Singapore Airlines Cancels 737-8 Orders

While posting its best net profit in the company’s 76-year history, Singapore Airlines announced that it would also change existing aircraft commitments.

The company says it’ll cancel eight orders for the 737-8. While also swapping three of the 787-9s to three 787-10s. The group says that the 787s being shifted were destined for Scoot.

Adjustments to the fleet come as the company rejigs its plans and believes they are in line with what is required at the company to meet all operational requirements for the long-term.

The change in commitment regarding the 737-8 comes off the back of this commitment initially being placed by SilkAir, a regional carrier owned by Singapore Airlines. However, in 2021 SilkAir ceased operations. As such, its fleet of 737s headed toward Singapore Airlines as the mainline operator absorbed the regional operator.

The shutdown of SilkAir had been a long-time coming, and, as a result, SilkAir had been transferring routes progressively to other Singapore Airlines Group airlines, such as to low-cost brand Scoot.

It isn’t uncommon when companies close and aircraft orders are inherited that changes are made later the down the line to reposition the company.

Per Cirium fleet data, the airline has 16 737-8s currently in service. However, it does still fly the 737-800NG, also inherited from SilkAir.

EDITED: Additional information was provided to reflect the nature of Silk Air’s shutdown.