Aircraft Substitution - Does it happen often?

[Chesty]

One of my greatest fears next month when I fly J for the first time with SQ is that I might get hit with the dreaded aircraft substitution. Last thing I would want is to have my 77W trip changed to a 773 or similar.

Does this happen often and is it usually last minute?

[SQflyergirl]

Rare. This is not smooth as silk we're talking about here

[haf]

Personally, it's never happened to me on SQ. Qantas on the other hand...

[zvezda]

When substitution does happen, it's always last-minute and usually the same aircraft type. However, SQ have no extra 777-300ERs so if one goes tech, they will have to substitute a different type.

[milehighj]

Well it depends on the sector. For example if it's for an India or China run, then if your 77W goes tech, then I could imagine a 773 being substituted.

If it's a longhaul to Europe or N.A., then I don't see a 773 being used. However, as zvezda has pointed out that there aren't extra 77Ws, so those sectors could conceivably end up with a 744...

[zvezda]

If it's a longhaul to Europe or N.A., then I don't see a 773 being used. However, as zvezda has pointed out that there aren't extra 77Ws, so those sectors could conceivably end up with a 744...

I could imagine that if a 777-300ER bound for Europe or North America were to go tech, SQ might substitute a JumboJet. I believe SQ have enough spare JumboJets at hand but, if not, they could conceivably pull one planned for OZ and substitute a 777-300. Trickle-down substitutions are extremely rare -- except for multi-hub US carriers when weather creates major systemwide disruptions -- and I don't know whether or not SQ ever do that.

[wsssaero]

At one time last year SQ used to sub 77Ws for 773s or 772s (SQ862 being one common route) but now they have enough aircraft so I haven't heard of it.

[Nick C]

I could imagine that if a 777-300ER bound for Europe or North America were to go tech, SQ might substitute a JumboJet. I believe SQ have enough spare JumboJets at hand but, if not, they could conceivably pull one planned for OZ and substitute a 777-300. Trickle-down substitutions are extremely rare -- except for multi-hub US carriers when weather creates major systemwide disruptions -- and I don't know whether or not SQ ever do that.

Plentiful.

With SPE in new livery and back in service, there are 10 active 744s.

[benlee]

Happened to me once. Booked J class a B777-300ER and last minute got changed to a B777-300 instead. So instead of a standalone new business class seat, I got a normal old J class seat.

But I think this is not too often. You can check the aircraft type on Krisflyer website when viewing your bookings.

[UMD]

Well it depends on the sector. For example if it's for an India or China run, then if your 77W goes tech, then I could imagine a 773 being substituted.

If it's a longhaul to Europe or N.A., then I don't see a 773 being used. However, as zvezda has pointed out that there aren't extra 77Ws, so those sectors could conceivably end up with a 744...

This happened to me 2 months ago when SQ substituted 773 for a 77W for DEL - SIN. Having flown SQ so frequently and for such a long time, that was my one and only equipment swab experience on SQ.

[SINFJ]

At one time last year SQ used to sub 77Ws for 773s or 772s (SQ862 being one common route) but now they have enough aircraft so I haven't heard of it.

I do believe this was the time where the bird was pull to PEK for the BIG FIVE O last year

[SQADL333]

Not on Singapore Airlines that I am aware of.

Not sure what they do within Asia but I can tell you in Australia if flying out of Perth,Adelaide or Brisbane what could they subsitute a A330 for nothing really a 744 Jumbo is too large for them and a 77W OR 773 much the same.only other thing would a 772 ER

[EWR]

Plentiful.

With SPE in new livery and back in service, there are 10 active 744s.

what new livery is SPE in?

[zvezda]

I can tell you in Australia if flying out of Perth,Adelaide or Brisbane what could they subsitute a A330 for nothing really a 744 Jumbo is too large for them and a 77W OR 773 much the same.only other thing would a 772 ER

I believe A330-300 utilization is high now. It should be, as these have the lowest trip cost of all aircraft in SQ's fleet. If one goes tech, the 777-200 is the obvious substitute and these are currently not so heavily utilized because both the CASM and the trip costs are higher than for the A330-300, which the RASM is lower (due to the 777's larger size and older seats, IFE, etc.).

[Bitterroot]

I could imagine that if a 777-300ER bound for Europe or North America were to go tech, SQ might substitute a JumboJet. I believe SQ have enough spare JumboJets at hand but, if not, they could conceivably pull one planned for OZ and substitute a 777-300. Trickle-down substitutions are extremely rare -- except for multi-hub US carriers when weather creates major systemwide disruptions -- and I don't know whether or not SQ ever do that.

I've never seen a 744 subbed for a 77W. If one of the long-haul 77Ws goes tech, the flight simply waits for the next available frame -- sometimes 4 or 5 hours. I suspect crewing, loads, catering -- all that -- plays into the decisions.

I've also never seen anything -- ever -- subbed for a 744, except another 744.