27.08.2026
SIA to buy Boeing 777-300ER Aircraft
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed a letter of intent to
purchase up to thirty-one (31) Boeing B777-300ER (Extended
Range) aircraft.
Eighteen of the thirty-one aircraft are firm orders for
delivery between 2006 to 2010, while the remaining thirteen
are subject to exercise of purchase rights. At list prices,
the order is worth approximately US$7.35 billion, including
the cost of spares and spare engines.
The order reinforces SIA’s standing as the biggest
customer for the Boeing 777. SIA presently flies fifty-five
B777s, and has another four B777s on firm order. With this
latest order, the number of B777s in the SIA fleet will
eventually reach seventy-seven units.
The B777-300ER, seating about 350 passengers and with a
range of 7,000 nm, will be deployed on SIA’s long-haul
and medium-haul routes. The new order will allow SIA to
achieve capacity growth of between 4 and 6% a year. At the
same time, it will maintain SIA’s fleet as one of
the industry’s youngest, as the B747-400 is progressively
retired.
The B777-300ER was chosen for its higher operating efficiency,
commonality with existing fleet, and cabin spaciousness.
SIA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chew Choon Seng, said the
evaluation process was comprehensive, and the competition
between Boeing and Airbus for the order was very keen.
“With its use of new generation avionics and materials,
and its higher operating efficiency, the B777-300ER will
deliver lower operating costs. It should integrate well
with our existing fleet, which already includes fifty-five
aircraft from the B777 family. Our choice recognises the
popular appeal among travellers of the B777 aircraft,”
Mr Chew said.
SIA had also sought proposals from manufacturers for suitable
aircraft to operate on its regional routes. The manufacturers
offered the Airbus A330-200 and the new Boeing 7E7 for evaluation.
SIA has decided not to place any order for the regional
aircraft because the proposals submitted did not meet SIA’s
financial criteria. The airline will continue to use the
B777-200 to serve the regional routes.
SIA currently operates 89 wide-bodied aircraft comprising
29 B747s, 55 B777s and five A340-500s, with firm orders
for an additional four B777s and 10 A380s. SIA will be the
launch customer for the A380 in 2006.
The average age of the passenger fleet is just five years. |
