With more Boeing 737-800s joining the fleet, Singapore Airlines was actively flying 86 passenger aircraft in April 2021, a record since the COVID-19 pandemic slashed the operating fleet into the 50s last year.
The 737s are certainly making their mark fast, flying to and from nine regional destinations next month (up from four in March), plus there’s a more advanced version being prepared for service.
The troubled Boeing 737 MAX 8, now cleared to fly in many countries but still awaiting approval here in Singapore, will eventually replace the older 737-800s and the first one to receive the SIA colour scheme and new cabin products has now been rolled out of the hangar.
Meanwhile the wide-body fleet renewal process continued this month, with another Airbus A330 leaving the airline and three brand new Airbus A350 Regionals arriving almost ‘in formation’, to make SIA the world’s largest operator of the type.
Fleet totals
Here are the Singapore Airlines passenger fleet totals at 30th April 2021.
CAAS Database: | 141 | ||
Recently deregistered: For disposal: |
-1 -23 |
||
In Service: | 117 | ||
In maintenance / stored: |
-31 |
||
Active: | 86 |
The official registered aircraft data in combination with recent retirement announcements and analysis of actual flight movements over the last few weeks allows us to determine the actual ‘in service’ fleet (available to the airline) of 117 planes at 30th April 2021, 86 of which were recently active.
Click here to see the official CAAS list of registered aircraft in Singapore at 31st March 2021.
SIA Passenger Fleet at 30th April 2021
This table shows the Singapore Airlines fleet including how many of each aircraft type are legally registered (‘Registered’), available to the airline (‘In Service’) and currently operating revenue passenger or cargo flights (‘Active’).
Type |
Registered | In Service | Active |
A330-300![]() |
3 |
0 | 0 |
A350-900![]() |
26 | 26 | 26 |
A350-900 Regional![]() |
22 |
22 | 19 |
A350-900 ULR![]() |
7 | 7 | 7 |
A380-800 v1![]() |
6 | 0 | 0 |
A380-800 v2![]() |
4 | 3 | 0 |
A380-800 v3![]() |
9 | 9 | 0 |
737-800![]() |
8 | 8 | 8 |
777-200![]() |
8 | 0 | 0 |
777-200ER![]() |
3 | 0 | 0 |
777-300![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 |
777-300ER![]() |
27 | 27 | 11 |
787-10![]() |
15 | 15 | 15 |
Total | 140 | 117 | 86 |
Following confirmation that all the airline’s remaining Airbus A330s, Boeing 777-200s, Boeing 777-200ERs and Boeing 777-300s will not be returning to the fleet after COVID-19, in addition to seven older Airbus A380s, we have removed these from the ‘In Service’ column.
This reflects a future fleet of 117 aircraft, plus future near-term deliveries of Airbus A350s and Boeing 787-10s.
There will also be an unknown number of Boeing 737 MAX 8s joining the fleet in 2021, as the SilkAir merger enters its final stage, while one more Boeing 737-800 will be temporarily added.
Fleet activity
Four aircraft types are currently in service with the airline, as shown in the table below outlining the number in use at each of our monthly fleet update ‘snapshots’, from April 2020 to date.
SIA fleet activity timeline (2020) | |||||||
A350 |
B773 |
B77W |
B787 |
Total |
|||
LH |
R |
ULR |
|||||
Apr | 16 | 10 | — | 4 | 18 | 15 | 63 |
May | 14 | 9 | — | 3 | 18 | 15 | 59 |
Jun | 21 | 12 | — | 2 | 11 | 15 | 61 |
Aug | 23 | 14 | — | 1 | 4 | 14 | 56 |
Sep | 24 | 13 | — | 1 | 7 | 12 | 57 |
Oct | 24 | 13 | — | 1 | 4 | 12 | 54 |
Nov | 25 | 17 | — | — | 10 | 14 | 66 |
Dec | 26 | 18 | 3 | — | 9 | 14 | 70 |
SIA fleet activity timeline (2021) | |||||||
A350 |
B738 |
B77W |
B787 |
Total |
|||
LH |
R |
ULR |
|||||
Jan |
26 | 18 | 6 | — | 9 | 15 | 74 |
Feb |
25 | 17 | 6 | — | 9 | 15 | 72 |
Mar |
26 | 17 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 80 |
Apr |
26 | 19 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 86 |
Almost all Airbus A350s and Boeing 787-10s remain in consistent use, alongside the eight recent Boeing 737-800 deliveries, while the deployment of Boeing 777-300ERs has risen to 40% of that fleet.
