Singapore Airlines is all set to launch a new long-haul budget carrier called Scoot by June 2012. In the initial stage, Scoot is planned to focus on those destinations which are within 5-10 hrs from Changi International Airport, Singapore and fly to a few cities in Australia and China.
Reason behind the launch of Scoot
Singapore Airlines, also known as SIA, has been accredited for its top-rated in-flight service for a long time, especially for the long-haul first and business class market in busy Asia to Europe routes. However, in recent years, Asian carriers such as Cathay Pacific, Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Australian rival Qantas have given a tough competition to the airlines to step into the growing low-cost market. Singapore Airlines expects to expand its share in air travel industry in Asia by providing economy tickets costing up to 40% less than full-service carriers.
The Chief Executive Campbell Wilson said to the reporters, “This new market segment is growing fast…We aim to bring new business to the SIA group.” He also added that though Scoot will offer economy tickets up to 40 percent less than normal full-service carriers, customers will enjoy the facilities to choose seats, meals and baggage options.
Reviews about Scoot
As per Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst with Standard and Poor’s in Singapore, “This new airline is a poor man’s excuse to fly SIA. It will be like luxury budget… When you’re flying 12 to 13 hours, you need to throw in some of the facilities people are used to on intercontinental flights.”
Source: Business Travel News
