About SilkAir
SilkAir (IATA: MI, ICAO: SLK, callsign: SILKAIR) was a Singaporean regional airline headquartered in Changi, Singapore. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir served as the regional wing of the Singapore Airlines Group, operating short- to medium-haul flights across Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and Northern Australia. At its peak, SilkAir served 54 destinations from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport.
SilkAir traces its origins to Tradewinds Charters, founded in 1975 as a regional air charter company. The airline underwent a major transformation when it rebranded as SilkAir on 1 April 1992, adopting a new corporate identity and logo. After nearly three decades of service, SilkAir ceased independent operations on 6 May 2021, with its last flight being MI411 from Kathmandu to Singapore Changi. All routes were subsequently absorbed into Singapore Airlines or transferred to its low-cost affiliate, Scoot.
Even though SilkAir no longer operates as a separate carrier, travellers searching for flights on routes formerly served by SilkAir can still find excellent options on Traveloka. Singapore Airlines now operates many of these regional routes with enhanced cabin products and service standards.
Airline Overview and History
SilkAir's history spans nearly five decades, evolving from a small charter company to one of Asia's most recognised regional carriers. Below is a timeline of key milestones in the airline's journey:
- 1975: Tradewinds Charters was founded as a regional air charter company under Singapore Airlines.
- 21 February 1989: Scheduled services began under the name Tradewinds Airlines, operating leased McDonnell Douglas MD-87 aircraft to five destinations including Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai, Kuantan, and Tioman.
- 1 April 1992: The airline was rebranded as SilkAir with a new corporate identity and logo, marking its transformation into a full regional carrier.
- 1998: SilkAir took delivery of its first Airbus A320-200 on 18 September, beginning the transition from Boeing to Airbus aircraft.
- 1999: The first Airbus A319-100 joined the fleet on 3 September.
- 2014: SilkAir received its first Boeing 737-800 on 4 February, reintroducing Boeing aircraft to the fleet.
- 2017: The airline's first Boeing 737 MAX 8 was delivered on 4 October. SilkAir also launched its inaugural service to Hiroshima, Japan, on 30 October.
- 2018: In November, SilkAir announced the transfer of 17 routes to Scoot, including Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai, Kota Kinabalu, and Yogyakarta, ahead of the planned merger with Singapore Airlines.
- 28 January 2021: Singapore Airlines officially commenced the integration of SilkAir into its operations, with Boeing 737-800s repainted in Singapore Airlines livery.
- 6 May 2021: SilkAir's final independent flight, MI411 from Kathmandu to Singapore, marked the end of the airline's operations.
SilkAir's hub was at Singapore Changi Airport, one of Asia's busiest and most awarded airports. The airline's mission was to provide quality regional air travel connecting Singapore to leisure and business destinations throughout Asia-Pacific. SilkAir was not a member of any airline alliance, but passengers could earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles on all SilkAir flights due to its integration with the Singapore Airlines Group.
Fleet and Aircraft
Throughout its operational history, SilkAir utilised several aircraft types to serve its regional network. The fleet evolved significantly from charter operations to a modern, efficient fleet of narrow-body aircraft:
- McDonnell Douglas MD-87: The airline's first aircraft, leased for the launch of scheduled services in 1989.
- Boeing 737-300: Six aircraft were acquired starting in 1990, forming the backbone of early scheduled operations.
- Airbus A310-200: Two aircraft were briefly operated from 1993 to 1995 before being transferred to Singapore Airlines.
- Fokker 70: Two aircraft served the fleet from 1995 to 2000.
- Airbus A320-200: Introduced in September 1998, these became a mainstay of the fleet for nearly two decades.
- Airbus A319-100: Added in September 1999 for shorter regional routes.
- Boeing 737-800: Delivered from February 2014, these next-generation aircraft featured 12 Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats in a comfortable configuration.
- Boeing 737 MAX 8: First delivered in October 2017, offering improved fuel efficiency and range. These aircraft were temporarily grounded worldwide in 2019 following safety concerns but later returned to service.
At the time of the merger, SilkAir's fleet consisted primarily of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The nine Boeing 737-800s were repainted with Singapore Airlines livery and re-upholstered with improved seats as part of the integration process. SilkAir maintained high safety and maintenance standards throughout its operations, adhering to stringent guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
Top Flight Routes
SilkAir connected Singapore to a wide network of regional destinations across Asia-Pacific. Many of these routes are now operated by Singapore Airlines or Scoot. For travellers in Malaysia, several of these routes remain highly popular and can be booked through Traveloka:
SilkAir also served international destinations including Phnom Penh, Yangon, Colombo, Chiang Mai, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Hiroshima. Many of these routes continue under Singapore Airlines, and you can compare fares and book tickets easily on Traveloka.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
As SilkAir operated under the Singapore Airlines Group, its baggage policies were aligned with Singapore Airlines standards. Here is a comprehensive overview of the baggage allowance that applied to SilkAir flights:
Cabin Baggage
- Business Class: Two items of cabin baggage, each weighing up to 7 kg. Total combined dimensions must not exceed 115 cm (length + width + height) per item.
