Straits Times, 15 September 2003
Aussie plan to avoid Sars may hit Singapore
“Australia is in talks with the Singapore Government and airlines about alternative routes for international flights as a way to shield its tourism sector from any new outbreak of Sars.
In a move which could hit Singapore as a stopover destination, (Australian) Tourism Minister Joe Hockey said yesterday he thought Sars would re-emerge this northern winter, and officials were drawing up contingency plans to divert aircraft through countries not affected by the killer virus.
Australia is still reeling from the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome on its tourism industry, which suffered a 22.5% fall in overseas visitors during May (2003) alone.
Changing routes to avoid infected countries could have serious implications for Singapore as it funnels millions of visitors into Australia every year…….”
Could be the surprise plan to introduce the ex-SQ A340-300’s to EK is not only a smart marketing move but also exceptionally well timed (great to have a bit of luck now and again, isn’t it?).
Un-infected EK DXB-SYD/MEL direct flights will have immediate appeal to the Australian Government and are an obvious solution for Sars conscious European origin connecting traffic, using the shortly to be introduced A340-500/600’s (7481 nm great circle –
www.gc.kls2.com ), to neatly cut out Sars affected BKK/SIN as the current traffic stops of preference.
The ex-SQ aircraft should now be able to take up slack generated by probable much higher than planned frequency of the new 500/600’s, on these two direct routes, substituting on any shorter routes planned for the 500/600's, as a means of achieving required utilization targets, following delivery from Toulouse.
Looks like the airline could be market driven after all – and still a good place to be for both Captains and FO’s.