Singapore Airlines said it expects passenger capacity to reach about 81% of pre-pandemic levels by December as flyers rush to the skies after the easing of COVID-19 curbs.

Singapore Airlines expects to inch closer to pre-pandemic capacity by 2022-end

The Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) has reported a record net loss of $3.2 billion for the financial year ended March 31.

Singapore airlines posts record $3.2 billion annual loss

A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore set to open on May 26 has a "high chance" of being postponed, a Hong Kong official said on Friday, which would be the second time the plan to allow visits between the cities has been called off.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-singapore-travel-bubble-to-start-may-26-380507">Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble to start May 26</a>

The bubble between two of Asia`s main financial hubs, which have both imposed strict border controls for the past year to keep out the coronavirus, had been slated to begin in November but was suspended after a spike in cases in Hong Kong.

This time it is Singapore that is seeing an increase in cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spike-in-cases-delays-singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-344658">Spike in cases delays Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble</a>

"The Singapore minister told me that there may be a high chance that the bubble arrangement may not be able to resume under the agreed mechanism," Hong Kong Commerce Secretary Edward Yau told reporters after talks with a Singapore government official.

"But we will review the situation in the next couple of days."

The arrangement would allow passengers to travel between the two cities without having to spend time in quarantine, provided they test negative for the virus before departure and upon arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-quarantine-on-arrival-in-hong-kong-singapore-travel-bubble-335657">No quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble</a>

Hong Kong`s Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines would be the carriers for the initial flights.

But under the agreement, the bubble would be suspended if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of COVID-19 cases in the community is more than five for either Singapore or Hong Kong.

Singapore`s health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of them linked to a cluster at its Changi Airport.

Earlier on Friday, Hong Kong Health Secretary Sophia Chan said people arriving in the city from Taiwan would be required to quarantine at a designated hotel for 14 days upon arrival after a rise in domestic cases there.

A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore set to open on May 26 has a "high chance" of being postponed, a Hong Kong official said on Friday, which would be the second time the plan to allow visits between the cities has been called off.

A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore set to open on May 26 has a "high chance" of being postponed, a Hong Kong official said on Friday, which would be the second time the plan to allow visits between the cities has been called off. Also read | Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble to start May 26 The bubble between two of Asia`s main financial hubs, which have both imposed strict border controls for the past year to keep out the coronavirus, had been slated to begin in November but was suspended after a spike in cases in Hong Kong. This time it is Singapore that is seeing an increase in cases. Also read | Spike in cases delays Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble "The Singapore minister told me that there may be a high chance that the bubble arrangement may not be able to resume under the agreed mechanism," Hong Kong Commerce Secretary Edward Yau told reporters after talks with a Singapore government official. "But we will review the situation in the next couple of days." The arrangement would allow passengers to travel between the two cities without having to spend time in quarantine, provided they test negative for the virus before departure and upon arrival. Also read | No quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble Hong Kong`s Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines would be the carriers for the initial flights. But under the agreement, the bubble would be suspended if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of COVID-19 cases in the community is more than five for either Singapore or Hong Kong. Singapore`s health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of them linked to a cluster at its Changi Airport. Earlier on Friday, Hong Kong Health Secretary Sophia Chan said people arriving in the city from Taiwan would be required to quarantine at a designated hotel for 14 days upon arrival after a rise in domestic cases there.

Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-says-discussing-possible-air-travel-bubble-with-australia-370347">Singapore</a> said on Monday that it will accept mobile travel pass containing digital certificates for coronavirus tests and vaccines becoming one of the first nations to adopt the initiative.

Singapore Airlines had earlier begun tracking the COVID-19 digital travel pass developed by aviation's industry body. The app was developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The authorities will begin accepting visitors who use the app from next month.

The national carrier had announced earlier that it would offer travellers heading from the country to London between March 15 and 28 to participate in the pilot project.

"Our partnership with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-could-last-4-to-5-years-singapore-minister-359440">Singapore Airlines</a> for the first full deployment of the IATA Travel Pass will help get the world flying again,"&nbsp;Nick Careen the IATA official had said.

The travellers can now get clearance to fly from and enter Singapore by showing the app.&nbsp;

Other airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates have been testing the app. The airlines' industry has been of the hardest hit sector due to the virus with estimated losses of $510 billion in 2020 as the pandemic spread throughout the world stopping air travel.

IATA director general Willie Walsh while unveiling the plan said: "The success of our joint efforts will make IATA's partnership with the government of Singapore a model for others to follow."

Travellers currently need to take pre-departure coronavirus swab tests within 72 hours of their departure to travel to Singapore which they are expected to display on arrival.

Singapore said on Monday that it will accept mobile travel pass containing digital certificates for coronavirus tests and vaccines becoming one of the first nations to adopt the initiative.

