Worldwide capacity down by 11%
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has cut more flights across its worldwide network in the face of declining demand.
The carrier has decided to ground 17 aircraft in the coming months, which would equate to an 11% reduction in capacity.
In the case of routes between the UK and Singapore, it means that flights out of Manchester will be cut from five to three B777-200-operated services a week, starting on May 5.
That's an even more considerable cutback compared with summer 2008, when SIA was operating a daily B777-200 service out of the UK's largest regional airport.
Although London Heathrow will continue to see three daily flights to Singapore during the summer, one of these services will now be operated by a B777-300ER instead of a B747-400, which will equate to a cut of 97 seats.
The consolation for London passengers is that this plane is fitted with SIA's new premium products, which include fully-flat seats in business class, along with a spacious four across (1-2-1) layout.
The B777-300ER will enter the route from the end of March.
Manchester International Airport said: "We are disappointed with the announcement from SIA but we understand in the current conditions airlines are having to look at their entire route network, so changes were expected."
SIA passengers from Manchester can make connections via Heathrow on days when the carrier does not fly non-stop to Singapore, but the risk is that the inconvenience may prompt some business people to look at using alternative carriers out of Manchester.
Other areas affected by Singapore Airlines' latest round of cuts include services to India, South East Asia, mainland China, Japan, Australia and North America.
www.singaporeair.com