View source for SilkAir

{{Short description|Defunct regional airline of Singapore (1989–2021)}}
{{Distinguish|Silk Way Airlines|Silk Way West Airlines}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = SilkAir
| logo = SilkAir Logo.svg
| logo_size = 250
| IATA = MI
| ICAO = SLK
| callsign = SILKAIR
| founded = {{start date|1975|||df=yes}}<br />{{small|(as ''Tradewinds Charters'')}}
| commenced = {{ubl|
  | {{start date|1989|02|21|df=yes}}<br />{{small|(as ''Tradewinds Airlines'')}}
  | {{start date|1992|04|01|df=yes}}<br />{{small|(as ''SilkAir'')}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainlymiles.com/2021/05/27/farewell-silkair-after-29-years-service-as-sias-regional-wing/#:~:text=With%20the%20final%20passenger%20flight,minute%20flight%20from%20Kathmandu%2C%20Nepal.|title=Farewell SilkAir, after 29 years' service as SIA's 'Regional Wing'|date=27 May 2021|access-date=31 Jul 2022}}</ref>}}
| ceased = {{end date|2021|05|06|df=yes}}<br />{{small|(merged into [[Singapore Airlines]])}}
| hubs = [[Changi Airport]]
| frequent_flyer = [[KrisFlyer]]
| parent = [[Singapore Airlines]]
| headquarters = [[Singapore]]
| alliance = 
| image = SilkAir, 9V-MBD, Boeing 737-8 MAX (46937731754).jpg
| caption = SilkAir [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]
| aoc = 
| focus_cities = 
| bases = 
| website = [https://web.archive.org/*/www.silkair.com/ silkair.com]
}}

'''SilkAir Singapore Private Limited''', operating as '''SilkAir''', was a Singaporean [[regional airline]] with its head office in Changi, [[Singapore]]. It was a wholly owned [[subsidiary]] of [[Singapore Airlines]] and in 2017, operated scheduled passenger services from Singapore to 54 cities in [[Southeast Asia]], the [[Indian subcontinent]], [[East Asia]], and [[Northern Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/destinations/|title=Destinations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003035135/http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/destinations/|archive-date=2017-10-03|url-status=dead|language=en-SG}}</ref> As the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, it served the short to medium-haul destinations in the Singapore Airlines Group network.

By the end of 2021, SilkAir ceased operations, with all flights transferred to its parent company [[Singapore Airlines]] or its low-cost affiliate [[Scoot]].<ref name="brand1">{{Cite web|title=Singapore Airlines merges SilkAir into its parent company brand|url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/singapore-airlines-merges-silkair-parent-company-brand-092135047.html|access-date=2021-09-22|website=sg.style.yahoo.com|date=5 February 2021 |language=en-SG}}</ref>

==History==
The airline had its roots as a regional air-charter company as '''Tradewinds Charters''' formed in 1975,<ref>
{{Cite web |url=http://www.silkair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/mi_global_footer/our-heritage.jsp |title=Our Heritage |access-date=6 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813094532/http://www.silkair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/mi_global_footer/our-heritage.jsp |archive-date=13 August 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
</ref> serving leisure destinations using planes predominantly leased from parent airline [[Singapore Airlines]]. Scheduled services were introduced as '''Tradewinds Airlines''' on 21 February 1989, when it leased [[McDonnell Douglas MD-87]] aeroplanes for services to 5 destinations: [[U-Tapao International Airport|Pattaya]], [[Phuket International Airport|Phuket]], [[Hat Yai International Airport|Hat Yai]], and [[Kuantan]] from Singapore's [[Changi Airport]], and [[Tioman]] from Singapore's [[Seletar Airport]]. As the carrier matured, regional business destinations such as [[Jakarta]], [[Phnom Penh]], and [[Yangon]] were added to its network, thereby broadening the airline's appeal beyond the holiday-maker to include the business traveller.

