General News
8 August, 2023
Big boost in seats and export capacity by Singapore Airlines
SINGAPORE Airlines is to increase seat capacity into Cairns by nearly 1000 a week by using a much bigger aircraft for the first time.
From March next year, the airline will operate an Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft four times a week, boosting seats from 1540 on a smaller Boeing 737-8 to 2424.
The move has been described as “a testament to the region’s recovery”.
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the additional seats would come at an ideal time and further bolster the post-pandemic recovery.
“These upgraded flights are a win for both travellers and local industries, who will benefit from the increase of visitors to our region,” he said.
“Singapore Airlines has an extensive global network and since returning to Cairns in early 2022 has been very popular with inbound visitors but also Cairns locals travelling overseas on holidays or to visit friends and relatives.
“The larger aircraft boasts 40 business class seats and 263 in economy, meaning we have a great opportunity to attract high-spending visitors to our region, either travelling for leisure or for business events such as those hosted by the Cairns Convention Centre.”
The larger aircraft also has significant capacity to uplift freight, with local seafood and fresh produce exports will be able to fly direct from Cairns to Southeast Asia and beyond, rather than having to fly or be trucked south.
“Time to market is critical for most of the produce being exported from our region, so being able to uplift directly from Cairns means it is fresher on arrival and can command a better price for our local producers,” Mr Barker said.
Singapore Airlines south west Pacific regional vice-president Louis Arul said the deployment of the Airbus A350-900 would signify a historic moment in the airline’s operations to Cairns.
“The A350-900 aircraft’s arrival on March 312 marks the first time a 303-seater SIA wide-body aircraft will operate a scheduled passenger flight on the Singapore-Cairns route,” he said.
“Over the course of 2021, SIA supported local producers through the Government’s IFAM programme, deploying the A350-900 on cargo missions only.
“Deploying the widebody, 303-seat A350-900 for passenger services in 2024 is a testament to Cairns’ recovery as a destination and its appeal to international visitors. The increase in capacity, for both passengers and cargo, will support the local tourism industry as well as local producers and I am excited to see the aircraft land on March 31.”
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the additional seats coming into Cairns was another sign of the rebounding visitor economy for the region.
“Getting more services back running from our Asian neighbours is a real boost for the state’s tourism operators,” he said.
“Importantly the widebody aircraft will open up opportunities for the region’s exporters to target additional markets and presents further opportunity for investment in the region.
“This expansion of seats by Singapore Airlines is yet another successful outcome through the support of the $200 million joint government and industry Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.”
