Orchard Rows: The story of Singapore Airlines’ ill-fated jackpot machines
The pursuit of novel in-flight passenger experiences has a long and often unconventional history. While today’s airlines focus on enhanced entertainment systems and comfortable seating, past ambitions stretched to concepts bordering on the fantastical – including onboard casinos. This ambition, however, wasn’t limited to theoretical discussions; both Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines actively explored bringing gambling into the skies, with varying degrees of success.
A Bold Vision: Casinos in the Clouds
In the early days of the Airbus A380’s development, the sheer size of the aircraft sparked imaginative proposals for its interior. Ideas ranged from shopping malls and gyms to bars and beauty parlors, effectively envisioning a flying resort. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, publicly stated his intention to equip six A380s with casino games – roulette, blackjack and slot machines – alongside double bed suites, promising passengers “two chances to get lucky.” However, Virgin Atlantic ultimately never acquired the A380, and the casino concept remained unrealized.
Singapore Airlines’ Gamble
Unbeknownst to Branson, Singapore Airlines had already ventured into the world of in-flight gaming in the 1980s. Seeking innovative ways to entertain passengers, SIA installed jackpot machines on one of its Boeing 747s bound for the United States in February 1981. The initial trial period was two months, with a potential rollout to the remaining 15 jumbo jets if successful. The move garnered enough attention to appear on the front page of The Straits Times.
Early Challenges and Modifications
The airline emphasized that the machines were intended as recreational entertainment, not an endorsement of gambling. The jackpot machines were supplied by Cemae Investment, led by David Flexer. To reduce weight, the machines were constructed with plastic components, a decision that ultimately proved problematic. During the inaugural flight, all six machines broke down due to the stress of passenger use, with coin slots jamming and arms being broken off.
A Second Attempt and Final Demise
After repairs and further modifications – including switching to aircraft power and a computerized credit system – the jackpot machines returned to service. However, the experiment was short-lived. By November 1984, references to the machines had largely disappeared from news reports, replaced by discussions of introducing video games like Donkey Kong. SIA ultimately discontinued the programme, citing ongoing issues with reliability and maintenance. While SIA briefly revisited in-flight gambling with virtual jackpots in 1998, physical gaming machines were permanently removed from their aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Singapore Airlines to consider installing jackpot machines?
Singapore Airlines was seeking new and innovative ways to entertain its passengers, having already experimented with live entertainment and inflight fashion shows.
What ultimately led to the failure of the “Orchard Rows” jackpot machines?
The initial machines suffered mechanical failures due to the use of plastic components, which were unable to withstand the stress of passenger use. Subsequent modifications proved unsatisfactory, leading to the programme’s cancellation.
Did Richard Branson’s plan for a flying casino ever come to fruition?
No, Virgin Atlantic never took delivery of the Airbus A380 aircraft, and Branson’s vision of a casino-equipped plane remained unrealized.
Considering the logistical hurdles and eventual abandonment of these ambitious projects, what factors might airlines prioritize when evaluating new in-flight entertainment options today?