A major marketing overhaul was started in 1991, culminating on 1 April 1992, by giving the airline its present name and logo as a new corporate identity. The re-branded airline utilised up to six of the new [[Boeing 737#737-300|Boeing 737-300s]] introduced just a year earlier. The mid-1990s saw two [[Airbus A310|Airbus A310-200]] aircraft in use and the expansion of services to [[India]] as well as mainland China. It was the first Asian carrier to offer handheld portable video-on-demand (VOD) [[in-flight entertainment]] in the form of the ''DigEplayer'' 5500, available on flights to selected countries.<ref>{{cite web| title=Inflight Entertainment| publisher=SilkAir| url=http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/experience/inflightentertainment.jsp?JSESSIONID=HybCFnTmrV30KdjPNyY2LChw02GJyvRgDn5bysL8Tt5ZQkLZ4mFQ!875077365!NONE| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614124853/http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/experience/inflightentertainment.jsp?JSESSIONID=HybCFnTmrV30KdjPNyY2LChw02GJyvRgDn5bysL8Tt5ZQkLZ4mFQ!875077365!NONE| url-status=dead| archive-date=2011-06-14}}</ref>

On 10 April 2015, SilkAir launched a new collection of uniforms, the fourth uniform change in over 26 years. There are two variations of the uniform - aqua-blue for junior crew and a plum-red version for senior crew. Both variations are accompanied by a dark blue skirt.<ref>{{cite web|title=SilkAir Takes to the Skies in a Sophisticated New Look|url=http://www.silkair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/mi_press_release_news/nf1003-10042015.jsp|access-date=11 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629103106/http://www.silkair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/mi_press_release_news/nf1003-10042015.jsp|archive-date=29 June 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
</ref> For the year ending 31 March 2015, the airline flew over 3.5 million passengers and made an operating profit of [[S$]]40.8 million.<ref name="AR15"/> SilkAir announced the appointment of Foo Chai Woo as Chief Executive as of 18 May 2016, succeeding Mr Leslie Thng.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/silkair-appoints-new-chief-executive|title=SilkAir appoints new chief executive|last=Ramchandani|first=Nisha|work=The Business Times|access-date=2018-02-01|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426224617/http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/silkair-appoints-new-chief-executive|archive-date=26 April 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 29 October 2017, SilkAir took over [[Scoot]]'s services to [[Yangon]]. With the transfer, the airline boosted its Yangon operations to 15 non-stop services a week.<ref>{{cite web|title=SilkAir To Take Over Scoot's Yangon Services|url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/th/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2017/October-December/09Oct2017-1527|website=www.silkair.com|access-date=9 October 2017|language=en}}</ref> On 30 October 2017, SilkAir launched its inaugural flight to [[Hiroshima]], marking the first Japanese destination that SilkAir has added to its network.<ref>
{{cite web|title=Non-Stop Flight between Singapore and Hiroshima Launched on SilkAir's New MAX 8 Today|url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/th/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2017/October-December/30Oct2017-1731|website=www.silkair.com|access-date=30 October 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210310/http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/th/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK%2F2017%2FOctober-December%2F30Oct2017-1731|archive-date=25 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
</ref> On 22 November 2018, SilkAir announced plans to transfer 17 routes to [[Scoot]] including [[Luang Prabang]], [[Chiang Mai]], [[Kota Kinabalu]], [[Yogyakarta]] and [[Wuhan]] over the months of April 2019 to July 2020, ahead of its merger with [[Singapore Airlines]] in the late 2020 or early 2021.<ref>
{{cite web|title=SilkAir to give up some routes to Scoot ahead of merger with SIA; Scoot to suspend flights to Honolulu|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/silkair-to-give-up-some-routes-to-scoot-ahead-of-merger-with-sia-scoot-to|website=www.straitstimes.com|date=22 November 2018|access-date=7 May 2019|language=en}}
</ref>

By the end of 2021, SilkAir had ceased operations and gradually finished integration into its parent company, [[Singapore Airlines]].<ref name="brand1"/>

