Singapore-based low-cost carrier Scoot has detailed its plans for the anticipated delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, of which it has 20 on firm order.
The carrier signed an order for the 787 aircraft from its parent company, Singapore Airlines, in 2011. Its fleet of Dreamliners will consist of ten 787-9s and ten slightly smaller 787-8s.
The first of the Dreamliner, a 787-9, is expected to be delivered in November, making Scoot the second carrier to operate the model worldwide. Air New Zealand will be the launch customer of the 787-9 (see here).
Similar to the carrier’s current fleet of 777s, Scoot’s 787s will continue the airline’s tradition of maintaining an all-widebody fleet. The 787-9 will be configured with a two-class setup with 375 seats. Up front is the premium ScootBiz cabin, which will feature 35 all-leather seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. Check the upcoming March issue of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific for a Tried & Tested review of ScootBiz.
There are also 340 economy seats, arranged 3-3-3. The popular special S-T-R-E-T-C-H seats and Scoot in Silence cabin will also be available onboard, and will be enhanced with an adjustable headrest. All seats will offer in-seat power sockets as well as streaming internet connectivity.
Meanwhile, Scoot will take delivery of the older 787-8 model in mid-2015. The aircraft will offer the same seat products and features as the newer model, but sport a slight smaller seat capacity of about 330.
Campbell Wilson, chief executive of Scoot believes that the fuel efficiency of the Dreamliner will enable the carrier to provide customers with the most attractive fares, as well as improving the inflight experience.
“The 787’s ambiance, improved cabin humidity and larger windows, plus the new seats and amenities, will afford guests an even better experience than they already enjoy on our widebody 777s,” said Wilson. “Just as importantly, the economic advantages of this later generation aircraft – including a fuel-burn saving of around 20 per cent per seat – ensure that costs and thus airfares can be kept low so that more people can travel more often.”
Deployment of the first aircraft is yet to be confirmed, but the carrier is aiming to ensure that by mid-2015, all Scoot flights will be operated by 787s. The 777 fleet will be progressively retired as the company takes delivery of the new aircraft.
For more information, visit www.flyscoot.com
Clement Huang
