A demonstration flight was organised by Boeing with a small handful of invited media delegates onboard. Boeing had also invited a select group of VIPs to an exclusive event on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands … and at about 1830hrs, ZA003 made a total of three passes over the sea. The first pass was a little high but the second and third passes took place at an altitude of just below 2100 feet. It sure was a thrill onboard the Dreamliner as the tight airspace allowed for the circuit meant that steep banking turns were necessary and one could feel the forces of gravity at work – not necessarily in the direction that one normally expects. This was my “Kodak Aviation Moment” – a thrill that I don’t think I can expect to exceed anytime soon. Thank you Boeing, for the invitation to fly on the Dreamliner!

The presence of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s MIG 29N “Smokey Bandits” was hailed as a sign of warming ties between RMAF and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The warm reception extended to the Smokey Bandits must have inspired both forces to come together on 14 February 2012 for a photo-session involving the Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Air Force of Malaysia and Singapore. Before the VIPs arrive for the session, there was time for both the MIG 29N and the F15SG to stand alongside one another.

Visitors to the Singapore Airshow 2012 on the morning of 18 February were disappointed to find the Dreamliner missing – she was after all the star of the show that is plastered all over the news. Their disappointment was short-lived at 1100hrs when it was announced that she will make a pass over the show site. Dreamliner ZA003 took off from Changi Airport, made a right turn and flew over the display line – bade Singapore farewell by rocking her wings. And with one final wave, she headed across the Pacific Ocean for her long flight home.

After 38 years of sterling passenger service with Singapore Airlines, it is time to reflect on the retirement of the Queen of the Skies. SIA will operate a commemorative flight on 6 April 2012 from Singapore to Hong Kong (SQ747) and from Hong Kong to Singapore (SQ748).