==Corporate affairs==
===Business trends===
The key business trends for SilkAir are shown in the following table (as at year ending 31 March):
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
|-
! 
! 2009
! 2010
! 2011
! 2012
! 2013
! 2014
! 2015
! 2016
! 2017
! 2018
! 2019
! 2020
|-
| align=left|Revenue ([[Singapore dollar|S$]]m)
| 546.3
| 538.5
| 670.3
| 750.8
| 846.0
| 856.6
| 902.5
| 965.7
| 990.3
| 1,020.3
| 1,030.9
! 906.0
|-
| align=left|Operating profit (S$m)
| {{color|green|33.6}}
| {{color|green|49.2}}
| {{color|green|121.4}}
| {{color|green|104.6}}
| {{color|green|96.7}}
| {{color|green|34.5}}
| {{color|green|40.8}}
| {{color|green|90.6}}
| {{color|green|100.8}}
| {{color|green|42.5}}
| {{color|green|15.2}}
! {{color|red|&minus;112.3}}
|-
| align=left|Number of employees
| 876
| 944
| 1,116
| 1,192
| 1,360
| 1,462
| 1,452
| 1,573
| 1,632
| 1,574
| 1,484
! 1,389
|-
| align=left|Number of passengers (000s)
| 1,954
| 2,356
| 2,764
| 3,032
| 3,295
| 3,411
| 3,553
| 3,836
| 4,106
| 4,687
| 4,902
! 4,440
|-
| align=left|Passenger load factor (%)
| 72.5
| 77.1
| 76.4
| 75.7
| 73.6
| 69.6
| 70.2
| 71.5
| 70.8
| 73.4
| 76.2
! 77.3
|-
| align=left|Number of aircraft (at year end)
| 16
| 18
| 18
| 20
| 22
| 24
| 27
| 29
| 30
| 32
| 33
! 31
|-
| align=left|<small>''Sources''</small>
| <ref name="AR13"/><ref name="AR09">{{cite web |url=http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport0809.pdf |title=Singapore Airlines Annual Report 2008/09 |publisher=Singapore Airlines Group |access-date=8 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417082048/http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport0809.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| <ref name="AR13"/><ref name="AR11"/>
| <ref name="AR13"/><ref name="AR11">{{cite web |url=http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1011.pdf |title=Singapore Airlines Annual Report 2010/11 |publisher=Singapore Airlines Group |access-date=8 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019180427/http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1011.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| <ref name="AR13"/>
| <ref name="AR13">{{cite web |url=http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1213.pdf |title=Singapore Airlines Annual Report 2012/13 |publisher=Singapore Airlines Group |access-date=8 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327105926/http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1213.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web|title=Singapore Airlines Annual Report 2013/2014|url=http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1314.pdf|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714204215/http://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1314.pdf|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| <ref name="AR15">{{cite web|title=Singapore Airlines Annual Report 2014/2015|url=https://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1415.pdf|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113411/https://www.singaporeair.com/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1415.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report FY2015-16 |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1516.pdf |website=Singapore Airlines}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report FY2016-17 |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1617.pdf |website=Singapore Airlines}}</ref>
| <ref>
{{cite web |title=Annual Report FY2017/18 - Singapore Airlines |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1718.pdf |website=Singapore Airlines |access-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628125122/https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1718.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web|title=Annual Report FY2018-19|url=https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1819.pdf|website=Singapore Airlines}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report FY2019/20 - Singapore Airlines |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report/annualreport1920.pdf |website=Singapore Airlines}}</ref>
|}

==Destinations==
{{Main|List of SilkAir destinations}}
At the end of April 2021, SilkAir's network covered three destinations – Cebu, Kathmandu and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web |title=APRIL 2021 OPERATING RESULTS |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/Investor-Relations/Operating-Stats/opstats-apr21.pdf |website=Singapore Airlines}}</ref>

