Daily flights from Singapore to Zurich by Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines, the flag carrier airline of Switzerland, returns to Singapore Changi Airport after 4 years of absence. The airline will operate daily non-stop flights from Zurich to Singapore and from Singapore to Zurich which will enhance Singapore's connectivity with Europe. 

Swiss’s flight from Singapore to Zurich, LX 179, departs from Singapore at 23:10 and arrives in Zurich at 06:10 the following day. Passengers of this flight will be able to connect to up to 35 European destinations as well as to attractive destinations at the East Coast of the United States of America like New York or Miami. Flights from Zurich to Singapore, LX 178, will depart from Zurich at 22:45 and lands in Singapore at 17:15 the next day.

"With our daily non-stop service between Singapore and Switzerland, we want to meet the growing travel needs of both business and leisure travellers between our countries. In addition, our double-night service perfectly complements our Star Alliance partners' offering and we are delighted to now bring the best of service, products and hospitality from Switzerland to Singapore," said Swiss Air Chief Executive Officer Harry Hohmeister.

Tourist arrivals from South East Asia to Switzerland have grown by 30% in the past 3 years.

“We expect a further positive quantitative impact of an additional 5 – 10% growth from this region and Australia due to the new direct Swiss flight,” said Urs Eberhard, Executive Vice President of Switzerland Tourism, the national tourism office of Switzerland. “This new Swiss service will strengthen the position of Switzerland as an ideal and easy-to-reach vacation and incentive destination.”

a SWISS Airbus A340-300 at Zürich Airport in 2007. Swiss will operate A340-300 between Zurich
and Singapore seating 219 passengers in a three-class cabin configuration.

The new Zurich-Singapore-Zurich service will be served by Swiss's Airbus A 340-300 aircraft seating 219 passengers in a three-class cabin configuration. Swiss’s A340s are fitted with the company’s state-of-the-art Business Class cabin, where adjustable-air-cushion seats convert into a two-metre-long lie-flat bed.

Budget Flights to Nanjing from Singapore by Scoot Airlines

Singapore based long haul budget airline Scoot has announced budget flights to Nanjing, China from Singapore which will start on June 3 2013. Three non-stop flights a week (Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays) between Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport will make Nanjing the 11th destination of Scoot Airlines. Scoot will operate wide-body Boeing 777-200 aircraft on the Singapore - Nanjing route.

Sccot offers special promotional fares on Nanjing - Singapore route between May 6 and May 10 2013. Scoot’s introductory one-way Economy class airfares from Nanjing to Singapore start from just CNY 398 or from CNY 888 in ScootBiz.

“Scoot is delighted to provide the first low-cost link between Nanjing and Singapore. Nanjing, a beautiful city with rich history, becomes the fourth Chinese city in our network, and, to celebrate, we’re offering incredible airfares to Singapore starting from just CNY 398!" said Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot.

“Singapore, with a vibrant entertainment scene, Universal Studios, the iconic Marina Bay Sands and a deep Chinese heritage, is South East Asia’s hottest leisure destination. In addition, as one of the world’s premier air hubs, Singapore offers connections to a huge range of cities in Asia and beyond.”

A Scoot Airlines Boeing 777-200 in Tianjin airport.

Singapore - Nanjing Flight Schedules

Scoot's budget flights from Nanjing to Singapore
Nanjing Lukou International Airport	Depart 5.00pm
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Arrive 10.00pm
Scoot's budget flights from Singapore to Nanjing
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Depart 10.45am
Nanjing Lukou International Airport	Arrive 3.50pm

Singapore-based low-cost long-haul airline Scoot has began flying on 4 June 2012 with its first flight to Sydney Airport in Australia and currently flies to nine cities including Singapore, Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Tianjin, Qingdao and Shenyang, with Seoul and Nanjing commencing shortly. In conjunction with three partner airlines, Scoot offers 36 more cities for sale, bringing the total number to 47. 

Budget flights to Yogyakarta and Bandung by Tiger Airways

Singapore based budget airline Tiger Airways is launching budget flights to Yogyakarta and Bandung from Singapore starting on 1 July and 1 August 2013. Flight ticket sales for 7 weekly services has started by May 7th 2013 for the travel period between 1 July 2013 and 29 March 2014 and to celebrate the launches Tiger Airways is now offering S$10 promotional fares exclusive of taxes and other charges.

Bandung is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, the country's third largest city, and second largest metropolitan area in Indonesia with a population of 2.4 million in 2010. Yogyakarta is a city and the capital of Yogyakarta Special Region in Java, Indonesia renowned as a centre of classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, and puppet shows. Both Bandung and Yogyakarta is emerging as a popular holiday destinations for Singaporean travellers as a shopping hotspot, offering scenic nature spots as well as gateway to World Heritage Sites such as the Borobudur and Prambana temples. On the other hand Singapore is a top holiday destination for Indonesians. Tiger Airways already fly to 5 destinations in Indonesia including those operated by partner airline Mandala Air: Denpasar, Medan, Jakarta, Pekanbaru and Surabaya.

"Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, and is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Jakarta airport is currently experiencing some air traffic congestion, with more than 40 airlines operating out of its grounds, ferrying over 57 million passengers in 2012 alone. To better facilitate air travel between the two countries, Tiger Airways has decided to bring its services to more second-tier cities. With the addition of these new destinations, we are certainly looking forward to serving the Indonesian market in a bigger way by offering value-for-money fares across our group network of over 50 cities in 13 countries" said Ho Yuen Sang, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Singapore.

A Tiger Mandala Airbus A320 seen here taking off from Singapore Changi Airport.

Tiger Airways Singapore operates budget flights to regional destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, China and India from its main base at Singapore Changi Airport. Tiger Airways currently flies to destinations within an approximate five-hour radius around Singapore to 22 destinations in nine countries around the region.

Cheap flights to Seoul from Singapore by Scoot Airlines

Singapore-based low-cost long-haul airline Scoot has announced the launch of its 10th route to Seoul, the only low-cost link between Singapore and the capital and largest metropolis of Korea! Scoot has started to sell tickets for thrice-weekly service (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) to Incheon International Airport from 25 March 2013. Flights, which will be operated via Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport will start from 12 June 2013.

In a press release, Scoot's CEO Campbell Wilson, CEO said, “Scoot is thrilled to be the first low-cost airline to fly between Singapore and Seoul, and between Taipei and Seoul! With a population of 11 million, Seoul is vibrant, colourful, and fun, just like Scoot, and has plenty of good food and shopping options too. Scoot is therefore proud to be linking Singapore, Taipei and Seoul, offering budget-conscious travellers great value airfares, empowerment to tailor travel to their own needs, and an entirely new way to bring Kpop fans closer to their favourite Oppa and Unni at the same time. Now, it’s time to get outta here for some real kimchi and Gangnam Style, with a dash of Scootitude of course!"

Scoot currently operates low-cost flights on medium and long-haul routes from Singapore to Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Tianjin, Taipei and Tokyo, with Shenyang and Qingdao commencing in November in a two-class configuration, ScootBiz and Economy.

Cheap flights from Singapore to Seoul will start from $188.

Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 - Seoul Incheon International Airport Flight Schedules

Flights from Singapore to Seoul
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Depart 1.35pm
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport	Arrive 6.15pm / Depart 7.15pm
Incheon International Airport	Arrive 10.35pm
Flights from Seoul to Singapore
Incheon International Airport	Depart 11.45pm
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport	Arrive 1.25am (+1) / Depart 2.25am (+1)
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Arrive 6.45am (+1)

From Bangkok and Phuket to Singapore Promotion by AirAsia

Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia has launched a promotion on flights from Bangkok and Phuket to Singapore with fares from 1,890 THB (63.83) one way, including fees and airport tax, but excluding the processing fee. The bookings for the promotion are available until 18 March 2013 for travel period between 25 March and 31 May 2013.

Additional to the promotion, travellers that book tickets to Singapore on Thai AirAsia (FD) can also receive up to 25% off entry fees to some of Singapore’s most popular tourist sites, by presenting the AirAsia boarding pass.

Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said, “Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for families as it is full of activities for the entire family and also a great place for children to learn. This school break, AirAsia created the “Fun Everyday in Singapore” promotion to invite families to spend the break together, enjoying worthwhile activities. The airline has also partnered with Singapore’s Tourism Board to give its passengers an extra special bonus.”

The Singapore Tourism Board lets AirAsia passengers (limited to passengers on FD flights to Singapore) show their boarding pass for a discount on entry to destinations that include the Gardens By The Bay, Jurong Bird Park, Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.

AirAsia Airbus A320 departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia currently operates more than 142 routes[42] to 78 destinations,[43] with over 400 daily flights covering Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and with domestic and international routes, primarily from Kuala Lumpur, to Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, People's Republic of China, India, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam.

From Chennai to Singapore by budget airline IndiGo

Low-cost Indian airline IndiGo will start a direct flight between Chennai and Singapore from March 1 2013. "With rising business and tourism stemming from the region, IndiGo is determined to provide the best travel experience to all those who wish to fly to Singapore from the southern part of the country" said IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh in a statement released by budget airline.

IndiGo is already flying between Delhi - Singapore and Mumbai - Singapore. IndiGo introduced flights to Singapore in September 2011 as part of its expansion into international markets.  It initially introduced flights from Delhi but supplemented them from October 2011 with a link from Mumbai.  Both routes are served using a 180-seat Airbus A320 with a daily schedule and India’s fastest-growing carrier will offer a similar operation on this new route from Chennai.[1]

Consumers already have several choices to fly from Chennai to Singapore: Singapore Airlines (SIA),  SilkAir (SIA's regional subsidiary), budget airline Tiger Airways, Air India and Air India's low-cost airline Air India Express. Although there is a tough competition in the route, IndiGo is apparently looking to repeat its success at  Delhi – Singapore and Mumbai – Singapore routes. IndiGo had secured 24 per cent and 16 per cent shares of the O&D traffic on the routes  In the first twelve months of serving the Delhi – Singapore and Mumbai – Singapore.

