Jetstar reintroduces transit with alliance partners Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways at Singapore Changi Airport

Jetstar Asia has welcomed back Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways# to its international carrier partnerships. The renewed partnerships enable customers to seamlessly connect between Jetstar Asia’s Southeast Asian network and the European airlines’ global network via Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Customers travelling to/from Europe on these full-service carriers can once again transfer to a Jetstar Asia (3K) service in Singapore and travel to any of the ten destinations Jetstar Asia currently operates to Bangkok, Clark, Ho Chi Minh City^, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket* and Surabaya.

Clive Ashmore Butler, Head of Commercial and Alliances, Jetstar Asia said it was great to see more airlines return to Singapore, helping restore its position as a global hub.

“Jetstar Asia’s longstanding partnerships with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways will provide more exciting travel opportunities for our customers and a significant boost in the revival of Singapore’s air travel hub,” Mr. Ashmore Butler said.

HKTB and STB Collaborate to Welcome Travellers on the Launch of the Bilateral, All-Purpose and Quarantine-Free Air Travel Bubble

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on 11th November announced a collaboration to welcome the launch of the Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB), ahead of the departure of the first flights on 22 November 2020. 

The Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble – a bilateral, all-purpose and quarantine-free arrangement – is a milestone for the global tourism industry, and paves the way for a safe resumption of international travel. The partnership between the HKTB and the STB is also the first between the two tourism boards. It demonstrates the close ties between the two destinations as well as a mutual commitment to provide visitors with a safe travel experience. 

Singapore Changi Airport extends partnership with Smiths Detection to supply advanced hold-baggage and explosives detection systems

Singapore Changi Airport will deploy 20 units of ultra-high-speed Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 10080 XCT automatic explosives detection systems (EDS) for the redevelopment of Terminal 2 Baggage Handling System.

The 20 HI-SCAN 10080 XCT units will be installed over four years in Terminal 2, starting from August 2020. Aside from the installation project, there is also a maintenance option for Smiths Detection to provide on-site service maintenance which includes comprehensive hardware and software support.

This deployment of the latest hold-baggage solution expands Smiths Detection’s screening security capability to Changi Airport.

“Before the aviation sector was disrupted by Covid-19, Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world requiring high volumes of baggage screening, and our next-generation technology helps support this. We are confident that this partnership with Changi Airport Group will lead the way in driving higher standards for future adoption,” explained John Tan, Smiths Detection’s Managing Director, Asia.

 

 

The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is both TSA certified and ECAC Standard 3.1 approved. It features a combined dual-energy X-ray line scanner and leverages CT technology to produce high resolution 3D images for an optimised detection performance. With a belt speed of 0.5m/s, the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT provides a throughput of up to 1800 bags/hour, making the screening process faster and more efficient. In addition, its modular build allows for flexible and easy installation, highest operational availability and ease of maintenance.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence and urban security. Our experience and history across more than 40 years at the frontline, enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.

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Singapore Airlines and SilkAir customers planning to transit through Singapore

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir customers planning to transit through Singapore

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced that travellers will gradually be allowed to transit through Singapore’s Changi Airport from 2 June 2020. Singapore Airlines will announce its plans for these transfer lanes when they have been finalised. Please note that until then, Singapore Airlines customers will not be able to transit through Changi Airport.

Singapore's Changi Airport closes another terminal

Following the suspension of operations in Terminal 2 (T2), Changi Airport’s terminal operations will be consolidated further to optimise resources in tandem with the sharp decline in flight movements because of the global Covid-19 pandemic. This move will enable Changi Airport Group (CAG) and its airport partners to continue to save on running costs such as utilities and cleaning.

From 16 May 2020, Terminal 4 (T4) operations will be temporarily suspended in view of the small number of flights still operating in the terminal. Airlines currently based in T4[1] will operate out of Terminals 1 (T1) or 3 (T3) instead. With this, the stores and restaurants in T4 will close and the shuttle bus service connecting to T3 will be suspended until operations in T4 resume. The timing of this will depend on when air travel demand picks up and on the requirements of airlines seeking to relaunch flights at Changi Airport.

