Singapore Airlines to increase 26 percent capacity into Maldives

MALE, June 1 (HNS) -- Singapore International Airlines has announced a five-weekly B777-200 flight service to Maldives from Sunday. This will replace its current operation utilizing the airbus A310-300 as part of its fleet renewal, the airlines said in a press release. As part of fleet renewal, SIA will be retiring the A310-300 from its fleet by June. Flights will depart Singapore on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2035 hours and arrive in Male International Airport at 2150 hours. Singapore bound direct flights will depart Male at 2305 hours on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays arriving at 0645 hours. The B777-200 flight to Male marks a huge increase in Raffles Class with 150 seats offered weekly as compared to the current 84 seats. The flight has a seating capacity of 30 in Raffles Class and 293 in Economy Class. "We are committed to our services into the Maldives and the 26 percent increase in capacity reflect our confidence in the market," SIA Vice President for West Asia and Africa, Paul Tan, was quoted as saying. "As demand improves into this vibrant market, popular with honeymooners, diving enthusiasts or those looking for a quiet getaway, SIA is committed to continue renewing the demand with a view for additional capacity," he said. Passengers traveling to and from Male on the B777-200 aircraft can look forward to enhanced seating comfort with more legroom from the current A310-300 services. They will also be able to experience the new generation of KrisWorld entertainment system, offering an even wider selection of films, short features and games. This was reflected in comments given after interim upgrades in August 2001 to the B777-200 aircraft, SIA said. Passengers will be able to engage in friendly conversation with their fellow travelers through the SIA In-flight Challenge, SIA's first multi-player game, which takes the form of a general knowledge quiz. The new generation KrisWorld system also provides passengers in all classes with audio and video on demand, allowing them to enjoy entertainment at the time of their choice, and start, pause, stop, rewind and fast forward audio and video entertainment as they wish. Passengers will also soon be able to enjoy enhanced meal service in Business Class from Singapore to Maldives. Singapore Airlines, together with its regional subsidiary, SilkAir, fly to 90 destinations in 40 countries. Together with the airline's code-share partners, the airline has a global reach of 119 destinations in 41 countries.