- Economy Class: One item of cabin baggage weighing up to 7 kg, with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm.
Checked Baggage
- Business Class: 40 kg total checked baggage allowance.
- Economy Class: 30 kg total checked baggage allowance (may vary by fare type).
- Maximum per piece: Each individual piece of checked baggage must not exceed 32 kg.
Excess Baggage
Excess baggage charges applied when passengers exceeded their free allowance. Rates varied by route and were calculated per kilogram for non-US routes. Passengers could save by pre-purchasing additional baggage online through the Singapore Airlines website or managing their booking on Traveloka, which often offered competitive rates compared to purchasing at the airport counter.
Prohibited Items
- Flammable liquids and gases
- Explosives and fireworks
- Sharp objects and weapons in cabin baggage
- Lithium batteries exceeding 160 Wh (must be carried in cabin baggage if under limit)
- Compressed gases and corrosive substances
Check-in Guide
SilkAir offered multiple check-in options for passenger convenience. While the airline has since merged with Singapore Airlines, similar check-in procedures now apply for flights on former SilkAir routes:
Online Check-in
- Availability: Online check-in was available from 48 hours up to 2 hours (120 minutes) before the scheduled departure time.
- Access: Passengers could check in through the SilkAir website or the Singapore Airlines mobile app.
- Boarding pass: Mobile boarding passes or printable boarding passes were available upon completing online check-in.
Airport Counter Check-in
- Singapore Changi Airport: Check-in counters opened up to 48 hours before departure and closed approximately 40 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Other airports: Check-in counters typically opened 2 to 3 hours before departure, with a check-in deadline of 60 to 30 minutes before departure depending on the airport.
Self-Service Kiosks
At Singapore Changi Airport and selected international airports, self-service kiosks were available for passengers to print boarding passes and bag tags, speeding up the check-in process.
For current check-in procedures on flights formerly operated by SilkAir, travellers can check their booking details on Traveloka or visit the Singapore Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
SilkAir operated a two-class cabin configuration on its Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, offering both Business Class and Economy Class:
Business Class
- Seating: 12 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration, offering generous legroom with a seat pitch of approximately 119 cm (47 inches).
- Meals: Full meal service with a curated selection of Asian and Western cuisine. Special dietary meals including halal, vegetarian, and kosher options could be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure.
- Amenities: Priority boarding, increased baggage allowance, and access to KrisFlyer lounge facilities at Singapore Changi Airport.
Economy Class
- Seating: 150 seats in a 3-3 configuration with a seat pitch of approximately 76 cm (30 to 31 inches).
- Meals: Complimentary meal service on most routes, featuring a choice of Asian and Western dishes. Meals were prepared in accordance with halal standards for routes to and from Muslim-majority countries.
- Amenities: Standard seat recline, tray table, and reading light.
In-Flight Entertainment
SilkAir offered in-flight entertainment through SilkAir Studio, a wireless streaming service that allowed passengers to watch movies, television programmes, and listen to music on their personal mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. On longer flights, drop-down overhead screens displayed entertainment content. AC and USB power outlets were available at every seat on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their devices throughout the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
SilkAir maintained comprehensive passenger policies to accommodate a wide range of travellers. As these flights are now operated by Singapore Airlines, similar policies continue to apply:
Children and Infants
- Infants (under 2 years): Infants could travel on a parent's lap with an infant fare or occupy a separate seat at the child fare. A bassinet could be requested on select aircraft for infants under 11 kg.
- Children (2 to 11 years): Children were required to have their own seat and were charged the child fare. A valid passport or birth certificate was required for identification.
- Unaccompanied minors (5 to 12 years): The unaccompanied minor service was mandatory for children aged 5 to 12 travelling without an adult. It was optional for those aged 12 to 18. An Unaccompanied Minor Assistance and Handling form had to be completed and submitted to the airline's local office.
Pregnant Passengers
- Up to 28 weeks: No medical certificate required for uncomplicated single pregnancies.
- 29 to 36 weeks (single pregnancy): A medical certificate confirming fitness to fly was required, dated within 10 days of the first flight. The certificate must include the estimated delivery date and number of weeks of pregnancy.
