Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced that it will soon commence flights to Cairns, marking the return of the SIA Group’s passenger flights to the northern Queensland city since it ceased all services in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning March 28th, Singapore Airlines will fly from Singapore to Cairns three times a week using Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, equipped with 12 seats in business class and 150 seats in economy class. Flight SQ203 will depart from Singapore’s Changi Airport at 08:45 AM, touching down at Cairns Airport at 5:25 PM. The maiden flight from Cairns to Singapore will depart the following day, March 29th, at 6:15 PM, arriving in Singapore at 11:00 PM.
From March 30th, flights from Singapore to Cairns will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with the return flight to Singapore leaving Cairns on the same day.
SIA’s regional arm, SilkAir, previously operated the route using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Throughout the pandemic, SIA has also operated regular cargo-only services to Cairns using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
“We are very excited to welcome Cairns to the SIA passenger network from 28 March and the opportunities this service presents in supporting the return of international tourism to Australia,” said Louis Arul, Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President for the South West Pacific.
He continued: “Over the past 12 months our relationship with Cairns Airport has strengthened with the operation of our cargo-only services, and we are very proud to have been able to support the region with essential cargo capacity and connectivity while the borders remain closed.”
North Queensland Airports CEO Richard Barker welcomed the addition of Cairns to SIA’s route network.
“The return of direct service from Singapore will provide vital connectivity to bring visitors from Europe, India, North-East and South-East Asia to the Cairns region, with an easy transit via Singapore Airlines’ Changi hub,” said Mr. Barker.
“Singapore Airlines has remained committed to our region throughout COVID, with a weekly freighter service, and the return of passenger services reaffirms the great partnership that we have developed over the past seven years.”
With the launch of services to Cairns, Singapore Airlines will operate 99 flights weekly to six Australian cities before the IATA 2022 summer season starts.
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