AFR rumour [confirmed] - SQ to launch SIN-CBR-WLG

[Melburnian1]

...While appreciating the direct connection I gather they would all be OK with a flight to MEL and then connecting to CBR if the price is just about the same and they get a good night's sleep before getting to the office (albeit maybe an hour later)...

For CBR-based travellers (or those going there), the nonstops have a much greater time advantage than an hour.

Upon arrival in MEL, passengers would have to transfer to a VA flight (which does not have great frequencies to CBR) and then fly up, the latter taking an hour or so.

The time saved with a nonstop may be three hours or more.

 

[Mattg]

Well my mum flew WLG-CBR last week and said that the plane was quite empty. I realise that you can't read too much into one flight, but it seems consistent with other reports...

For my family in CBR the flights are excellent (both the timings and convenience of a direct flight) and we'll continue to use them to get to NZ as long as SQ perseveres with the route.

 

[kewpid]

I flew CBR-SIN return in March, and I would guesstimate the flight at 60-70% capacity, which seems consistent with the BITRE data. My partner did it in April and reported it was closer to 80% with a full business cabin both ways.

I think the route is a grower and hope SQ sticks it out. Given the looming entry of Qatar next year, they really need to think about putting newer aircraft (A350? ) to attract and maintain the premium pax.

 

[BacchusMarsh]

Might come in handy sometime, although I don't think I'll fly CBR-SIN again until/unless they upgrade the aircraft:

Complimentary Day Use Hotel Stay

 

[JessicaTam]

Might come in handy sometime, although I don't think I'll fly CBR-SIN again until/unless they upgrade the aircraft:

Complimentary Day Use Hotel Stay

Y pax are also offered the option of 6 hours of transit lounge access. If they take the hotel it is $75.

 

[dajop]

Y pax are also offered the option of 6 hours of transit lounge access. If they take the hotel it is $75.

It is free to take hotel if two people travelling together, but if they are a single traveller, they have the option of 6 hour access to transit lounge, or paying a single supplement of $75 for the hotel.

 

[pauly7]

I flew CBR-SIN return in March, and I would guesstimate the flight at 60-70% capacity, which seems consistent with the BITRE data. My partner did it in April and reported it was closer to 80% with a full business cabin both ways.

I think the route is a grower and hope SQ sticks it out. Given the looming entry of Qatar next year, they really need to think about putting newer aircraft (A350? ) to attract and maintain the premium pax.

Given SQ's financial woes at the moment I would not be surprised if this route came under scrutiny. Capacity is one thing but what is the yield and profitability...?

 

[earlyriser]

Type of aircraft is a factor for the J traveller. 3 associates of mine (1 Govt, 2 non-Govt) have flown back from Europe to SIN to CBR in the past couple of months and all been 'surprised' that the overnight leg to CBR was not on a true lie-flat bed. While appreciating the direct connection I gather they would all be OK with a flight to MEL and then connecting to CBR if the price is just about the same and they get a good night's sleep before getting to the office (albeit maybe an hour later).

Chicken and egg I guess - put your better aircraft on the higher-yield routes, or put your better aircraft on a route to make it a better yield. If QR do end up flying out of CBR I can't see SQ being able to compete for the European destinations (business travel).

Any comments on the J seat? I just made an award redemption without realising. As I am in CBR, it is probably still worthwhile to me and I read that it is an 8 degree incline which doesn't sound too bad.

 

[RoMambai]

I've flown it twice and each time I've had terrible experiences getting any shut eye. On the 1am SQ flight from Melbourne I generally sleep like a baby. I won't elect to fly the CBR leg again unless they upgrade.

Any comments on the J seat? I just made an award redemption without realising. As I am in CBR, it is probably still worthwhile to me and I read that it is an 8 degree incline which doesn't sound too bad.

 

[Melburnian1]

SQ has announced changes to the timetable for SQ291/SQ292 effective from the change to the 'northern winter' timetable from late October 2017:

Singapore Airlines to re-time Capital Express service ·ETB Travel News Australia