In the face of a storm, Singapore Airlines took a rather mild approach compared to other airlines and cut just 50% of their flights. Well, that’s changing.
This morning Singapore Airlines has announced that they plan to cut 96% of capacity through the end of April 2020.
Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will ground 138 out of their 147 aircraft. Yes, that leaves only 9 flights.
This change is understandable given the further tightening of border controls around the world.
SO WHERE ARE THESE 9 FLIGHTS GOING?
Interestingly, the press release from the airline doesn’t detail which destinations will continue to be served.
I searched quite a few routes (admittedly not all) and can’t seem to determine which routes are still flying because I see no inventory on ANY ROUTE. I searched various domestic routes and international routes.
Given that the airline is only flying 9 flights, I trust both you and I won’t be on any of those flights and the airline has canceled your flight if you happen to actually have flight with them.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES COST-CUTTING MEASURES
Similar to every airline on the planet, Singapore Airlines is trying to cut costs. Per the press announcement, the airline will continue to pursue:
- Ongoing discussions with aircraft manufacturers to defer upcoming aircraft deliveries; if agreed, this will consequently defer payment for those aircraft deliveries
- Salary cuts for the SIA Group’s management with directors also agreeing to a cut in their fees, and a voluntary no-pay leave scheme up to certain management positions
- Given the worsening situation, the unions have been engaged on the additional cost-cutting measures that are needed
- The SIA Group has drawn on its lines of credits to meet its immediate cash flow requirements
FINAL STAMP
It’s sad, but these numbers don’t shock me anymore. When Emirates, an airline known for flying to more than 150 destinations in 80 countries and six continents grounds their entire fleet, it’s pretty bad.
At this point, we have airlines simply listing the flights that they are operating instead of the flights that they are not operating and that says a lot.
What do you make of Singapore Airlines’ strategy to cut capacity?
1TattedPassport 