Qantas opens new lounge at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Qantas has officially opened its newest First Lounge today, a luxury space spread over 1,000 square metres at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

The new First Lounge will operate in tandem alongside the airline’s existing International Business Lounge, providing capacity for 240 customers and a bespoke offering for Qantas’ First Class passengers and top tier frequent flyers.

The new build was designed by Australian designer David Caon in collaboration with Kelvin Ho of architecture and design firm Akin Atelie and features a number of Singaporean influences across the look and feel of the lounge as well as the food and beverage offering.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the opening of the new lounge is a reflection of the airline’s extensive premium investment in the region.

“Since our A380 flights have returned to Singapore, we’ve seen an increase in demand for premium travel which has also translated to an increase in the number of travellers enjoying our lounge hospitality.

“This is our fourth Qantas First Lounge, and each time we build an entire new lounge facility from scratch, we speak to our frequent flyers to get a better understanding of how customers like to spend their time in the lounge and tailor it accordingly. Our customers told us their key priorities when travelling through or from Singapore is space to relax and do some last-minute work, a quick shower, and a meal before departure so they can maximise their sleep onboard.”

A frozen wonderland, snowfall and other delightful surprises await you at Singapore's Changi Airport this festive season

 A frozen wonderland, snowfall and other delightful surprises await you at Singapore's Changi Airport this festive season

Buckle up for a fun-filled winter adventure at Changi Airport this festive season, where visitors and passengers can immerse themselves in a wonderland inspired by Disney’s Frozen 2. For the first time, Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel), will be transformed into an enchanting wintry world where guests can walk through ‘snowfall’ at the Shiseido Forest Valley while enjoying an exclusive festive rendition of the HSBC Rain Vortex light and sound show, or even create their very own delightful handcrafted gifts for loved ones at a festive market and much more. From now to 5 January 2020, get ready to be mesmerised by a dizzying range of delightful experiences across multiple locations in Changi’s terminals and Jewel, set to delight the young and young-at-heart.

Singapore Airlines to update lounges at Singapore's Changi Airport's Terminal 3

 Singapore Airlines to update lounges at Singapore's Changi Airport's Terminal 3

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be investing more than SGD50 million in a major revamp of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Renovations are due to commence in August 2019 and are expected to be completed by mid-2021.

The redevelopment project will see an overall 30% increase in space and total customer capacity for the Terminal 3 lounges. The new lounges will offer more generous open spaces, upgraded facilities and a wide array of F&B selections, all tailored to the needs and preferences of our customers. SIA has engaged renowned hospitality designers Hirsch Bedner Associates to inject a fresh look and feel to each lounge that is modern yet homely, while inspiring a sense of timeless elegance.

For the ultimate bespoke lounge experience, Suites and First Class customers can look forward to a brand new The Private Room and First Class Lounge, with carefully designed luxurious and intimate seating spaces suitable for both work and rest. The First Class Lounge will continue to feature a flagship bar, and The Private Room, a full-service fine dining section within the lounge. Customers can look forward to an enhanced epicurean journey with fresh and seasonally curated dining offerings, on top of the perennial local favourites.

Due to growing demand Singapore Airlines adds third daily service to Osaka

One of the World's most popular air carriers, Singapore Airlines confirmed recently that it would be adding a third daily service to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport from April 2019. The third flight is to meet the growing demand for travel between Singapore and Japan.

SIA already operates two flights per day on the popular Singapore-Osaka route, and the third will be introduced with effect from 27 April 2019. Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be operated, adding nearly 2,000 seats per week in each direction.

Flight SQ620 will depart Singapore at 0830hrs and arrive at Osaka at 1610hrs. The return flight will operate as SQ621, departing Osaka at 1725hrs and arriving in Singapore at 2305hrs.

