Scoot represents a radical change of pace for SIA but the new long-haul LCC is no pioneer

New Singapore Airlines (SIA) long-haul low-cost subsidiary Scoot is doing everything it can to differentiate itself from its parent company but the carrier will likely end up looking a lot like Asia's other long-haul LCCs, and for good reason: the success of AirAsia X and Jetstar's long-haul unit provide ample components that are worth mimicking.

After considering an all-economy configuration, Scoot will follow both AirAsia X and Jetstar in offering a premium cabin upfront. While Scoot contemplated the purest of LCC models, it has decided to follow AirAsia X and Jetstar in offering a connection product. To facilitate potential codeshares Scoot will use Navitaire's New Skies reservation system, which by no coincidence counts AirAsia X and Jetstar as two of its biggest customers.

Scoot is also following AirAsia X in striving to implement a wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution, although it is unclear if the technology will be available in time for Scoot's mid-2012 launch.