Singapore Airlines

Fleet of 93 aircraft Average age of fleet: 5 years 8 months Claims to have world's most modern fleet Flies to 90 cities in 40 countries Excellent safety record - no long-haul flights have crashed before

Since then, it has grown into a major international airline, with a fleet of 93 aircraft flying to more than 90 cities in more than 40 countries.

Virgin Alliance

Last year, Singapore Airlines bought a 49% stake in Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic, in a deal worth �600m.

The two companies have retained separate identities, but share ticket operations on some routes and combined frequent flyer programmes and airport lounge facilities.

Singapore Airlines claims to have pioneered services such as free drinks on international flights and personal in-flight entertainment with complimentary headphones.

Its advertisements depicted its pretty young stewardesses, known as Singapore Girls, who wore traditional long tight-fitting outfits.

Profitable

Reports say that the airline has been profitable throughout its history, even during the 1997 Asian economic crisis, which hit most Asian airlines badly.

Until the Taipei disaster, the airline's worst memory was the crash suffered by a plane belonging to its short-haul subsidiary, SilkAir, in December 1997.

The aircraft, a Boeing-737, nose-dived over Indonesia, killing all 104 people on board.

Singapore Airlines chairman, Michael Fam, said on Wednesday that the entire company was shocked and saddened by the tragic accident.

"It is the first involving fatalities in SIA's history," he said.

"We wish to express our sincere regrets to all concerned for this horrifying accident."