Print

Mail

wiki links

Singapore Airlines moves to cut fares

Singapore Airlines Ltd announced yesterday it will slash fares on its Taipei-Singapore route to secure its turf in the face of intense competition from budget carrier JetStar Asia.

Singapore Airlines is slated to launch a new package, which will take effect on Dec. 16, according to Zoe Lin (林幸坤), product manager of Star Travel Corp (燦星旅遊網).

The limited economy-class tickets will cost NT$1,688 (US$52) for a round trip between Taipei and Singapore, cheaper than flights originating in Taipei and Kaohsiung offered by domestic carriers, Lin said.

The package will available between Dec. 16 and March 31, except for a "blackout period" from Jan. 21 to Feb. 24, during the peak season.

JetStar Asia, a budget air carrier based in Singapore, announced on Monday that it would begin regular flight services between Taipei and Singapore on Dec. 16, while ticket sales will begin Tuesday.

Tickets will cost NT$2,360 for a single trip, much lower than the current average of about NT$10,000 (US$312) offered by other airlines, a JetStar executive said, adding that JetStar Asia is offering a special price of NT$1,760 during the first week of flight services on the route.

Both China Airlines (華航) and EVA Airways Corp (長榮) said the entry of low-cost carriers such as JetStar Asia into the market is not expected to have an impact on their businesses. The two companies have no plans to offer similar cut-rate services in the near future.
This story has been viewed 3034 times.