SINGAPORE Airlines's budget carrier Scoot has modified one of its A320ceo aircraft - a 9V-TAZ - to carry cargo in the cabin by removing all seats. The move doubles the aircraft's cargo-carrying capacity to nearly 20 tonnes.

Another A320ceo aircraft is scheduled to undergo similar modification works this week, Scoot said in a statement on Monday.

The carrier's modification comes amid a "severe decline" in the volume of bellyhold space available for cargo - the result of a reduction of passenger flights because of the stringent border-control measures put in place for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scoot has operated hundreds of cargo flights using passenger aircraft - including many where cargo was placed on passenger seats.

For flights operated on the 9V-TAZ, Scoot said there will be a minimum of two pilots and two cabin crew onboard to ensure safety and smooth operations, as well as to manage any inflight emergencies.

The first cargo charter flight by the modified 9V-TAZ took off last Saturday from Fuzhou to Singapore, transporting a total of 13 tonnes of cargo in both the bellyhold and cabin. The cargo comprised mainly goods for daily use. The aircraft has four more flights scheduled for the rest of this month.

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Scoot chief executive Campbell Wilson said that, with many passenger aircraft sitting idle due to the pandemic, Scoot started operating cargo charters to carry essential supplies as an alternative revenue stream.

"Since then, we have been growing our cargo capacity and capabilities to remain competitive while providing more value for our customers," he said.

Singapore Airlines shares were trading up S$0.03 or 0.8 per cent to S$3.67 as at 4.45pm on Monday.