SilkAir takes delivery of its first B737 MAX 8, adds Japan to its network

Singapore

SILKAIR, which has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, will have three of them by the end of the year, enabling it to grow its network as it receives more of the fuel-efficient aircraft.

The 737 MAX 8 will be used to launch services to Hiroshima from Oct 30, marking SilkAir's foray into Japan. Initially, however, it will be deployed on regional routes - such as Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh - before it commences the thrice weekly service to Hiroshima.

"Expanding our network is imperative for us to meet the growing demand for intra-Asian travel. And with the MAX 8's greater fuel efficiency and range, the delivery will usher in a new phase of growth for us," said SilkAir chief ex…