=== Codeshare agreements ===
SilkAir had [[codeshare agreement]]s with the following airlines:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/silkair-mi |title=Profile on SilkAir |website=CAPA|publisher=Centre for Aviation|access-date=2016-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029214429/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/silkair-mi |archive-date=2016-10-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Partner Airlines |url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/partner-airlines/ |website=SilkAir |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228004328/http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/partner-airlines/ |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{div col}}
* [[Air China]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines And SilkAir To Codeshare With Air China |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2016/January-March/29Mar2016-1149 |website=Singapore Airlines |date=29 March 2016}}</ref>
* [[Air France]]<ref name="AF-KL">{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines And SilkAir Sign Codeshare Agreement With Air France-KLM |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gb/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2017/April-June/jr0817-170413 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124624/https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gb/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK%2F2017%2FApril-June%2Fjr0817-170413 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 December 2018 |website=www.singaporeair.com |language=en |access-date=29 April 2019}}</ref>
* [[Air New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web |title=SilkAir - Co-operation partners - The Airpoints™ programme - Airpoints™ {{!}} Air New Zealand |url=https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/co-operation-partners-silkair |website=Air New Zealand}}</ref>
* [[Bangkok Airways]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Bangkok Airways and SilkAir Announce Codeshare Agreement |url=https://www.mynewsdesk.com/sg/silkair/pressreleases/bangkok-airways-and-silkair-announce-codeshare-agreement-764786 |website=Mynewsdesk |language=en |date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
* [[Fiji Airways]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines And SilkAir To Codeshare With Fiji Airways |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2018/April-June/jr0218-180417 |website=Singapore Airlines |date=17 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines and Silkair to Codeshare with Fiji Airways |url=https://www.fijiairways.com/en-fj/media-centre/fiji-airways-codeshare-with-singapore-airline |website=Fiji Airways |date=17 April 2018}}</ref>
* [[Garuda Indonesia]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines And Garuda Indonesia Expand Codeshare Operations |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2019/April-June/jr0519-190415 |website=Singapore Airlines |date=15 April 2019}}</ref>
* [[KLM]]<ref name="AF-KL" />
* [[Lao Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web |title=SilkAir to codeshare with Lao Airlines |url=https://www.mynewsdesk.com/sg/silkair/pressreleases/silkair-to-codeshare-with-lao-airlines-1494310 |website=Mynewsdesk |language=en |date=27 July 2016}}</ref>
* [[Malaysia Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Malaysia Airlines And Singapore Airlines Sign Wide-Ranging Partnership Agreement |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2019/October-December/jr1919-191030 |website=Singapore Airlines |date=30 October 2019}}</ref>
* [[Scoot]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Singapore Airlines And SilkAir To Codeshare On Scoot Flights|url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/corporate/newsroom/press-release/2017/October-December/jr1817-171205/}}</ref>
* [[Shenzhen Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web |title=SIA, SilkAir And Shenzhen Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2013/April-June/20May2013-1548 |website=Singapore Airlines |date=20 May 2013}}</ref>
* [[Virgin Australia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/virgin-australia-plans-codeshare-flights-with-singapore-airlines-silkair-to-india |title= SilkAir replaces 737s and Fokker 70s with V2500 Airbus A319/320s |publisher=flightglobal.com |date = 7 October 1998}}</ref>
* [[Vistara]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines And SilkAir To Codeshare On Vistara Flights |url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2017/January-March/jr0617-170314 |website=Singapore Airlines |date=14 March 2017}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Fleet==
[[File:SilkAir,_9V-MGE,_Boeing_737-8SA_(32719157797).jpg|thumb|SilkAir [[Boeing 737 800|Boeing 737-800]]]]
[[File:Airbus_A320-233,_SilkAir_JP7063092.jpg|thumb|SilkAir [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320-200]]]]
Throughout its existence, SilkAir operated the following aircraft:<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Aircraft Registry |url=https://www.caas.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs---srg/fs/approval-listings/singapore-registered-aircraft-engine-nos---sep-2021.xlsx |website=Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"
|+SilkAir former fleet
|-
!Aircraft
!Total
!Introduced
!Retired
!Replacement 
!Notes/references
|-
|[[Boeing 737-300]]
|6
|1990
|2000
|Airbus A320-200
|9V-TRF crashed as [[SilkAir Flight 185|Flight 185]].<ref name="rep1">{{cite web |date=7 October 1998 |title=SilkAir replaces 737s and Fokker 70s with V2500 Airbus A319/320s |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/silkair-replaces-737s-and-fokker-70s-with-v2500-airbus-a319/320s/23513.article |publisher=flightglobal.com}}</ref>
|-
|[[Airbus A310-200]]
|2
|1993
|1995
|None
|
|-
|[[Airbus A319-100]]
|8
|1999
|2020
|Boeing 737-800
|
|-
|[[Airbus A320-200]]
|19
|1998
|2020
|Boeing 737-800<br />Boeing 737 MAX 8
|
|-
|[[Boeing 737-800]]
|17
|2014
|2021
|None
|Transferred to [[Singapore Airlines]] and [[Virgin Australia]].{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}
|-
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]}}
|6
|2017
|2021
|None
|All aircraft and remaining orders transferred to [[Singapore Airlines]].
|-
|[[Fokker 70]]
|2
|1995
|2000
|Airbus A319-100
|<ref name="rep1"/>
|-
|[[McDonnell Douglas MD-87]]
|1
|1989
|1991
|Boeing 737-300
|
|-
|}

