SINGAPORE: The Singapore Flyer observation wheel at Marina Bay will not be ready until the first quarter of 2008.

But it has already received some 170 booking enquiries from the public and companies over the last three days since its website was launched.

44-year-old Serene Koh wants to take her marriage to new heights and she has set her mind on celebrating her 7th wedding anniversary at the top the world's largest observation wheel.

She said: "I've been looking at the way the flyer is being constructed from zero to what I see now from my office window. I am so amazed! I look forward to be among the first to be on the flyer to enjoy the magnificent view."

The Singapore Flyer will be built at a cost of S$240 million.

At 165 metres, it offers views of the city to even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Each ride will last about 37 minutes.

The operator says tickets will be priced at S$29.50 for an adult; express and cocktail packages will also be available at between S$52 and S$69.

The Singapore Flyer aims to attract some 2.5 million visitors a year of which 60 percent will be tourists.

As for talk of competition from a new ferris wheel in Kuala Lumpur which costs just S$7 a ride, the operator says the Singapore Flyer is a different product altogether.

"The one in KL is a 60-metre ferris wheel. In the first place, you can't go to KL and see Singapore's view and feel the pulse of Singapore. The whole ride experience is different," said Patsy Ong, Sales, Marketing and Distribution Agent, Singapore Flyer.

Some companies have also shown interest in booking the entire capsule, which takes up to 35 people, at a cost of S$1000 for corporate events. - CNA/so