Overall the airline was actively using a total of 86 aircraft in April 2021, its highest total since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Here’s a graphical look at the active vs. stored fleet.
Type | ■ Active / □ Inactive | |
A330-300 | □□□ | 0% |
A350 | ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ | 100% |
A350 R | ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■□□□ | 86% |
A350 ULR | ■■■■■■■ | 100% |
A380 | □□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□ | 0% |
737-800 | ■■■■■■■■ | 100% |
777-200 | □□□□□□□□ | 0% |
777-200ER | □□□ | 0% |
777-300 | □□ | 0% |
777-300ER | ■■■■■■■■■■■□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□ | 41% |
787-10 | ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ | 100% |

Here’s a look at how busy each aircraft fleet has been, based on active aircraft over the seven-day period from 21st April to 27th April 2021.
Type | Total flights per week | Average per active aircraft | |
Flights per week | Daily utilisation | ||
A350 | 204 | 8 | 11.8h |
A350 R | 200 | 11 | 9.2h |
A350 ULR | 24 | 3 | 8.4h |
737-800 | 46 | 6 | 1.8h |
777-300ER | 66 | 7 | 2.3h |
787-10 | 210 | 15 | 11.5h |
Long-haul Airbus A350s are the current ‘workhorses’ in terms of daily flying hours per aircraft, though the Boeing 787s aren’t far off, and operate the highest number of flights per week.
Three A350 deliveries in one day
Earlier this month Singapore Airlines took delivery of three brand new Airbus A350 Regional aircraft on the same day, with each jet touching down at Changi within a four-hour window on Saturday 3rd April 2021 as follows:
- 9V-SHT: 8.25am
- 9V-SHU: 10.20am
- 9V-SHV: 12.07pm
This handed SIA the accolade of “world’s largest Airbus A350 operator”, with 55 such aircraft in its fleet – two more than the previous title holder Qatar Airways.
Two of the three new A350s (9V-SHT and -SHU) have now entered revenue service, with only 9V-SHV to join them.
The first Boeing 737 MAX refit has been completed
Last month Singapore Airlines confirmed that its Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin refit programme had commenced, starting with its first aircraft returned from Alice Springs (9V-MBA).
Aside from a repaint from SilkAir colours, this also involves:
- Installation of flat-bed Thompson Vantage Business Class seats
- Installation of new Economy Class seats with seat-back entertainment systems
- The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity
The first aircraft has now had its refit work completed and was pictured at Changi this week sporting its new colours, with the tell-tale Wi-Fi antenna on the roof.

The MAXs are expected to eventually replace SIA’s Boeing 737-800s, for a consistent product and service offering across the narrow-body and wide-body fleets, however the type is still awaiting approval to fly again in Singapore from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS).
SIA Boeing 737 MAX 8 Fleet
Registration | Age (years) |
Current Livery |
Current Location |
9V-MBA | 3.6 | ![]() |
SIN |
9V-MBB | 3.5 | ![]() |
ASP |
9V-MBC | 3.4 | ![]() |
SIN |
9V-MBD | 3.1 | ![]() |
ASP |
9V-MBE | 3.0 | ![]() |
ASP |
9V-MBF | 2.2 | ![]() |
SIN |
No timescale for a reintroduction of the aircraft type in Singapore has yet been announced, but hopefully once that does happen we can look forward to a formal reveal of the new cabin products.
More Boeing 737-800s are in SIA service
At last month’s update there were four Boeing 737-800s in Singapore Airlines operation, though late March and April have seen a doubling of the registered and active fleet to eight aircraft, with the following four newly entering service:
- 9V-MGK (to PNH on 30 Mar)
- 9V-MGN (to PNH on 15 Apr)
- 9V-MGC (to KUL on 16 Apr)
- 9V-MGL (to KUL on 24 Apr)
This leaves only 9V-MGM to join SIA as the ninth aircraft, which will then complete the transfer. It flew an air test in SIA colours on 29th April and so will likely enter revenue service in May.
