Singapore Airlines reveals plans for Scoot, a new low-cost long-haul carrier

Singapore Airlines has confirmed details of the worst kept secret in aviation – revealing its new long-haul budget carrier will be called Scoot.The carrier will fly to destinations in Australia and China, with Singapore Airlines outlining longer-term ambitions to reach Europe.

No-frills carriers are booming in the region, with AirAsia X leading the way and established carriers, including Qantas, unveiling rival services.

From mid-2012 Scoot will operate a fleet of four Boeing B777-200 aircraft. It will be wholly owned by Singapore Airlines, but managed independently.
According Scoot chief executive, Campbell Wilson, the airline will operate as many as 14 planes by 2016, charging passengers some 40 per cent less than rival, full-service, airlines.

The airline will operate from Changi Airport Terminal 2, with bookings being taken from early next year.AirAsia X – the long-haul arm of Malaysia-based AirAsia - is likely to be the main competition for Scoot in the short-term.The carrier presently flues to several destinations including London, Taipei, Tehran, Paris, Seoul, Tokyo and a number of cities in China and India.Qantas has also unveiled plans to launch a rival carrier.Singapore Airlines is considered as offering the World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Read More

SINGAPORE AIRLINES WELCOMES ACCC DRAFT APPROVAL OF ALLIANCE WITH VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

Singapore Airlines today welcomed the ACCC's draft approval of its proposed alliance with Virgin Australia. Regulatory approval will enable Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia to build an integrated alliance, an expanded network and seamless service offerings for travellers in Australia.

The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines' global network with Virgin Australia's wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations, offering customers seamless connections, convenient flight schedules, access to more airport lounges and greater opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles.

Singapore Airlines Regional Vice-President South West Pacific Subhas Menon said: "We are pleased with the ACCC's draft approval. We pride ourselves on setting the benchmark for service excellence, product innovation and network connectivity in line with our customers' needs and our partnership with Virgin Australia will enable us to deliver a best-in-class travel experience across Australia. Today's announcement will be welcome news to leisure and corporate travellers alike who will benefit from the more attractive and competitive travel options this alliance will provide."

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia lodged an application with the ACCC in June under which the airlines propose to:

- Codeshare on each other's international and domestic flights;

- Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;

- Coordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and

- Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.


The proposed alliance is subject to regulatory approvals in Australia and Singapore.

Read More

Singapore Airlines suspends A380 flights

SINGAPORE Airlines this morning cancelled the departure of one of its A380 flights from London, telling pax that engine maker Rolls Royce had placed an “embargo” on A380 aircraft using its Trent 900 engines, as exclusively revealed to the world in TD’s breaking news.

Several reports say the crew refused to fly the superjumbo flagship after oil was found in one of the turbines - a symptom which is believed to have led to the explosion of the QF engine.

It’s understood that SIA A380s are also currently grounded in Sydney and Melbourne, although the carrier hasn’t responded to requests for comment before TD’s deadline today.

Engine maker Rolls Royce yesterday issued a special service bulletin after saying it had “made progress in understanding the cause of the engine failure” on QF32 out of SIN five days ago.

Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine (www.leemawdsley.co.uk)

“As a result, a series of checks and inspections have been agreed with Airbus, with operators of the Trent 900 powered A380 and with the airworthiness authorities,” Rolls Royce said in a statement.

“These are being progressively completed which is allowing a resumption of operation of aircraft in full compliance with all safety standards”.

The Qantas A380 fleet remains grounded and isn’t expected to resume service until Fri at the earliest, with further details emerging from QF32 incl damage to wiring and hydraulic systems.

Earlier this week SQ said it was continuing to operate its A380s after inspections found no problems with the fleet.

Read More