An IndiGo A320

According to the media in addition to Chennai - Singapore route the airline is also looking to fly Hyderabad - Singapore (currently served by SilkAir and Tiger Airways) and Bangalore - Singapore (currently served by SilkAir, Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways) routes.

IndiGo is a private, low-cost carrier based in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. Other than flying domestic routes in India, IndiGo also flies to Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat and Singapore.

[1] - IndiGo to boost Indian links to Singapore

Flights from Singapore to Chinese Cities Qingdao and Shenyang by Scoot

Scoot, Singapore based mid to long-haul low cost carrier, has launched the first and only low-cost flights between Singapore and Chinese Cities Qingdao and Shenyang. Qingdao is Scoot's eight and Shenyang is the ninth destination.

“With Chinese New Year just around the corner, it’s a great time for Scoot to be launching the first non-stop flights between Singapore and Qingdao, and the first same-plane, wide-body service to Shenyang. Scoot’s super value airfares, empowerment to choose the frills you want and onboard Scootitude make Qingdao or Shenyang unbeatable locations to usher in the Year of the Water Snake”, said Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot.

Reiterating the reasons for choosing these cities, Campbell stated, “Qingdao and Shenyang are very exciting additions to Scoot’s fast-growing network. Qingdao, a coastal city of nearly 9m world famous for its great beer, is regularly judged China’s most liveable city. Its mix of historic German and modern architecture, seafood and proximity to Lao Shan, the mountain considered one of the birthplaces of Buddhism, offers something for all. Shenyang, at 13m the largest city in Northeast China, is the spiritual home of the Qing Dynasty and, in addition to being an important shopping and business destination, is a strategic gateway to North East China.”

The thrice-weekly service operates on a Singapore–Qingdao–Shenyang–Qingdao– Singapore routing at the following timings:

Northbound
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Depart 1.30am
Qingdao International Airport	Arrive 7.30am / Depart 8.30am
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport	Arrive 10.15am
Southbound
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport	Depart 11.20am
Qingdao International Airport	Arrive 12.50pm / Depart 1.50pm
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Arrive 8.00pm

Scoot operates medium and long haul no-frills flights between Singapore and Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Tianjin, Taipei and Tokyo, Shenyang and Qingdao by a fleet of Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Tiger Airways launches Tigerconnect with Changi Airport Group

From 1 February 2013, passengers of Tiger Airways and its partner airlines will be able to make hassle-free transfers at Singapore Changi Airport without the need for travel visa to enter Singapore,  immigration clearance,  and the  retrieval and checking-in  of their luggage a second time for onward flights. This will be available by tigerconnect, a seamless and hassle-free transfer service which is announced by Tiger Airways and  partner airline, Mandala Airlines, in collaboration with Changi Airport Group (CAG) transfer service.

With tigerconnect, passengers making connecting flights will be able to collect their onward travel boarding passes at the transfer desk at Singapore Changi Airport transit area upon arrival.  Thereafter, they can proceed to enjoy the myriad of amenities at the airport, without worrying about baggage transfers, before boarding the second leg of their flight to Tiger destinations such as southern India, China, Macau, Hong Kong,  the Philippines,  Sydney, Taipei, Thailand, and Vietnam.The new service is provided jointly with CAG, and rides on the  Changi Connects platform that was launched by CAG in November last year.

Mr Ho Yuen Sang, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Singapore, said, “We are delighted to begin the new year with this collaboration with Changi Airport Group to offer our passengers seamless connectivity between flights, convenience and cost savings.  We have rolled out a slew of new products and services last year, and tigerconnect is yet another step forward in terms of our offerings.”

Mr Paul Rombeek, President Director of Mandala Airlines,  added, “Tigerconnect adds convenience for Indonesian travellers on our flights, many of whom transit at  Singapore Changi Airport en route to destinations such as Australia, China and India.  We see a lot of potential in this group of travellers and will continue to explore ways to provide greater value and flight experience for our passengers.”

A Tiger Airways plane taking off from Singapore Changi Airport.

Tigerconnect is available across Tiger Airways‟ network of over  50 destinations, including those of its partner airlines, Mandala Airlines and SEAir, as well as on joint-itineraries offered with Scoot.  An airport transfer feature will be incorporated in all tigerconnect flights transiting at Singapore Changi Airport. Passengers in transit for more than eight hours can choose to travel without the airport transfer feature should they wish to leave the airport to meet with friends and relatives residing in Singapore.

Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Senior Vice President for Market Development of Changi Airport Group, said, “As a world-class airport recognised for its efficiency and service innovations, we are delighted to partner Tiger Airways and Mandala Airlines to provide transfer passengers with a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.  Changi Airport has seen a strong increase in transfer traffic over the past year, with a 21% year-on-year increase in the twelve months ending November 2012.  With an innovation such as tigerconnect, more passengers will get extra time to enjoy the exciting array of world-class shopping, dining, relaxation and
entertainment amenities available at Singapore Changi Airport.”

Tiger Airways has seen growing customer demand in connecting flights across its network, with over 20,000 passengers transiting at Singapore Changi Airport to onward destinations in 2012.  Riding on this, the airline has also introduced several innovative products to further enhance  its  passengers‟ experience, including  TigerApp, a mobile booking application available on  the  iPhone and Android mobile platforms;  tigerPLUS, a premium add-on service;  and  TigerShop Online, which allows passengers to pre-order duty-free products ahead of flights.

To celebrate the launch of tigerconnect, Tiger Airways will offer airfares with up to 50%-off on select tigerconnect routes. Travel period for the promotional fares varies with the route. Fares do not include taxes and other charges.  The booking period for this current promotion is from 10 to 16 Jan 2013.

From Singapore to Qingdao and Shenyang by Scoot

Singapore-based low-cost long-haul airline Scoot unveiled new schedules for its two new routes in China, Qingdao and Shenyang. The budget carrier, which already operates medium and long haul no-frills flights between Singapore and Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Tianjin, Taipei and Tokyo, promotional fares for guests outbound to these two destinations go on sale on December 19th, for travel commencing 11 January 2013.

Qingdao, also known in the West by its postal map spelling Tsingtao, is a major city in eastern Shandong province, Eastern China, with a population of over 8.715 million.  Shenyang, or Mukden, is the capital and largest city of Liaoning Province, as well as the largest city in Northeast China.

The new schedule of Scoot requires the thrice-weekly service to operate a route of Singapore– Qingdao–Shenyang–Qingdao–Singapore routing, instead of the originally-planned circular routing of Singapore–Shenyang–Qingdao–Singapore. The ticket prices between Singapore - Qingdao will be from SGD 98 and Singapore - Shenyang will be from SGD 128.

"The confirmation of our Shenyang and Qingdao schedule is an early Christmas present for us, and to share the cheer we’re offering fantastic promotional fares. What better time for a change of climate! Singaporeans can enjoy the crisp coolness of Qingdao or Shenyang, or take the opportunity to experience the world famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, just a stone’s throw from Shenyang." said Scoot's CEO Campbell Wilson. "We’re sorry for any inconvenience the change in routing may cause those already booked, but seek guests’ understanding that this is due to the request of the authorities. However, with this confirmed routing, Scoot is the only airline to operate nonstop between Singapore and Qingdao and the only airline to operate a same-plane, wide-body service to Shenyang. These cities are great additions to Scoot’s fast-growing network, and to Singapore’s aviation hub."

Scoot unveiled new schedules for its two new routes in China, Qingdao and Shenyang

Scoot  Flight Schedules for Singapore, Qingdao, Shenyang
From Singapore to Shenyang:

	Time
Departing Singapore	12.05am
Arriving Shenyang (via Qingdao)	Arriving Shenyang (via Qingdao) 9.05am

From Singapore to Qingdao:

	Time
Departing Singapore	12.05am
Arriving Qingdao	6.05am

For passengers who are booked on a return flight from Shenyang / Qingdao, the flights will operate on the following schedule:

	Departure	Arrival
Shenyang–Singapore (via Qingdao)	10.30am	7.25pm
Qingdao–Singapore	1.10pm	7.25pm

To celebrate the occasion and add cheer to the festive season, Scoot’s fares to the following destinations are on sale:

From Singapore to Qingdao: From SGD 98 (one-way)

From Singapore to Shenyang (via Qingdao): From SGD 128 (one-way)

From Singapore to Tianjin: From SGD 108 (one-way)

From Singapore to Taipei: From SGD 138 (one-way)

From Singapore to Tokyo (via Taipei): SGD 198 (one-way)

Agoda.com and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer partner to offer KrisFlyer miles

Agoda.com, Asia's leading and fastest growing online hotel reservation service, announced its partnership with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer to bring even greater rewards to its frequent flyer members when they book hotels with Agoda.com.

Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Singapore which flies to 62 destinations in 35 countries on six continents from its primary hub in Singapore Changi Airport. The airline has a strong presence in the Southeast Asian region, which together with its subsidiary SilkAir, connects Singapore with more international destinations in the region than any other Southeast Asian airline.

KrisFlyer is Singapore Airline's airline loyalty program which can earn KrisFlyer miles for its members when they fly on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or any of our airline partners, which include airlines in the Star Alliance network. From 1st December 2012, Singapore Airlines PPS Club and KrisFlyer members will earn 1.5 KrisFlyer miles for every US$1 spent on their hotel booking through www.agoda.com/krisflyer.