Singapore said on Monday that it will accept mobile travel pass containing digital certificates for coronavirus tests and vaccines becoming one of the first nations to adopt the initiative. Singapore Airlines had earlier begun tracking the COVID-19 digital travel pass developed by aviation's industry body. The app was developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The authorities will begin accepting visitors who use the app from next month. The national carrier had announced earlier that it would offer travellers heading from the country to London between March 15 and 28 to participate in the pilot project. "Our partnership with Singapore Airlines for the first full deployment of the IATA Travel Pass will help get the world flying again," Nick Careen the IATA official had said. The travellers can now get clearance to fly from and enter Singapore by showing the app. Other airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates have been testing the app. The airlines' industry has been of the hardest hit sector due to the virus with estimated losses of $510 billion in 2020 as the pandemic spread throughout the world stopping air travel. IATA director general Willie Walsh while unveiling the plan said: "The success of our joint efforts will make IATA's partnership with the government of Singapore a model for others to follow." Travellers currently need to take pre-departure coronavirus swab tests within 72 hours of their departure to travel to Singapore which they are expected to display on arrival.

Now, Singapore set to accept coronavirus digital passport

The coronavirus pandemic has led to new initiatives taken by many airlines for maintaining the safety of the passengers and in a first Singapore Airlines will soon start issuing digital health cards for those who are safe from Covid-19.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Wednesday said that it has started a new digital health verification process, which will be the first-ever based on the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Travel Pass framework.&nbsp;

It said that this will allow customers to "securely store and present information related to Covid-19 tests, as well as their vaccination status in the future".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/iata-set-to-rollout-covid-19-passport-to-support-safe-reopening-of-borders-345099">IATA set to rollout 'COVID-19 passport' to support 'safe reopening of borders'</a>

The customers who undergo coronavirus tests at selected clinics in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur would be provided with "digital or paper health certificates with a QR code".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-to-issue-e-passports-from-next-year-report-320184">Indian govt to issue e-passports from next year: Report</a>

The airlines further said that Singapore airport officials would verify the authenticity of these certificated through a mobile app to ensure that the incoming passenger meets the country's entry requirements.

Initially, the service will be offered to passengers travelling from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur to Singapore from December 23, If it proves successful, the service will be extended to other cities as well, the airlines said.&nbsp;

SIA also said that it plans to integrate the Travel Pass framework entirely into SingaporeAir mobile app from around mid-2021.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has led to new initiatives taken by many airlines for maintaining the safety of the passengers and in a first Singapore Airlines will soon start issuing digital health cards for those who are safe from Covid-19.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to new initiatives taken by many airlines for maintaining the safety of the passengers and in a first Singapore Airlines will soon start issuing digital health cards for those who are safe from Covid-19. Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Wednesday said that it has started a new digital health verification process, which will be the first-ever based on the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Travel Pass framework. It said that this will allow customers to "securely store and present information related to Covid-19 tests, as well as their vaccination status in the future". Also read | IATA set to rollout 'COVID-19 passport' to support 'safe reopening of borders' The customers who undergo coronavirus tests at selected clinics in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur would be provided with "digital or paper health certificates with a QR code". Also read | Indian govt to issue e-passports from next year: Report The airlines further said that Singapore airport officials would verify the authenticity of these certificated through a mobile app to ensure that the incoming passenger meets the country's entry requirements. Initially, the service will be offered to passengers travelling from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur to Singapore from December 23, If it proves successful, the service will be extended to other cities as well, the airlines said. SIA also said that it plans to integrate the Travel Pass framework entirely into SingaporeAir mobile app from around mid-2021.

Singapore Airlines announces launch of 'Covid-19 passports' for a safer travel

With few allowed to travel in and out of Singapore due to COVID-19 restrictions, hundreds flocked to the airport on Saturday (October 24) to eat airplane food at a pop-up restaurant aboard an A380 jet.

Unable to travel, Singaporeans enjoy airplane food on the ground

Hundreds of travel-starved diners ate lunch and watched seat-back films aboard two parked Singapore Airlines jets turned into pop-up restaurants on Saturday.

With the aviation industry in deep crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, airlines have turned to alternative ways to raise cash, from offering "flights to nowhere" to tours of aircraft.

Singapore's flag carrier, which has cut thousands of jobs and grounded nearly all its planes this year, offered passengers the chance to dine on board two A380 superjumbos -- the world's biggest passenger jet.

On Saturday more than 400 diners checked in at Changi Airport and went through the usual security checks before arriving at the aircraft for lunch.

<img alt="Passengers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20dc4de3-4e40-4025-8925-4b7c0c9fae73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Passengers1.jpg" />

"The food is pretty amazing, it's better than the one they serve during the flight," Zhou Tai Di, a 17-year-old student in economy class, told AFP as he tucked into his soy sauce-glazed chicken with spicy fried eggplant and rice.&nbsp;

Some settled in for a nap while waiting for their meals to be served, while others watched movies on the seat-back entertainment systems.&nbsp;

About half the seats were left empty, in keeping with social-distancing guidelines.

