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  • Singapore Airlines to Invest S$2 Billion in Long-Haul Cabin Upgrades

    Singapore Airlines to Invest S$2 Billion in Long-Haul Cabin Upgrades

    Singapore Airlines will spend more than S$2 billion (US$1.6 billion) to upgrade long-haul cabins across 72 widebody aircraft, introducing sliding doors to business class and larger double-bed suites to first class.

    The carrier unveiled the multi-class overhaul on Friday, covering its incoming Boeing 777-9 fleet alongside retrofits for existing Airbus A350-900 jets. Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong presented the plan ahead of the new cabins’ targeted debut in the second half of 2027.

    Under the investment programme, centre seats in first class will convert into what the airline calls the largest double bed in commercial aviation. Business class will feature fully flat beds and sliding privacy doors for the first time in the company’s history, alongside refreshed premium economy and economy sections.

    Funding and Fleet Allocation

    Chief commercial officer Lee Lik Hsin confirmed the carrier is funding the capital expenditure entirely from internal reserves, supported by a cash balance of S$9.1 billion recorded at the end of June. The package includes a S$1.1 billion retrofit plan for the A350 fleet that management first cleared in 2024, absorbing that budget into the wider long-haul fleet overhaul.

    Management has declined to place a ceiling on future cabin capital expenditure. Lee stated that unit costs for premium seating hardware outstrip economy outlays by wide margins, keeping the carrier’s capital allocation tilted toward the front of the aircraft where passenger yields remain highest.

    The Premium Yield Battle

    Rivals across the Asia-Pacific transit corridor and the Middle East continue to direct billions into corporate and leisure travel cabins. Rising jet fuel expenses have squeezed operating margins and lifted base ticket prices, dampening demand among economy class ticket holders while high-end bookings have sustained their revenue contribution.

    David Flynn, editor-in-chief of Executive Traveller, observed that the curved first-class architecture positions Singapore Airlines near the top tier globally, while the business-class cabin serves to close a competitive gap with Gulf carriers. Flynn noted that while Qatar Airways continues to lead the category with its Qsuite format, the new hardware gives Singapore Airlines an operational edge over regional peers such as Cathay Pacific and Emirates in functional seat layout.

    Certification Hurdles Across Boeing and Airbus

    Delivery timelines remain exposed to manufacturing bottlenecks and technical approvals. The bespoke interior fixtures were drafted primarily for the Boeing 777-9, an airframe originally slated for delivery in 2020 that has faced engine trouble, regulatory oversight delays and production halts that pushed launch deliveries out to 2027.

    Those delivery slips forced management to widen the retrofit schedule across its existing Airbus A350 fleet. Regulatory certification has emerged as the main operational constraint: while the seating units hold technical clearance for the delayed 777-9, regulators have not yet certified the hardware for the A350 airframe, adding an estimated six-month delay to the installation cycle.

    The Long-Haul Flagship Transition

    The capital expenditure marks a transitional phase for the airline’s long-haul network as it prepares for the eventual retirement of its double-decker Airbus A380 fleet. Those superjumbos introduced the carrier’s original double-bed concept, but higher fuel burn and ageing airframes make modern twin-engine jets such as the 777-9 and A350-900 the core of its operating economics.

    The next concrete operational test arrives in 2027, when German flag carrier Lufthansa is scheduled to take delivery of the first commercial 777-9, providing the regulatory benchmark Singapore Airlines needs before receiving its own airframes and flying the new seats.

  • SIA Buys up to 4,800 Tonnes of Sustainable Fuel from Aether

    SIA Buys up to 4,800 Tonnes of Sustainable Fuel from Aether

    Singapore Airlines (SIA) has inked a deal to purchase up to 4,800 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel over three years from Aether Fuels’ Singapore plant, with deliveries starting in 2028.

    The binding agreement, signed on Oct 23, makes the carrier the first buyer of fuel from Project Beacon, which Aether is developing at Aster’s refining complex at Pulau Bukom, according to a joint statement released on Oct 28.

