SQ ‘good hopes’ for CBR

SINGAPORE Airlines’ fledgling Canberra services are “steadily progressing” but will require further development to lift awareness, the carrier says.

In Sydney last week to mark the 50th anniversary of the airline’s Australian debut, senior vp of sales and marketing Campbell Wilson told Travel Daily the SIN- CBR flights and onward services to Wellington were doing well.

“It’s a new route and both cities are new additions to long-haul international service, but it’s steadily progressing,” Wilson said.

“Obviously any fifth freedom leg is always a little bit soft, particularly between two relatively new markets like Canberra and Wellington, but we’ve got good hopes for the route,” he said.

Local markets in Canberra and Wellington had responded well to the “Capital Express” service since its launch last year ( TD 21 Sep) and further investment would focus on developing awareness in broader markets, including through travel agents, the former Scoot boss said.

At the same time, subsidiary SilkAir was doing well on its services from Singapore to Darwin and Cairns, Wilson said.

“SilkAir started as a linked service from Singapore to Darwin to Cairns and subsequently de- linked to serve Cairns non-stop which is an indication it’s doing well,” Wilson said.

“Asian markets are now flying direct into Cairns and Darwin.”

Wilson said between Singapore Airlines and its subsidiaries, the group now offered nine routes out of Australia.

“We have more Australian and New Zealand cities than any non-Australian or New Zealand airline,” he said.