Singapore's new long-haul budget carrier Scoot has taken off
for the first time, using a novel way of saving fuel -- by replacing its
in-built TVs with iPads.
The airline set off on its maiden voyage to Sydney from the
city-state late Monday as part of its parent Singapore Airlines (SIA)
bid to tap Asia's growing demand for no-frills travel while battling
surging fuel costs.
Business class passengers were handed iPads pre-loaded with movies,
TV shows and games, while those in economy were given the option of
paying S$22 to use the tablet computers. "One of the reasons for using iPads for in-flight entertainment is
that they are lighter than the traditional inflight entertainment
systems and hence saves on fuel," a spokesperson said.
However, The incoming flight from Singapore arrived after a one-hour delay due to
a medical emergency, with passengers waiting at the check-in gates
surrounded by bright yellow balloons and flags, and traditional
Singaporean dancers and musicians.
The flight with a full load of about 400 paying passengers, guests and
members of the media left Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi Airport 20 minutes
later then scheduled. However, it turned back on the runway and returned to the
boarding area at 12.20am.
After touching down in Sydney for the first time today the carrier,
which is an offshoot of Singapore Airlines, Scoot was welcomed with a water cannon salute this morning and at the same time announced it would also fly
to Tokyo and Taipei, which are scheduled to start from the third quarter. And currently offers flights from Singapore to Australia's Gold Coast, Sydney, Bangkok and China's Tianjin city.
Scoot will operate daily flights from Sydney to Singapore and five flights a week from the Gold Coast to Singapore from next week. Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather said low-cost carriers had stimulated demand and the service would add 290,000 seats a year.
You can have a quick look at Scoot seats on board posted by several sources.
And here are some of the video posted from other sources as well. :)
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