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Singapore Airlines has released the first official photos of its Boeing 737-800 in full SIA livery. The aircraft is one of 11 to arrive at the airline since its merger with SilkAir and, in due course, several 737 MAX 8s will join. Singapore Airlines plans to put these aircraft into service in early 2021.
All dressed up and ready to go
With SilkAir’s merger with Singapore Airlines in full swing, the airline has shared some stunning images of one of its first Boeing 737s in full Singapore gear. The airline is taking a total of 11 737-800s, which were previously registered with SilkAir 9V-MGA through K. These planes are between five and six years old, but they are being completely renovated by their new owner.
Singapore Airlines has revealed the 9V-MGK in its full SIA livery. We have to say that we think it looks rather cut with its new coat of paint. But that’s not all that will change in the Boeing 737-800.
The carrier is also completely revamping the interior of the aircraft to bring it in line with the standard of the rest of the fleet. The airline had planned to spend $ 100 million to upgrade interiors with reclining seats and install seat back entertainment in business and economy cabins.
SilkAir’s business class had reclining seats in business, something more like a premium economy product on an international flight. At present, Singapore Airlines has not confirmed whether the interiors have been completed yet. With entry into service planned in the coming months, at least some may initially fly with the older SilkAir interior.
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Go into service in a few weeks
Everything points to good progress in the merger. CEO Goh Choon Phong commented during the airline’s recent earnings call, saying:
“We can begin to expect SIA to operate its first narrow-body aircraft sometime in the first quarter of next year. [2021]. This will give us the flexibility to implement wide or narrow body operations on routes, depending on demand.“
It’s almost a happy accident that SIA has ended up with smaller jets in today’s environment, and it will likely be a welcome addition as the airline struggles to meet capacity constraints in the coming weeks. As a spokesperson told Simple Flying today,
As noted in our FY 20/21 First Quarter Business Update, the full integration of SilkAir into SIA is ongoing. SilkAir’s commercial integration into SIA is complete and the transition of SilkAir’s narrow-body aircraft operations to SIA will begin with the Boeing 737-800 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 20/21. The full integration of SilkAir into SIA will enable greater economies of scale for the SIA Group, allowing it to deploy the right aircraft to meet the demand for air travel as it returns.
Not the first Singapore Airlines 737
While it is unusual for a large international airline like Singapore to operate narrow-body aircraft, it is not the first foray into the 737 market. In the 1970s, five 737s joined the SIA family, all of the 737- variety. 100.
The airline flew them for about eight years, when they all left to join the now-defunct Air Florida. They all flew for other airlines, with America West and Ansett New Zealand during the 1980s. Copa Airlines canceled one bypassing an airstrip in Panama City, and another became VIP transport for the Mexican Air Force.
However, it has been more than 40 years since Singapore Airlines operated a 737, so these are exciting times for the airline. In addition to the 11 737NGs coming from SilkAir, the airline will also absorb Silk’s backorder for the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The airline had six in its fleet and 31 more on order when the type was grounded.
Singapore Airlines’ first MAX has already been seen in full SIA livery. It remains to be seen whether it will take on the full Boeing contingent; The opportunity to terminate the contract is likely to exist, if that is the direction SIA decides to take.
Are you excited to see SIA fly 737 again? Let us know what you think of him in the comments.
