Scoot moves to take over Jetstar Asia routes

Singapore Airlines’ budget subsidiary, Scoot will take over some routes currently run by soon-to-close airline Jetstar Asia.

Jetstar Asia, based at Changi Airport, is set to close down on July 31, due to high airport fees and fierce competition.

Scoot will launch new routes from Singapore to Okinawa, Japan and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, Scoot said.

Both routes were exclusive to Jetstar Asia.

Main carrier Singapore Airlines will increase capacity on other Jetstar Asia routes, news hub Travel Mole reported. 

These include to Manila, Colombo and Jakarta.

Full details of expanded schedules will be announced subject to approvals.

Scoot has also said it will look to fast track applications of Jetstar Asia staff for available jobs within SIA Group.

Scoot flights failing to take off

Do you have a booking with Singapore-based budget airline Scoot?

It might be worth having a back-up plan.

Scoot has been forced to cancel several flights during May citing a "variety of operational reasons", industry news portal Travel Mole reports.

Supply chain issues are at the heart of Scoot's problems.

The airline says it is suffering a shortage of aircraft parts, which is affecting its reliability record.

The Singapore Airlines-owned carrier hasn’t revealed how many flight cancellations it will make this month.

“Scoot sincerely apologises to all affected customers for the inconvenience caused by this disruption,” it said.

“We proactively contacted all affected customers.”

For customers it is unable to rebook on other flights, Scoot will offer refunds on unused portions of their tickets. Which is not great if time is of the essence. 

Singapore ready to welcome vaccinated travellers

Fully vaccinated travellers on all Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights will be granted quarantine-free entry into Singapore from April 1, without any on-arrival test or quarantine requirements.

The move follows the easing of travel protocols for entry into the Asian nation, Travel Mole reports.

This opens up the entire SIA and Scoot network to all eligible customers.

SIA and Scoot currently operate to 97 destinations in 34 countries from Singapore.

Fully vaccinated travellers are still required to take a pre-departure test and meet visa requirements.

SIA and Scoot will no longer designate specific Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights from April 1.

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, will be allowed to transit through Singapore on almost all SIA and Scoot flights from April as long as they meet the entry requirements of their final destination.

“The SIA Group welcomes the latest measures to simplify travel protocols for entry into Singapore," the airline said. "This supports the goal of restoring Singapore’s position as a leading tourist destination and premier air hub."