SilkAir to boost Singapore-Cairns services to daily fights

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will be increasing flight frequency to Cairns, Australia. With effect from 2 June 2019, Cairns will be served with a daily flight, up from the current five flights per week.

The additional flights will be operated on Tuesdays and Sundays with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, fitted with 12 Business Class and 144 Economy Class seats.

“We are proud to announce a daily service to Cairns, providing greater accessibility and connectivity for our customers,” said SilkAir Chief Executive, Mr Foo Chai Woo. “Together with Tourism and Events Queensland, we look forward to bringing even more travellers to Australia’s adventure capital, home to world-famous sights such as the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said demand for SilkAir’s service to Cairns had grown significantly with support from the Queensland Government Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which aims to drive visitation to Queensland through greater international aviation access.

“This route has delivered strong outcomes for Queensland since it was first introduced in 2015 and these additional flights will attract up to 10,200 visitors over two years, supporting up to 240 jobs,” Ms Jones said.

“Travellers from these important markets will be able to choose Cairns as their preferred gateway to Australia, which is home to a range of unique tourism experiences including Queensland’s natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest living rainforest.”

In addition to Cairns, SilkAir operates flights to Darwin in Australia. Parent company Singapore Airlines serves Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, while low-cost subsidiary Scoot serves the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The additional Cairns flights are subject to regulatory approvals. Tickets will be made available for sale progressively through the various distribution channels.