SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, has announced it will commence direct flights between Singapore and Cairns from May 30, 2015.
The new services will be operated with SilkAir’s latest Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy class cabins.
Cairns will be the airline’s second Australian destination after Darwin, which was launched in March 2012.
SilkAir plans to operate the Cairns service three times weekly, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays on a triangular routing.
With the launch of Cairns, the number of destinations in SilkAir’s route network will increase to 49 cities in 12 countries.
“This is an exciting development for SilkAir. With the introduction of the 737 fleet, we’re expanding our regional footprint, allowing us to further improve connectivity between Australia and our key markets in India, China and South-East Asia, in combination with Singapore Airlines’ global network,” said SilkAir’s Chief Executive, Leslie Thng.
“As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns will no doubt prove a popular destination but it also provides us with a strategic opportunity to build on Singapore Airlines’ sizeable presence in Australia to deliver more choice and great full-service value.”
Queensland’s Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, has praised SilkAir for its confidence in Queensland’s tourism sector.
“SilkAir’s new services into Cairns will bring an estimated 20,000 extra visitors annually into one of Australia’s most desirable destinations,” she said.
“The Queensland Government looks forward to working in partnership with SilkAir to deliver international marketing activities over the next three years to support this highly anticipated service.”