    Under Project Beacon, feedstocks such as biomethane and industrial waste gases will be converted into aviation fuel, marking SIA’s first purchase of sustainable fuel produced via waste carbon technology rather than conventional lipid-based pathways.

    Waste gases replace lipid feedstocks

    This approach offers an alternative to the hydro-processed esters and fatty acids pathway, which relies on more constrained lipid-based feedstocks.

    The agreement builds on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between SIA and Aether in 2025.

    Supply limits and aviation costs

    Since signing the MOU, Aether has established its first commercial facility in Singapore, while also building partnerships across the local value chain.

    “Singapore is building a strong ecosystem for aviation decarbonisation through refining and aviation infrastructure, investment support, sustainability policies, and utilising its position as a global aviation hub,” said Conor Madigan, co-founder and chief executive of Aether.

    Building out the Bukom project

    Lee Wen Fen, chief sustainability officer at SIA, said that supporting the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, as well as securing future supplies, is integral to SIA’s ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    “We will continue to work with partners globally to scale sustainable aviation fuel production, strengthen the aviation industry’s sustainability ecosystem, and support the transition to more sustainable air travel,” she added.

    Target dates and local mandates

    Deliveries under the binding agreement are scheduled to begin in 2028 from the Pulau Bukom site as both companies work toward supporting long-term aviation decarbonisation goals.

  • Air India Sets up Cost-Cutting Team After Posting US$2.3 Billion Loss

    Air India Sets up Cost-Cutting Team After Posting US$2.3 Billion Loss

    Air India has set up a cross-functional team to find operational savings after posting a US$2.3 billion loss for the fiscal year ended March. It is tightening spending approval limits immediately to stem cash burn.

    Chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam told staff in an internal memo that the airline must embed frugality and accountability into daily decisions. Management is introducing an incentive programme for employees. It will reward staff who submit workable ideas to cut expenses or lift revenue.

    Spending Controls and Capital Demands

    The belt-tightening follows an August request by Air India to raise approximately US$1.5 billion in fresh equity from owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1 per cent stake following their joint venture consolidation.

    Air India has failed to record an annual profit since returning to private ownership under Tata Group in 2022. Rising jet fuel prices and prolonged route diversions have burned cash faster than projected during the initial privatization plan.

    Route Headwinds and Supply Bottlenecks

    Geopolitical turbulence has added direct costs to international flight schedules. Airspace closures over Pakistan and conflict disruptions across the Middle East have forced longer routings, cancellations, and capacity cuts on key long-haul services.

    Fleet renewal plans also face delays. Shortages of aircraft seats and cabin components have stalled retrofits on older jets. Management has opened talks to defer deliveries of hundreds of newly ordered aircraft to conserve capital.

    Operational Scrutiny and Safety Lapses

    Regulatory pressure has mounted alongside the cost drive following serious operational failures. The airline faced intense scrutiny after a June 2025 crash in Ahmedabad killed 260 people, severely damaging consumer confidence.

    Aviation authorities have cited the carrier for multiple compliance lapses, including flying aircraft without valid maintenance certifications. Regulators also launched investigations after a pilot involved in a severe mid-air plunge in August tested positive for marijuana.

    Turnaround Strategy Under New Leadership

    Gebremariam took charge of the airline on August 5, replacing former Singapore Airlines executive Campbell Wilson, who had led the restructuring effort since 2022. Gebremariam previously ran Ethiopian Airlines, where he built a reputation for lean cost management and rapid commercial expansion.

    Talks are now underway with aircraft manufacturers to negotiate revised delivery schedules. Meanwhile, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines are working to finalize terms on the requested US$1.5 billion capital injection.

  • Direct Asia-Pacific Airfares Return to 18% Premium over Middle East Routes

    Direct Asia-Pacific Airfares Return to 18% Premium over Middle East Routes

    Airfares from the Asia-Pacific region to the West remain elevated due to the persisting conflict in the Middle East, according to a report by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East.

    Direct flights from Asia-Pacific to the West have returned to an 18 per cent pricing premium over routes with a stopover in the Middle East, matching the baseline recorded across 2025, according to the ASEAN Airports Economic Impact Study released on Oct 7.

