Scoot: Singapore Airlines' Long-Haul Low-Cost Carrier Between 787 Dreamliners and Regional Routes

The fleet

The fleet combines Airbus A320s and A321neos for short- and medium-haul regional routes with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul links, a combination that lets the airline cover both nearby Asian destinations and some longer intercontinental routes under a single low-cost brand.

History and positioning

Unlike most low-cost carriers, which stay confined to short and medium haul with a uniform narrowbody fleet, Scoot is the Singapore Airlines group's brand aimed at more price-sensitive travelers, while still keeping operating and maintenance standards shared with its parent company. The Tigerair brand, absorbed in 2017, survives today only in the short-haul regional part of the network inherited from the deal.

Routes and network

The network covers a wide swath of Asia-Pacific and Australia from the Changi hub, with a long-haul offer that has shrunk over the years compared with the early years of operation, when the airline also flew direct to more distant destinations such as Europe; today Scoot's long-haul flying is concentrated mainly on regional Asian routes and on Australia.

Fares and baggage

As is typical of the low-cost model, the base fare does not include checked baggage or seat selection, both of which can be bought separately; on long-haul flights with the 787 the ScootBiz cabin is also available, a middle ground between economy and business designed for those who want more space without the price of a traditional business class.

Scoot is a good choice for anyone who wants to reach regional Asian destinations or Australia while saving on the ticket and does not need the included services typical of a traditional carrier like its parent Singapore Airlines, while those looking for a long-haul network as broad as the one of a few years ago should check the routes currently operating, since the intercontinental offer has shrunk over time. On a flight with the 787 it is worth considering the ScootBiz cabin if the sector exceeds six or seven hours, a compromise that is often better value than buying all the extras separately in economy.