Next stop for SIA's new Boeing 787s? Perth

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) on Thursday said that Perth will become the second destination - after Osaka, Japan - to be served by its new Boeing 787-10 fleet.

Subject to regulatory approvals, flights to Perth are expected to commence in May, initially as one of the airline's four daily flights between Singapore and Perth.

When asked why the airline had picked this location, SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said that the group is "committed to the Australian market", and believes that customers from Perth will appreciate the "enhanced travelling experience".

"Beyond Perth and Osaka, the new aircraft will also be serving other destinations, which we will announce in due course," he said.

Ahead of this introduction of regular services to Perth and Osaka, the 787-10s will be operated on selected Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur flights for crew training.

SIA will also be the world's first airline to operate the 787-10, and has 49 firm orders for this aircraft type, the national carrier said. The airline will take delivery of its first 787-10 from Boeing next month.

The 787-10s will feature SIA's new regional cabin products, and seat 337 passengers - 36 in Business Class, and 301 in Economy Class.

Added Mr Ionides: "This is only the start of our investment for the future of the SIA group. The new 787-10s will allow us to continue to operate a modern and fuel-efficient fleet, and provide us additional expansion opportunities to further grow the Singapore hub."

Measuring 68 metres in length, the 787-10 is the longest variant of Boeing's Dreamliner range of aircraft, which are constructed using technologically advanced lightweight composite materials.

Besides the 49 firm orders for 787-10s, SIA also has a firm order with Boeing for 20 777-9s, which are due to come onstream from fiscal 2021/22.