SIA and its regional wing SilkAir will suspend some flights to China after fears over the novel coronavirus outbreak affected demand "significantly", Singapore's national carrier said on Monday. "Minimum connectivity" to several key cities will be maintained, SIA said. The move comes after demand for air travel between Singapore and China declined significantly as a result of the outbreak, said SIA. As a result, services to some Chinese destinations will be "temporarily suspended until the situation improves", it added. Several SIA flights between Singapore and Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou will be suspended between Feb 4 and Mar 29. Some SilkAir flights between Singapore and Shenzhen, Xiamen, Chengdu and Chongqing will be halted during that period. SIA said that the group will maintain some connectivity to key cities. SIA said that it will operate seven flights each to Beijing and Shanghai weekly, thrice a week to Guangzhou and once a week to Chongqing. "As the national carrier, we will continue to maintain minimum connectivity to the key cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing for now despite the reduced demand," SIA said. SIA had said on Jan 31 said it would reduce capacity on some of its routes to China in February due to the growing scale of the coronavirus epidemic.<br/>
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New Air NZ boss Greg Foran is asking elite customers what the airline's next big move should be as it aims to deliver a more "uniquely Kiwi" experience. In an email to Airpoints Gold and Elite members, Foran says no detail is too small. It asks them three questions: 1) "Looking to the future what do you think is the next big thing Air NZ should focus on?" 2) "What do you think Air NZ is doing well and should continue to do?" 3) "What could we do to improve your experience as a valued customer?" Foran started work at the beginning of last week and has already canvassed 1200 senior staff for their views, including where the airline could save money. He talks about new planes on the way, new cabin layout and new Business Premier seats coming soon in a video with the email. Foran says he wants views on how the airline can become even more innovative and improve customer service. "As an Airpoints Elite member you are one of our most important customers. Very few people know us better, fly as often, or would have more informed opinions about our business and our customer experience." The anonymous survey is available for responses until Sunday.<br/>