Apart from this order, SQ is due received its 13th A380 in France and is due to receive another next month, complete delivery of all 19 ordered is expected to be complete by 2014.

SQ may further order an unspecified number of either Boeing's 777-300ER or Airbus A350-1000 but are still waiting for more details on Boeing's plane.

Airlines are in the news a lot lately due to aggressive long term expansion plans and positive outlook of the future. Just this week, Cebu Pacific also announced its fleet expansion and the recent enormous order from Air Asia as well. The one thing we can conclude, the future is bright in aviation.

It would seem that factors such as growth of the middle class in emerging countries especially in Asia and the rise of Asian tiger economies lead to growth also in the aviation industry aside of course from tourism.

Increase in long haul and regional flights are to be expect for tourism across the region and over continents due to business from the west coming to the east as what appears to be the trend now a days with IPOs in HK and massive expansions of European and American companies in Singapore and China.

SQ has about 107 aircraft's in its fleet, a good mix of Airbus and Boeing planes but majority of the planes are from Boeing as there are only 36 Airbus planes with the rest from Boeing. Although, 5 747's are due to be decomissioned in 20124 777-300 are to be returned to the leasing company. Also to note, base on orders, SQ will get 41 new planes from Airbus while there are only 8 firm orders from Boeing.

As it is, 5J already have the newest fleet in the Philipines and in contrast to PAL(PR) is generating income and aggressively expanding domestically and in the region. 5J has previously announced the order of 30 new A321neo and 7 A320 expected to be delivered between 2015 and 2021.

I'm looking forward to them getting the A321neo as I think that will lead to increased flights to regional destinations and introduction of new ones. I'm still let down that 5J only has 1 daily flight between Singapore and Cebu, I hope these new aircrafts with increase the flights.

5J will increase flights from Manila to Boracay, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Dumaguete and Naga. New routes will also be introduced, such as Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi flights and Cagayan de Oro to Iloilo.

Road Warriors going to or coming from Australia or New Zealand would most likely transit through Hong Kong or Singapore. This is also is the same for anybody needing to go to the secondary and tertiary cities in Southeast Asia, Singapore would be the jumping of point.

Business is growing and multinationals are building up presence in Asia, Singapore is the choice for most. This City state has long been attracting expats and business travelers and the recent attention only helps the country grow more.

Singapore also has one of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport has been awarded the best in recent years and this only adds to the positive reasons why a transit here would be the choice.

Road Warriors frequently coming to Singapore would know most do's and dont's as most would apply to any country one is going to but there would be some distinct differences for each country.

The Law

Singapore is a very strict country and majority obey the law, from as simple as waiting for the green man to light before crossing to do not bring in chewing gums. It would be best to just avoid the hassle and don't bring anything, most important requirements can be bought here anyways.

When crossing the road, even if there is no vehicle, best just to wait for the green man to light up. When smoking, look out for designated smoking areas, best not to light if you are not sure. You'll also know if its ok to smoke as smokers will be gathered wherever it is allowed.

Smokes are very expensive here and don't be tempted to bring in more than what is allowed by customs, there are agents walking around in plain clothes looking for offenders.

Escalator

When taking the escalator, stay on the left if you plan to be stationary, the right side is for people who are in a hurry or want to walk up or down.

Chopping tables

On hawker centers or local food shops, chopping tables is done before ordering. To know if a table has been chopped or reserved by someone, there will be a tissue, hanky, newspaper, id or umbrella on the table or the chair. There might be other items to indicate it's already chopped by the list prior are the common, the most popular way to chop is to use the tissue, its packed in handy containers of about 10 or so sheets.

Eating at hawker centers or coffee shops is a good local way to dine.

Crossing the Road

For road warriors from left hand drive countries, Singapore drives on the right and therefore when crossing the road look right first or better yet look both ways.  Although drivers follow the law and would stop and let pedestrians cross first, there will always be some who will disregard such.

Tourist Traps

There are tourist traps around the city, so be sure to avoid such. Avoid Lucky Plaza and Sim Lim. If you plan to purchase electronics, head on to Funan IT Mall. For other big name brands and such, head on to Takashimaya, Paragon, ION, Wisma Atria and Tangs on Orchard road or Vivo City and Harbourfront. Best shopping I think would be at the airport, no 7% GST.