With the fleet steadily increasing, so has the route network for the Boeing 737-800s. As of May 2021 it will cover nine cities (up from four in March), as shown below, including the short-notice transfer of Medan from SilkAir earlier this month.

Recently confirmed future additions include Darwin, Cairns and Da Nang, though the start date for many of these routes is based on the ‘regular’ July 2021 schedule – realistically many will actually slip further into 2021.

Ultimately nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be joining Singapore Airlines from SilkAir, with the others set for disposal as the regional wing is gradually wound up in the months ahead.
SilkAir Boeing 737-800 aircraft moving to SIA
Registration | Age (years) |
Current Livery |
Status |
9V-MGA | 7.1 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGB | 7.0 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGC | 6.9 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGD | 6.8 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGE | 6.6 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGF | 6.5 | ![]() |
For sale |
9V-MGG | 6.4 | ![]() |
For sale |
9V-MGH | 6.4 | ![]() |
For sale |
9V-MGI | 6.1 | ![]() |
For sale |
9V-MGJ | 5.9 | ![]() |
For sale |
9V-MGK | 5.8 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGL | 5.6 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGM | 5.5 | ![]() |
Due in SIA |
9V-MGN | 5.5 | ![]() |
Transferred to SIA |
9V-MGO | 4.9 | ![]() |
For disposal |
9V-MGP | 4.8 | ![]() |
For sale |
9V-MGQ | 4.4 | ![]() |
For sale |
The SIA Group has put seven of the eight aircraft set for disposal on the market recently through UK-based agent Skytech-AIC, as listed in the table above (only 9V-MGO is not included in the sale).
The aircraft are listed as available from July 2021, suggesting the SilkAir merger is set to be completed in the next couple of months.
Airbus A330s
As expected, following a test flight in all-white livery last month, 9V-SSF was deregistered in April and is now registered OE-ITB after return to lessor. The aircraft was flown from Changi to Anchorage on 29th April.
The remaining three Airbus A330s in the registered fleet have ceased service for over a year, and are for return to their respective leasing companies, a process that should finish in Q3 2021 with 9V-SSI.
![]() |
|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SSG | SIN | 23 Mar 20 | 402 |
9V-SSH | SIN | 28 Mar 20 | 397 |
9V-SSI | SIN | 25 Nov 19 | 521 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
9V-SSI has yet to make a test flight appearance after sustaining tail damage during a landing incident at Yangon in November 2019. The aircraft was ferried empty to Singapore over 16 months ago in mid-December 2019, but has not flown since.
Airbus A350s
The Airbus A350-900 long-haul fleet remained at full strength in April 2021, with an operating total of 26 aircraft.
![]() |
|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SMA | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMB | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMC | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMD | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SME | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMF | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMG | SIN | 27 Apr 21 | 2 |
9V-SMH | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMI | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMJ | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMK | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SML | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMM | SIN | 23 Apr 21 | 6 |
9V-SMN | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMO | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMP | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMQ | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMR | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMS | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMT | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMU | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMV | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMW | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SMY | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SMZ | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SJA | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
There are currently two Airbus A350-900 Regional aircraft in storage or maintenance (9V-SHF and 9V-SHI), meaning 19 of this variant were flying recently, with new aircraft 9V-SHT and 9V-SHU joining the active fleet this month.
![]() |
|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SHA | SIN | 26 Apr 21 | 3 |
9V-SHB | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHC | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SHD | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHE | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHF | SIN | 24 Jul 20 | 279 |
9V-SHG | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SHH | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHI | SIN | 7 Apr 21 | 22 |
9V-SHJ | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SHK | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHL | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHM | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHN | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHO | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHP | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHQ | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHR | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHS | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SHT | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHU | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SHV | SIN | Yet to enter service |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
Although 9V-SHF has been ‘missing’ from the active fleet and in storage for over nine months, the aircraft took a test flight today (30th April 2021), so it seems like it may be set to rejoin the active fleet soon.
All of the airline’s Airbus A350-900 ULR aircraft are in service, covering daily San Francisco and New York JFK services.
![]() |
|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SGA | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SGB | SIN | 26 Apr 21 | 3 |
9V-SGC | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SGD | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SGE | SIN | 27 Apr 21 | 2 |
9V-SGF | SIN | 26 Apr 21 | 3 |
9V-SGG | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
Airbus A380s
Seven of the airline’s Airbus A380 aircraft are currently in long-term storage at Alice Springs, with the other 12 aircraft stored at Changi.
