Singapore Airlines offers Hong Kong fliers tickets for regional destinations discounted by up to 60%

Move set to put pressure on Cathay Pacific to also offer discounts as competition among regional rivals intensifies

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Bali is among the destinations that Singapore Airlines has included in its promotional campaign. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 6:03pm, 26 Sep 2024Updated: 6:55pm, 26 Sep 2024

Singapore Airlines has rolled out discounts of up to 60 per cent on airfares for Hong Kong travellers to Asia-Pacific destinations ranging from Bali and the Maldives to Australia in an aggressive scramble for fliers amid increasingly fierce competition among regional airlines.

The move is set to spark a new airfare discount war in Hong Kong and put pressure on regional rival Cathay Pacific Airways to introduce more promotional offers.

Singapore Airlines announced on Thursday that it was offering flash sale deals starting at HK$1,500 (US$193) for economy class tickets, including tax, to Singapore, Bali, Kuala Lumpur and Penang from Wednesday to Sunday, with the savings amounting up to 60 per cent off regular prices.

The airline also rolled out promotional fares to destinations in Asia-Pacific for travel until June 30 next year covering various cities in Australia, from HK$4,070 (US$523) for economy class, and HK$4,695 for the Maldives. The promotion will run until October 15.

A search of Cathay Pacific’s website showed a seven-day return ticket in economy class to Sydney on February 3 cost HK$6,161 including taxes and surcharges, one-third more expensive than Singapore Airlines’ promotional tickets.

To entice passengers, Singapore Airlines has also introduced free Wi-fi for all passengers after previously restricting it to business and first class.

Wilson Yong, Singapore Airlines’ general manager in Hong Kong, brushed off suggestions the company was stirring up a price war.