===Fleet development===
SilkAir began operations with one leased [[McDonnell Douglas MD-80|McDonnell Douglas MD-87]] aircraft in 1989, before investing in its own fleet of six [[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300s]], the first of which began operations in 1990. It operated two [[Airbus A310|Airbus A310-200s]] for a brief period from 1993 to 1995 before they were transferred to Singapore Airlines, and two [[Fokker 70]]s from 1995 to 2000. It began replacing its Boeing fleet with Airbus aircraft when the first [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320-200]] arrived on 18 September 1998, and retired all Boeing aircraft a year later.{{cn|date=November 2025}} Soon after its first A320 was delivered, SilkAir took delivery of its first A319-100 aircraft on 3 September 1999. The A319 was utilised on certain routes within Southeast Asia, and to some cities in India, while the larger A320 was used on most of the airline's major routes. On 20 December 2006, SilkAir signed an agreement to purchase 11 Airbus A320-200 aircraft with nine more on option. These aircraft were delivered between 2009–2012.<ref>{{Cite press release| title=SilkAir Places New Order For 20 Airbus A320 Planes, To Meet Growth And Fleet Renewal| publisher=SilkAir| date=20 December 2006| url=http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/corporate/newsflash/NF1001_20122006.jsp| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929081108/http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/corporate/newsflash/NF1001_20122006.jsp| url-status=dead| archive-date=29 September 2007| access-date=6 August 2010}}</ref>

On 3 August 2012, SilkAir had signed a [[letter of intent]] with [[Boeing]] for a purchase of 68 aircraft. The agreement includes a firm order for 23 [[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-800s]] and 31 [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft, and purchase rights for another 14 aircraft.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/silkair-signs-loi-for-31-boeing-737-8s-23-737-800s-375076/ |title=SilkAir signs LOI for 31 Boeing 737-8s, 23 737-800s |publisher=Flightglobal.com |last=Toh |first=Mavis |date=3 August 2012 |access-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820234700/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/silkair-signs-loi-for-31-boeing-737-8s-23-737-800s-375076/ |archive-date=20 August 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
</ref> On 14 November 2012, the commitment was then converted to a firm order.<ref>
{{cite press release|title=Boeing, SilkAir Finalize Order for 54 737s|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2498|publisher=Boeing|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116171527/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2498|archive-date=16 November 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
</ref> The 737 aircraft will be used to replace the older A320 fleet and for the expansion of the airline. On 4 February 2014, SilkAir received its first Boeing 737-800 aircraft.<ref>
"[http://www.silkair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/mi_press_release_news/nf1003-04022014.jsp Boeing, SilkAir Begins Transition to All 737 Fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222043450/http://www.silkair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/mi_press_release_news/nf1003-04022014.jsp |date=22 February 2014 }}" SilkAir. retrieved 6 February 2014.
</ref> On 4 October 2017, SilkAir received its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|title=SilkAir Marks New Era With Arrival of First Boeing 737 MAX 8|url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2017/October-December/04Oct2017-1757|website=www.silkair.com|language=en}}</ref>

On 21 June 2018, [[Singapore Airlines]] announced that it plans to transfer a number of [[Boeing 737-800]] to [[Scoot]] between late-2018 to early-2019 to better optimise the overall group's network.<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines to shift planes from SilkAir to Scoot |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-airlines-shift-planes-silkair-scoot |website=TODAYonline |access-date=21 June 2018}}</ref> Following the [[Boeing 737 MAX groundings|events of the Boeing 737 MAX]], plans to transfer the Boeing 737-800 were suspended in April 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hashim |first1=Firdaus |title=SIA halts plans to transfer 737-800s to Scoot |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/sia-halts-plans-to-transfer-737-800s-to-scoot/132269.article |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=12 April 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore Airlines remains committed to 100% lie flat despite changes in fleet plan {{!}} Corporate Travel Community |url=https://corporatetravelcommunity.com/singapore-airlines-remains-committed-to-100-lie-flat-despite-changes-in-fleet-plan/ |website=Corporate Travel Community |date=22 May 2019 |quote=the group has dropped plans to transfer 14 737-800s from SilkAir to Scoot}}</ref>

