service on a table without a tray.
The main course arrives. For the main course, I'll go for a Medley of King Prawns and Scallops served with Ginger and Spring Onion Sauce, Jasmine Rice, and Mixed Vegetables.
The prawns and scallops are exquisite. The rice and sauce are okay, but the vegetables are a bit average.
Cheese and dessert are then brought. As usual, the drawback with Lufthansa... The cheese is average, dry, flavorless, and without real taste. The dessert is not bad but far too sweet for my liking.
After the service, a chocolate bar is given to each passenger.
Once dinner is done, a visit to the toilets gives me a good opportunity to climb the stairs to the Upper deck.
Inside, like on every Lufthansa widebody in Business Class, you'll find hand moisturizer, earplugs, eye masks, small mouthwash bottles, combs, and disinfectant wipes.
A glimpse of the Purser's desk, a peculiarity of the 747.
Back in my seat, it's time to lie down. Falling asleep before finishing my movie.
After 5 hours of honestly decent sleep, I woke up above Iran. I decided to spend the rest of the time resuming my movie.
This is an opportunity for me to talk about the sleeping comfort on this Business Class seat. Honestly, it's not as terrible as I claimed during my Bangkok-Munich flight last year. The seat is a bit narrow, it's true. But being by the window, with less exposure to the aisle, especially in a smaller two-row cabin with less traffic, makes it less dreadful.
The mattress placed on the seat significantly improves the seat comfort, making it less firm and quite pleasant. In short, nothing exceptional compared to what you can find on other airlines, but far from catastrophic.
Two hours before arrival, as we fly over Romania, the lights suddenly come on in the Economy Class cabin just behind, which has the effect of disturbing Business Class passengers a bit.
Now it's our turn for the official wake up, half an hour after Economy Class, with a much softer and pleasant light.
Meanwhile, the sun begins to rise as well.
The crews distribute hot towels.
Then breakfast is served. There were two options. I chose the Tomato Herb and Gruyère Cheese Omelette with Beef Patty, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomato Salsa. There's also yogurt with fruits, as well as a selection of bread with jam.
The omelet is good, and the tomatoes too. However, I'll skip the beef patty. The yogurt is fresh and good. The bread and jam are good as well, but the croissant is quite average. It's not the plastic served in Economy Class, but it's far from a Parisian croissant.
I'll accompany this with apple juice and green tea. The sun continues to rise.
The Seat belt sign comes on as the descent to Frankfurt begins slowly.
We make our final turn and intercept the ILS for runway 25L.
At 05:55, 15 minutes ahead of schedule, we touch down at Frankfurt-Main Airport after 11 hours and 50 minutes of flight.
We vacate the runway, cross runway 25C, and taxi to our gate at Terminal 1, passing by many parked planes.
We park at Gate Z23.
We deboard quickly via the first jetway, with a photo of the magnificent nose of the 747 (finally!).
Welcome to Frankfurt! And what a lovely way to welcome us, by taking us up to the top floor via a staircase! No escalators, as is the case at gates Z50-69. Not at all practical with a suitcase. Even less so for families with strollers. What an aberration!
Then arrived in the Z transit area.
The advantage here: despite the immense size of the airport making connections a bit long (requiring a lot of walking), there is no systematic passage through security. Whether it's Schengen -> Schengen, non-Schengen -> non-Schengen, Schengen -> non-Schengen, or non-Schengen -> Schengen. Just immigration when entering/leaving the Schengen area. Simple! (Isn't it Singapore? ^^)
We walk towards Gates A for my next flight, LH1028, to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
We go through immigration in less than 10 seconds, thanks to the automatic gates.
For the rest of my experience in Frankfurt, I'll see you in my next Flight review for my flight to Paris.
That concludes this last but one Flight review of my trip to Asia, aboard the Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 in Business Class between Singapore and Frankfurt.
As for the flight itself, it was generally okay. First of all, traveling on a Boeing 747 is always a great experience, especially in 2023, when quadjets are becoming increasingly rare.
Regarding the cabin, there's no denying that it's dated. The 2-2-2 configuration, the small, low-resolution, and unresponsive entertainment screen, worn seat components, or not necessarily well-cleaned... elements that give the impression of leaping into the past. This cabin does indeed differ greatly from the Thomson Vantage XL I experienced on the outbound flight between Munich and Delhi. Nevertheless, saying it's dreadful would be a lie. When traveling with a companion, in a small two-row cabin, quite empty, adding the mattress to the seat, the comfort remains decent. The legroom is excellent. A slight disappointment regarding the seat width: a bit too narrow for sleeping. But let's not forget that it's a 747: sacrifices must be made to fly aboard the Queen of the Skies in 2023.
As for the service, the meals were generally good if we excluded the cheese and dessert. You may have noticed that I practically did not mention the crew in my review and for a good reason. They did not mark me at all, neither positively nor negatively. They were friendly and did their job, but that's where it stops. Nothing particularly impressive.
In terms of entertainment now, putting aside the outdated hardware, the IFE's offering is decent. There's plenty to pass the time with a significant amount of available video/audio content. The substantial offering of newspapers/magazines as well as the available Wi-Fi are real plus points. Unfortunately, Lufthansa still does not offer free Wi-Fi for Business Class passengers...
Regarding Singapore Airport, there's nothing to complain about this airport. It's clean, modern, and efficient. Security checks and immigration were done quickly. There's a wide choice of restaurants, bars, shops, and duty-free to pass the time. I have a reservation about the choice of colors, materials, and carpets in Terminal 2 after the renovations, making it all very cold, but that's just my opinion.
Regarding Frankfurt Airport, it's very smooth, quite convenient, and clean. One downside, however: the stairs on arrival are a shame with suitcases!
I hope you enjoyed this fifth Flight review of my trip to Asia. In the next and final episode, I'll take you with me on a flight to Paris!
Thanks for reading and see you soon ;)
