At present, Scoot operates one daily return flight between Singapore and Bangkok. Scoot has already added three extra weekly services to its timetable with effect from 8 July 2015. This is seemingly in anticipation of being able to continue on to Japan.
Although a Bangkok-Japan service is not a logical step for a Singapore airline, it fills the current gap left by the Japanese ban on Thai airlines launching new routes to Japan. The Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation says Scoot will be able to provide the onward service under ‘fifth freedom rights’ which allows carriers to fly passengers from their home base to second and third countries.
The Japanese ban on Thai airlines starting new routes to the country is the result of an International Civil Aviation Organization allegation that there were some safety concerns about their operating procedures. Thai AirAsia X was due to inaugurate Bangkok-Sapporo flights next month but had to scrap the plan following the ban.
The ban does not apply to Thailand-Japanese flight services that already operate. Thai Airways still offers daily Bangkok-Sapporo flights while Thai AirAsia X’s timetable to Tokyo Narita Airport and Osaka is unaffected.
Scoot gears up for Bangkok Sapporo flights
News in Asia
Singapore based airline Scoot says it is awaiting final approval from civil aviation authorities in Japan before inaugurating a Bangkok-Sapporo service. An inside source at the Singapore Airlines affiliate says as soon as permission is granted the carrier will work out a timetable and start selling tickets.