    The study analysed the top 100 passenger routes connecting Asia-Pacific countries to the West. Following the outbreak of conflict on Feb 28, direct airfares were around 30 per cent more expensive in March and almost 50 per cent higher in April, before direct flights became cheaper than stopovers in May and June, said director-general Stefano Baronci.

    Gulf Transit Capacity Recovers Unevenly

    Middle Eastern transit hubs bore the immediate brunt of route diversions and safety restrictions. Eleven major airports across the region operated just 66 per cent of their scheduled flight volumes between March and August. While operational capacity at those hubs climbed back above 80 per cent in August, scheduled seat availability remains tight as carriers reroute flights around sensitive airspace corridors.

    Earlier industry projections pencilled in a normalisation of Asia-West ticket pricing from September 2026 based on assumptions that Gulf hubs would restore full capacity. Those expectations have run straight into operational caution from international airlines.

    “Both direct flights bypassing the Middle East and flights via the Middle East continue to be higher than what they were in 2025, and this will continue to be the case.”

    Regional carriers continue to trim their exposure. Singapore Airlines and its low-cost unit Scoot extended flight cancellations on routes between Singapore and the Middle East through December. Cathay Pacific suspended all flights into the Middle East until late January 2027. American and European carriers have made similar adjustments, eliminating marginal frequencies to conserve fleet hours and manage fuel burn over lengthened detour paths.

    Jet Fuel Swings Lock In Higher Base Fares

    Jet fuel volatility has compounded the pricing pressure for international carriers. Global jet fuel prices surged immediately after hostilities began before dropping toward wartime lows of $2.70 a gallon on the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index in June. That price break proved temporary. By Sept 17, the index climbed back to $4.53 a gallon and held near $4.30 a gallon in early October, nearly double the average level logged across 2025.

    Airlines cannot adjust fares instantly when fuel costs spike. Major carriers price forward inventory three to six months ahead, meaning ticket sales locked in during summer were flown against higher autumn operating costs. To protect operating margins, carriers have raised baggage fees, increased surcharges and pulled back capacity on thinner routes rather than discounting unsold seats.

    For corporate travel managers and consumers across Asia, elevated fares mean business travel budgets will stretch over fewer total trips into 2027. High fares also shift leisure passenger volumes toward intra-Asian destinations where regional capacity remains stable and direct routing avoids West Asian airspace.

    Changi Generates 42 Per Cent of ASEAN Aviation GDP

    The ACI study also detailed the direct economic footprint of airport infrastructure across Southeast Asia, where Singapore maintains an outsized lead over regional peers. Singapore Changi Airport generated $7.9 billion in direct gross domestic product in 2025. That single airport exceeded the $3.1 billion direct GDP contribution generated by all airports in Thailand combined, as well as Malaysia’s $3 billion total airport contribution.

    Taking into account trade, investment and productivity spillovers, Singapore’s broader aviation sector delivered $22 billion to the domestic economy. When factoring in the catalytic effect on tourist spending, the sector contributed $47.8 billion to Singapore’s GDP and supported 597,000 jobs. Direct tax revenue collected from Singapore aviation activity reached $3.1 billion in 2025, compared with $1.5 billion in Malaysia and $1.3 billion in Thailand.

    Across Southeast Asia as a whole, the aviation industry supported 23.3 million jobs and contributed $244 billion to total GDP in 2025. Long-term passenger traffic through ASEAN airports is projected to expand from 650 million travellers in 2024 to 2.9 billion by 2056, requiring heavy capital spending on runway and terminal expansions across the ten-nation bloc.

    Winter Scheduling Sets the Pricing Floor

    Airline scheduling teams are now finalising winter timetables and corporate fare contracts through the first quarter of 2027. With major East Asian carriers maintaining flight halts to Middle Eastern points and jet fuel trading well above historical averages, ticket yields on direct long-haul corridors will face little downward pressure over the coming two quarters.

    The critical metric to watch through December will be whether Gulf mega-hubs can restore scheduled transit seat capacity past the 85 per cent mark without triggering fresh route suspensions.

