SINGAPORE – Two new airlines landed at Changi Airport this month even as borders remain largely closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Japanese low-cost carrier Zipair Tokyo first landed at Changi Airport on September 7. The carrier operates a weekly flight between Singapore and Tokyo Narita International Airport.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese boutique carrier Starlux landed in Singapore for the first time on Thursday, September 23. It currently operates twice a week in both directions.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) told the Straits Times that it has continued to solicit new airlines such as Zipair and Starlux to fly to Singapore as part of various measures to protect Changi’s position as a hub major aerial.

Its Managing Director for Air Hub Development, Mr. Lim Ching Kiat, said: “Despite the dire air traffic situation, CAG has kept our airline partners up to date on the latest border policies and encouraged them to restore flights to carry transfer traffic through Changi airport or bring passengers. to Singapore via the various SafeTravel routes. “

He said beyond keeping in touch with airlines and travel business partners, CAG is involved in discussions with government agencies over reopening options.

ACG is also co-chair of a working group to explore the possibility of providing visitors with safe and innovative experiences. Through this working group, CAG worked with the Singapore Tourism Board and other industry partners to introduce travel insurance products for arriving passengers, among other initiatives.

The airport also restored its freight network in more than 80 cities and worked with airlines to increase the flow of freight.

This has led to a “good recovery” in air freight throughput, Lim said.

Two new freighters, the Indian SpiceXpress and the Australian Tasman Cargo Airlines, began operations at Changi Airport in February and June respectively.

The airport has also facilitated the transport of Covid-19 vaccines to Australia, New Zealand and some countries in Asean via Singapore, Mr Lim added.

The Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) – comprising SIA and Scoot – said it remained committed to service excellence, product leadership and network connectivity, even during the pandemic.

But it has also adapted by putting in place robust health and safety measures to allow people to travel safely. These efforts led SIA and Scoot to receive the highest accolades in two health-related audits, SIA said.

SIA said the liquidity it has raised – $ 21.6 billion since April last year – will also provide it with a solid foundation to tackle current challenges and, at the same time, invest in its products and people. .

“Our portfolio strategy, with a presence in both the premium and low-cost full-service segments, gives us the flexibility to offer the right products to meet demand as it returns,” SIA added. .

“Our fleet modernization strategy will allow us to offer greater comfort and innovative products to our customers.

Meanwhile, low-cost airline Jetstar Asia has said it looks forward to rebuilding its network in the coming months.

It will re-establish its interline partnership with Qatar Airways from Monday. This will allow Qatar Airways customers to connect to and from the 10 destinations served by Jetstar Asia with a single ticket route.

Mr. Lim of CAG said: “There is a pent-up demand for travel – for business, visiting relatives, as well as leisure.

“The fundamentals of the Singapore air hub remain strong and the high vaccination rate in Singapore puts us in a good position to reopen our borders. “