SIA to launch low cost, long-haul carrier next April

11 Oct 2011

Singapore Airlines' (SIA) new low-cost, long-haul carrier will launch in April next year with one Boeing 777-200 and expand its fleet to four such aircraft in the first three months. A report in The Straits Times said the new airline plans to operate 14 of these twin-aisle planes by the middle of 2016.

The report also suggested the new carrier was likely to be named Scoot Airlines.

Regional carrier SilkAir, another SIA subsidiary, has a fleet of 18 aircraft.

The new airline, a critical part of SIA's strategy to deal with intensifying competition from rival carriers, is expected to fit each of its B-777 with about 400 seats.

SIA had no immediate comment on the details of the Times story.

The new carrier is expected to reach destinations in Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, the report said.