In a move that could be considered surprising – Singapore Airlines is to take its SilkAir subsidiary, and fold it into the main Singapore Airlines brand.
SilkAir Boeing 737-800 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The programme will feature an investment in its cabin as well to transform the fleet, with lie-flat business class seating to be installed, and a full installation of an in-flight entertainment system in both business and economy class cabins.
The aim of the re-fit will be to align the product of Silk Air with Singapore Airlines.
The cabin re-fit is due to start in 2020, with the merger taking place after what Singapore Airlines call “a sufficient number of aircraft have been fitted with the new cabin products”.
Details of the cabin products have not been revealed, with more to come as the airline discovers its time-line.
Expect changes to the Singapore Airlines network to be made – with the use of smaller capacity aircraft, it can serve regional destinations with smaller frames – with route transfers expected.
On the news, SIA CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong states:
“Singapore Airlines is one year into our three-year Transformation Programme and today’s announcement is a significant development to provide more growth opportunities and prepare the Group for an even stronger future,”
“Importantly, it will be positive for our customers. It is another example of the major investment we are making to ensure that our products and services continue to lead the industry across short-, medium- and long-haul routes.”
In terms of fleet, SilkAir operates a mixture of 11 Airbus A320 family aircraft and 22 Boeing 737-800/Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline is in the process to switching to an all-Boeing fleet.
It’s an interesting move for SilkAir which started out as a holiday resort carrier to a full service airline. It sits in a middle position in the Singapore Airlines Group, with Scoot below it eating the LCC style traffic and Singapore Airlines stealing the more prestigious routes.
With a cabin upgrade to offer an experience along the lines of Singapore Airlines – no doubt, other airlines in the region will be wondering how to react…
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European reader
