Sunday, July 24, 2011

SIA to operate long-haul low-cost unit using Boeing 777-200s

Singapore Airlines will operate its planned long-haul low-cost carrier unit using Boeing 777-200s.The aircraft, which will be acquired from its parent company, will be reconfigured with a new seating layout, Singapore Airlines said.

SIA declined to specify the number of aircraft earmarked for the new carrier."The low-cost airline will be using our 777-200 derated aircraft," it said."It is not certain that there will be software upgrade plans for the 777-200s."It cites the "proven versatility and reliability" of the 777-200s as key drivers for the decision.

"The selection of the initial fleet marks another milestone in the establishment of the new airline," said Campbell Wilson, the newly-appointed CEO of the new airline."The process is progressing well for our launch next year.

The new airline will operate under a no-frills, low-fare model serving medium and long-haul routes. It will be operated independently and be managed separately from Singapore Airlines," Wilson said.The parent company is yet to name the new carrier.

Article taken from FlightGlobal