SIA unveils long-haul budget carrier

[cosi]

Singapore Airlines has launched a budget carrier that will fly on medium and long-haul routes, including to Australia and China.


Called "Scoot", the new airline will begin flights from mid-2012 with a fleet of four Boeing B777-200 aircraft, company officials said.

 

[Alanslegal]

Being a leisure flyer, I am sure looking forward to the increased competition. Hopefully Scoot's service levels are closer to SQ but with a price of TT Bring it on to good value fares, new routes and destinations

 

[Justchecking]

Hopefully Scoot's service levels are closer to SQ but with a price of TT Bring it on to good value fares, new routes and destinations

Not really sure that's a realistic hope. When you get a bargain basement price it's because something's been left out. Now we can't leave out safety, aircraft maintenance or airport costs. Those thing are fixed. The only place an airline can really scrimp for cost savings is service. Cut down the onboard and ground product, adopt a high density seating plan and fly those planes as much as you can.

I predict Scoot will look a lot like our mature LCCs around the world. Where the price is only marginally cheaper than full service but there's a gulf the size of a moon crater in terms of onboard service. :shock: Welcome to budget flying. Scoot will get you there, and they might even hire good-looking FAs in tight suits like AirAsia do, but at the end if the day it will look and feel low budget. Complete with zero legroom, add on charges, in flight catering best left uneaten and the promise, although not always the delivery, of a cheaper fare.

SQ has no incentive to cannabalise it own premium product with a comparable one at a much cheaper price. Why reinvent the wheel and drop their yields at the same time? just my 2 cents...

 

[ethernet]

I thought Tiger was a 'Baby' of Singapore - so why a 2nd, especially when it will be based out of sg anyway?
Cannibalism.

I''ll add, in my case Tiger has lost its appeal, and unlike Air Asia, I cannot find acceptable 'deals', while Chinese Airlines are picking holes in 'high season' gravy.

 

[oz_mark]

Interesting livery

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...18397_195291693863700_637337_2143740480_n.jpg

See FlyScoot.com — We’re gearing up for adventure

 

[Flying Fox]

Ooooo, I don't like the proposed livery. Reminds me of a cartoon plane drawn by some child.

 

[ethernet]

Ooooo, I don't like the proposed livery. Reminds me of a cartoon plane drawn by some child.

Sat 'scoot' to me, and I think 'scoot the cat' away, or a Garfield toy to go with the plane.

SQ would have had 'panels' to test this by - right?
What does scoot mean/sound close to in Mandarin?
better than Red Q - think that means something awful.

 

[Awesom Andy]

With the 772, they probably need to have 10-across seating to make it viable and efficient for a LCC. In which case, it means they'll have to fly quite a few people at one go to make it work. So, if I'm not mistaken in my assumptions, MEL and SYD are likely to be launch destinations, together with cities in China such as PVG.

 

[yohy?!]

With the 772, they probably need to have 10-across seating to make it viable and efficient for a LCC. In which case, it means they'll have to fly quite a few people at one go to make it work. So, if I'm not mistaken in my assumptions, MEL and SYD are likely to be launch destinations, together with cities in China such as PVG.

Doubtful on the ten across, this approach failed badly for air Asia x. Also unsure if they will be competing with 3K on the SIN-MEL...maybe more likely to pick softer targets first than going for an out right price war.

 

[Alanslegal]

Not really sure that's a realistic hope. When you get a bargain basement price it's because something's been left out. Now we can't leave out safety, aircraft maintenance or airport costs. Those thing are fixed. The only place an airline can really scrimp for cost savings is service. Cut down the onboard and ground product, adopt a high density seating plan and fly those planes as much as you can.

I agree with the bulk of your comments, and yes I understand I am really optimistic in my hope for what I want Scoot to be

As long as the new product is similar to JQi overall then I would be very happy. I know LCC usually have quite a few voluntary add-on costs (eg. seat selection, baggage, food etc) however I would think I am diligent enough to compare these guys, JQi, et al with full service carriers when making booking decisions and base it on the overall cost and benefits provided.

 

[mannej]

Doubtful on the ten across, this approach failed badly for air Asia x. Also unsure if they will be competing with 3K on the SIN-MEL...maybe more likely to pick softer targets first than going for an out right price war.

10 across on a 777 is not something that is limited to LCC. EK NZ etc all have 3-4-3 on their T7's.

D7 run the 330's and from what I can remember, are they not 3-3-3, which is one more seat compared to the normal 2-4-2 of the 330?

 

[JohnPhelan]

"Scoot" - really??

 

[yohy?!]

10 across on a 777 is not something that is limited to LCC. EK NZ etc all have 3-4-3 on their T7's.

D7 run the 330's and from what I can remember, are they not 3-3-3, which is one more seat compared to the normal 2-4-2 of the 330?

Correct 3-3-3 yes that is right cant say I'm thrilled at the prospect and it's still doubtful SIA would try something like this with Scoot when JQ/3K are 2-4-2 on 330s....blame Melbourne cup