SilkAir is switching to Singapore Airlines’ budget arm “Scoot” for its Lao flights to Luang Prabang and Vieniane commencing April 2019. The airline did not mention any scheduling changes , SIA said on Thursday (Nov 22).
The move is the result of a detailed review to identify which airlines in the SIA Group portfolio are best suited to meet evolving customer demand, the airline said.
Customers with existing bookings on all affected routes will be provided the option to switch to the new Scoot, SIA or SilkAir flights where possible, or be provided refunds.
SIA chief executive Goh Choon Phong said, “We are now at the half-way mark in our three-year transformation programme, and today’s announcement represents another significant development.
“The route review will strengthen the SIA Group for the long term, with the right vehicles in our portfolio of airlines deployed to the right markets,” he said.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir have inked a new codeshare agreement with SIA Group’s low-cost subsidiary Scoot, allowing travellers access to over 30 Scoot-only destinations.
SIA announced in May that its regional wing SilkAir would undergo a significant investment programme to upgrade its cabin products ahead of its eventual merger into SIA.
Scoot’s fleet will meanwhile be expanded with the transfer of 14 Boeing 737-800s from SilkAir, while SilkAir will continue growing its operations in the years ahead as it takes delivery of new Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft.
Source: The Strait Times
