Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines began as "Malayan Airlines" in 1947, flying an Airspeed Consul[?] twin engined airplane between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh[?], and Penang (two cities and an island of what is now called West Malaysia).

The remainder of the 1940s was a growth period for Malayan Airlines, as was the 1950s. World War II had just finished and people around the world wanted to travel, a privilege that they had sometimes been denied because of the situation worldwide during previous years, and residents of Singapore and Malaysia were no exception. By 1955, Malayan Airlines' fleet had grown to include a large number of [[Douglas DC-3s.

In 1963, creation of the Federation of Malaysia brought a change of name, to "Malaysian Airways". In 1966, the name was changed again, this time to "Malaysia-Singapore Airlines" or "MSA".

This airline lasted for six years, ceasing operations in 1972, when political disagreements between Singapore and Malaysia resulted in the formation of two new airlines: Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. Singapore's airline company had 10 aircraft at that time.

Singapore Airlines saw rapid growth during the 1970s, adding many cities in the Indian subcontinent and Asia to the 22 city network it already served, and acquiring Boeing 747 airplanes.

During the 1980s, the United States, Canada, and many European cities joined Singapore Airline's route map. During this time, Madrid became the first and only hispanic city to be served by Singapore Airlines.

During the 1990s, Singapore Airlines licensed model airplane companies like Schabak, Wooster plastic airplanes, Herpa Wings[?] and many others, to manufacture promotional plane models for them. Their Boeing 747's became known as the Megatops, and they ordered Boeing 767 and Airbus equipment to compliment the Megatops.

October 31, 2000 was a tragic day for the airline. Singapore Airlines flight #006, from Taipei, to Los Angeles, took off from the wrong runway. The crew, for reasons not entirely explained, were unaware that Taipei International's runway 05R had been closed for repairs following the passing of typhoon Xiang Sane[?]. In consequence, the aircraft ran into construction machinery, and the resulting explosion killed 83 of the 179 passengers.

Singapore Airlines has an enviable reputation in the air transport industry. It is generally regarded as Asia's leading airline and has won "World's best Airline" and "Airline of The Year" awards several times. It owns a large part of Air New Zealand and is a prominent member of the worldwide Star Alliance.

Singapore Airlines operates the youngest fleet in Asia, including the Boeing 747-400, and 777, Airbus A-310[?] and A-340[?], and is a launch customer for the largest passenger aircraft yet proposed, the Airbus A380.