  • Singapore Court Approves $8.92 Million Jetstar Asia Customer Refunds

    Singapore Court Approves $8.92 Million Jetstar Asia Customer Refunds

    Singapore’s International Commercial Court has approved a restructuring plan clearing SGD11.4 million ($8.92 million) in refunds. The payouts cover 194,000 Jetstar Asia customers holding unused bookings or flight credits following the carrier’s wind-down announced in June 2025.

    Passengers can recover their funds directly under the ruling. They will not need to submit formal proof of debt or join creditor proceedings.

    Automatic Payouts for Retail Creditors

    Ticket and voucher holders sit in an administrative convenience class under the court-approved scheme. The court deemed this group to have approved the restructuring unanimously. That bypassed standard voting requirements.

    A formal creditor meeting for retail claimants would have generated disproportionate administrative costs. Disclosures during a May 21 hearing revealed that nearly 146,000 voucher holders held balances under SGD20.

    Parent group Qantas provided the financial backing to settle these consumer liabilities alongside other corporate debts. The group is winding down regional operations.

    Airlines Recalibrate Southeast Asian Capacity

    The ruling settles the consumer debt created when Australian parent company Qantas decided to shutter Jetstar operations across Southeast Asia and Japan. That exit removed a long-standing budget competitor from Changi Airport. Rival network carriers stepped in to absorb displaced route traffic.

    Singapore Airlines and budget arm Scoot moved quickly into Jetstar’s vacated regional slots. Both added frequencies to defend Singapore’s aviation hub status against regional low-cost challengers. For consumers and travel platforms across the region, the swift court resolution avoids the protracted debt recovery battles that usually follow budget airline liquidations.

    Timeline of the Carrier Wind-Down

    Directors of Jetstar Asia Airways announced the permanent shutdown of the Singapore-incorporated business on June 11, 2025. Flight operations ceased on July 31. The closure triggered severance packages of four weeks of pay per year of service for more than 500 local staff.

    Management opened a voluntary refund portal in June 2025. Roughly 30 percent of eligible consumers had processed claims through that initial program by January 2026.

    The Settlement Pipeline

    Now, the court order transitions the remaining 70 percent of unsettled accounts into automated distributions handled directly under the scheme framework. RetailNews Asia will track disbursement timelines as administrators work through the 146,000 micro-balance payouts.

  • Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong’s Pay Falls to $5.5M Even Amid Strong Profit Surge

    Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong’s Pay Falls to $5.5M Even Amid Strong Profit Surge

    Singapore Airlines has revealed that it paid CEO Goh Choon Phong SGD7 million (US$5.5 million) for the financial year ending March 31, marking a 13.5% decrease from the prior year, despite notable growth in both profit and passenger numbers.

    CEO’s Compensation Package Highlights Increases Amid Overall Pay Drop

    Goh’s latest compensation package comprises a SGD1.5 million salary and SGD3.1 million in bonuses, both of which saw an upward trend, as reported by The Business Times. However, the value of shares awarded to him took a significant hit, plummeting by 46% to SGD2.3 million.

    Sky High Performance Amid External Challenges

    Despite grappling with geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures, Singapore Airlines has managed to soar above the challenges. Chairman Peter Seah expressed optimism in a letter to shareholders, celebrating the airline’s robust performance. The company posted a 3.9% rise in net profit to SGD2.8 billion while also welcoming a record 39.4 million passengers aboard its flights.

    Generosity in Profit-Sharing for Employees

    In a gesture of appreciation, Singapore Airlines has maintained a substantial profit-sharing bonus for its employees, offering eligible staff a share equivalent to 7.45 months’ salary. This is slightly less than the record-breaking 7.94 months’ profit-sharing bonus from the previous year, which was the highest in the airline’s history. It’s clear that while Goh might be tightening his belt, the company continues to reward its dedicated workforce generously — which, let’s be honest, is a refreshing change in these turbulent times.

    Questions & Answers

    What major factors contributed to Singapore Airlines’ resilience over the last year?
    Geopolitical tensions, supply chain issues, and inflation posed significant challenges, yet Singapore Airlines achieved a 3.9% increase in net profit and carried a record number of passengers.