No revenue flights with the A380s have been flown since March 2020, and they are not being used in the current schedule through 30th June 2021.
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|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SKF | SIN | 24 Mar 20 | 401 |
9V-SKG | SIN | 25 Mar 20 | 400 |
9V-SKH | SIN | 22 Mar 20 | 403 |
9V-SKI | SIN | 20 Mar 20 | 405 |
9V-SKJ | SIN | 20 Mar 20 | 405 |
9V-SKK | ASP | 21 Mar 20 | 404 |
9V-SKL | ASP | 27 Mar 20 | 398 |
9V-SKM | SIN | 21 Mar 20 | 404 |
9V-SKN | SIN | 15 Oct 19 | 562 |
9V-SKP | ASP | 24 Mar 20 | 401 |
9V-SKQ | SIN | 26 Mar 20 | 399 |
9V-SKR | SIN | 19 Mar 20 | 406 |
9V-SKS | SIN | 12 Mar 20 | 413 |
9V-SKT | ASP | 18 Mar 20 | 407 |
9V-SKU | SIN | 25 Mar 20 | 400 |
9V-SKV | SIN | 28 Mar 20 | 397 |
9V-SKW | ASP | 26 Mar 20 | 399 |
9V-SKY | ASP | 27 Mar 20 | 398 |
9V-SKZ | ASP | 30 Mar 20 | 395 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
There looks to be no imminent return for the superjumbo fleet, though SIA has confirmed 12 of the aircraft will be remaining under current plans for the post-COVID recovery, all to be fitted with new cabin products.
Boeing 737-800s
All eight of the initial nine Boeing 737-800s moving across from SilkAir to Singapore Airlines are currently in service.
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|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-MGA | SIN | 27 Apr 21 | 2 |
9V-MGB | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-MGC | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-MGD | SIN | 21 Apr 21 | 8 |
9V-MGE | SIN | 27 Apr 21 | 2 |
9V-MGK | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-MGL | SIN | 26 Apr 21 | 3 |
9V-MGN | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
Boeing 777-200 / -200ER / -300s
In 2020 SIA inherited back a set of seven Boeing 777-200s it was leasing to the now-defunct NokScoot. These aircraft were all initially stored in Alice Springs, with one additional aircraft hibernating at Changi for a couple of years now.
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Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SQJ | SIN | 2 Aug 18 | 1001 |
9V-SRF | ASP | 30 Nov 19 | 516 |
9V-SRG | ASP | 1 Feb 20 | 453 |
9V-SRH | ASP | 23 Mar 20 | 402 |
9V-SRJ | ASP | 7 Jun 20 | 326 |
9V-SRL | ASP | 24 Mar 20 | 401 |
9V-SRP | SIN | 24 Mar 20 | 401 |
9V-SRQ | SIN | 15 Jun 20 | 318 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
Both 9V-SRP and 9V-SRQ were returned from Alice Springs to Singapore in early April, presumably in preparation for disposal / sale.
Last flight and number of days shown reflects most recent passenger service with NokScoot in the case of SRF to SRQ.
Meanwhile all 3 of the airline’s Boeing 777-200ERs are stored in Alice Springs, and are confirmed as for disposal.
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|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SVB | ASP | 17 Mar 20 | 408 |
9V-SVC | ASP | 19 Mar 20 | 406 |
9V-SVE | ASP | 21 Mar 20 | 404 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
There are still two retired Boeing 777-300 (non-ER) aircraft in the fleet, also for disposal.
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|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SYF | SIN | 10 Apr 20 | 384 |
9V-SYH | SIN | 5 May 20 | 359 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
Boeing 777-300ERs
11 of SIA’s 27 Boeing 777-300ERs were active over the last two weeks, with the other 16 stored at Changi.
