Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is closely monitoring the growth of Tier-2 cities in India. This observation by Scoot is an effort to incorporate Tier-2 Indian cities into its expanding list of destinations and take advantage of the growing international travel demand from markets other than the metropolitan areas.
Rapid economic development in these cities is increasing disposable income. Thus, a growing international travel demand and the untapped potential of these emerging markets may prove beneficial to Scoot Airlines.
Commencing on November 5, Scoot will operate daily flights from Chennai to Singapore using an Airbus A320. Although Chennai is the only metro destination on Scoot’s map, it was the company’s first destination in India.
At present, Scoot operates 44 flights per week to India, connecting to five cities: Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam, Amritsar, Coimbatore and Trichy. While its parent company, Singapore Airlines (SIA), covers the metro cities and other major destinations.
In general, Singapore Airlines (SIA) operates 96 flights per week to India, and its connectivity includes Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi 2023-2024 Cruise Season Begins with Arrival of Crystal Symphony
SIA is also in the process of acquiring a stake of 25.1% in the combined company, Air India, which comprises of four airlines: Air India, Air India Express, Air Asia India, and Vistara.
“SIA is a parent company: we do group planning. We try to have the best product for the market based on market evaluation,” said Brian Torrey, Scoot’s General Manager for India and West Asia.
Scoot operates 20 Boeing 787 Dreamlioners, 38 Airbus A320, and A321 in its fleet. Although, there will be a further addition to this number in the upcoming period. In 2024, the first E190-E2 Embraers will also be added to its fleet.
Torrey added, “The Embraers have a five-hour range so definitely the South (of India) can be connected. But as we induct the new aircraft , we will share news destinations”.
Scoot will lease a total of nine Embraer aircraft. Without a middle seat, these Embraers have the capacity to accommodate 146 passengers in economy class. They could also be used to connect the southern region of India, but a final decision has yet to be made.