    How does Goh Choon Phong’s current compensation compare to previous years?
    Goh’s total compensation is down 13.5% from the previous year, primarily due to a steep drop in the value of awarded shares, despite increases in his salary and bonuses.

    What profit-sharing bonus did Singapore Airlines offer its employees this year?
    The airline provided eligible staff with a profit-sharing bonus equivalent to 7.45 months of salary, just shy of the all-time high of 7.94 months from the previous year.

  • BeeBio aims to sweeten travel retail’s skincare offer

    BeeBio aims to sweeten travel retail’s skincare offer

    Key ingredients within the range include active medical grade Manuka honey – known for its healing properties – natural bee products (bee venom, Royal Jelly) and anti-oxidant botanicals from New Zealand. The products regenerate new skin cells by 80%, according to research conducted by the brand.

    BeeBio is performing strongly on the Australian domestic market, and earlier this year entered the inflight travel retail sector, with listings onboard Singapore Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific. The brand is targeting a presence onboard 15 airlines by the end of the year.

    The BeeBio portfolio includes cleansing, moisturising and treatment lines. Star products include the Venomenous Bee Venom and Active Manuka Honey Anti-Aging Face Masque, Active Manuka Honey Eye Crème with Bee Venom, Royal Jelly Facial Crème and Active Manuka Honey Day Crème with SPF15. Body and hand care products are also available, while an anti-ageing serum is in the pipeline.

    “We believe we have a premium offer and want to go global,” Sales Director Liz Kolovos told The Moodie Report. “We are targeting travel retail expansion, and have already created special travel packs and exclusives for the channel.”

  • Singapore Airlines Shower Employees with Bonuses Exceeding Seven Months’ Salary in Generous Reward Initiative

    Singapore Airlines Shower Employees with Bonuses Exceeding Seven Months’ Salary in Generous Reward Initiative

    Singapore Airlines is celebrating its remarkable financial performance by rewarding its employees with a substantial bonus equivalent to 7.45 months of salary. This generous payout is a gesture of appreciation for the hard work and dedication that staff exhibited during the fiscal year ending March 31, which saw the airline achieve a record annual net profit of S$2.78 billion (approximately US$2.1 billion), as reported by The Straits Times.

    Recognizing Commitment Amid Challenges

    Although the bonus is slightly less than last year’s impressive 7.94 months, it comes amidst a cautious outlook. On Thursday, the airline warned that global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties might impact both travel and cargo demand, according to Bloomberg.

    Within the 2024 fiscal year, Singapore Airlines enjoyed a notable boost from a one-off gain of about S$1.1 billion generated from its merger with Vistara, which was completed in November. Group revenue surged by 2.8% year-on-year to a record S$19.54 billion, driven by consistent air travel and strong cargo demand. Cargo revenue rose by 4.4% as e-commerce and perishable goods gained momentum, although competition led to a 7.8% drop in freight yields.

    Operating profit took a hit, dropping 37% to S$1.71 billion, primarily due to a 5.5% decline in passenger yields, impacted by the airline industry’s expanded capacity, as reported by CNA.

    Despite navigating fluctuations in tariff policies and ongoing supply chain issues, Singapore Airlines remains vigilant, promising to adapt quickly to the changing landscape while keeping its workforce in high spirits. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little extra cash in their pocket?

    Questions & Answers

    What is the amount of the bonus Singapore Airlines is providing?
    The airline is providing each employee with a bonus worth 7.45 months of salary.

    How did Singapore Airlines perform financially in the 2024 fiscal year?
    The airline reported a record annual net profit of S$2.78 billion and a group revenue increase of 2.8% year-on-year, totaling S$19.54 billion.

    What challenges is Singapore Airlines facing in the coming months?
    The airline cited global trade frictions and geopolitical uncertainties as potential factors that could impact travel and cargo demand.

  • Singapore Airlines’ profit plunges 59%

    Singapore Airlines’ profit plunges 59%

    Singapore Airlines saw net profit in the July-to-September quarter plunging 59% year-on-year to SGD290 million (US$) amid intense competition and surging costs.