The offer is open to PPS Club and KrisFlyer members worldwide, and applies to all of Agoda.com’s hotels around the globe. In addition to earning KrisFlyer miles, members can also earn Agoda rewards points on each hotel booking, which can be used as discounts toward future bookings.

Agoda.com and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer partnership allows KrisFlyer and PP Club members
to earn 1.5 KrisFlyer Miles for every 1 USD spent on hotel bookings with Agoda.

“Without doubt KrisFlyer is one of the most desirable frequent flyer programs in the world to partner with,” says Ernst Hemmer, Agoda.com’s Director – Commercial. “With this new partnership, Agoda.com introduces PPS Club and KrisFlyer members to an easy way of booking any hotel of their choice worldwide while still earning KrisFlyer miles.”

Visit KrisFlyer Hotel Offers for more details.

Scoot introduces Early Check-In service in Singapore Changi Airport

Scoot, Singapore-based low-cost long-haul airline, introduced a new Early Check-In service for those who want more freedom to explore Singapore without the hassle of luggage, or to spend more time duty free shopping at Singapore Changi Airport.

From December 6th 2012, Scoot’s Early Check-In service will be available at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 2. The service will run every day from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (local Singapore time) for Scoot customers whose flights are departing up to 3 a.m. of the next day. Early Check-In service is free of charge for an introductory phase.


“Want more freedom to explore Singapore without the hassle of luggage, or to spend more time duty free shopping at one of Changi Airport’s 330 retail and 120 food & beverage outlets? Early check-in allows you to do just that! Just make sure to be at the departure gate at least 45 minutes before departure time, else we’ll be Scooting off without you!” said Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot.

Meanwhile, passengers who are transiting at Singapore Changi Airport and have purchased Scoot-Thru with Changi Connects will also be able to check-in for their onward flights across Scoot and its partner airline’s 25 destinations, as soon as they arrive at the airside transfer desk in Transfer Area E (opened daily from 2.30pm to 1.30am Singapore time).

Scoot Boeing 777

Scoot-Thru enables passengers to remain in the transit area of Changi Airport and collect their onward boarding passes, obviating the need to clear customs, collect baggage and re-check-in. Scoot-Thru is available online at www.flyscoot.com for just SGD16 per person per flight connection, or to walk-up customers at Changi Terminal 2 Transfer Counter E for SGD20.


Scoot operates flights from Singapore on medium and long-haul routes and flies to Sydney (Australia), Gold Coast (Australia), Bangkok (Thailand), Tianjin (China), Taipei (Taiwan), Tokyo  (Japan), Qingdao (China - starting from January 2013), Shenyang (China - starting from January 2013).

Jetstar Asia adds flights for Chinese New Year 2013

Singapore based low-cost airline Jetstar Asia Airways is adding extra services from Singapore to Penang and Bangkok to meet travel demand during the 2013 Chinese New Year period. An additional 16 return flights between Singapore and Penang and six return services between Singapore and Bangkok will operate during the popular holiday time providing over 7000 extra seats.

The flights are on sale now for travel between 7 and 17 February 2013. Jetstar Asia CEO Bara Pasupathi said Lunar New Year was a popular time for family reunions and short breaks. “Jetstar’s low fares allow more families the chance to travel to more places, more often,” Mr Pasupathi said.

“These extra services over the holiday season provide an opportunity to join family and friends or to plan a short getaway to these popular destinations.” The 2013 Lunar New Year falls on the 10 to 12 February 2013.  Jetstar currently operates 24 flights a week to Bangkok with lead-in fares starting from SGD$98 and nine flights a week to Penang with fares starting from SGD$58.

The northern gateway to Malaysia, Penang is the oldest British settlement in the country. Also known as Pulau Pinang, the state capital, Georgetown, is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site with a collection of
over 12,000 surviving pre-war shop houses. Its best known as a giant beach resort with soft, sandy beaches and plenty of upscale hotels and the island is also the country’s unofficial food capital. Penang is a popular holiday getaway destination for Singaporeans.

Jetstar Asia offers more flights to Malaysian resort Penang and Bangkok in
2013 Chinese New Year.

Jetstar Asia is the Asian offshoot of Qantas Jetstar Airways. It operates services to regional destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, China and Japan from its main base at Singapore Changi Airport. Jetstar Asia flies from Singapore to 27 cities in 14 countries throughout Asia Pacific including Auckland, Yangon, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Nanning, Guilin, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hanoi, Hangzhou, Shantou, Hong Kong, Macau, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Manila, Ningbo, Taipei, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka, Cairns, Darwin, Bangalore, Kolkata, Kuching and Pattaya.

Singapore Changi Airport Operating indicators for October 2012 (Media Release)

Singapore Changi Airport registered its highest number of passengers for the month of October when  4.27 million movements were recorded last month, 10.0% more than in the same period last year.  At the same time, Changi handled 27,600 flight movements, an increase of 5.2% over October 2011.

