Company Watch - Singapore Airlines

Qantas has been urged by the Australian government to tie-up with Singapore Airlines. The move, said Canberra, would see a way forward for SIA to operate transpacific between Sydney and Los Angeles, a route it is currently restricted from flying but which it is pushing to serve. However, Australian ministers rejected a bid by Qantas to raise the limit on foreign ownership rules. http://www.qantas.com.au Feb 26, 2006

Australian government blocks Singapore Airlines from transpacific route. The Australian government, as expected, yesterday rejected Singapore Airlines' plans to offer service on the transpacific route to the US, bowing to a concerted campaign by Qantas to limit competition on its most profitable route and ruling that there would be minimal benefits to Australia. Feb 22, 2006

SIA downplays likelihood of major order. Singapore Airlines watered down speculation that it will place its much-anticipated widebody order at Asian Aerospace 2006 this week. It has been evaluating a range of options across the fleet from the 787/A350 to the 747-8 and/or additional A380s, but a spokesperson told ATWOnline that the airline is "still working with Boeing and Airbus on fleet options." Feb 21, 2006

Industry and financial market sources suggest that an announcement by Singapore Airlines probably will be made toward the end of March. SIA's order also is expected to include the 777-200LR to replace its five A340-500s, along with some 777-200Fs. Airbus is displaying its A380 in full SIA colors at the show, but Boeing has mounted a major campaign with its 747-8 to woo the airline for both passenger and freighter roles, claiming that the 747-8 passenger model has only 40 fewer seats than the A380 in some airline configurations. SIA played a major role in defining the A380, however, and takes first delivery in the fourth quarter. Feb 21, 2006

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