Calvin Teo, a 29-year-old civil servant and aviation buff, paid Sg$321 ($236) to be served a six-course meal in business class, saying he missed flying and hoped to recreate the experience.

"Of course the feeling of actually flying will be better, because there's the excitement of going to a new destination, to explore a new destination, and even though we can't do it now due to Covid, this is a good substitute for now, to recreate the feels of taking a long-haul flight," he told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Passengers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79eb0be6-a5fc-4eee-bb10-bf0ed532007e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Passengers2.jpg" />

The most expensive option is a Sg$642 eight-course meal in a first-class suite, while the cheapest costs Sg$53 and consists of a three-course meal in economy class.

A limited number of diners were also able to tour the double-decker aircraft and take selfies with pilots in the cockpit.&nbsp;

The tarmac meals proved surprisingly popular -- the airline announced six additional sessions after more than 900 lunch tickets sold out within 30 minutes of bookings opening earlier this month.

The airline is also offering home deliveries of plane meals, but it has ditched plans for "flights to nowhere" -- short journeys starting and ending at the same airport -- following an outcry over the potential environmental impact.

&nbsp;

Hundreds of travel-starved diners ate lunch and watched seat-back films aboard two parked Singapore Airlines jets turned into pop-up restaurants on Saturday. With the aviation industry in deep crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, airlines have turned to alternative ways to raise cash, from offering "flights to nowhere" to tours of aircraft.

Hundreds of travel-starved diners ate lunch and watched seat-back films aboard two parked Singapore Airlines jets turned into pop-up restaurants on Saturday. With the aviation industry in deep crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, airlines have turned to alternative ways to raise cash, from offering "flights to nowhere" to tours of aircraft. Singapore's flag carrier, which has cut thousands of jobs and grounded nearly all its planes this year, offered passengers the chance to dine on board two A380 superjumbos -- the world's biggest passenger jet. On Saturday more than 400 diners checked in at Changi Airport and went through the usual security checks before arriving at the aircraft for lunch. "The food is pretty amazing, it's better than the one they serve during the flight," Zhou Tai Di, a 17-year-old student in economy class, told AFP as he tucked into his soy sauce-glazed chicken with spicy fried eggplant and rice. Some settled in for a nap while waiting for their meals to be served, while others watched movies on the seat-back entertainment systems. About half the seats were left empty, in keeping with social-distancing guidelines. Calvin Teo, a 29-year-old civil servant and aviation buff, paid Sg$321 ($236) to be served a six-course meal in business class, saying he missed flying and hoped to recreate the experience. "Of course the feeling of actually flying will be better, because there's the excitement of going to a new destination, to explore a new destination, and even though we can't do it now due to Covid, this is a good substitute for now, to recreate the feels of taking a long-haul flight," he told AFP. The most expensive option is a Sg$642 eight-course meal in a first-class suite, while the cheapest costs Sg$53 and consists of a three-course meal in economy class. A limited number of diners were also able to tour the double-decker aircraft and take selfies with pilots in the cockpit. The tarmac meals proved surprisingly popular -- the airline announced six additional sessions after more than 900 lunch tickets sold out within 30 minutes of bookings opening earlier this month. The airline is also offering home deliveries of plane meals, but it has ditched plans for "flights to nowhere" -- short journeys starting and ending at the same airport -- following an outcry over the potential environmental impact.

Travel-starved 'passengers' dine on parked Singapore Airlines jet

People are now paying to eat airline meals, but on the ground! We truly live in uncanny times.&nbsp;

Singapore Airlines, whose fleet has been rendered inoperable owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has capitalised on a food fetish for economic reprieve.

Hundreds of passengers are now paying Singapore Airlines the equivalent of a budget ticket to eat a meal inside grounded planes: A380 jumbos in specific.

World's biggest passenger jet

People are paying upto $470 for a taste of travelling! The “passengers” can dine on the world’s biggest passenger jet for SG $642.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the aviation industry into a crisis, with many being laid off, and the number of flights in air decreasing in the face of the pressure.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/worlds-10-safest-airlines-to-travel-in-2020-283019" hreflang="en">World's 10 safest airlines to travel in 2020</a>

Due to this, companies are looking for other means to resuscitate the industry. Many are offering tours of aircraft, or a flying experience without the flight.

Thousands of jobs have been cut by Singapore Airlines in the aftermath of the pandemic, and almost all of its aircraft are grounded. To find some reprieve, the airlines has turned one of its A380s into a pop-up restaurant, serving customers a taste of airline meals.

Mission successful&nbsp;

According to the Straits Times, this proved successful. All 900 seats for October 24 and 25 sold out within half an hour.

Owing to “overwhelming demand”, the carrier has decided to keep the restaurant open for two extra days. Customers can now have lunch and dinner on all four dates.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/how-tourism-is-making-a-return-in-times-of-coronavirus-310236" hreflang="en">How tourism is making a return in times of coronavirus</a>

The Airlines is offering a variety of meals, with the most expensive being a four-course meal in a first-class suite. The cheapest meal costs SG$53 and consists of a three-course meal in economy class.