Taxi

Taking the taxi is safe and without stress but it would sometimes be hard to hail one during peak hours, trying to call one would also be hard during peak. You can hail one from almost anywhere but not always, look for signs of taxi stands first as they will almost always be one nearby, especially in the CBD. During peak, there will be a snaking que so be patient.

Aside from the fare, there will be surcharges depending on different criterias, some of which are if you are ride from or alight in the CBD area, Sentosa or Marina Sands, use of Boot surcharge, after midnight Surcharge and ride from Airport surcharge. So don't be surprised when the driver presses the meter and the fare increases instantly. You can always ask for a receipt and it is rare to find a driver who will cheat you.

MRT or Bus

Taking the MRT or Bus is just like when you are in any other developed nation, might even be better is some aspect. Get the E-Zlink card from MRT stations or bus interchanges and you can use it in all buses, MRT and LRT.

Let alighting passengers get out first before boarding and once inside go towards the rear of the bus or at the middle of the train between train doors. Give up your seats to elderly, injured, children or pregnant especially seats marked with reserved.

Eating

Singaporeans are spoiled with so many options to eat, there is always someplace nearby to eat and eating is a national past time and passion. Hawker centers and coffee shops would be the regular places locals eat from, meal usually are from 3 to 7 dollars without drinks. Cafes and Fast food are also abundant with the international brands having presence all over the city. Restaurants would usually charge 7% GST and 10% Service Charge on top of the bill in contrast to Hawkers, Coffee Shops, Cafes and fastfood, which display the final price you can expect on the bill.

If you see a shop with a long que, it does not always mean its gonna be good so look first and decide if it is worth the wait.

English Singlish

English is the primary language of communication but together with Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the 4 official language of the Country. No problem communicating in English here, but you might encounter Singlish which is a local variation of English mixed with the local cultural flavor.

When you are asked, what time will you go back, that mean what time you go home.

When they say can or can can, that means yes.

There is also almost always lah, leh or wat at the end of a sentence. It would be a bit hard to catch-on at the start but you'll get a hang of it.

Our first road warrior is one of my best bud, Jeff Garban. His work with Aboitiz Equity Ventures in the Philippines and his passion for photography has him going from one place to another and he has enthusiastically given us his tips below.

How often do you travel:  I think on average once every two months Dude...

Where do you usually travel to: Since I'm no longer an OFW(Overseas Filipino Worker), I mostly travel diri lng sa atong Islands("here in our islands").

Preferred carrier: Saksak sinagol diri-a(Mixed bunch). Plane {Cebu-Pac}, Buses & Boats. Sometimes Ro-Ro(Roll-on-Roll-off).

Best Aircraft: PAL(Philippine Airlines) raman akong nasakyan Dude nga nice(the nicest I've flown is with PAL). The Airphil Express Planes are nice too

Best journey from airport to city: Changi MRT - Chua Chu Kang via MRT  (Singapore)

Best food in the air: Budget raman ko mostly Dude so No Frills (I've flown mostly budget/No Frills airlines)

Most comfortable airline seats: Katong PAL nga 747 from Cebu to Manila. Nice Seats... (The PAL 747 from Cebu to Manila)

Best luggage: For now, that's our Habagat(local Cebu,Philippine brand)! Next up, Samsonite.

Best tip for staying fit while travelling: Staying Fit... Hmmmm, mag PSP raman KO Dude or minaw lng music (I only play PSP or listen to music)

Essential travel gadgets: PSP, iPod, Camera, Macbook and all of its chargers of course

Best City/Country to travel to: Singapore lah!

Best drink on the ground: Since I haven't had a Leffe yet, Paulaner for me...

Best food on the ground: Cebuano Lechon <3

What to wear while travelling: I like to wear a shirt, shorts & slipper when on Vacation. Though I like to wear my office uniform when I travel from AEV Cebu to Makati Dude Gusot Mayaman Pre!!!

What not to forget: The basic necessities. Ticket, Money...

Tips when in the airport: Speak in English & lastly this one came from you "Bring A Pen" lah....

Aside from being an excellent IT Professional, Jeff's true passion is in Photography. Be awed by his works at Green & Purple photography and Green&Purple, life in photographs.