    Revenue rose 2% to SGD4.8 billion in the second quarter of its financial year which began April, the company said in a financial report. It saw costs rising by 14.7 percent over the period.

    “The operating landscape will continue to be competitive,” the airline said. “The group will remain nimble and agile, adjusting its passenger network and capacity to match evolving demand patterns.”

    Singapore Airlines operates a fleet of 205 aircraft, with four Boeing 787-10 aircraft added in the July-September quarter.

    It has been increasing number of flights to popular destinations such as Hanoi, HCMC, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Phuket and Seoul.

    The airline is also investing SGD1.1 billion to upgrade its premium travel experience by installing long-haul cabins in 41 Airbus wide-body aircraft.

  • WFS and Singapore Airlines extend cargo handling partnership for launch of new flights to London Gatwick Airport

    WFS and Singapore Airlines extend cargo handling partnership for launch of new flights to London Gatwick Airport

    Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has been awarded three-year cargo handling contract extensions with Singapore Airlines in the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.

    In the UK, in addition to renewing its cargo handling and UK domestic road feeder services with WFS at London Heathrow and Manchester airports, Singapore’s national carrier is also partnering with WFS for cargo handling at London Gatwick Airport for the launch this month of five Airbus A350-900 direct flights a week connecting to Singapore Changi Airport.

    In Paris, the new 3-year contract will extend WFS’ service to Singapore Airlines in France to over 40 years, having commenced in 1986 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Singapore Airlines is also renewing its commitment to WFS in Brussels, where the two companies have worked together since 2021.

    “We are proud to be growing our relationship with Singapore Airlines and to be supporting the airline’s global reputation for service excellence. As part of SATS Group, WFS is now able to offer an end-to-end cargo handling solution on these routes, which leverages the uniqueness of our partnership and ownership,” commented John Batten, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) at WFS.

  • Singapore Airlines offers up to $25K compensation to passengers injured in turbulent flight

    Singapore Airlines offers up to $25K compensation to passengers injured in turbulent flight

    Singapore Airlines has offered compensation ranging from US$10,000 to $25,000 to passengers who were injured during the turbulent SQ321 flight.

    On Tuesday, the airline annnounced on its Facebook that who suffered “minor injuries” from the incident were offered $10,000, while passengers “having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care” were offered $25,000 in advance payment.

    The payment will cater to their immediate needs and constitute a portion of their final compensation.

    “For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances,” it added.

    All passengers on board the turbulent flight, regardless of injury status, will also receive a full airfare refund, along with delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or U.K. regulations.

    Additionally, Singapore Airlines has given all passengers S$1,000 (US$740) each for their immediate expenses upon departure from Bangkok, Thailand, where flight SQ321 made an emergency landing.

    It has also been covering injured passengers’ medical expenses and arranged for their family members and loved ones to travel to Bangkok if requested.

    211 passengers and 18 crew members were on board flight SQ321 from London to Singapore on May 21, when the plane dropped 54 metres in altitude in less than five seconds while flying over Myanmar.

    A 73-year-old British tourist, Geoffrey Kitchen, died of a suspected heart attack during the incident while several dozens of other passengers on the flight were later treated for paralysis, spinal and spinal cord injuries, as well as skull and brain trauma.

  • Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines strengthen commercial partnership

    Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines strengthen commercial partnership

    Garuda Indonesia (GA) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) today committed to deepen their commercial partnership, with the aim of offering reciprocal benefits for their frequent flyer programme members, and to explore revenue sharing arrangements for flights between Indonesia and Singapore, subject to regulatory approvals.

    The frequent flyer programme agreement was inked by Garuda Indonesia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Irfan Setiaputra and SIA CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong in Jakarta today, while the joint venture revenue share agreement was signed by Garuda Indonesia Director of Service and Commercial Mr Ade R. Susardi and SIA Chief Commercial Officer Mr Lee Lik Hsin.

    When launched, the frequent flyer partnership will allow GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem miles on codeshare flights operated by both airlines. The revenue sharing agreement, when implemented, will support joint capacity growth, marking a significant step in the plans for a proposed commercial joint venture arrangement that covers Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and Indonesia.

