Singapore Airlines to announce Singpaore-Canberra-Wellington Service

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

4x a week using A330-300's routing Singapore-Canberra-Wellington

We understand Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong will descend on our national capital next week to announce the commencement of four weekly flights between Singapore and Canberra. And thanks to tricky aircraft utilisation, the airline will use the same Airbus A330 to operate an onward Canberra-Wellington return service.


http://www.afr.com/brand/rear-window/singapore-airlines-to-launch-direct-flights-to-canberra-20160111-gm3dju

[Adrian B]

How will that work with customs?

[MarkR]

How will that work with customs?

In what respect? Canberra is a designated international airport and has the facilities re customs, bio security already in place. The terminal is currently being modified/built so that two gates can act as an international or domestic facility, much like Adelaide.

[Dave Dale]

This may be a silly question, but will SQ be able to sell the Canberra - Wellington flight by itself?

[Rowan McKeever]

The terminal is currently being modified/built so that two gates can act as an international or domestic facility, much like Adelaide.

It was built that way. Down the VA end of the building there's a glass partition which can be closed off (just like at ADL) to separate the domestic and international areas, and pax for international access that area via escalators. As Mark says, there's already provision for the border agencies down there.

This may be a silly question, but will SQ be able to sell the Canberra - Wellington flight by itself?

It's hard to say with any certainty because the version of the AUS / SIN treaty which is available on the Government's treaty website is so old it doesn't even show Singaporean carriers as having rights for BNE, ADL or CNS, which we know they do. However in that version they DO have beyond rights (i.e. fifth freedom) to AKL. So it's probably fair to assume Singaporean carriers now hold beyond rights to WLG as well, as it's hard to believe SQ would take on a route such as this (nor NZ & VA join them in it, which I'd imagine they will) without it.

[MarkR]

It's hard to say with any certainty because the version of the AUS / SIN treaty which is available on the Government's treaty website is so old it doesn't even show Singaporean carriers as having rights for BNE, ADL or CNS, which we know they do. However in that version they DO have beyond rights (i.e. fifth freedom) to AKL. So it's probably fair to assume Singaporean carriers now hold beyond rights to WLG as well, as it's hard to believe SQ would take on a route such as this (nor NZ & VA join them in it, which I'd imagine they will) without it.

The treaty does not reflect the 2003 MOU which I believe took into account the open skies NZ AUS agreement and opened up fifth freedom to all ports within NZ and Australia for Singapore airlines.

Interesting move going to Wellington, from one marginal airport to another depending on the weather conditions.

Probably worth mentioning that Canberra has been here before with the short lived Air Pacific International flights, Singapore and Wellington I suspect will be more popular.

[Rowan McKeever]

Cheers Mark, I guessed there was an MoU along those lines but couldn't find anything in a brief look.

The FJ service sprang to mind for me when I read this news last night but at least SIN has the connectivity to Asia & Europe without having to go through SYD, MEL, BNE etc. Good luck to them!

[Nils Kenny]

I think you will find that Singapore Airlines have done years of research, and they will be looking at a lot of Government DOD for the Canberra to Wellington Leg, also don't forget the people with in 2 hours drive of Canberra Airport, like Albury, Wagga at the South Coast, be able to get to ASIA and Europe without having to go thru Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. I also her the Canberra Government has given them a great deal, to fly there.

[Mark Grima]

don't forget the people with in 2 hours drive of Canberra Airport, like Albury, Wagga at the South Coast, be able to get to ASIA and Europe without having to go thru Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.

This is a very big selling point by the ACT during negotiations with international frims. The catchment population is slightly under one million of which only about 350,000 live within the ACT borders.

[QUOTE=Nils Kenny;98218 also her the Canberra Government has given them a great deal, to fly there.[/QUOTE]

No doubt. In the nearly 6 years I have lived in the ACT, local members have made many trips to Singapore and I suspect probably a few they haven't announced also.

[Robert.M]

also don't forget the people with in 2 hours drive of Canberra Airport, like Albury, Wagga at the South Coast
Will be interesting to see if Wagga and Albury will see another airline fly to Canberra if it can get one or more international flights. Interesting times ahead. :)

[MarkR]

I think you will find that Singapore Airlines have done years of research, and they will be looking at a lot of Government DOD for the Canberra to Wellington Leg, also don't forget the people with in 2 hours drive of Canberra Airport, like Albury, Wagga at the South Coast

I am sure they have done their research, but I do wonder! For instance total pax numbers between Wellington and Sydney averages 380 a day one way, while Wellington Melbourne is 315, and they are adding 285 seats to the same destination???

[Rowan McKeever]

Not exactly... they're adding 285 seats to more than two destinations. CBR, SIN and a decent chunk of the SQ network.

As an aside, are the A330s getting Premium Economy???

