Low-cost carrier (LCC) Scoot is expected to take delivery of its first B787 aircraft this Saturday. The airline has a total of 20 Dreamliners on order – 10 B787-9s and 10 of the smaller B787-8 variant.
Originally slated to receive the aircraft at the end of 2014, this was inadvertently delayed numerous times (see here), with Scoot now expected to launch its inaugural B787 services to Perth and Hong Kong from February 5.
Scoot's B787-9 Dreamliner
So what do we know about Scoot’s Dreamliner? Well, the LCC had previously announced that the fuel-efficient aircraft would be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, following careful evaluation of two different competing models.
In terms of capacity, the Dreamliner will offer a total of 375 seats, with 35 in the premium ScootBiz cabin, and 340 in economy. Renderings by Scoot have indicated that the design will differ from the existing seat products.
ScootBiz
The ScootBiz seat will feature a 38-inch pitch, and offer eight inches of recline. Positioned in a 2-3-2 layout, the seats are instantly recognisable due to the distinct black leather and yellow trim strips. The headrest and legrest is also adjustable.
Economy class cabin
Meanwhile, the economy class seat will offer a pitch of 31 to 34 inches, along with a six-inch recline. Customers that have travelled with Scoot before will know the reason behind the varying seat pitches. This is because the LCC offers a small selection of “Super” and “Stretch” seats that cost more than standard economy.
Super and Stretch seats
These “preferred seats” boast more generous seat pitches that guarantee better legroom for passengers. Unlike the standard economy seats that are simply blue in colour, Super and Stretch seats on the B787 can be identified via their blue fabric with yellow patterns design. They will also sport adjustable headrests.
In keeping with its low-cost business model, Scoot’s onboard “frills” are typically purchased as add-ons, on top of the basic fare. The new Dreamliner will offer internet connectivity for a price. ScootBiz seats also include in-seat power, while the same is available for economy seats – at an additional fee.
ScootBiz in-seat power
With the delivery of the B787, Scoot will be looking to progressively retire its existing fleet of B777-200s. Scoot's chief executive Campbell Wilson has revealed to Business Traveller Asia-Pacific that one of the retired B777 aircraft will be transferred to its joint venture airline, NokScoot. The remaining five will be sold.
Business Traveller Asia-Pacific is in Seattle as a guest of Scoot to witness the delivery of the B787. Visit businesstraveller.asia for more updates.
For more information, visit flyscoot.com
Clement Huang
