Singapore Airlines subsidiary Scoot has announced plans for its first flights to the UK, with a one-stop service to Gatwick via Bangkok starting next month.
The carrier will launch three flights per week routing Singapore Changi-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-London Gatwick on December 16.
The schedules are somewhat complicated and can be seen in full here, but effectively Scoot will offer three flights per week on the route from December 16-27.
There will then be a break until March 2022, when the carrier will relaunch the “seasonal scheduled” route.
Scoot will be the only low-cost airline operating nonstop flights between Bangkok and London – British Airways and Thai Airways both offer flights to and from London Heathrow.
Analysis from our consumer editor Alex McWhirter:
“I find today’s news of great interest. What Scoot intends to offer is similar to the route Eva Air has operated for 30 years between London and Taipei via Bangkok.
“In other words Scoot will capitalise on two mainly leisure traffic flows: London-Bangkok and Bangkok-Singapore.
And unlike Norwegian, who failed with London-Singapore, Scoot has the backing of SIA.
I am sure this route will be popular (depending on any restrictions at the time) with UK, Singaporean and Thai travellers.”
Scoot operates its long-haul services with B787 Dreamliner aircraft offering economy and Scoot Plus cabins.
The one-stop London route joins the carrier’s existing service from Singapore to Athens and Berlin.
Earlier this year we reported that Scoot had applied for fifth freedom rights to carry passengers between Athens and Berlin, allowing it to offer a single service to both destinations.
Commenting on the news Mr Campbell Wilson, Scoot’s CEO, said:
“The progressive relaxation of international borders presents new opportunities for airlines and travellers alike. With the ability to now travel quarantine-free between the United Kingdom and Thailand, Scoot is excited to introduce the only low-cost option between Bangkok and London offering our unique combination of great value and great experience with a touch of Scootitude.
“For nearly ten years, Scoot has empowered travellers to customise their flight experience as they prefer, whether it be with extra legroom, checked baggage, free carry-on cabin luggage of 10kg, inflight wifi, tasty meals, Scoot-in-Silence or just enjoy an unbeatable airfare. We’re excited to now introduce the World’s Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline to London.”