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On Mar. 1, 2023, Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced it would try its new Premium Economy and Economy Class service ware for selected medium and long-haul flights in March 2023.

However, some have criticised the move as "cost-cutting", especially after SIA announced its highest-ever quarterly operating profit.

Responding to Mothership's queries, SIA said they would "consolidate all feedback" and review how the airline can further improve its onboard dining experience at the end of the trial.

New service ware on trial for medium and long-haul flights

According to the SIA press release, the new service ware is made of responsibly sourced Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper and has a secure lid.

This will replace the current disposable plastic casserole dish covered with aluminium foil.

"This is part of SIA's continuous efforts to enhance the customer experience on board our flights," said SIA.

SIA said a more secure lid in place of aluminium foil cover would be able to retain heat and moisture better, so the airline could offer "soupy and gravy-based dishes" that were previously not available in Premium Economy and Economy class.

Such dishes include mee siam, laksa and congee, which were only available on regional flights under three and a half hours.

SIA also stated that the quantity of food in the new service ware would be the same as the current casserole dishes.

This trial, first implemented on selected flights to and from Hong Kong in February 2023, will be expanded to selected flights on 11 destinations -- Dehli, Dubai, Frankfurt, London, Melbourne, Mumbai, Perth, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney and Tokyo (Haneda).

The trial will run from Mar. 1 to 25, 2023.

Change criticised

Some commenters have posted on SIA's Facebook page to highlight their concerns about the change in service ware, with many commenting that it looks "cheap".

Others pointed out that Premium Economy passengers should use "proper crockery" like other airlines.

SIA to take feedback into consideration

Following the online criticisms, SIA said it understood that some of its customers might not be immediately comfortable with the change in service ware.

"We would like to assure them that we have put plenty of thought, and invested in several months of research and development into the design of the new service ware," said an SIA spokesperson.

The SIA spokesperson clarified that the cost of the new service ware is not cheaper but an improved solution to dining on flights:

"While the new service ware costs more than the current casserole dish, it allows us to act on customer feedback by improving and expanding our in-flight meal offerings in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class on medium- and long-haul flights.

At the end of this trial, we will consolidate all feedback, and review how we can further improve our onboard dining experience."

Top photos via SIA