[MarkR]

Not exactly... they're adding 285 seats to more than two destinations. CBR, SIN and a decent chunk of the SQ network.

As an aside, are the A330s getting Premium Economy???

I was looking at the tag flight more than the Singapore flight, for the simple reason I don't think it makes much sense given the trains Tasman traffic numbers. Onward traffic will be minimal as MH found, albeit to AKL.

[Joe Frampton]

I was looking at the tag flight more than the Singapore flight, for the simple reason I don't think it makes much sense given the trains Tasman traffic numbers. Onward traffic will be minimal as MH found, albeit to AKL.

Although you would have to say, SQ have always had a lot more onward options than MH ever had, not withstanding current shenanigans such as the baggage blues to Europe... MH certainly may have some issues right now. I regard SQ as a serious premium product, and I think many average punters out there do as well.

[StevenW]

As an aside, are the A330s getting Premium Economy???

I was told "not yet" but I didn't speak to anybody who would know for sure. My fingers are crossed, but I'm not hopeful. Their A330 business product from Adelaide to Singapore isn't anything special and to be honest it's not worth $400 per hour.

[Zac M]

Announcement set to happen at 11am tomorrow with services commencing in August!

[Alex Lui]

Any idea of the schedule yet?

Is the press conference at Canberra Airport?

[Zac M]

Press conference/announcement will be happening in front of gate 9 at Canberra Airport

[Alex Lui]

Thank you.

Any SIA aircraft flying in for the occasion?

[Zac M]

Doesn't look like it

[Alex Lui]

Just heard it seems the route is starting sept 20 4x week and it's a 777 not a330.

[Stefan Perkas]

Afternoon all,

4 flights a week starting 20/9/16 using B777-200ER's. Flights arrive in CBR and WLG Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

SQ291 Dep SIN 2300 Arr CBR 0835+1 Dep CBR 0950 Arr WLG 1505
SQ292 Dep WLG 2015 Arr CBR 2205 Dep CBR 2330 Arr SIN 0550+1

[Yusef D]

Customer friendly timings. Easy when you're using a low-demand old 777 I guess.

[Radi K]

Perfect time for FOG too ;) doesn't clear till after 10am and sets in early at night.

[Kim F]

For those doing the entire Singapore - Wellington trip, the transit stop in Canberra will be a tad boring as they will be kept quarantined from the area where the coffee shop/bar/newsagent is. Might even keep them on board I guess

[Mark Grima]

60 days to go. The international terminal to be of 'business' standard.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-airport-gears-up-for-start-of-direct-international-flights-20160719-gq8xtd.html

[Jarden S]

Air NZ should start AKL - CBR flights with a good connection point for their North American routes same terminal. It will come eventually suprised SQ got in first though!

[Rowan McKeever]

Tomorrow (Wednesday 21st Sept) sees the commencement of Singapore Airlines' service SIN-CBR-WLG vv.

I'm told that, weather and operational requirements permitting, SQ291 SIN-CBR will conduct a flyover of the CBD and Lake Burley Griffin area prior to its scheduled arrival at 0835. Sadly, BOM is forecasting cloudy with an 80% chance of 8-20mm of rain for tomorrow ("morning and afternoon").

Still too early for a rego at this stage but can all but rule out 9V-SQN and -SRO.

[Kim F]

I thought it was an 8:50 arrival ?

[Rowan McKeever]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160920/cd3b508289c49f366ade3c1537c79aba.jpg

Definitely 0835 based on SQ online flight status and also the email I saw this morning.

[Stefan Perkas]

Eveing all,

9V-SRP (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/9VSRP) has the honours of operating the inaugural flight.

[Grahame Hutchison]

9V-SRP last visited Sydney on 08/06/2013.

[Mark Grima]

Excuse the rubbish photos to go with the rubbish weather but here is a couple images of this mornings arrival in the Canberra.

Not hanging around for the departure to Wellington, weather is not improving anytime soon.

There were a few people out for the arrival. Hopefully someone else will have much better photos.

Cheers

M

[Shaal L]

good view of it at the gate on the Canberra airport webcam

[Kim F]

It was very wet !

[James Smith]

SQ291 arrived a little early into Canberra. I presume, looking at the weather, that they were not able to perform the flyover. The webcam shows low cloud and light rain and they are just closing up the hold now in readiness for departure to Wellington.

[James Smith]

Airborne and passing 20,000. Track on FlightAware had it planned via Culin and Tesat which would have it overflying Sydney. But he has now been given a more direct track and is heading east at present.

[James Smith]

Crossing over Jervis Bay at present and looks to be tracking direct to Pluga.

[Greg Hyde]

Arrival shown on ABCNews

[Zac M]

The city flyover was cancelled due to a passenger requiring medical assistance.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Mark Grima]

I did see the Ambulance meet the aircraft. Hope it was nothing to serious. Given the weather, I dare say the fly over would have been canned anyway.