However, social distancing norms are being followed, with about half of the seats being left empty on the jets, which are parked at Changi Airport.

It gets better! Singapore Airlines is now also delivering plane meals to people’s homes.

People are now paying to eat airline meals, but on the ground! We truly live in uncanny times. Singapore Airlines, whose fleet has been rendered inoperable owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has capitalised on a food fetish for economic reprieve.

People are now paying to eat airline meals, but on the ground! We truly live in uncanny times. Singapore Airlines, whose fleet has been rendered inoperable owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has capitalised on a food fetish for economic reprieve. Hundreds of passengers are now paying Singapore Airlines the equivalent of a budget ticket to eat a meal inside grounded planes: A380 jumbos in specific. World's biggest passenger jet People are paying upto $470 for a taste of travelling! The “passengers” can dine on the world’s biggest passenger jet for SG $642. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the aviation industry into a crisis, with many being laid off, and the number of flights in air decreasing in the face of the pressure. In Pics: World's 10 safest airlines to travel in 2020 Due to this, companies are looking for other means to resuscitate the industry. Many are offering tours of aircraft, or a flying experience without the flight. Thousands of jobs have been cut by Singapore Airlines in the aftermath of the pandemic, and almost all of its aircraft are grounded. To find some reprieve, the airlines has turned one of its A380s into a pop-up restaurant, serving customers a taste of airline meals. Mission successful According to the Straits Times, this proved successful. All 900 seats for October 24 and 25 sold out within half an hour. Owing to “overwhelming demand”, the carrier has decided to keep the restaurant open for two extra days. Customers can now have lunch and dinner on all four dates. In Pics: How tourism is making a return in times of coronavirus The Airlines is offering a variety of meals, with the most expensive being a four-course meal in a first-class suite. The cheapest meal costs SG$53 and consists of a three-course meal in economy class. However, social distancing norms are being followed, with about half of the seats being left empty on the jets, which are parked at Changi Airport. It gets better! Singapore Airlines is now also delivering plane meals to people’s homes.

People are paying a hefty amount to eat on board a grounded Singapore Airlines' jumbo jet

With the aviation industry in deep crisis, several carriers -- including in Australia, Japan and Taiwan -- have been offering "flights to nowhere" -- short flights that start and end at the same airport to raise cash. They are designed for travel-starved people keen to fly at a time of virus-related restrictions, and have proved surprisingly popular.

Singapore too had adopted this.

But now Singapore Airlines has scrapped plans for such flights, aimed at boosting its coronavirus-hit finances, after an outcry over the environmental impact.

The carrier has instead come up with alternative ideas to raise revenue, including offering customers tours of aircraft and offering them the chance to dine inside an Airbus A380, the world's biggest commercial airliner.

The airline said earlier this month it was cutting about 4,300 jobs, or 20 percent of its workforce, the latest carrier to make massive layoffs.

The International Air Transport Association estimates that airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region stand to lose a combined $27.8 billion this year.

The group also forecasts that global air traffic is unlikely to return to pre-coronavirus levels until at least 2024.

With the aviation industry in deep crisis, several carriers -- including in Australia, Japan and Taiwan -- have been offering "flights to nowhere" -- short flights that start and end at the same airport to raise cash.

With the aviation industry in deep crisis, several carriers -- including in Australia, Japan and Taiwan -- have been offering "flights to nowhere" -- short flights that start and end at the same airport to raise cash. They are designed for travel-starved people keen to fly at a time of virus-related restrictions, and have proved surprisingly popular. Singapore too had adopted this. But now Singapore Airlines has scrapped plans for such flights, aimed at boosting its coronavirus-hit finances, after an outcry over the environmental impact. The carrier has instead come up with alternative ideas to raise revenue, including offering customers tours of aircraft and offering them the chance to dine inside an Airbus A380, the world's biggest commercial airliner. The airline said earlier this month it was cutting about 4,300 jobs, or 20 percent of its workforce, the latest carrier to make massive layoffs. The International Air Transport Association estimates that airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region stand to lose a combined $27.8 billion this year. The group also forecasts that global air traffic is unlikely to return to pre-coronavirus levels until at least 2024.

Singapore Airlines drops 'flights to nowhere' after outcry

Singapore Airlines Ltd said on Monday that it had secured about $1 billion in credit facilities, in addition to the S$8.8 billion ($6.32 billion) it recently raised from a rights issue, to help it weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global airlines have taken a huge blow as curbs imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus led to a plunge in travel demand, leading to a liquidity crisis at firms. Singapore Airlines` total financing is among the biggest raised by any carrier amid the global health crisis.

