SIA grounds almost entire fleet in ‘greatest challenge’ ever

SIA will slash schedules and ground almost all aircraft, as the coronavirus pandemic presents “the greatest challenge that the SIA Group has faced in its existence”. Due to the further tightening of border controls globally, SIA will cut 96% of scheduled capacity until end-April and ground 138 of 147 aircraft operated by SIA and regional carrier, SilkAir. Scoot will also suspend most of its network and ground all but 2 of its 49 aircraft. Singapore is also banning short-term visitors from entering or transiting through the city state, effective March 23 11:59, in an attempt to reduce the number of imported coronavirus cases. “It is unclear when the SIA Group can begin to resume normal services, given the uncertainty as to when the stringent border controls will be lifted," said the carrier. <br/>