It's really the Apocalypse - SQ to cut capacity by 11%
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SIN
Programs: KrisFlyer, Asia Miles
Posts: 60
It's really the Apocalypse - SQ to cut capacity by 11%
SQ has just filed with the Singapore Exchange that it plans to reduce capacity in FY09/10 by 11%. 17 aircraft will be decommissioned and the ailine will be speaking to unions soon about cutting staff costs. There are no news stories yet but these should surface soon enough. It looks like a long while before any recovery is in sight.
Maybe SQ could be more generous to its FFPs and reduce miles needed for redemption. What better time than now to clear the inventory of KF miles held by members?
Maybe SQ could be more generous to its FFPs and reduce miles needed for redemption. What better time than now to clear the inventory of KF miles held by members?
#2
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,644
well one of my colleagues came just back from CDG on the 77W flight and said it was full in Y but maybe only 20-30% load in C (no idea on F). This I have been hearing and seeing on quite a few of my latest flights.
Just think about it, one can fly EY these days from Europe to Asia booked into a higher Eco boking class for around 3K SGD and be automatically confirmed into C. same for C bookings where you get moved to F. GF has similar deals and so forth.
I need to go to MAD end of Mar and TG offers flights in Eco for ~1K SGD (lower mileage earning on some - okay but still) from SIN via BKK. SQ is 2.5K SGD to BCN in Y (E booking class). They will hurt even more.
I second the idea to finally open up saver awards on new planes (keep your R class SQ if you want too) and making inventory available to *A partners for redemption. Get money from your partners for people filling your planes and reduce liability towards KF members, but then the SQ "top guns" don't seem to agree. Their loss.
Just think about it, one can fly EY these days from Europe to Asia booked into a higher Eco boking class for around 3K SGD and be automatically confirmed into C. same for C bookings where you get moved to F. GF has similar deals and so forth.
I need to go to MAD end of Mar and TG offers flights in Eco for ~1K SGD (lower mileage earning on some - okay but still) from SIN via BKK. SQ is 2.5K SGD to BCN in Y (E booking class). They will hurt even more.
I second the idea to finally open up saver awards on new planes (keep your R class SQ if you want too) and making inventory available to *A partners for redemption. Get money from your partners for people filling your planes and reduce liability towards KF members, but then the SQ "top guns" don't seem to agree. Their loss.
#3
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: HAK / HFE / NYC / SIN / SZX
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Honors Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb, Marriott Platinum,SQ, DL, AA, Hyatt
Posts: 688
Here's the Channelnewsasia wire: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...409341/1/.html
#5
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ TPP7, NZ*E, HH Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 82
No its not previously announced. The plan was to reduce the fleet by 4 aircraft - its now 17.
They had it coming IMHO - they're still trying to charge a 1,200 J class premium for SIN-SYD on the 380.
Good luck!
They had it coming IMHO - they're still trying to charge a 1,200 J class premium for SIN-SYD on the 380.
Good luck!
#7
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Programs: No loyalties, just look for the best deal
Posts: 297
Apocalypse Maybe?
There is an ongoing debate in this forum regarding the viability of SQ's commercial policy. This has included both the treatment of previously loyal PPS customers and also the viability of fare surcharges and 380/77W premia. There are indications, so far JUST indications, that SQ is disproportionately loosing premium traffic share, perhaps as a result of these policies.
However, I do think it is important to remain objective whilst the jury is still out on these issues. An 11% reduction in capacity is hardly apocalyptic IMHO and is less than many other airlines reductions.
However, I do think it is important to remain objective whilst the jury is still out on these issues. An 11% reduction in capacity is hardly apocalyptic IMHO and is less than many other airlines reductions.
Last edited by philipat; Feb 16, 2009 at 2:07 am Reason: typo
#10
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Free checked in bag on UA & DL. Free icecream at Marriott checkin.
Posts: 2,862
I was on the LAX-SIN nonstop and had 24/100 in the all business class flight. Was quite un-nerving to see that many empty seats. Almost went to the point of more crew members than passengers. Hence not surprised at the announcement.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,456
Was that on a weekday?
I had 62/98 on my EWR-SIN flight (Sunday), but was told that there was a day with only 5/98 previous weekday. Weekend loads are passable, yet weekday loads are abysmal. SQ may try cutting it to Fri/Sat/Sun only.
A345 has 100 C seats. 2 seats are reserved for pilots rests (usually 17DF), only 98 are marketable.
I had 62/98 on my EWR-SIN flight (Sunday), but was told that there was a day with only 5/98 previous weekday. Weekend loads are passable, yet weekday loads are abysmal. SQ may try cutting it to Fri/Sat/Sun only.
A345 has 100 C seats. 2 seats are reserved for pilots rests (usually 17DF), only 98 are marketable.
Last edited by TerryK; Feb 16, 2009 at 3:48 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,738
I've heard through a distant cousin that it's been as low as 4 on the LAX-SIN (or v-v) run. I wonder if the route should be chopped entirely. Pretty expensive for SQ to hang onto 5 345s that not many others want.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: BA Gold, AS MVP, TK Gold, Bonvoy Titatium
Posts: 162
YVR suspended indefinitely
SUSPENSION OF SERVICE TO VANCOUVER (YVR)
Please note that SQ18/SQ17 services to/from Vancouver (YVR) will be suspended indefinitely from 27 April 2009. The last flight will be on 25 April 2009.
Kindly alert your customers who may be affected by these changes, and please contact your Singapore Airlines sales representatives should you require more assistance.
Singapore Airlines will waive the refund and cancellation administrative fee for tickets affected by the suspension, issued before 14 February 2009 for travel after 25 April 2009 between Singapore (SIN) and Vancouver (YVR), or Seoul (ICN) and Vancouver (YVR). To facilitate a prompt refund process, please apply auto BSP refund for all tickets (including Group and GV2).
Refunds for tickets affected by the suspension will be based on the following:
1. Unused tickets will be refunded in full.
2. Partially utilized tickets will be refunded at 50% of the round trip fare (based on unused sector’s booking class) plus the unused sector’s fuel & insurance surcharges, and applicable airport tax.
For the latest updates, please refer to your systems’ displays on schedules and services.
Thank you.
Please note that SQ18/SQ17 services to/from Vancouver (YVR) will be suspended indefinitely from 27 April 2009. The last flight will be on 25 April 2009.
Kindly alert your customers who may be affected by these changes, and please contact your Singapore Airlines sales representatives should you require more assistance.
Singapore Airlines will waive the refund and cancellation administrative fee for tickets affected by the suspension, issued before 14 February 2009 for travel after 25 April 2009 between Singapore (SIN) and Vancouver (YVR), or Seoul (ICN) and Vancouver (YVR). To facilitate a prompt refund process, please apply auto BSP refund for all tickets (including Group and GV2).
Refunds for tickets affected by the suspension will be based on the following:
1. Unused tickets will be refunded in full.
2. Partially utilized tickets will be refunded at 50% of the round trip fare (based on unused sector’s booking class) plus the unused sector’s fuel & insurance surcharges, and applicable airport tax.
For the latest updates, please refer to your systems’ displays on schedules and services.
Thank you.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, BA, DL
Posts: 241