Singapore Airlines said it had raised S$900 million through loans on some of its aircraft. It had also arranged new lines of credit and a short-term loan with several banks for further liquidity of more than S$500 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/singapore-plans-a-coronavirus-contact-tracing-device-for-all-to-wear-303495">Also read:&nbsp;Singapore plans a coronavirus contact tracing device for all to wear</a>

"During this period of high uncertainty, SIA will continue to explore additional means to shore up liquidity as necessary," the company said in a statement.

On June 5, the company raised about S$8.8 billion through a rights issue, which was backed by existing shareholder Temasek Holdings [TEM.UL].

Singapore Airlines added that the maturity dates for some of its debts had been extended to 2021 or later, ensuring an available liquidity of more than S$1.7 billion.

The company also has the option to raise up to a further S$6.2 billion in additional mandatory convertible bonds until up to July 2021.

Singapore Airlines Ltd said on Monday that it had secured about $1 billion in credit facilities, in addition to the S$8.8 billion ($6.32 billion) it recently raised from a rights issue, to help it weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

Singapore Airlines Ltd said on Monday that it had secured about $1 billion in credit facilities, in addition to the S$8.8 billion ($6.32 billion) it recently raised from a rights issue, to help it weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Global airlines have taken a huge blow as curbs imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus led to a plunge in travel demand, leading to a liquidity crisis at firms. Singapore Airlines` total financing is among the biggest raised by any carrier amid the global health crisis. Singapore Airlines said it had raised S$900 million through loans on some of its aircraft. It had also arranged new lines of credit and a short-term loan with several banks for further liquidity of more than S$500 million. Also read: Singapore plans a coronavirus contact tracing device for all to wear "During this period of high uncertainty, SIA will continue to explore additional means to shore up liquidity as necessary," the company said in a statement. On June 5, the company raised about S$8.8 billion through a rights issue, which was backed by existing shareholder Temasek Holdings [TEM.UL]. Singapore Airlines added that the maturity dates for some of its debts had been extended to 2021 or later, ensuring an available liquidity of more than S$1.7 billion. The company also has the option to raise up to a further S$6.2 billion in additional mandatory convertible bonds until up to July 2021.

Singapore Airlines secures $1 billion additional credit after rights issue

World's 10 safest airlines to travel in 2020

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's Bayi aerobatic team put on a spectacular performance Tuesday, the opening day of the biennial Singapore Airshow.

Chinese aerobatic team amazes spectators at Singapore Airshow

Singapore Airlines&nbsp;and Malaysia Airlines finalised a wide-ranging agreement to codeshare on more routes between the southeast Asian neighbours and elsewhere, the companies said on Wednesday.

The cooperation between the carriers, which split out from Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in 1972, comes amid financial trouble at Malaysia Airlines.

The deal provides for Singapore Airlines and its unit, SilkAir, to codeshare on 16 domestic locations with Malaysia Airlines, while allowing the former to codeshare on flights to Europe, South Africa, among other destinations.

"Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels in key markets," the carriers said in a joint statement.

Malaysia Airlines this month announced a codeshare arrangement with British Airways for 14 destinations.

Last week Malaysia said it had shortlisted four potential investors for a strategic partnership with the national carrier.

The Malaysian national carrier said it is strengthening its operations and internal management via cost-cutting and service improvements, as well as strengthening code-sharing pacts and joint ventures with other airlines to stay competitive.

Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional&nbsp;took a hit last year, with almost half of its impairment of $1.75 billion&nbsp;stemming from sustaining the national carrier.

Ties between the neighbours after Singapore's 1965 split from Malaysia have occasionally been strained.

The most recent dispute centred on maritime borders and air space between the city-state and Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor. The countries agreed in January to take steps to reduce tension.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines finalised a wide-ranging agreement to codeshare on more routes between the southeast Asian neighbours and elsewhere, the companies said on Wednesday.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines finalised a wide-ranging agreement to codeshare on more routes between the southeast Asian neighbours and elsewhere, the companies said on Wednesday. The cooperation between the carriers, which split out from Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in 1972, comes amid financial trouble at Malaysia Airlines. The deal provides for Singapore Airlines and its unit, SilkAir, to codeshare on 16 domestic locations with Malaysia Airlines, while allowing the former to codeshare on flights to Europe, South Africa, among other destinations. "Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels in key markets," the carriers said in a joint statement. Malaysia Airlines this month announced a codeshare arrangement with British Airways for 14 destinations. Last week Malaysia said it had shortlisted four potential investors for a strategic partnership with the national carrier. The Malaysian national carrier said it is strengthening its operations and internal management via cost-cutting and service improvements, as well as strengthening code-sharing pacts and joint ventures with other airlines to stay competitive. Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional took a hit last year, with almost half of its impairment of $1.75 billion stemming from sustaining the national carrier. Ties between the neighbours after Singapore's 1965 split from Malaysia have occasionally been strained. The most recent dispute centred on maritime borders and air space between the city-state and Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor. The countries agreed in January to take steps to reduce tension.

Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines sign code-share pact

Some of the world's leading carriers including<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-cocked-and-loaded-to-retaliate-i-stopped-it-10-minutes-before-striking-iran-trump-229293"> British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines</a> on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone.

The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman".&nbsp;

The NOTAM was in response to "heightened military activities and increased political tensions that might place commercial flights at risk", an FAA statement said, as Tehran and Washington engaged in a war of words over Thursday's missile strike on the drone.

The FAA's notice applied only to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/had-received-message-from-trump-through-oman-warning-attack-was-imminent-iran-officials-229209">US-registered airlines, and United Airlines </a>said it was suspending its Newark-Mumbai service in response.&nbsp;

But European, Asian and Gulf operators were taking no chances.

"Our safety and security team are constantly liaising with authorities -- including the likes of the FAA -- around the world as part of their comprehensive risk assessment into every route we operate," a BA spokeswoman said.

Germany's Lufthansa and Dutch airline KLM followed suit in bypassing the Hormuz area, although Air France said it was already flying farther south.&nbsp;

Dubai-based Emirates said it had rerouted flights to avoid "areas of possible conflict" while Abu Dhabi's Etihad announced it had "agreed to change a number of the flight paths" operating over the Gulf.

Iran's downing of the drone -- which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -- has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on tanker ships blamed by the US on Tehran.

The Global Hawk surveillance aircraft can attain a maximum altitude of 18,000 metres (60,000 feet), nearly double the typical cruising height of a passenger plane.

KLM said: "The incident with the drone is reason not to fly over the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. This is a precautionary measure."

The Netherlands is still reeling from the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, which was hit a missile over eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region where pro-Russian separatist rebels are battling Ukraine government forces.

All 298 people on board were killed, 196 of them Dutch.

International investigators on Wednesday charged three Russians and a Ukrainian with murder over the shooting down of the plane, which was travelling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

The incident forced airlines on the busy Europe-Asia route to divert flights away from Ukraine airspace.

Responding to the latest tensions over Iran, Malaysia Airlines said it "is closely monitoring the situation and is guided by various assessments including security reports and NOTAMs by respective airspace control authorities".&nbsp;

Australia's flag carrier Qantas said it was avoiding the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman "until further notice", while Singapore Airlines warned passengers that its flight times to Europe would likely take longer now.

Europe-Asia flights have already faced disruption since February, when Pakistan restricted large swathes of airspace near India due to cross-border air strikes which came close to all-out war between the nuclear-armed rivals.

"This (Pakistan's action) has also pushed much of the transiting traffic south, nearer to the area now prohibited to US carriers," the flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said in a blog.

Alex Macheras, an independent aviation analyst in London, said the Hormuz diversions were another image problem for Iran after the "mass exodus" of European airlines, which had to abandon their Tehran routes following the restoration of US sanctions.

Pointing back to the Ukraine downing, Pakistan's closure and other incidents, he told AFP "more and more passengers have been affected by geopolitics", and many travellers were avoiding stopovers in the Middle East altogether.

Some of the world's leading carriers including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone.

Some of the world's leading carriers including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone. The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman". The NOTAM was in response to "heightened military activities and increased political tensions that might place commercial flights at risk", an FAA statement said, as Tehran and Washington engaged in a war of words over Thursday's missile strike on the drone. The FAA's notice applied only to US-registered airlines, and United Airlines said it was suspending its Newark-Mumbai service in response. But European, Asian and Gulf operators were taking no chances. "Our safety and security team are constantly liaising with authorities -- including the likes of the FAA -- around the world as part of their comprehensive risk assessment into every route we operate," a BA spokeswoman said. Germany's Lufthansa and Dutch airline KLM followed suit in bypassing the Hormuz area, although Air France said it was already flying farther south. Dubai-based Emirates said it had rerouted flights to avoid "areas of possible conflict" while Abu Dhabi's Etihad announced it had "agreed to change a number of the flight paths" operating over the Gulf. Iran's downing of the drone -- which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -- has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on tanker ships blamed by the US on Tehran. The Global Hawk surveillance aircraft can attain a maximum altitude of 18,000 metres (60,000 feet), nearly double the typical cruising height of a passenger plane. KLM said: "The incident with the drone is reason not to fly over the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. This is a precautionary measure." The Netherlands is still reeling from the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, which was hit a missile over eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region where pro-Russian separatist rebels are battling Ukraine government forces. All 298 people on board were killed, 196 of them Dutch. International investigators on Wednesday charged three Russians and a Ukrainian with murder over the shooting down of the plane, which was travelling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur. The incident forced airlines on the busy Europe-Asia route to divert flights away from Ukraine airspace. Responding to the latest tensions over Iran, Malaysia Airlines said it "is closely monitoring the situation and is guided by various assessments including security reports and NOTAMs by respective airspace control authorities". Australia's flag carrier Qantas said it was avoiding the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman "until further notice", while Singapore Airlines warned passengers that its flight times to Europe would likely take longer now. Europe-Asia flights have already faced disruption since February, when Pakistan restricted large swathes of airspace near India due to cross-border air strikes which came close to all-out war between the nuclear-armed rivals. "This (Pakistan's action) has also pushed much of the transiting traffic south, nearer to the area now prohibited to US carriers," the flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said in a blog. Alex Macheras, an independent aviation analyst in London, said the Hormuz diversions were another image problem for Iran after the "mass exodus" of European airlines, which had to abandon their Tehran routes following the restoration of US sanctions. Pointing back to the Ukraine downing, Pakistan's closure and other incidents, he told AFP "more and more passengers have been affected by geopolitics", and many travellers were avoiding stopovers in the Middle East altogether.