Cheers

M

[Radi K]

As per my comment in this thread in January, I always suspected the schedule was susceptible to the Canberra fog.

Eventuated already tonight - first flight from WLG did a go-around..must have just got in with vis down to 100m.

http://i.imgur.com/12UrmWf.jpg

SPECI YSCB 211230Z AUTO 00000KT 0100 // OVC001 08/08 Q1008=

Be interesting to see if it gets out tonight as the visibility is less than that required for take-off.

[James Smith]

Yes, SQ292 has just departed. On the webcam the fog was getting worse and you could hardly see the outline of the aircraft. Then Canberra Airport kindly closed the webcam, so I've waited until the flight has appeared on FlightAware which it has.

So, there will be some relieved airport and Singapore Airlines staff with the flight departing, especially as it had the go-around on arrival.

[JamesL]

RVRs were around the 500 mark so above minimum, they were escorted to the runway and then departed.

[Alex Lui]

Just for some variety, 9V-SRM is operating tonight's SQ291 rotation.

9V-SRP is currently enroute to Hong Kong so unfortunately won't be appearing in Canberra tomorrow.

[Alex Lui]

9V-SQK is operating tonight's SQ291 rotation.
First time a 9V-SQ bird is operating it.

Alex.

[Alex Lui]

Sorry to bring up an old thread. I know early days, but data published by bitre.gov.au for September where 6 flights operated shows:
- 61% for the Singapore service
- 39% for the Wellington service

(LF's taken for both inbound and outbound services).

Hmmm... It seems the Singapore service is stronger on its own. Don't know how many pax actually continue originate from Singapore to bump up the Wellington part of the flight.

Alex.

[Kent Broadhead]

Is there cargo to assist with the NZ tag, as per EK from SYD? Factors other than passenger load may allow the tag to pay for itself, especially if the 39% include a good chunk of premium customers (although SIA economy seems a great option in itself for the short hop)

[Torin Wilson]

I flew on this last week. On the way from WLG to CBR business had 10 or so pax, not sure about economy but business filled up from CBR. On the return CBR-WLG economy was at about 50% with most, if not all of those, originating in SIN or beyond. Not that many seemed to get off in CBR.

Limited scope but something I suppose

[MarkR]

Is there cargo to assist with the NZ tag, as per EK from SYD? Factors other than passenger load may allow the tag to pay for itself, especially if the 39% include a good chunk of premium customers (although SIA economy seems a great option in itself for the short hop)
Freight is pretty much non existant on both legs, 3 T and 10 T all outbound.

[MarkR]

Looks like it will be short lived, at least in its current form re equipment and the tasman leg:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-21/singapore-airlines-announce-review-of-canberra-route/8371370

Singapore Airlines has announced a review of its international flights to and from Canberra, but the company insists it remains committed to the region.

The airline's Singapore to Canberra to Wellington rotation has run four times a week since the first flight touched down in Canberra on September 21 last year.

[Jacob L]

Passenger load out of CBR to SIN is ok, not great across the ditch to WLG. A lot of transiting passengers would make up the numbers continuing on from Singapore. A lot of money would be made for SQ with the cargo part of the routes. Will be interesting to see if it lasts, and to see if QR coming will make any difference

[Rob R]

Perhaps change to the A330 may occur.

[Zac M]

The config of 772 used to CBR is 38J228Y, the A333 is 30J255Y....

[MarkR]

A lot of money would be made for SQ with the cargo part of the routes. Will be interesting to see if it lasts, and to see if QR coming will make any difference

How would a lot of money be made for SQ out of freight, when they carried 280kg to Wellington in total for the month of December???

[Dave J]

VA will operate the CBR to WLG leg in a 737 ��

[Alex Lui]

Sorry to bring up an old thread...

Thoughts on the following link? Does this confirm that the flights are not as strong as Singapore Airlines hopes?

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/92644365/singapore-airlines-trimming-several-flights-from-capital-express-service

Alex

[Rowan McKeever]

Hardly - they're pulling a total of 3 return flights over a period of almost two-and-a-half months, i.e. less than the equivalent of a week's flights, and at least 2 of the 3 are during school terms. All it shows is that this service, like most airline services, is seasonal and subject to fluctuations in demand.

[MarkR]

As suspected the service has not worked out, from May 1 its moving the tasman leg to a Melbourne based service and routing via Sydney the Singapore Canberra inbound flights using a 773ER

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/singapore-airlines-changes-canberra-services-cuts-flights-to-wellington-nz-20180123-h0ndhi.html

[Mark Grima]

Sure, Wellington clearly isn’t going well via Canberra. But flights are increasing to daily so the service is clearly still supported strongly by SQ.

I do think the Canberra -NZ route will be filled. I’m not convinced it’ll be Wellington, though the ACT government is pushing the capital - capital routing.

Cheers

M