Passenger traffic to and from the Middle East continued its upward trend with the region contributing double-digit growth every month this year.  Traffic to and from traditional growth regions such as Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Southwest Pacific also increased by double-digits, accentuating Changi Airport’s status as a major Asia-Pacific air hub.

Year-to-date, passenger traffic at Changi Airport has grown 9.9% to 41.9 million, surpassing the 40-million mark.  If traffic for November and December remains unchanged compared to last year, Changi would end 2012 with more than 50 million passenger movements.  Aircraft movements for the January-October 2012 period totalled 268,000, an increase of 8.1%.

Airfreight movements in October declined 8.0% year-on-year to 150,000 tonnes.  For the January to October 2012 period, Changi Airport handled 1.50 million tonnes of cargo, 2.4% less than the same period in 2011.

As at 1 November 2012, Changi Airport is connected  to 230 cities in 60 countries and territories, and serves more than 100 airlines operating some 6,400 weekly flights.

Singapore Changi Airport Passanger Movements

Changi Airport’s traffic statistics are available at  air traffic statistics.

Other highlights at Changi Airport

New Services – Changi Airport cemented its position as the most connected point in Southeast Asia to India, with the launch of SilkAir’s thrice-weekly services connecting Singapore and Visakhapatnam on 28 October 2012. Visakhapatnam is one of India’s largest seaports and becomes the 12th  Indian destination to be linked to Changi Airport.

On the cargo front, Lufthansa Cargo commenced freighter services between Singapore and Almaty, a major commercial centre in Kazakhstan.  The airline will operate twiceweekly on the Frankfurt-Almaty-Singapore route using the 89-tonne MD-11F aircraft.

New Airline – Changi Airport welcomed the return of Shenzhen Airlines in October 2012.  The Chinese carrier’s daily flight between Shenzhen and Singapore departs Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 2230H and arrives in Changi at 0210H.  The return flight leaves Singapore at 0815H and lands in Shenzhen at 1155H.

New Outlets – Changi Recommends is now available at every terminal with the opening of its third outlet at Terminal 1’s Arrival Hall.  Changi Recommends offers exclusive deals for the best experiences in Singapore.  In addition, visitors to Singapore can also conveniently purchase open-top sightseeing bus tickets and tour packages from the City Sightseeing counters at the Arrival Halls of Terminals 2 and 3.

Over in the transit areas, a new TWG Tea retail outlet has opened at Terminal 2, offering exotic teas and accessories.  Vertu, a leading manufacturer of luxury mobile phones, has launched a new outlet at Terminal 2’s Transit Mall  offering the finest quality in mobile phone design and engineering.

Media Releas Source : Operating indicators for October 2012

Scoot-Thru with Changi Connects

Scoot, Singapore’s newest low cost carrier, has launched its latest product, Scoot-Thru with Changi Connects, a facilitated transfer service provided in collaboration with Changi Airport Group on November 2012.

Scoot-Thru enables passengers making connecting flights at Singapore Changi Airport to continue their journey without having to pass through immigration, nor collect their checked baggage during transit. The new service is available across Scoot’s 25 destinations, including joint itineraries offered in conjunction with partner airline Tiger Airways, on Flyscoot.com for travel on or after 27 November 2012.

“With the range of destinations offered at flyscoot.com expanding rapidly, Scoot-Thru with Changi Connects is a timely addition to the great value frills our guests can select. We’re pleased to be working together with Changi Airport Group to provide this service so guests may Scoot across all our destinations with even greater convenience and peace of mind.” said Scoot’s CEO Campbell Wilson.

Scoot is the first airline to build upon Changi Connects, a new service provided by Changi Airport Group.

Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Senior Vice President for Market Development, CAG said, “Changi Airport is pleased to launch Changi Connects in partnership with Scoot. This new service provides transferring passengers with a hassle-free experience, allowing them more time to enjoy what Changi has to offer in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment. We welcome other low-cost carriers to leverage this service to provide an enhanced transfer experience for their connecting passengers.”


Scoot operates medium and long haul no-frills flights between Singapore and Sydney, Gold Coast,
Bangkok, Tianjin, Taipei and Tokyo, with Shenyang and Qingdao commencing in the next few months.
The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Recently, Scoot Airlines and Tiger Airways rolled out joint itinerary partnership which means that a passanger can purchase a single ticket that contains all flight details and fly from Tiger Airways destination to Scoot destination 9 or visa verse) with a single itinary.

For just SGD16 per person per flight connection (*) in Singapore, guests will enjoy great perks including:

• No rush: Remain in the transit area of Singapore Changi Airport – simply proceed to the transfer desk to collect your boarding pass for the connecting flight;
• No hassle: No need to go through Singapore immigration & customs, nor retrieve baggage and check them in again;
• No worries: You’ll be put on the next Scoot or Tiger flight, without extra charge, should the connecting flight be delayed.

For more details on Scoot-Thru with Changi Connects, please visit www.flyscoot.com.

(*) Applies for pre-bookings only. For walk-in guests at Transfer Counter E, Scoot-Thru with Changi Connects is priced at SGD20 per person per flight connection.

Singapore Airlines And Aegean Airlines will start code-sharing by December 2012

Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will be able to Greek cities of Athens and Thessaloniki through a code-share agreement with Star Alliance partner Aegean Airlines, starting from December 1st 2012. Under the code-sharing agreement, SIA will add its ‘SQ’ code to Aegean-operated flights serving the Greek capital Athens from Frankfurt, London, Milan and Munich, as well as to flights serving Greece’s second-largest city Thessaloniki from Frankfurt and Munich.

On a reciprocal basis, Aegean will add its ‘A3’ code to SIA-operated flights serving Singapore from Frankfurt, Milan and Munich, and flights beyond Singapore to Melbourne and Sydney. Aegean’s codeshare on SIA-operated flights will commence once regulatory approvals have been obtained.

“This new codeshare arrangement with our Star Alliance partner Aegean Airlines will provide our customers convenient connections to Greece and broaden our network for both business and leisure travellers,” said Singapore Airlines Acting Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mr Chin Yau Seng. 

Aegean Airlines’ Planning & Alliances Director, Mr Tassos Raftopoulos, added: “Aegean Airlines are delighted to team up with Singapore Airlines whose high quality product and service ethics closely match our own customer proposition, with an expansion that aligns very well to the further growth of our Star Alliance partnerships. Thanks to this new partnership we can now offer Greek passengers a great travel solution to Singapore and via Singapore to all countries in Southeast Asia and Australia. Connecting flights via Singapore, a major hub in Southeast Asia, will facilitate incoming tourism from these important markets.” Source : Singapore Airlines And Aegean Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement

Tickets for the codeshare flights are now open for sale, for travel from 1 December 2012. Details of the codeshare services are shown below. Customers are advised to check singaporeair.com for updates to flight schedules.

Singapore Airlines codeshare on flights operated by Aegean Airlines:
Between Frankfurt (FRA) and Athens (ATH)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
A3 830	SQ 2860	ATH-FRA	Daily
Between London (LHR) and Athens (ATH)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
A3 602	SQ 2862	ATH-LHR	Mon/Tues/Thur/Sat/Sun
A3 603	SQ 2863	LHR-ATH	Mon/Tues/Thur/Sat/Sun
Between Milan (MXP) and Athens (ATH)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
A3 660	SQ 2856	ATH-MXP	Mon/Tues/Wed/Thur/Sat
A3 661	SQ 2857	MXP-ATH	Mon/Tues/Wed/Thur/Sat
A3 665	SQ 2865	MXP-ATH	Thur/Fri/Sun
Between Munich (MUC) and Athens (ATH)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
A3 802	SQ 2858	ATH-MUC	Daily
A3 803	SQ 2859	MUC-ATH	Daily
Between Frankfurt (FRA) and Thessaloniki (SKG)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
A3 530	SQ 2852	SKG-FRA	Daily
A3 531	SQ 2853	FRA-SKG	Daily
Between Munich (MUC) and Thessaloniki (SKG)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
A3 500	SQ 2850	SKG-MUC	Daily
A3 501	SQ 2851	MUC-SKG	Daily
Aegean Airlines codeshare on flights operated by Singapore Airlines:
Between Singapore (SIN) and Frankfurt (FRA)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
SQ 26	A3 1201	SIN-FRA	Daily
SQ 25	A3 1202	FRA-SIN	Daily
SQ 325	A3 1204	FRA-SIN	Daily
Between Singapore (SIN) and Milan (MXP)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
SQ 378	A3 1203	SIN-MXP	Tues/Sun
SQ 368	A3 1205	SIN-MXP	Mon/Thur/Sat
SQ 367	A3 1206	MXP-SIN	Mon/Thur/Sat
SQ 377	A3 1208	MXP-SIN	Wed/Sun
Between Singapore (SIN) and Munich (MUC)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
SQ 328	A3 1207	SIN-MUC	Daily
SQ 327	A3 1210	MUC-SIN	Daily
Between Singapore (SIN) and Melbourne (MEL)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
SQ 217	A3 1215	SIN-MEL	Daily
SQ 227	A3 1217	SIN-MEL	Daily
SQ 228	A3 1216	MEL-SIN	Daily
Between Singapore (SIN) and Sydney (SYD)
Operating Flight	Codeshare Flight	Sector	Days of Operation
SQ 241	A3 1209	SIN-SYD	Daily
SQ 211	A3 1211	SIN-SYD	Daily
SQ 221	A3 1213	SIN-SYD	Daily
SQ 222	A3 1212	SYD-SIN	Daily
SQ 212	A3 1214	SYD-SIN	Daily

Singapore Airlines And Virgin Australia expand codeshare

Singapore Airlines (SIA),  the flag carrier airline of Singapore, and Australia's second-largest airline Virgin Australia (VOZ) has announced the expansion of their codeshare agreement to cover further destinations in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom.