British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa suspend flights over Strait of Hormuz

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported.

The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time).

All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police.

"Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline.

Further details in the matter are awaited.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax. SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported. The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time). All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police. "Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline. Further details in the matter are awaited.

Mid-air bomb hoax on Mumbai to Singapore-bound Singapore Airlines flight

Singapore Airlines insisted Thursday that cameras on its planes' entertainment systems had been disabled after an outcry online from worried passengers who spotted the tiny lenses peering at them.

Travellers took to Twitter and other social media to raise the alarm over the cameras at the bottom of seatback screens on a number of the Singapore flag carrier's newer aircraft.

"Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether is a camera?" passenger Vitaly Kamluk tweeted.

His tweet was accompanied by photos of the monitor with the embedded camera.

Another passenger urged the airline in a tweet to "notify all your passengers and get their consent, particularly EU residents, that you are doing this, why, what are you doing with the data and how long you keep it".

The airline confirmed that some of its latest inflight entertainment systems did have fixed cameras -- but assured passengers that they had been disabled.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether this a camera? Perhaps <a href="https://twitter.com/SingaporeAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SingaporeAir</a> could clarify how it is used? <a href="https://t.co/vy0usqruZG">pic.twitter.com/vy0usqruZG</a>
— Vitaly Kamluk (@vkamluk) <a href="https://twitter.com/vkamluk/status/1097008518685573120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"These cameras have been intended by the manufacturers for future developments. These cameras have been permanently disabled on our aircraft and cannot be activated on board," the airline said in a statement.

"We have no plans to enable or develop any features using the cameras."

Singapore Airlines insisted Thursday that cameras on its planes' entertainment systems had been disabled after an outcry online from worried passengers who spotted the tiny lenses peering at them.

Singapore Airlines insisted Thursday that cameras on its planes' entertainment systems had been disabled after an outcry online from worried passengers who spotted the tiny lenses peering at them. Travellers took to Twitter and other social media to raise the alarm over the cameras at the bottom of seatback screens on a number of the Singapore flag carrier's newer aircraft. "Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether is a camera?" passenger Vitaly Kamluk tweeted. His tweet was accompanied by photos of the monitor with the embedded camera. Another passenger urged the airline in a tweet to "notify all your passengers and get their consent, particularly EU residents, that you are doing this, why, what are you doing with the data and how long you keep it". The airline confirmed that some of its latest inflight entertainment systems did have fixed cameras -- but assured passengers that they had been disabled. Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether this a camera? Perhaps @SingaporeAir could clarify how it is used? pic.twitter.com/vy0usqruZG — Vitaly Kamluk (@vkamluk) February 17, 2019 × "These cameras have been intended by the manufacturers for future developments. These cameras have been permanently disabled on our aircraft and cannot be activated on board," the airline said in a statement. "We have no plans to enable or develop any features using the cameras."

Singapore Airlines says it was not snooping with seatback cameras

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The economic growth is expected to slow to a four-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2017-18, the lowest under the Modi-led government, mainly due to poor performance of agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

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The Reserve Bank of India on Friday introduced a new Rs 10 banknote in a new series and chocolate brown colour.

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The Union Budget&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-to-be-presented-on-february-1-28623">set to be announced on February 1</a>&nbsp;is set to include special measures to strengthen women&#39;s safety. The Railway Ministry is likely to announce 2018 as &quot;Railway Women&#39;s Safety Year&quot;.

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India's GDP growth to slow to four-year low of 6.5% in 2017-18 The economic growth is expected to slow to a four-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2017-18, the lowest under the Modi-led government, mainly due to poor performance of agriculture and manufacturing sectors. All you need to know about new Rs 10 note introduced by RBI The Reserve Bank of India on Friday introduced a new Rs 10 banknote in a new series and chocolate brown colour. HBO confirms for first time, 'Game of Thrones' to return in 2019 Putting speculations to rest, HBO now confirms that fan rumours were true -- the final season of "Game of Thrones" won't be back until 2019. Disinvestment on cards, Tata group and Singapore Airlines ready to bid for Air India Just days after aviation minister Raju said the government does not want Air India to "go the Kingfisher way", Vistara's CEO Leslie Thng said today that Tata Group and Singapore Airlines are "open to bid" for Air India. Budget likely to announce several features to strengthen women's safety in Railways The Union Budget set to be announced on February 1 is set to include special measures to strengthen women's safety. The Railway Ministry is likely to announce 2018 as "Railway Women's Safety Year".

