Singapore Airlines denies reports of alliance with Virgin Blue

Singapore Airlines CEO, Chew Choon Seng, denied reports the carrier is considering an alliance with a restructured Virgin Blue (The Australian, 18-Jun-2010). Mr Chew also stated any plans Virgin Blue's new CEO, John Borghetti, has of introducing the Virgin brand name to its international operations may be "ill-placed". The CEO also commented that the carrier is still waiting for its "fair dues" in terms of plans to launch trans-Pacific services. Mr Chew stated its argument for equal access on the route when Qantas is already permitted to operate beyond Singapore is still valid and the carrier is "patiently waiting for ripe apples to fall". However, its enthusiasm to enter the route immediately has been weakened by increased competition.

Singapore Airlines: "The Australian market has been very resilient. I would say your economic fundamentals are sound, underpinned by the great commodity trade you have with China. That, I think, is reflected in the strength of the demand for international air travel out of Australia and in the strength of your currency," Chew Choon Seng, CEO. Source: The Australian, 18-Jun-2010.