The popular Singapore to Kuala Lumpur shuttle is SE Asia’s equivalent of London-Paris. Both routes are of similar length, serve capital cities, and are used by both point-to-point and transfer passengers.
In particular few long-haul flights with carriers other than MAS serve Kuala Lumpur. So travellers who prefer the likes of SIA or other foreign carriers like Air France, BA, Qantas, United and so on prefer to fly first to Singapore then on to Kuala Lumpur.
Until recently the route, was served only by SIA and MAS (Malaysia Airlines). SIA used large B777s while MAS operated elderly B737s. Passengers complained of inflexible fares and awkward gaps between flights.
But the route is being thrown open to competition so along came local budget carriers Air Asia, Jetstar and Tiger. And SIA has decided that extra flights are, after all, needed. These now plug the gaps in the schedule.
The new services will be operated by SIA’s subsidiary Silk Air with Airbus A320s. A new early morning service starts on October 26 with new lunchtime and late afternoon flights commencing on December 1.
Says an SIA spokesperson, “Full liberalisation of the Singapore-Malaysia Air Services Agreement takes effect from December 1. Airlines from both countries will be granted unlimited access between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This gives SIA and Silk Air the opportunity to provide our customers with more choice and convenience.”
For more information go to singaporeair.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter
