SILKAIR, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will launch services to two new Southeast Asian destinations, increasing its network to 47 destinations in the Asia Pacific region.
Subject to applicable approvals, SilkAir will offer thrice-weekly services to Kalibo in the Philippines through circular-routing flights with Cebu from May 27, 2014, and thrice-weekly circular flights between Mandalay in Myanmar and Yangon from June 10, 2014.
Kalibo will be SilkAir’s third destination in the Philippines after Cebu and Davao, while Mandalay will be the airline’s second destination in Myanmar after Yangon. The new services will be operated with Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy Class cabins.
“As the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir plays a role to extend the Singapore Airlines Group network by seeding and developing emerging destinations. We are excited to be adding both Kalibo and Mandalay to our network and are confident that they will be well received,” said SilkAir Chief Executive Leslie Thng.
The two new services will be conveniently connected via Singapore to more than 90 cities in the joint Singapore Airlines – SilkAir network.
Kalibo is the capital of Aklan province and gateway to the idyllic Boracay island, which is located off the northwestern tip of Panay. The island is known for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Besides soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches, Boracay also offers a wide array of land and sea activities.
The second largest city in Myanmar, Mandalay is the centre of culture and religion in the country. The city is home to the magnificent royal palace, as well as many other attractions built during the Konbuang Dynasty. Bagan, long considered one of the world’s greatest archeological sights, is also accessible through Mandalay.
The two new services will be introduced during the Northern Summer operating season, between March 30, 2014 and October 25, 2014. SilkAir is also making network adjustments during this season, comprising capacity increases on several routes and reductions on others.
In Thailand, SilkAir will operate 35 times weekly to Phuket, up from the current 30 times weekly.
In Australia, services to Darwin will be increased to five times weekly, a rise from the current four times weekly.
In Indonesia, services to Palembang will be increased to five times weekly and subject to slots approval, services to Balikpapan will also increase from the current six times a week to daily flights.
See these flight schedules:
| Services to Kalibo, Philippines (From May 27, 2014) | ||||
| Flight Number | Routing | Day of Operation | Departure | Arrival |
| MI 577 | SIN-CEB-KLO | Thursday | SIN 0820hrs | KLO 1345hrs |
| MI 577 | KLO-SIN | Thursday | KLO 1430hrs | SIN 1810hrs |
| MI 599 | SIN-KLO | Tuesday, Sunday | SIN 1000hrs | KLO 1345hrs |
| MI 599 | KLO-CEB-SIN | Tuesday, Sunday | KLO 1430hrs | SIN 1940hrs |
| Services to Mandalay, Myanmar (From June 10, 2014) | ||||
| Flight Number | Routing | Day of Operation | Departure* | Arrival* |
| MI 533 | SIN-RGN-MDL | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | SIN 1135hrs | MDL 1500hrs |
| MI 533 | MDL-SIN | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | MDL 1555hrs | SIN 2050hrs |
Note: Singapore (SIN) Cebu (CEB) Kalibo (KLO) Yangon (RGN) Mandalay (MDL) *All timings local, schedules are subject to slots approval | ||||
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| SilkAir Frequency Changes for Northern Summer Schedule (March 30, 2014 – October 25, 2014) | ||
| Route | New Frequency (per week) | Current Frequency (per week) |
| Frequency increases: | ||
| Singapore - Phuket | 35 | 30 |
| Singapore - Palembang | 5 | 4 |
| Singapore - Balikpapan | 7 | 6 |
| Singapore - Darwin | 5 | 4 |
| Frequency reductions: | ||
| Singapore - Medan | 19 | 21 |
| Singapore - Pekanbaru | 3 | 4 |
| Singapore - Hyderabad | 9 | 10 |
| Singapore - Kochi | 9 | 10 |
| Singapore - Visakhapatnam | 3 | 4 |
(PR)