Singapore Airlines Begins Integration of SilkAir
Two of the regional carrier’s routes will begin flying under the SIA brand in March
Singapore Airlines has officially started the integration of SilkAir into its operations, ending 30 years of SilkAir as a separate wing of Singapore Airlines. The merger of the regional carrier into its parent company’s brand was announced in 2018.
Over time, the integration will see SilkAir’s nine 737-800s being repainted in Singapore Airlines livery, with reupholstered seats and flights being served by Singapore Airlines crew. Customers will also receive SIA’s food and beverage service onboard, including its signature ‘Book the Cook’ offering in business class.
The aircraft are configured with 12 business class seats with an eight-inch recline, and 150 economy class seats. SilkAir’s remaining A319 and A320 aircraft are set to be retired, and the carrier’s current and future fleet of 737 Max aircraft will be transferred over to SIA.
The first two SilkAir routes switching to SIA are flights to Phuket on March 4, and Bandar Seri Begawan on March 15.
“The introduction of the SIA 737-800 NG will bring about a more comfortable and seamless travel experience for customers on our regional routes,” commented Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines chief executive officer. “Integrating SilkAir with SIA also allows us to be nimble and flexible in aircraft deployment, and supports our fleet and network growth strategy.”