    Both carriers are continuing with joint marketing activities to promote tourism. This potentially includes joint activities to promote tourist traffic to Indonesia, including familiarisation trips for travel trade and media.

    Singapore Airlines and Garuda Indonesia have a strong codeshare partnership that has expanded in recent months. Today, Garuda Indonesia codeshares on Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and the Indonesian cities of Bali, Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya, as well as long-haul routes between Singapore and Johannesburg, London (Heathrow), and Mumbai. SIA codeshares on Garuda Indonesia flights between Singapore and Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya.

    Mr Irfan Setiaputra, President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia, said that this partnership is part of Garuda Indonesia’s efforts to improve the Company’s performance through a strategic commercial partnership, especially in providing added value to customers. “Having the same mission in optimising the potential of the aviation business ecosystem in South East Asia after the pandemic, this initiative is certainly an important manifestation of both airlines’ commitment to continue strengthening our well-established cooperation,” Mr Irfan explained.

    He added: “This partnership is a special moment for us, which also marks the 58 years of Garuda Indonesia’s journey in connecting Indonesia and Singapore. In the future, we hope that this partnership will continue to enhance social, cultural, and tourism relations between Indonesia and Singapore whilst offering seamless access for customers to enjoy various destinations served by both airlines.”

    “We hope that the expansion of this partnership will bring added value for Singapore and Indonesia, which are served by both airlines. Furthermore, this collaboration is also expected to not only provide added value for both airlines’ customers, especially through the ease of earning and redeeming miles for tickets and other exclusive benefits, but the hope is that it will strengthen Garuda Indonesia’s support for national tourism by providing more access to points in Indonesia for foreign tourists who will visit Indonesia via Singapore in the future,” Mr Irfan said.

    Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our win-win partnership with Garuda Indonesia will improve the connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore for our customers. This will help to meet the increasing demand for air travel between the two countries and beyond, as well as facilitate the growth of tourism and economic activities. Furthermore, by deepening the synergies between our frequent flyer programmes, we can enhance the benefits for our loyal customers, offering them more opportunities to earn and redeem miles when travelling with both airlines.”

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  • After 30 Years Singapore Airlines Flies The Boeing 737 Again

    After 30 Years Singapore Airlines Flies The Boeing 737 Again

    Previously operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) decades ago, the 737 as an aircraft type will once again operate under the carrier’s brand and livery. Up until now, the Southeast Asian airline had delegated much of its low-demand, short-haul operations to subsidiary airline Silkair. Now that the Silkair brand and its operations are being absorbed by SIA, the former’s 737s will be operated by the latter. The first of these SIA 737s took off for regular passenger service on Thursday, going from Singapore to Phuket. Let’s take a look at the flight and what it represents.

    Airline Geeks noted that on Thursday, March 4th, SIA completed its first 737-800 flight. This flight was designated as flight SQ736, from Singapore to Phuket (Thailand). RadarBox.com data shows that the Boeing 737-800 departed at 16:21 local time. After one hour and 44 minutes of flying time, the aircraft landed at Phuket’s airport (HKT) at 17:05 local time.

    After just over an hour on the ground in Phuket, the 737 took off on its return flight at 18:13, arriving back in Singapore (SIN) at 21:06 local

    As for the jet that operated this service, it was registered 9V-MGA. Data from Planespotters.net shows that it first flew with SilkAir in February 2014. After more than six years of service with the regional airline, it now flies with SIA.

    The aircraft, along with SIA’s other ‘newly acquired’ jets, will be configured to seat 12 in business class and 150 in the economy. The former will have a 2-2 setup while the latter is a standard 3-3 narrowbody economy configuration.

    It was noted by Airline Geeks that the inaugural flight to Phuket offered “an upgraded experience including food, beverages, and an amenity kit.”

    In fact, a menu of signature Singapore and Thai dishes were (and continue to be) available to business class and economy class passengers. This will run through to the end of March.

    Passengers in business class will also receive a unique celebratory cocktail named Tropical Sunrise. The special drink will be available on all Boeing 737 flights.