==Services==

=== Cabins ===
[[File:Silkair A320-200 Economy Class cabin.JPG|thumb|Past SilkAir A320-200 Economy Class cabin]]
There were two classes of cabins available on all SilkAir flights — Business class and Economy class.<ref>
{{cite web|title=Cabin Classes|url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/a-joy-to-fly/flying-with-silkair/cabin-classes/|website=www.silkair.com|language=en|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414235516/http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/a-joy-to-fly/flying-with-silkair/cabin-classes/|archive-date=14 April 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
</ref> In 2020, there were new lie-flat seats in Business class, and the installation of seat-back in-flight entertainment systems in both Business and Economy classes.<ref>
{{cite web|title=SilkAir To Undergo Major Cabin Product Upgrade And Be Merged Into SIA|url=https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2018/April-June/ne1718-180518|website=www.singaporeair.com|access-date=18 May 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518195940/https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK%2F2018%2FApril-June%2Fne1718-180518|archive-date=18 May 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
</ref>

Business class cabins consisted of leather seats with a seat pitch of between 39 and 40&nbsp;inches and seat width between 20-22&nbsp;inches. On [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft, the seat pitch was increased significantly to 49 inches in Business Class with additional seat recline.

Economy class cabins had a seat pitch of 31&nbsp;inches and seat width between 17-18&nbsp;inches.  On [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft there were seat-back tablet and phone holders, and personal in-seat USB charging ports.

=== In-flight entertainment ===
[[File:SilkAir inventory items.jpg|thumb|SilkAir's seat pocket contents in September 2019.]]
SilkAir offered a selection of newspapers and magazine titles on board and screened a series of short features on its 11-inch overhead dropdown screens. The ''Silkwinds'' inflight magazine was complimentary for all passengers. In-seat audio and power supply were available exclusively on its Boeing aircraft.

2014 saw the launch of SilkAir Studio as a complimentary wireless streaming service for its passengers. It was first available on its Boeing 737-800 aircraft before being progressively rolled out to its Airbus fleet. This system complemented the existing overhead systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=SilkAir Launches New Inflight Entertainment Offer with SilkAir Studio |url=https://www.mynewsdesk.com/sg/silkair/pressreleases/silkair-launches-new-inflight-entertainment-offer-with-silkair-studio-995749 |website=Mynewsdesk |language=en |date=15 May 2014}}</ref>

SilkAir Studio was introduced in 2014 where passengers were able to stream blockbuster hits, short features, and music, to their personal laptops and handheld devices via Wi-Fi. This system complemented the existing overhead systems. Passengers in Business Class on flights more than two hours were offered a tablet.  In May 2017, the service was enhanced and upgraded to offer more than 150 international blockbuster movies and TV sitcom shows available on SilkAir Studio.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.traveldailynews.asia/silkair-to-enhance-silkair-studio-with-wider-array-of-infli|title=SilkAir to enhance SilkAir Studio with wider array of inflight entertainment options|work=Traveldailynews.Asia|access-date=2018-02-01|language=en}}</ref> For Apple users, the SilkAir Studio app had to be downloaded prior to flight in order to enjoy the in-flight entertainment.

