10-5-2024 (SINGAPORE) Scoot, the budget airline under Singapore Airlines (SIA), has attributed its recent series of flight disruptions to a scarcity of spare parts stemming from challenges within the supply chain.
This revelation comes in the wake of a report by The Straits Times on May 8, highlighting the cancellation of 33 Scoot flights at Changi Airport over a five-day period from May 2 to 6. On May 7, two Scoot flights were rescheduled, with no cancellations, while on May 8, one flight was rescheduled without any cancellations. Fortunately, there were no disruptions reported on May 9.
In a statement to The Straits Times on May 9, Scoot acknowledged the cancellations, stating, “Scoot can confirm that several flights scheduled in May 2024 are cancelled due to a variety of operational reasons, including aircraft unavailability because of a shortage of spare parts due to supply chain issues.”
While the airline acknowledged the industry-wide impact of the shortage, it refrained from specifying the affected spare parts and aircraft types due to commercial sensitivities. Additionally, Scoot did not elaborate on other operational reasons for the cancellations.
Expressing regret for the inconvenience caused, Scoot assured that affected customers were contacted proactively and most were rebooked on alternative flights, including those operated by SIA and Scoot. Full refunds for unused tickets were also made available.
Meanwhile, Changi Airport’s website reported three cancellations and 11 rescheduled or delayed Jetstar Asia flights on May 9. The disruptions were attributed to an engineering issue identified during routine checks, according to Jetstar Asia. Passengers were notified at least 12 hours prior to departure and provided alternative arrangements or refunds.
Addressing the wider context of flight disruptions, Mayur Patel, head of Asia at aviation data consultancy OAG, pointed to the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in revising flight schedules due to checks and repairs related to a manufacturing flaw with Pratt & Whitney jet engines. Scoot had earlier grounded three Airbus A320neos due to these flaws.
Patel highlighted the broader strain on the aviation supply chain, exacerbated by increased demand for spare parts amid parked aircraft requiring active maintenance and heightened corrosion levels, particularly in humid climates like Singapore’s.
Similarly, Greg Waldron, Asia managing editor of aviation publication FlightGlobal, noted that airlines globally have been grappling with supply chain disruptions, citing examples such as Kenya Airways and All Nippon Airways.
In response to these challenges, airlines have resorted to various measures, including extending aircraft leases and boosting spare part supplies to enhance resilience. Amidst concerns over possible manpower shortages, aviation analysts stressed the importance of addressing labor constraints alongside other operational issues.