WION Evening News brief, 5 January 2018

Over 240 people on board a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight to Milan had a narrow escape today as their plane caught fire while making an emergency landing after the jet was forced to turn back due to a mid-air engine problem. 
 
All passengers on board Flight SQ368 are safe, the airline and airport officials said as the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with flames leaping from the plane&#39;s wing, touched down at Changi airport. 
 
The flight departed from Changi airport or Milan at 2.05 a.m today but about two hours into the flight, the pilot announced that there was a problem in the engine and the flight had to turn back to Singapore. 
 
The SIA said in a statement that Flight SQ368 was en route from Singapore to Milan when an &quot;engine oil warning message&quot; forced it to turn back. 
 
&quot;The aircraft&#39;s right engine caught fire after the aircraft touched down at Changi airport at about 6:50 am,&quot; the statement said. 
 
&quot;The fire was put out by airport emergency services and the 222 passengers and 19 crew on board were unharmed. Passengers disembarked through stairs and were transported to the terminal building by bus,&quot; it said. 
 
Changi airport also issued a statement saying that the fire was extinguished &quot;within minutes&quot; by the Airport emergency service team, which was already on standby. 
 
According to a passenger, Mamta Jain, whose husband was on board the flight, the plane&#39;s engine &quot;exploded and the right wing was burning&quot; while it was landing. 
 
&quot;The pilot announced during the flight there was a problem with one of the engines that they would turn back. When they landed he said engine was on fire, he could see flames. They were all inside the plane and they could see the right wing burning,&quot; Jain was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia. 
 
One passenger posted a harrowing account and a video of the engine fire on Facebook. 
 
The video clip, shot from a window seat, showed huge flames and smoke engulfing the right engine. 
 
&quot;I just escaped death!&quot; Facebook user Lee Bee Yee said in a post that accompanied the video clip. 
 
Lee, who was onboard the flight with her husband, said there was a strong smell of fuel on the plane. 
 
&quot;The pilot said he was going to turn back because the engine is leaking oil on the right side. The captain said that they cannot turn on that side of the engine or else the plane will be vibrating. And they can&#39;t fly like this to Milan...That&#39;s why they turned back,&quot; she said. 
 
It was an agonising five-minute wait for the firefighters to arrive after we landed and the fire erupted, Lee said. After they arrived, firefighters sprayed foam and water on the plane and the fire was put out in about five to 10 minutes, she said.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

The 222 passengers and 19 crew members on board Boeing 777-300ER aircraft were safe and were evacuated by the airport emergency service

Over 240 people on board a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight to Milan had a narrow escape today as their plane caught fire while making an emergency landing after the jet was forced to turn back due to a mid-air engine problem. All passengers on board Flight SQ368 are safe, the airline and airport officials said as the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with flames leaping from the plane's wing, touched down at Changi airport. The flight departed from Changi airport or Milan at 2.05 a.m today but about two hours into the flight, the pilot announced that there was a problem in the engine and the flight had to turn back to Singapore. The SIA said in a statement that Flight SQ368 was en route from Singapore to Milan when an "engine oil warning message" forced it to turn back. "The aircraft's right engine caught fire after the aircraft touched down at Changi airport at about 6:50 am," the statement said. "The fire was put out by airport emergency services and the 222 passengers and 19 crew on board were unharmed. Passengers disembarked through stairs and were transported to the terminal building by bus," it said. Changi airport also issued a statement saying that the fire was extinguished "within minutes" by the Airport emergency service team, which was already on standby. According to a passenger, Mamta Jain, whose husband was on board the flight, the plane's engine "exploded and the right wing was burning" while it was landing. "The pilot announced during the flight there was a problem with one of the engines that they would turn back. When they landed he said engine was on fire, he could see flames. They were all inside the plane and they could see the right wing burning," Jain was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia. One passenger posted a harrowing account and a video of the engine fire on Facebook. The video clip, shot from a window seat, showed huge flames and smoke engulfing the right engine. "I just escaped death!" Facebook user Lee Bee Yee said in a post that accompanied the video clip. Lee, who was onboard the flight with her husband, said there was a strong smell of fuel on the plane. "The pilot said he was going to turn back because the engine is leaking oil on the right side. The captain said that they cannot turn on that side of the engine or else the plane will be vibrating. And they can't fly like this to Milan...That's why they turned back," she said. It was an agonising five-minute wait for the firefighters to arrive after we landed and the fire erupted, Lee said. After they arrived, firefighters sprayed foam and water on the plane and the fire was put out in about five to 10 minutes, she said. (PTI)

Singapore Airlines plane catches fire during emergency landing

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