Singapore Airlines was associated with large aircraft like the Boeing 747 for many years, coining phrases like the ‘Big Top’, ‘Mega Top’ and ‘Mega Ark’ to name them. Yet it hasn’t flown this aircraft type for a number of years, aside from in its Singapore Airlines Cargo division.
Here’s a history of the Singapore Airlines 747 Fleet.
A Brief History of Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines (SIA) traces its origins back to 1947, when Malayan Airways began operating regional flights with small twin-engine aircraft. Following Singapore’s independence and the dissolution of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) in 1972, Singapore Airlines was established as the nation’s flag carrier. From the outset, the airline pursued a strategy of modernisation and premium service, quickly earning a reputation for innovation and excellence.
During the 1970s and 1980s, SIA expanded rapidly, introducing long-haul routes and setting new standards in in-flight service. The airline became a major global player, operating one of the most advanced fleets in the world. Over the decades, it introduced several game-changing aircraft, from the Boeing 747 to the Airbus A380, reinforcing its status as one of the industry’s most prestigious airlines.
Singapore Airlines’ Early Fleet
Before the arrival of the Boeing 747, Singapore Airlines operated a diverse fleet suited to both regional and long-haul routes. Initially, the airline inherited aircraft from Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, including early Boeing 707s, which were used on flights to Europe and Australia.
In the 1970s, SIA introduced the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30, which became its first widebody aircraft types. These helped the airline expand into North America and increase capacity on popular routes.
Introduction of the Boeing 747 at Singapore Airlines
The Boeing 747 became a game-changer for Singapore Airlines when it entered service in 1973. The airline initially operated the Boeing 747-200B, which significantly increased passenger capacity and efficiency on key long-haul routes. The jumbo jet allowed SIA to compete with other global carriers and expand its network to Europe and North America with fewer stopovers.
Singapore Airlines capitalised on the 747’s luxury potential, offering spacious cabins, enhanced in-flight service, and premium seating in the iconic upper deck. By the 1980s, SIA had embraced the Boeing 747-300, which featured an extended upper deck, providing even more space for premium passengers. However, the most significant step came with the arrival of the Boeing 747-400 in the late 1980s, which became the airline’s flagship aircraft for nearly two decades.
What Variants of Boeing 747 Did Singapore Airlines Fly?
Photo (c) Han
Singapore Airlines operated several versions of the Boeing 747 over its history, including:
- Boeing 747-200B (1973–2000s) – The first variant operated by SIA, used for long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
- Boeing 747-300 “Big Top” (1983–2000s) – Featured an extended upper deck and improved passenger comfort.
- Boeing 747-400 “Megatop” (1989–2012) – The most iconic variant, known for its efficiency, extended range, and luxurious cabins. It was the backbone of SIA’s long-haul operations for over 20 years.
- Boeing 747-400F (Freighter) “Mega Ark” – Operated by Singapore Airlines Cargo, these aircraft continued in service beyond the retirement of passenger variants.
Special Livery 747s
Singapore Airlines painted a handful of its Boeing 747s in special liveries to commemorate milestones and promotional events. One of the most famous was a Boeing 747-400 (9V-SPK), which was painted in a striking “Tropical Megatop” livery featuring an orange, yellow, and blue design.
This special livery was created in 1998 to promote the airline’s new first and business class product. Tragically, this aircraft was involved in Singapore Airlines Flight 006, which crashed on October 31, 2000, during takeoff in Taipei, Taiwan, after the crew mistakenly attempted to depart on a closed runway in poor weather. The accident resulted in the loss of 83 lives, making it the only fatal accident in Singapore Airlines’ history.
Despite this tragedy, Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 747s remain an iconic part of the airline’s legacy, remembered for their role in shaping modern long-haul air travel.
What Happened to Singapore Airlines’ 747s?
By 2012, Singapore Airlines had retired its last passenger 747, marking the end of an era. The farewell flight, SQ747 from Singapore to Hong Kong, celebrated the aircraft’s legacy with aviation enthusiasts and loyal passengers.
Survivors
Photo (c) Lutz Blohm
According to Airfleets.net, Singapore Airlines flew a total of 106 Boeing 747s across the type’s career with the airline.
Of those, the following are known to survive.
9V-SIB, Boeing 747-212B
Operated between 1973-1980, this aircraft later flew as a freighter with Evergreen International Airlines as N482EV. It is now preserved at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum at McMinnville, OR, USA.
9V-SQE, Boeing 747-212B
Operated between 1976-1983, it later flew with Pan Am, Cathay Pacific, Nationair, Garuda and Tower Air. It is now preserved as the Jumbo Hostel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
9V-SQF, Boeing 747-212B
Operated between 1977-1984. It later flew with Pan Am, United Airlines and Tower Air. Today it is derelict near Sana’a Airport in Yemen as XT-DMK.
9V-SKL, Boeing 747-312
Operated between 1985-1997 (originally as N125KL), this aircraft later flew for Garuda, Air Atlanta Icelandic and Phuket Airlines. Since 2015 it has been preserved as part of the Dufan Amusement Park in Waru, Indonesia.
9V-SMC, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1989-1994 and 1997-2004, it later flew for China Airlines, Air Atlanta Icelandic, Oasis Hong Kong and Lion Air as PK-LHF. It is now used as part of a restaurant in Summarecon Bekasi, Indonesia.
9V-SMF, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1990-2003, today it is active as a freighter with Martinair, as PH-MPS.
9V-SMH, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1991-2006, it later flew for Cathay Pacific. Today it is OO-ACE with Challenge Airlines.
9V-SMI, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1991-2005, it later flew for Air India and Martinair. Most recently it was TF-AMJ with Air Atlanta Icelandic. It has been stored at Jakarta since 2022.
9V-SMJ, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1991-2006, today it is N729CA with National Airlines.
9V-SMM, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1992-2007, today it is N756CA with National Airlines.
9V-SMY, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 1994-2008, it is now N702CA with National Airlines.
9V-SPG, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1996-2011, it is now ER-JAI with Aerotranscargo.
9V-SPL, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1997-2009, it is now N471MC with Atlas Air.
9V-SPO, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 2001-2011, it later flew for Transaero as EI-XLM and RA-73291. Currently stored in Russia.
9V-SPP, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 2001-2012, it later flew for Transaero as EI-XLN and Terra Avia as ER-TRV. Currently stored.
9V-SFA, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1994-2010, it is now 4X-ICK with Challenge Airlines IL.
9V-SFB, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1994-2010, it is now OE-LRG with Challenge Airlines.
9V-SFC, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1995-2003, it is now B-2409 with Air China Cargo.
9V-SFD, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1995-2014, it is now N489MC with Atlas Air.
9V-SFE, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1996-2006, it is now 9H-AKJ with Air Atlanta Europe, leased to Saudia.
9V-SFG, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1998-2017, it is now ER-BBJ with Aerotranscargo.
9V-SFH, Boeing 747-412F
Operated between 1999-2007, it is now A6-GGP with Dubai Air Wing.
9V-SFI, Boeing 747-412F
Still active with Singapore Cargo.
9V-SFJ, Boeing 747-412
Operated between 2001-2016, it is now LZ-CJA with Compass Air Cargo.
Did you ever fly on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 747? Leave a comment below!
Title image: Christian Junker | Photography
1 comment
The DC-10 was NOT SIA’s first widebody and did not arrive until 1978 some five years after their first 747 so the 747 was clearly their first widebody by quite a large margin.
Also SIA did not inherit any Comet 4s from MSA.