Low-cost carrier Scoot is resuming regular passenger services to Melbourne for the first time since March as the Singapore Government eases border restrictions for Australians.
The weekly Boeing 787 service from Melbourne joins three-times-weekly services between Perth and Singapore.
But regulatory restrictions on entry into Victoria mean only outbound flights from Melbourne will carry passengers until November 21.
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Victorians have joined other Australians permitted to visit Singapore and will be able to apply for an Air Travel Pass to enter the island state from November 6, although they still need permission to leave Australia.
Alternatively, they can transit through Changi and connect to Singapore Airlines, Scoot or SilkAIr flights to other destinations.
The Air Travel Pass scheme means travelers can avoid a 14-day quarantine if a pre-booked COVID test proves negative after arrival and they agree to install Singapore’s COVID tracing app on their phones.
It is seen as a potential precursor to easing travel restrictions as part of a travel bubble between the two countries.
Scoot has adapted to the dire COVID circumstances by carrying more belly cargo on passenger flights and operating all-cargo services in a bid to boost revenue. There have now been almost 130 cargo-only between Perth and Singapore since June.
It has also operated five repatriation flights from Australia, including two from melbourne, carrying more than 1600 passengers to India.
It says it has in place extensive health and safety measures that include passenger and crew health checks as enhanced cabin cleaning and safe distancing measures.
It has adopted a low-touch on-board service model and customers can complete their check-in process online before heading to the airport.
Self-service check-in at Singapore Changi Airport and Melbourne Tullamarine Airport are also possible to minimize interaction with ground staff.
“Passengers are reminded to wear a mask when they leave home in Melbourne including the airport, and they will be required to keep their mask on throughout the flight,’’ Scoot said in its announcement.
“In Singapore, mask-wearing is also mandatory when leaving home.”
The airline said it had extended a one-time free date change for all new bookings made from now till January 31, 2021 “to allow customers to plan ahead and book with confidence”.
All travelers, including Singapore citizens and permanent residents, entering Singapore are required to pre-book and pay for a Covid-19 test and submit an SG Arrival Card.
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