In addition to Osaka, Singapore Airlines operates six daily services to Tokyo (Haneda and Narita airports), as well as daily services to both Fukuoka and Nagoya. Regional subsidiary SilkAir operates thrice-weekly services to Hiroshima, while low-cost subsidiary Scoot operates 11 weekly flights to Osaka, four weekly flights to Sapporo and 19 weekly flights to Tokyo Narita. With SIA’s third daily service to Osaka, the SIA Group will operate a combined 114 weekly flights between Singapore and Japan.

The new flights are subject to regulatory approvals. 

New service between Singapore and Busan for Silk Air

737 Max 8                           Photo SilkAir

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will launch non-stop flights between Singapore and Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, this year. Commencing from 1st May 2019, SilkAir will operate four weekly flights to Busan1. 

The launch of Busan flights will mark a milestone for SilkAir as it adds its first South Korean city to its network and demonstrates its commitment to bringing customers new and exciting destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, no other airline operates scheduled flights between Singapore and Busan.

The new service will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which feature both Business and Economy Class cabins. Customers can look forward to a full-service experience, including in-flight meals, wireless in-flight entertainment on SilkAir Studio, complimentary baggage allowance as well as through check-in if they are connecting to or from another SilkAir or Singapore Airlines point via Singapore.

Singapore Airlines schedule 787-10 to Taipei route from January 2019

Singapore Airlines is planning to introduce a new aircraft on the first day of next year between its home base of Singapore and Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, Taiwan.  The airline advises that it will bring a brand new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to the route indefinitely.

Singapore airlines will become the first carrier to ever operate that model type of in Taiwan when the aircraft takes on the direct daily service starts on 1st January 2019.  The well-respected carrier says the 787-10 will operate flight SQ876 which takes off at 0815 from Singapore's Changi Airport and arrives at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport at 1300 local time. While flight SQ877 departs from Taoyuan at 1410. and lands back in Singapore at 1855.  Apparently, the airline will continue to schedule an A330 Airbus aircraft to the other rotation on the route - flights SQ878 and SQ879.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrating 85 years in Singapore

Today, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is celebrating 85 years of scheduled services to Singapore.

True to its pioneering spirit KLM took the lead in the development of scheduled air services between Europe and Singapore on the 3rd May 1933 when a Fokker FXVIII (F18) with registration number PH-AIP 'Pelikaan' landed in Singapore at Seletar Airport. (then R.A.F. station, Seletar -  which is now the state-of-the-art Seletar Aerospace Park) KLM was the first airline to offer a regular scheduled service to Singapore.

KLM flew to Seletar Airport until June 1937 when Singapore's first purpose-built civil airport, Kallang airport opened. During that time KLM flew five aircraft types on the Amsterdam -- Singapore route including the (at the time) modern DC2's and DC3's  (all-metal twin-engine low-wing monoplanes with retractable undercarriages).
KLM also unofficially acquired the title of the first airline to land at Kallang Airport in May 1937 when due to a tropical storm KLM was diverted to the more or less completed Kallang Airport, which a few weeks later 12rd June 1937 was officially opened.
In celebration of this milestone and its success in Singapore, KLM is offering incredible deals to selected destinations (Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Munich and Rome) at special fares from SGD $ 850, - all-in. Amsterdam from SGD 1160 all-in.

Opening date set for T4 at Singapore's Changi Airport

photo to Changi Airport Group

The opening date for the new Terminal 4 at Singapore's Changi Airport has been set for 31st October according to the  Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

This new development is seen by many as a major milestone in the airport's development and will greatly enhance both passengers experience of the airport with increased technology and energy efficiencies.  

For the first time at the airport, there will be special a special facial recognition system which aims to capture passenger’s photo at different locations, centralized security screening, as well as start-to-end self-service options for check-in and other functions.

Announcing the opening date on Facebook the transport minister Khaw Boon Wan said that since the completion of construction last December, T4 has undergone extensive trials. So far the airport has completed over 100 trials, involving up to 2,500 airport staff along with 1,500 volunteers. Mr Khaw said “After endless rounds of testing and fine-tuning, we are ready to open T4. 

"Nine airlines – the AirAsia Group, Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Korean Air, Spring Airlines and Vietnam Airlines  – will operate from the new terminal."