MI to start flights to Semarang and resume flights to Makassar

[MAN Flyer]

Flights start 29 July and 1 August respectively.

[hguo83]

Can Silkair fly to Redang, Luang Prabang, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Nha Trang in the future too ?

[SilverChris]

Can Silkair fly to Redang, Luang Prabang, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Nha Trang in the future too ?

Redang isn't viable at all as, most importantly, the runway is only 940m. AFAIK only turboprops fly in and out of there. It's also served by Berjaya Air direct from SIN and I don't think it's a year round destination due to the monsoon.

[SQflyergirl]

Redang isn't viable at all as, most importantly, the runway is only 940m. AFAIK only turboprops fly in and out of there. It's also served by Berjaya Air direct from SIN and I don't think it's a year round destination due to the monsoon.

Yeah the runway is short! I am not 100% certain, but I believe MI is not planning a direct-to-beach service like Lionair.

[B727]

Can Silkair fly to Redang, Luang Prabang, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Nha Trang in the future too ?

[sqdazz]

Yeah the runway is short! I am not 100% certain, but I believe MI is not planning a direct-to-beach service like Lionair.

Haha lets hope not

[9V-SIA]

Yeah the runway is short! I am not 100% certain, but I believe MI is not planning a direct-to-beach service like Lionair.

+1

I think they would need to order 250 737s & 250 A320s to launch that service, depending on planned frequency of course

[SQflyergirl]

+1

I think they would need to order 250 737s & 250 A320s to launch that service, depending on planned frequency of course

250 737's and 250 A320's would allow a grand total of 500 services. As i've heard these direct-to-beach flights don't generally allow for the plane to be re-used. It's only a rumour - but you heard it here first!

[milehighj]

250 737's and 250 A320's would allow a grand total of 500 services. As i've heard these direct-to-beach flights don't generally allow for the plane to be re-used. It's only a rumour - but you heard it here first!

Someone told them of the great success of SQ's final service of 9V-SPQ, so they're planning their own spin (or dive) on the idea.

[MAN Flyer]

Can Silkair fly to Redang, Luang Prabang, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Nha Trang in the future too ?

Of course they can.

[Airbus SAS A340-500]

Frankly, I believe that many other destinations in South-East Asia and the South China region could possibly warrant a business case for SilkAir flights from Singapore... I'm not an expert on traffic flows between Singapore and the destinations below, but I do presume these might be some exciting leisure destinations for many Singaporean travellers.

Vietnam
Phú Quốc
Nha Trang

Bangladesh
Chittagong
Sylhet

Lao P.D.R.
Vientiane
Luang Prabang
Pakse

Indonesia
Pontianak
Ambon
Yogyakarta

Sri Lanka
Hambantota

Maldives
Gan

Thailand
Chiang Rai
Hat Yai
Krabi
Pattaya (U-Tapao)

The Philippines
Iloilo
Kalibo
Puerto Princesa

Myanmar
Mandalay

Taiwan
Taichung
Kaohsiung

Macao S.A.R
Macau


Having said this, it's great that SilkAir is expanding to secondary Indonesian destinations though. It really cements the fact that the SIN hub is Indonesia's primary gateway to the rest of the world.

[MAN Flyer]

Frankly, I believe that many other destinations in South-East Asia and the South China region could possibly warrant a business case for SilkAir flights from Singapore... I'm not an expert on traffic flows between Singapore and the destinations below, but I do presume these might be some exciting leisure destinations for many Singaporean travellers.

Vietnam
Phú Quốc
Nha Trang

It's way to early for flights to Phu Quoc, the place is still developing and the new airport that can actually take jets only opened a few months ago. I would imagine in years to come there will be demand, unless the Vietnamese cock up developing the place, which I wouldn't put past them.

I can see Nha Trang at some point but I would say the next place in Vietnam that could do with a direct flight from Singapore is Haiphong. There have been a few rumours about direct flights, not just by MI. I know I am not the only person on here who would have found a direct SIN-HPH flight handy over the last few years.

[Kyo]

Danang is arguably the next biz case for MI, over Nha Trang, imho - great airport.

HPH is a poorly appointed airport, but for some unique reasons that include biz and tourism are an interesting case. How sustainable? I think not very... and yes, SIN-HPH would be superb for me as well, however I've learnt to enjoy my SGN stopovers.

(btw, going again all of next week in case you're in town... and coming back via BKK)

[milehighj]

Danang is arguably the next biz case for MI, over Nha Trang, imho - great airport.

Actually, MI already flies to Danang...

[Kyo]

Wow, there you go...

I thought it was Jetstar that did that, but yeah - for sure, Danang is a great gateway into Central Vietnam, allowing Hoi An visits etc. Bit far from Nha Trang, however. Will be popping into NHA next week myself to take a look