SilkAir launches direct flight to adventure capital Cairns

IN the wee hours of Saturday morning, SilkAir launched its first direct flight to Cairns, marking parent company Singapore Airlines' (SIA) return to the Australian city after more than 14 years.

The new service - SilkAir's most operationally expensive yet - will be operated with SilkAir's latest Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy class cabins. The thrice weekly flights depart from Singapore on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

In his speech at Cairns airport, Leslie Thng, chief executive of SilkAir, said Cairns' debut in SilkAir's growing route network will help the company develop "opportunities for tourism as well as business and cultural exchanges".