Larger planes and more flights are on the cards for Australian travellers, through the major international transit hub of Singapore which tourism bodies say will increase travel and trade potential.
Singapore Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of Singapore with its hub located at the Singapore Changi Airport has announced that it is boosting its Singapore – Perth – Singapore route flight frequency.
The Singapore – Perth – Singapore route has become so popular that SIA is introducing a seasonal service from Singapore to Perth 4 times a week between the months of November and March 2023 as SQ 213 and SQ 226. This service will become a daily flight depending on demand as of the end of March 2024.
Perth Airport Perspective
Acting CEO of Perth Airport, Kate Holsgrove stated that the airline is making an important and bold step towards the aviation industry of Western Australia. This is not only a brave move by Singapore Airlines, but it will make a significant contribution towards to the recovery of the industry in the state.
Singapore Airlines, which is one of the most significant international airlines in Perth, is making an essential contribution to the aviation scene of Australia and the South East Asian carrier is also returning to the capacity it enjoyed before the pandemic.
Singapore Airlines’ latest flight will utilize the Airbus A350-900 – its regional flagship, which offers a total of 303 seats – 40 business and 263 economy – which will add an additional 220,584 seats between the Singaporean and the Western Australian route.
The CEO, Kate Holsgrove commented on the airline that they have got strong trade, tourism, business and education links with Singapore, and Singapore Airlines has a long and proud record of linking the world with Western Australia, which is an association that has delivered enormous benefits of over 55 years for Western Australia.
Singapore second largest tourism market
Singapore remains Western Australia’s second largest international visitor market. It has injected $214 million into the Western Australian economy in visitor expenditure for the year ending in March.
The introduction of its 4th daily service is another significant milestone for Singapore Airlines. This highlights the commitment that the airline has to Perth and the Western Australian market.
The CEO concluded that while Singapore is also a favourite tourism and business destination for Western Australians, it is also an important hub for travellers looking to head onto other international destinations.
Singapore Airlines is the largest South East Asian airline in Australia. The Perth market which is often neglected by other airlines in South East Asia, is often overshadowed by Sydney and Melbourne, including Brisbane Airport at times. With Singapore Airlines leading the way Perth is gradually receiving Asian airlines in the post Covid era, followed by airlines in Malaysia and Indonesia in that order. Thai Airways, has still yet to return to Perth after it pulled the plug when the pandemic struck the industry in 2020.
Reflecting on the comments of the acting CEO, Singapore is a significant destination not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians.
It is not surprising that SIA is beefing its flights to Perth Airport, since given Australia’s remote geographical location, the country is essential in facilitating the connection between Australia and the rest of the world.
Schedule
SQ 213, the latest flight to Perth will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 7.40, and land at 12.55 on the same day in Perth. The return leg of flight SQ 226 from Perth to Singapore will take off at 14.10, and arrive back in Singapore at 19.30.
The 4th flight from Singapore Airlines to Perth truly earns SIA the title of the ‘de-facto Australian’ expert.
