While the name of Singapore Airlines debuted in the 1970s, the carrier’s history traces back to a few decades prior amid the creation of Malayan Airways Limited in 1947. This airline became Malaysian Airways Limited in 1963 before taking on the name of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines Limited in 1966. Singapore Airlines began operations under its current moniker in 1972, going on to become a global powerhouse and achieving numerous awards thanks to its welcoming service. //

The Ocean Steamship Company of Liverpool, Straits Steamship Company of Singapore, and Imperial Airways came together to incorporate Malayan Airways Limited (MAL). The region where this outfit started flying was the recently-formed Malayan Union, which was a combination of the Malay states and the Straits Settlements of Penang and Malacca. The Federation of Malaya was formed in 1948, which underwent several transitions in the following years. //

After launching flights to the United States a few years before, 1972 saw the launch of two names that are still influential forces today. Malaysia-Singapore Airlines split to give both to Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines Systems, with operations of both commencing on October 1st. Notably, Malaysia Airlines System also still flies today, under the brand of Malaysia Airlines. //

Singapore got the 1990s going with the opening of Changi’s Terminal 2. There was also a series of fleet renewals as the airline expanded, such as the $10.3 billion order for 22 747-400 and 30 A340-300 jets in 1994. //

Singapore Airlines stopped flying the 747 for passenger services in 2012, but the family remains in its fleet as a freighter. //

Continuing its trend of experimenting with widebody aircraft, Singapore Airlines introduced the Airbus A380 to the world on October 25th, 2007. This behemoth flew commercially for the first time between Singapore and Sydney. This inaugural flight had 455 passengers and 30 crew members on board. It was joined by the A330 just two years later.