  • Singapore Airlines hopes to be world’s first airline fully vaccinated against COVID-19

    Singapore Airlines hopes to be world’s first airline fully vaccinated against COVID-19

    Singapore’s national carrier is hoping to become the world’s first airline to get all of its crew members vaccinated against COVID-19.

    Singapore Airlines confirmed to CNN Travel that all of their crew members — including pilots, gate agents, flight attendants and anyone whose job requires contact with the public – have been offered free coronavirus vaccines by the Singaporean government.

    The country has purchased the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two shots.

    “We are grateful to the Singapore government for making the aviation sector a priority in the country’s vaccination exercise,” the airline’s CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said in a statement that was emailed out to the whole company on January 18.

    “This reflects the sector’s importance and the crucial role we play in both Singapore’s economic recovery and the fight against the pandemic.”

    According to the airline, 5,200 SIA employees have already signed up to get their shots. Inoculations will begin in a few days.

    Phong, alongside Singapore’s transport minister Ong Ye Kung, was among the city-state’s first citizens to get vaccinated. He has received the first of his two shots, and reports that “the procedure was painless and fuss-free.”

    Once vaccinated, crew members will be subject to less scrutiny and fewer coronavirus-related security measures. For example, flight crew who are currently tested on the seventh day after their return to Singapore will be exempt from this test going forward.

    Singapore’s response to the pandemic has been largely successful due to border closures and a national contract-tracing app. The country has had 59,113 confirmed cases of the virus and only 29 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

    Still, citizens of the city-state have expressed an interest in being able to travel again. A much-hyped “travel bubble” with Hong Kong was indefinitely postponed in December when Hong Kong had a spike in virus cases.

    The annual Henley Passport Index placed Singapore second in the world — just one point behind nearby Japan — for passport power. Singaporeans can enter 190 countries or territories around the world without needing a visa.

  • Singapore Airlines unveils new short-haul economy catering

    Singapore Airlines unveils new short-haul economy catering

    Singapore Airlines passengers will see a change to short-haul economy class catering as the carrier ditches casseroles and appetizers in favour of boxed meals. Beginning on December 1, flights under three and a half hours will feature a rotation of more than 40 new Singaporean and international dishes.

    Economy class passengers on Silkair, a subsidiary of SIA, will also see the same catering changes as the regional carrier edges closer to fully merging with its parent.

    SIA’s new meal concept follows a broader trend among industry peers to shake up the economy class dining experience. In recent years, Delta and Qantas, for instance, have moved towards bistro-style catering on international flights with an emphasis on quality over quantity.

    Yeoh Phee Teik, senior vice president customer experience at Singapore Airlines, commented:

    “We are delighted to be able to offer a greater variety and quality of meals on our short-haul flights, including selections from Singapore’s popular local favorites that we hope both Singaporeans and international customers will find familiar and comforting.”

    The revamped breakfast dishes on SIA flights include congee with pork ball and century egg, mee siam, and pear cinnamon steel-cut oat porridge. Outside of meal hours, soups such as beef barley, beef goulash, and white bean with smoked duck, will be served.

    Meanwhile, flights featuring lunch or dinner will serve heartier courses including beef brisket with egg noodles, laksa goreng, and lamb albondigas. This is complemented by a variety of cakes for dessert, such as pulut hitam (pictured above) and earl grey chiffon.

    SIA said the new meal concept will help reduce the amount of inflight waste. By opting for leak-proof paper boxes, bamboo cutlery, and a simplified meal-offering, the airline will reduce single-use plastic consumption by 80 percent by weight.

    The boxed meals hold the same amount of food as the previous casseroles, according to the airline. However, SIA will remove appetizers such as bread rolls and fresh fruit portions, previously standard with economy class meals, as part of the new concept.

    A SIA spokesperson said:

    “We have done an extensive research to understand our customers’ preferences. From this, we have learned that most customers prefer a larger portion of the main course compared to an appetizer. We also found that there was high waste of appetizers, especially on short-haul flights. As such, we have removed the appetizers in [short-haul] economy class as part of efforts to reduce food waste.”

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