Sinapore Airlines Group to Operate 204 Aircraft by 2025 Despite Delays
Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) plans to have 204 aircraft in service across its two carriers, Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Scoot, by March 31, 2025. This marks a net loss of one aircraft compared to September 30, 2024, and five fewer aircraft than the group’s previous May 2024 guidance. Delivery delays are primarily responsible for this shortfall.
In its half-yearly results released last week, SIA noted that it expects to take delivery of one A350-900 by the end of March 2025 but will also retire two B737-800s in preparation for lease returns. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, recently took delivery of one E190-E2 and expects two more by the end of the fiscal year, though it will also retire three A320-200s by March for lease returns.
Balagopal Kunduvara, Vice President for Financial Services at SIA, explained that the difference between the May 2024 fleet guidance and the actual deliveries is due to the reshuffling of five aircraft initially scheduled for delivery this financial year, which will now arrive in 2025 or 2026.
As of now, Singapore Airlines has outstanding orders for one A350-900, seven A350 freighters, thirteen B737-8s, thirty-one B777-9s, and five B787-10s. Scoot has twelve A320-200Ns, six A321-200NX, two B787-8s, one B787-9, and five E190-E2s on order. Together, these aircraft contribute to SIA’s projected fleet expansion and a capital expenditure of SGD 2.3 billion (USD 1.72 billion) this financial year, which is expected to increase to SGD 4 billion (USD 2.99 billion) over the next two years.
The delays in the delivery of Boeing’s B777X aircraft, expected only in 2026, have contributed to SIA’s need for adjustments in its fleet strategy. CEO Goh Choon Phong mentioned that the delay influenced the group’s decision to allocate SGD 1.1 billion (USD 822 million) for cabin upgrades across forty-three A350-900s. The airline is continuing to adjust its planning based on Boeing’s delivery projections.
Additionally, Scoot is expanding its network with new flights to three destinations. Starting December 20, 2024, Scoot will begin E2 flights to Phu Quoc, followed by services to Padang on January 6, 2025, and A320-200 flights to Shantou from January 16. However, services to Nanchang International will cease on February 14, 2025.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com