SIA and CAAS should look into long flight delays by Scoot

I refer to the news report on the latest flight delay by Scoot which saw passengers stranded for over two days in Greece due to a technical fault. This marked the third such significant delay of a Scoot flight in four weeks. All had similar characteristics - technical fault, communication shortfalls and long remedy periods – plus pro forma responses from the operator.

Surely these should be raising red flags to parent company Singapore Airlines and to the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

There are several observations that are concerning. First, Scoot is not using antiquated aircraft. These are modern and fairly recent acquisitions. To have so many suffer various technical faults in a short period is surely concerning.

Second, the implicit attitude seems to that taking “budget” airlines implies accepting the prospect of such delays but going the “budget” route should never mean compromises to safety and maintenance. So no one should treat this as business as usual.

Third, Scoot carries the promise of the Singapore brand as much as its parent company and it is arguably letting the side down.

On the first two observations, CAAS should take an interest. On the third issue, the parent company should hold the management of Scoot accountable.

On all three, the policy owner, the Ministry of Transport, should begin to keep watch to preserve the interests of consumers, but more importantly, those of Singapore.