Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, has officially joined the ranks of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The announcement follows Scoot successfully passing IATA's Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The audit sets the international standard for safety in airline operations and is required to be eligible for IATA membership.
The airline, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, is in the process of rapidly rebuilding its international network as Asia continues to reduce travel restrictions. Like parent Singapore Airlines, Scoot is heavily dependent on international traffic with no domestic destinations. Mr Leslie Thng, Scoot's Chief Executive Officer, expressed his delight at the announcement:
“We are honoured to become an IATA member. This international recognition affirms our dedication to upholding safety for our passengers. Through the decade, we have continued to enhance our operational resilience and improve our customers’ experience.
"Looking ahead, we hope to continue to pave the way in redefining and elevating value-travel in our industry.”
What it takes to join
The IATA membership is only open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services. To be eligible to apply, the prospective carrier must operate a two-pilot, multi-engine aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff mass above 5,700 kg (12,566 lb), which is used for commercial cargo or passenger flights with or without cabin crew.
Maintaining IATA Operational Safety Audit registration, and complying with the IOSA program, an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess an airline's operational management and control systems, is a condition of IATA membership.
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As a fully-fledged IATA member, Scoot will now be able to attend the organization's member conferences that bring together representatives from leading international airlines to set priorities within the aviation industry. The most recent general meeting took place in Doha, where the IATA discussed topics such as reaching net-zero carbon emissions. Next year's IATA annual general meeting will take place in Istanbul.
Being a member of the IATA also gives Scoot access to IATA training in significant fields such as aviation safety and security, operational efficiency and excellence, and sustainability. The organization also provides programs to help strengthen the capabilities of aviation industry professionals. Philip Goh, IATA's Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific, expressed his excitement to welcome Scoot to the association:
”We are delighted to welcome Scoot as an IATA member. Having Scoot, a low-cost carrier, as a member will further enhance the diversity of views we have in the Association. We look forward to working with the Scoot team towards the sustainable growth of the industry as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19,”
Steady growth for Scoot
Scoot has seen a strong comeback post-pandemic. The carrier flew 729,400 passengers across its network in October, up 8% month over month. The low-cost carrier currently has a fleet of 60 aircraft, including 14 Airbus A320-200s, six A320neos, nine A321neos, nine Boeing 787-8s and ten 787-9s.
Since its launch in June 2012, Scoot has flown over 67 million guests. The airline merged with Tigerair Singapore in July 2017, retaining the Scoot branding. The carrier is consistently rebuilding its route network and currently offers flights to 56 destinations for the month of November.
Travelers on Scoot are also eligible to earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles, the frequent flyer program of parent Singapore Airlines Group.