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Singapore Airlines is best known for its long-haul service to various corners of the world. Whether it’s the longest flight in the world or service to Europe or Australia, the airline’s fleet of long-range wide-body jets is what travelers associate with Singapore Airlines. However, the airline will soon “receive” about 11 Boeing 737-800s. Why is this?
Singapore Airlines takeover of the SilkAir brand
You may have already guessed from the first image presented why Singapore Airlines (SQ) will add the Boeing 737 to its fleet. The reason is that Singapore Airlines is absorbing its regional brand, SilkAir, back into the main airline.
That means the name and identity of SilkAir will no longer exist, even your website no longer exists, but will be redirected to SQ. In fact, some of the regional airline’s aircraft will be transferred to Singapore Airlines, namely 11 Boeing 737-800s.
“Other 737-NG aircraft will continue to join the (Singapore Airlines) fleet and provide the company with even greater flexibility to navigate during the recovery period.” -Singapore Airlines through Executive Traveler
Integration in early 2021
According to Executive Traveler, Singapore Airlines will begin absorbing the SilkAir Boeing 737 fleet in early 2021. Sometime between January and March 2021 is what the airline has stated so far.
The Executive Traveler August report noted that 17 of SilkAir’s 737-800s would be repainted as SQs. However, data from Planespotters.net shows that only 11 aircraft are expected to transfer. 2020 has been a year of constant change, so it would not be a surprise that the numbers have been changing.
The big change has been going on for a while now, with the airline saying:
“Some business and back-office functions have already been integrated, and while the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed down some of our integration plans, we will continue towards full integration of SilkAir into Singapore Airlines as previously announced.” -Singapore Airlines through Executive Traveler
In fact, the process has already been in the works for two years, as Simple Flying reported on November 22, 2018 that SilkAir was ceding routes to Scoot prior to the merger.
Business class upgrade
While most travelers would prefer to fly a wide body, Singapore Airlines aims to provide a consistent travel experience across the entire fleet by installing business class reclining seats in its 737s. These will no doubt be an upgrade from the SilkAir recliners. The new seat will be the Vantage chair built by Thompson Aero.
Singapore Airlines previously planned to upgrade all SilkAir Boeing 737s from their conventional recliners to the popular Thompson Aero Vantage model.
The acclaimed Thompson Vantage fully flat bed offers maximum passenger comfort while maintaining the density of the cabin. With an innovative and highly efficient design, the Vantage can be adapted to all Airbus and Boeing single and dual aisle aircraft platforms. -Thompson Aero
How do you feel about this move? Are you looking forward to experiencing airline service on a single aisle aircraft? Let us know in the comments.
