11-3-2025 (SINGAPORE) Low-cost carrier Scoot is embarking on an ambitious expansion trajectory, with plans to bolster its destination portfolio and substantially enhance its fleet capacity throughout 2025.
The Singapore-based airline’s chief executive, Leslie Thng, unveiled the strategic blueprint during a media briefing, highlighting forthcoming routes to Austria’s capital Vienna and the Philippine city of Iloilo as initial steps in their growth agenda.
In a significant pivot, Scoot is intensifying its presence across Southeast Asia, allocating a quarter of its resources to regional routes—a marked increase from the previous year’s 20 per cent. This strategic realignment comes amidst heightened competition and a measured recovery in the Chinese market.
The carrier’s fleet modernisation programme encompasses the anticipated delivery of four Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, completing their nine-jet order. Additional acquisitions will include various aircraft types, notably the Airbus A320 narrowbody, bringing the total fleet expansion to between 14 and 16 aircraft.
Operational achievements have already surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks by 5 per cent in the previous financial year, with management expressing robust confidence in sustained growth momentum. However, the airline faces operational hurdles, including the temporary grounding of six Airbus A320neo aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine concerns—a widespread issue affecting hundreds of Airbus jets globally through 2026.
To mitigate these challenges, Scoot has extended leases on six A320ceo aircraft and incorporated five Embraer jets into its fleet. The airline has also witnessed success with its newer routes, including services to Thailand’s Koh Samui and Malaysia’s Sibu, whilst increasing flight frequencies to various Southeast Asian destinations.
The mutual visa-free arrangement between Singapore and China, permitting 30-day visits without visa requirements, has catalysed increased passenger movement. Despite ceasing operations to certain Chinese cities, Scoot maintains a robust 80 per cent of its pre-pandemic Chinese operations, including the addition of Shantou to its network.
