Remarks by Minister for Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat at the Scoot Launch Event for New Embraer Aircraft

Mr. Goh Choon Phong, CEO of SIA, 

Mr. Yam Kum Weng, CEO (Designate) of Changi Airport Group,

Mr. Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.     Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to the launch event for Scoot’s new fleet of Embraer regional jets.

2.     The aviation sector has recovered strongly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Passenger traffic at Changi Airport crossed pre-pandemic levels¹ in the first quarter of this year, and the future is bright. At this time in the morning, we can see the hustle and bustle of Changi Airport even after the morning peak period. We are shifting from discussing our recovery to planning for growth in the next decades. 

3.     We are here today to commemorate the inaugural commercial flight of Scoot’s new fleet of Embraer E190-E2 regional jets. This fleet is a testament to the Singapore Airlines Group’s foresight in planning for growth and future expansion, even as we emerged from the depths of the pandemic. These 112-seater regional jets will complement Scoot’s existing fleet of larger A320 and B787 aircraft by serving thinner short- to medium-haul routes to new and existing destinations. 

4.     Regional jets like the E2 series of Embraer jets are designed for short- to medium-range operations. Their smaller passenger capacity makes them ideal for opening new routes to smaller but growing markets within the region, as well as enabling additional flights on existing routes. This will help to enhance the Singapore air hub’s network connectivity in Southeast Asia.   

5.     Using a plane right-sized for the demand on specific routes will also enable more fuel-efficient operations and reduce carbon emissions, in line with the goals outlined in the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint launched earlier this year.

6.     This launch also marks the first time an aircraft from Embraer is operated by a Singapore air carrier. To bring the new aircraft into service, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) worked closely with Scoot, Embraer, and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil on the safety and technical evaluations to enable Scoot to launch the inaugural services today, while upholding the highest safety standards. We will continue to support the industry in its business plans and strategies while upholding our regulatory objectives.

7.     The operationalisation of the new Embraer fleet also would not have been possible without the support of our aviation workers and unions. For example, Scoot’s flight and cabin crew had to familiarise themselves with the operations of the new fleet. Engineers and technicians from SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) had to learn about the new aircraft to provide line maintenance for the new fleet, so that Scoot can operate the aircraft safely. 

8.     The addition of the Embraer E2s to Scoot’s fleet represents an important milestone in Changi Airport’s continued growth. Expanding our network in the region will allow us to serve our travellers better and meet rapidly growing demand in the Southeast Asian market. Singaporeans will also benefit from more travel options and service offerings. 

9.     I believe that everyone here today, representing different parts of our aviation community, shares my excitement about the opportunities ahead of us. Together, we will bring aviation to new heights. Thank you.

¹In 1Q 2024, Changi Airport saw 16.5 million passenger movements, reaching 101% of pre-COVID levels in 2019.