Singapore Airlines unveils future proof 2010 fares

Singapore Airlines has set a benchmark for the Australian airline industry by future-proofing its Early Bird Europe fares for 2010. The move is designed to inject greater consumer confidence in pricing for next year and to fast-track market stability in the sector.

Customers booking travel through Singapore Airlines' early bird Europe program from 26 October - 5 January will enjoy a price undertaking from the Airline that their fares are guaranteed against any future reduction in prices in 2010. During 2010 if Singapore Airlines introduces fares lower than those offered through the current Early Bird program, for the same travel period, customers will be refunded the difference in the fares*.

"Consumer confidence is the single most important indicator of the speed and pace of the recovery," Subhas Menon, Regional Vice President, Singapore Airlines South West Pacific said.

"Future-proofing our most attractive Early Bird fares in 2010 will inject a heightened degree of certainty in consumer purchasing and provide our customers the confidence that these are our best fares to be had," he said.

As part of the move, Singapore Airlines will adjust its booking seasonality structure, replacing the three-season model with a two-season approach that is designed to provide greater consistency in fare pricing. This initiative assures a higher degree of transparency, allowing customers and agents to better estimate and gauge pricing.

"The volatility of fares during the past six months has created an environment of uncertainty that in some quarters has proved to be counter-productive," Mr Menon said. "Singapore Airlines has made these changes to ensure customers can make travel plans confident that they are enjoying the very best fares available during the Early Bird season for 2010."

The Early Bird sale introduces competitive fare rates to multiple European destinations including Sydney to London return from $1950**, Brisbane to Barcelona return from $1828** and Melbourne to Rome return from $1818**.

The sale begins on 26 October 2009 and will last until 5 January 2010. The sale is valid for departure between 1 April 2010 and 30 November 2010.