=== Dining ===
SilkAir offered [[Singaporean cuisine|Oriental]] and [[Western cuisine|Western]] menus. Light snacks were also available on selected flights of less than one and a half hours. SilkAir launched their ''All-Time Favourites'' dishes in July 2016 where they served a selection of Asian, Western and local cuisine such as [[Nasi Lemak]], [[Hainanese Chicken Rice]], Beef Tenderloin, etc. that Business Class passengers could pre-book meals before their flight.<ref>
{{Cite news|url=http://asianjourneys.com.sg/in-flight/19-Jul-2016/silk-air-launches-all-time-favourites-menu|title=Silk Air Launches All-Time Favourites Menu|work=Asian Journeys|access-date=2018-02-01|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202193134/http://asianjourneys.com.sg/in-flight/19-Jul-2016/silk-air-launches-all-time-favourites-menu|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Frequent-flyer programs===
SilkAir shared the [[KrisFlyer]] frequent flyer program with its parent company, Singapore Airlines.<ref>
{{Cite web |url=http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/mi-krisflyer-ppsclub/ |title=Loyalty Programme - PPS Club / KrisFlyer |access-date=19 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208010720/http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/mi-krisflyer-ppsclub/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
</ref> However, unlike Singapore Airlines, SilkAir is not a member of [[Star Alliance]], so frequent flyer miles on SilkAir flights may only be credited on the KrisFlyer programme, but not on other Star Alliance frequent flyer programs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Singapore Airlines regional unit SilkAir poised for rapid growth after quietly emerging as SIA's gem|url=https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/singapore-airlines-regional-unit-silkair-poised-for-rapid-growth-after-quietly-emerging-as-sias-gem-80190|access-date=2022-02-23|website=CAPA - Centre for Aviation|language=en}}</ref>

==Tradewinds Tours and Travel==
Tradewinds Tours and Travel Private Limited was a wholly owned subsidiary of SilkAir, providing [[package tour]]s to destinations flown by the airline, as well as chartered flights within the [[Asia]] region. The company was incorporated in 1975, and became a fully licensed tour operator in 1984.

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, was once known as Tradewinds Charters at its founding in 1976, before earning its present name in 1991. The chartered operations hence continued to be handled by Tradewinds Tours and Travel.

==Accidents and incidents ==
<!--This is a summary. Do not add more than what is here. And don't try to slant this in a POV-->
=== SilkAir Flight 185 ===
{{Main|SilkAir Flight 185}}
[[File:B737, 9V-TRF, Silk Air.jpg|thumb|9V-TRF, the Boeing 737-300 involved in the accident, pictured in May 1997]]
On 19 December 1997, [[SilkAir Flight 185]] registered as 9V-TRF, operated on a [[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]] and piloted by Captain Tsu Way Ming, plunged into the [[Musi River, Indonesia|Musi River]] in [[Sumatra]] during a routine flight from [[Jakarta]] to Singapore, killing all 104 people on board. The crash was investigated by various groups, with different results. The Indonesian [[National Transportation Safety Committee|NTSC]], who were lead investigators, stated that they were unable to determine the cause, while the U.S. [[National Transportation Safety Board|NTSB]] concluded that the crash resulted from an intentional act by a pilot, most likely the [[Pilot in command|captain]].<ref name="asn">{{ASN accident|id=19971219-0}}</ref><ref name="fsa">{{citation|title=Final flight: SilkAir |publisher=[[Civil Aviation Safety Authority]] (CASA) |url=http://www.casa.gov.au/fsa/2008/feb/18-28.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627165246/http://www.casa.gov.au/fsa/2008/feb/18-28.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2013 }}</ref> A civil lawsuit case against Parker Hannifin, the manufacturer of the PCU-dual servo unit essential in the 737's rudder control—and also suspected in causing the crashes of [[United Airlines Flight 585]] and [[USAir Flight 427]] under [[Boeing 737 rudder issues|similar flight-event parameters]], had provided the NTSB the initial test results of the recovered PCU-dual servo unit from Flight 185 in 1997, but was later further independently investigated for litigation on behalf some families of Flight 185 passengers in a civil lawsuit against [[Parker Hannifin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1576_2009-09-30.html|title=Crash of SilkAir Flight MI 185|first=Valerie|last=Chew|date=30 September 2009|publisher=[[National Library Board]]|access-date=26 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215081404/http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1576_2009-09-30.html|archive-date=15 December 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The jury under the Superior Court in Los Angeles in 2004, which was not allowed to hear or consider the NTSB conclusions, decided that the crash was caused by a prominent issue inherent in other 737 crashes: a defective servo valve inside the Power Control Unit (PCU) which controls the aircraft's rudder, causing a rudder hard-over and a subsequent uncontrollable crash. The manufacturer of the aircraft's rudder controls and the families later reached an out of court settlement. It is the only fatal hull loss for SilkAir in its history.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|SilkAir}}
* [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines website]
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/*/www.silkair.com/|title=SilkAir}}
* [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=SilkAir&distinct_entry=true SilkAir aircraft]

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