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|||
Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SWA | SIN | 29 Mar 20 | 396 |
9V-SWB | SIN | 24 Mar 20 | 401 |
9V-SWD | SIN | 19 Mar 20 | 406 |
9V-SWE | SIN | 1 Feb 21 | 87 |
9V-SWF | SIN | 28 Sep 20 | 213 |
9V-SWG | SIN | 30 May 20 | 334 |
9V-SWH | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SWI | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SWJ | SIN | 4 May 20 | 360 |
9V-SWK | SIN | 19 Apr 21 | 10 |
9V-SWL | ASP | 13 Mar 21 | 47 |
9V-SWM | SIN | 13 Feb 21 | 75 |
9V-SWN | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SWO | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SWP | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SWQ | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SWR | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SWS | SIN | 28 Apr 21 | 1 |
9V-SWT | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SWU | SIN | 12 Apr 21 | 17 |
9V-SWV | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SWW | SIN | 13 Jun 20 | 320 |
9V-SWY | SIN | 5 Dec 20 | 145 |
9V-SWZ | SIN | 27 Jun 20 | 306 |
9V-SNA | SIN | 23 Jun 20 | 310 |
9V-SNB | SIN | 16 Mar 20 | 409 |
9V-SNC | SIN | 14 Jun 20 | 319 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
One of these aircraft is stored at Alice Springs.
The Boeing 777-300ER fleet has been predominantly operating cargo-only flights for the last year or so, though these aircraft are now increasingly being used for passenger services too.
Routes include London, Sydney, Jakarta and Hong Kong, including a First Class cabin from June 2021. This may be of particular interest to our readers using the Singapore – Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble in June, since the designated flights will be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER that month.
Boeing 787-10s
All of SIA’s 15 Boeing 787-10s are currently active, flying a mixture of passenger and cargo-only flights.
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Aircraft | Location | Last flew | Days ago |
9V-SCA | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCB | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCC | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCD | SIN | 22 Apr 21 | 7 |
9V-SCE | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCF | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCG | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCH | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCI | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCJ | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCK | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCL | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCM | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCN | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
9V-SCO | SIN | 29 Apr 21 | 0 |
‘Last flew’ dates relate to the aircraft’s last revenue passenger or cargo-only flight.
Alice Springs storage
25 Singapore Airlines Group aircraft remain in long-term storage at Alice Springs airport in Australia as of 30th April 2021, where the hot, dry climate is far more conducive to preservation.
SIA Group aircraft stored in Alice Springs |
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Airline | Aircraft | Total |
![]() |
Airbus A380 | 7 |
Boeing 777-200 | 5 | |
Boeing 777-200ER | 3 | |
Boeing 777-300ER | 1 | |
![]() |
Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 3 |
![]() |
Airbus A320 | 3 |
Boeing 787-8 | 3 |
With the remaining three SilkAir Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft due to leave the Alice Springs storage facility in the coming months, it will be interesting to see if the SIA Group retains its parking spots at the airport, which could perhaps mean more mainline aircraft like Airbus A380s or Boeing 777s heading south for better defence against the elements.
Future aircraft deliveries
The latest SIA Group orders for fleet modernisation and replacement is as follows.

Additionally, Scoot has committed to taking 10 Airbus A321neo aircraft through leasing companies over the coming months, for a total of 16 such aircraft including its six firm orders.
Confirmed upcoming Airbus A350 deliveries for SIA include 9V-SJB, a long-haul variant that has already started engine runs and taxi checks in Toulouse, but hasn’t had a test flight yet.
It will be the 27th A350 Long Haul variant in the SIA fleet.

Boeing 787 deliveries seem to be on hold for the time being.
Summary
A significant ramp-up in destinations for SIA’s newly acquired narrow-body Boeing 737-800s this month, with nine destinations for the type in May 2021. Although the number of flights for this fleet remains low, we can expect to see more similar operations on single-aisle jets as the airline begins to induct Boeing 737 MAX 8s into its fleet over the coming years.
On that front the recent completion of the first refit to a Singapore Airlines MAX, which will sport new Thompson flat-bed Business Class seats, seat-back IFE in Economy and Wi-Fi connectivity, is a good sign that we can expect to see an approval for the airline to operate the aircraft in the coming months.
These latest-generation jets will eventually replace the 737-800s, for a more consistent fleet-wide experience.

Meanwhile in April we bid farewell to another Airbus A330, a process set to be completed later this year when the last three examples leave, and a trio of brand new Airbus A350s arrived, sealing SIA’s (probably temporary) position as the world’s largest operator of the type.
Stay tuned for the next fleet update in May 2021.
(Cover Photo: Plane’s Portrait Aviation Media / Malcolm Lu)