SQ boosts CBR to daily

SINGAPORE Airlines has today revealed it will ramp-up flight frequencies to Canberra, moving the service from its current four weekly to daily, effective 01 May.

The up-gauge will however see SQ de-link the tag-on service from Canberra to Wellington (that launched in Sep 2016), via a new triangular service operating Singapore-Sydney-Canberra- Singapore.

The new daily flight, SQ288, will also see a change to the aircraft type operating to Canberra, with the current Boeing 777-200 replaced by 777-300ERs with First and Premium Economy cabins.

This new service means SQ will operate a fifth daily frequency into Sydney, departing late night.

SQ’s updated Australian ops will also see Melbourne benefit.

SQ247/248 between SIN/MEL, currently operated by Airbus A320s three times per week, will be upgauged to Boeing 777-200s, increased to four weekly and linked to Wellington.

“These changes will help to meet the growing demand we have seen in the three cities,” SQ regional vp Philip Goh said.

“Increasing services to Canberra and deploying a different aircraft type allows us to offer more travel options from a schedule perspective as well as additional premium cabins, reinforcing our commitment to the ACT and surrounding region.”

Goh reiterated that the CBR route had grown since its launch, and that the changes “will be of greater benefit to both Canberra and Wellington in the long term”.

Tickets on the new services and routes will be available to book from tomorrow, with impacted pax offered alternate options.