With immediate effect to all domestic destinations, Virgin Australia is now offering access to 32 Australian cities to Singapore Airlines customers. SIA will also expand codesharing to include trans-Tasman flights between Australia and the New Zealand cities of Dunedin, Queenstown and Wellington, subject to regulatory approval, in the coming months.

In the first quarter of 2013, Virgin Australia will in turn extend its current codeshare with SIA to cover connections from the East Coast of Australia to Europe, the United Kingdom and additional cities in Asia, via SIA’s hub in Singapore. Virgin Australia currently codeshares on SIA flights to Europe and the United Kingdom from Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. In total, Virgin Australia customers will now have access to 64 destinations in Asia and 12 destinations[1] in Europe on the SIA and SilkAir networks from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin.

“This codeshare expansion is a major step forward in our deepening partnership. With more cities covered, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia can together offer even better connections for our customers between Singapore and Australia, as well as through our Singapore hub to many more points around the world,” said SIA Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network and Yield, Ms Merren McArthur, said: “There is strong demand from our customers to be able to travel onwards from Asia to Europe. We currently offer this option to customers from Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, and today’s announcement will see this expanded to include the East Coast of Australia. We also welcome the expansion of Singapore Airlines’ codeshare on our domestic services as it will help to promote tourism in Australia.” Source : SIA And Virgin Australia Announce Codeshare Expansion

A codeshare agreement is an aviation business arrangement where two or more airlines share the same flight. A seat can be purchased on one airline but is actually operated by a cooperating airline under a different flight number or code. The term "code" refers to the identifier used in flight schedule, generally the two-character IATA airline designator code and flight number.

Singapore Airlines And Virgin Australia entered into
a wide-ranging partnership last year

Based in Singapore Changi Airport with strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets, Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Based in Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Virgin Australia Airlines, formerly Virgin Blue Airlines, is Australia's second-largest airline as well as the largest by fleet size to use the Virgin brand. Both airlines have entered into a wide-ranging partnership last year. Last month, Singapore Airlines bought Virgin Australia Stake and Virgin Australia announced that it will use the proceeds to buy 60% of budget carrier Tiger Australia for A$35 million from Singapore's Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd.

 In addition to codesharing, the alliance covers reciprocal frequent-flyer programme benefits and lounge access, coordinated schedules to provide seamless connections, and joint sales, marketing and distribution activities. SIA and subsidiary SilkAir together serve 97 destinations in 36 countries across six continents. Virgin Australia serves 49 destinations in 14 countries.

Scoot Airlines and Tiger Airways rolls out joint itinerary partnership

Singapore based low-cost carriers Scoot Airlines and Tiger Airways have announced a single itinerary partnership on selected routes (Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, destinations served by Tiger; and Sydney and Gold Coast, served by Scoot) back in October 1st 2012.  This means that a passanger can purchase a single ticket that contains all flight details and fly from Tiger Airways destination to Scoot destination 9 or visa verse) with a single itinary. But on arrival in Singapore Changi Airport, which is hub and base for both airlines, passengers have to pass through immigration and collect their bags before checking into the second leg of their flight.[1]

The partnership was inevitable. Both Scoot and Tiger Airways are low-cost carrier subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. Both are based in Singapore and both operate side by side at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. Scoot servers mid to long haul range while Tiger Airways serves mainly short haul flights.

1 month after this announcement, the airlines rolled out 13 more destinations for single itinerary:

The Tiger Airways and Scoot tie-up continues to make good progress with the roll out of more joint itineraries. Starting Wednesday, 31 October, travellers flying from Scoot’s destinations, Sydney, Gold Coast, and now Tianjin, will be able to purchase tickets to 13 more Tiger destinations in North Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. 

The addition of these 13 new destinations – the Indian cities of Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchirapalli, plus Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Dhaka, Penang, Colombo, Kuching and Jakarta – complements the existing cooperation to Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, which have been well-received by the market. This brings the total number of destinations served under the Tiger-Scoot partnership to 16.

In addition, customers will now be able to purchase flight itineraries originating from South East Asia. New routes available on single itinerary bookings include Jakarta – Tianjin, Hong Kong – Sydney and Gold Coast, Guangzhou – Sydney and Gold Coast, Hyderabad – Sydney and Gold Coast, Colombo – Sydney, and Chennai – Sydney. 

Transiting through Singapore, these joint itineraries offer increased choice and value to customers, who can take advantage of the unbeatable airfares and combined networks of the two airlines. Connecting between flights is simple, with Scoot and Tiger operating side-by-side at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.[2]

[1] - TIGER AIRWAYS AND SCOOT SIGN AGREEMENT ON WIDE-RANGING PARTNERSHIP
[2] - TIGER AND SCOOT TO ROLL OUT JOINT ITINERARIES TO 13 MORE DESTINATIONS