Weak travel demand aside, SIA has major problems to fix

THE pain being felt by the aviation sector is global, and Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its top brass should not be unfairly penalised for factors that are beyond their control. But some of the hits that SIA has taken could have been reduced or even avoided.

Take, for instance, SIA's investments in foreign airlines NokScoot Airlines and Virgin Australia, which have filed for liquidation and voluntary administration, respectively.

Thailand-based low-cost carrier NokScoot and Brisbane-based full-service airline Virgin Australia had been struggling with turning a profit even before the pandemic. Consequently, they were among the earliest casualties of the pandemic.