- Beyond 36 weeks (single pregnancy): Air travel was not permitted.
- Multiple pregnancies: Travel was permitted up to 32 weeks with a medical certificate from 29 weeks onwards. Beyond 32 weeks, air travel was not permitted.
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance: Available upon request at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
- Medical equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators and other medical devices could be carried on board with prior approval from the airline.
- Visually or hearing impaired passengers: Assistance was available throughout the journey from check-in to disembarkation.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
SilkAir's rebooking and refund policies were managed in line with Singapore Airlines Group standards. Travellers who booked through Traveloka can manage changes through the Traveloka app or website:
Rescheduling
- Via Traveloka: Log in to the Traveloka app or website, navigate to your booking, and select the reschedule option. Follow the prompts to choose a new flight date and time.
- Fees: Reschedule fees depended on the fare type purchased. Flexible fares typically allowed free changes, while promotional or economy lite fares may have incurred a change fee.
- Timeline: Changes were generally processed immediately, with a new e-ticket issued via email.
Cancellation
- Refundable fares: Eligible for a full or partial refund depending on the fare conditions.
- Non-refundable fares: May be converted into travel credit or vouchers for future use, subject to the airline's terms and conditions.
- Airline-initiated cancellations: In the event of a flight cancellation by the airline, passengers were entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost.
Refund Processing
- Processing time: Refunds typically took 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
- Credit card refunds: Processed back to the original credit card used for payment.
- E-wallet refunds: Refunds to e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay may follow different timelines based on the provider's processing schedule.
Why Book SilkAir Flights on Traveloka
While SilkAir has merged with Singapore Airlines, Traveloka remains your go-to platform for booking flights on routes formerly served by SilkAir. Here are the top reasons to book through Traveloka:
- Best price guarantee: Traveloka compares fares across multiple airlines to ensure you get the most competitive price for your preferred route.
- Flexible payment options: Pay using your preferred method including credit cards, debit cards, online banking, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-ticket: Receive your electronic ticket immediately upon successful booking, with all details accessible through the Traveloka app.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with booking issues, changes, and cancellations.
- Bundled deals: Save more by combining your flight booking with hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and attraction tickets through Traveloka's bundled packages.
- Price alerts: Set up fare alerts to be notified when prices drop for your desired route, helping you secure the best deal.
- Loyalty rewards: Earn Traveloka Points on every booking that can be redeemed for discounts on future travel.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Scoring affordable flights on routes once operated by SilkAir is easy when you use these smart strategies on Traveloka:
- Book early: Flights tend to be cheaper when booked 4 to 8 weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings often come with premium pricing, so plan ahead for the best fares.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday flights are typically less expensive than weekend departures. Avoid peak travel days such as Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
- Use Traveloka Price Alerts: Enable price alerts for your preferred route and travel dates. Traveloka will notify you when fares drop, so you never miss a deal.
- Check promo pages regularly: Traveloka frequently offers exclusive flash sales, seasonal promotions, and airline partner deals that can save you a significant amount on your ticket.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid school holidays, public holidays, and festive seasons when demand drives prices up. Shoulder seasons often offer the best value.
- Compare airlines: Since SilkAir routes are now served by Singapore Airlines and other carriers, compare fares across all available airlines on Traveloka to find the most affordable option.
- Consider nearby airports: For some destinations, flying into an alternative nearby airport may offer cheaper fares with only a short transfer to your final destination.
- Bundle your booking: Traveloka offers discounts when you book flights together with hotels and other travel services.
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking flights on Traveloka is a quick and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to secure your tickets:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app on your smartphone or visit www.traveloka.com/en-my on your browser.
- Select flights: Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred cabin class. Tap or click the search button to view available flights.
- Compare results: Browse through the list of available flights sorted by price, duration, or departure time. Use filters to narrow results by airline, number of stops, or departure window.
- Choose your flight: Select the flight that best suits your schedule and budget. Review the fare details including baggage allowance and fare conditions.
- Enter passenger details: Fill in the required passenger information including full name (as per passport or IC), date of birth, and contact details.
- Select add-ons: Choose optional add-ons such as extra baggage, seat selection, travel insurance, or airport transfers if available.
- Make payment: Complete your booking by selecting your preferred payment method. Traveloka accepts credit cards, debit cards, online banking, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Receive e-ticket: Once payment is confirmed, your electronic ticket will be sent to your registered email and will also be accessible in the Traveloka app under your bookings.
For any assistance during the booking process, you can reach Traveloka's customer support team through the in-app chat feature or by visiting the Traveloka Help Centre. You can also check your flight status directly on Traveloka at any time.