'Scoot' To Launch With Boeing 777s On Long-Haul Routes

Singapore Airlines prides itself on growing from a small, regional start-up in 1972 to become a premium travel brand respected worldwide. The company appears to be acknowledging that a presence in the low-cost segment is also important by announcing a new long-haul budget division called Scoot Airlines.

The Associated Press reports Scoot will debut with Boeing 777-200 service from Changi International Airport in Singapore to Australia and China. Customers will have options for seats, meals and baggage, and enjoy two classes offering fares up to 40 percent below full-service competitors.

Low-cost airlines are popular, but how will customers take to no-frills on long flights? Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst with Standard and Poor's, tell AP he expects the Scoot experience to split the difference. "This new airline is a poor man's excuse to fly (Singapore Airlines)...It will be like luxury budget. When you're flying 12 to 13 hours, you need to throw in some of the facilities people are used to on intercontinental flights."

The official launch is reportedly planned for mid-2012.

FMI: www.singaporeair.com