With Perth, Singapore Airlines subsidiary Scoot completes first phase of network development

Scoot has unveiled plans to launch service to Perth, which will become the Singapore Airlines long-haul low-cost subsidiary's 12th and final destination to be served as part of its initial six-aircraft 777-200 operation. Scoot has quickly expanded since launching in Jun-2012 but after placing into service its sixth 777 in Nov-2013 will take a one-year hiatus from expanding until its first of 20 787s arrive in late 2014.

In an unusual but logical move, Scoot has decided to lease its sixth 777 from SIA and keep the aircraft in SIA configuration. This enables the carrier to save on retrofit costs but will lead to higher per seat costs until the aircraft is replaced with a 787-8 in 2015.

Scoot has emerged as an important tool to expand SIA's already leading presence in the key markets of Australia and Greater China. Perth will be Scoot's third Australian destination while its other previously announced new upcoming destination, Hong Kong, will be Scoot's sixth destination in Greater China. The carrier also serves Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo.