By NG JUN SEN
SIA recorded its first full-year loss of S$212 million for the 12 months ending March 31, after staying profitable throughout its 48-year history. Earlier in September, it announced plans to cut around 4,300 positions, affecting around 2,400 staff.
26 September, 2020
Each week, TODAY’s long-running Big Read series delves into the trends and issues that matter. This week, we look at the challenges faced by Singapore Airlines amid the Covid-19 crisis and how it can recover post-pandemic. This is a shortened version of the full feature, which can be found here.
- Covid-19 had hit SIA like a bolt from the blue, at a time when it was facing mounting competitive pressures
- The pandemic hit SIA squarely on its core business model of premium, long-haul international flights — the first to be cancelled and likely the last to be restored
- Changi Airport air hub status is not guaranteed post-pandemic, as technological trends and alternative hubs pose a threat
- When the restart comes, SIA will need ready and trained personnel to jump on the wagon
- Global debate ongoing over the role of flag carriers, as the aviation industry is expected to consolidate in the months and years ahead.
