The cost of flying to Europe is about to tumble with Singaporean low-cost carrier Scoot announcing new one-way fares to Athens starting at $S288 from Singapore and as low as $A369 from Australia.
Scoot will start four times weekly services between Singapore and Athens from June 20 nest year using its 329-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
The state-of-the-art, fuel efficient planes come with 18 “ScootBiz” seats with a 38-inch seat pitch and economy seats with pitches ranging from a tight 30 inches to a more comfortable – but pricier – 34 inches.
Economy travellers can choose a stripped down basic fare that sees them pay extra for services such as checked baggage, entertainment or food or opt for more expensive fares that include baggage or baggage and food. Those wanting to keep themselves amused on the long-haul flight can opt for ScootTV streaming, which allows passengers to access a range of movies and TV shows to their own devices.
ScootBiz seats are comparable to premium economy seats on full-service carriers and come in a 2-3-2 configuration of 22-inch wide all-leather seats with adjustable leg rests. The airline bundles the seats with meals, drinks, in-seat power, ScootTV and 30kg of checked baggage.
Price-wise, Singaporeans are looking at tax-inclusive launch fares ranging from $S288 one-way for a no-frills FLY fare to $S888 for ScootBiz.
For Australians, one-way tax-inclusive fares from Perth to Athens start at $A369 for the basic option with FlyBag starting at $A461, FlyBagEat at $A526 and Scootbiz at $A1099.
Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast FLY fares are available from $A419 one way, while FlyBag starts at $A513, FlyBagEat at $A578 and ScootBiz at $A1199. Scoot is also offering a 10 per cent discount promotion until August 31.
The 10,000-km plus flight will be the longest currently operated by an LCC and is part of a strategy by Scoot’s ultimate parent, the Singapore Airlines Group, to stimulate traffic between the Asia-Pacific and Europe while boosting connectivity through its hub.
Budget Aviation Holdings chairman Lee Lik Hsin said the move to Europe was a result of demand from passengers.
“Scoot has devoted much thought to configuring our cabin product and services to elevate and transform the low-cost travel experience, enabled by our world-first all-787 Dreamlliner fleet, and this has positioned us well to mount our first ever long-haul flight between Asia Pacific and Europe,” he said.
The Dreamliner offers a quieter, smoother ride with increased cabin pressure and humidity designed to leave travellers feeling fresher after a long flight.
The services will operate Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, leaving Singapore at 2am and arriving in Athens at 8.30am. Flights from Athens will leave at noon and arrive in Singapore at 4.25am.
