SilkAir's new Boeing jet makes public debut at Singapore Airshow

SilkAir will put the new 737 into service on Feb 20 and deploy it on routes to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phuket and Medan.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Here is the press release from SilkAir in full:

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, welcomed its first Boeing 737-800 at the Singapore Airshow 2014 today. On exclusive display for just one day, the maiden aircraft was dressed in a special 25th Anniversary livery of SilkAir's signature blue and green to commemorate the milestone occasion that takes place this month.

Part of the Airline's largest fleet order of 54 Boeing 737s, comprising 23 737-800s and 31 737 Max 8s, the aircraft was officially delivered to SilkAir at the Boeing Renton factory in Seattle on 3 February.

The delivery marked the start of SilkAir's transition to an all-Boeing fleet which is expected to significantly grow its capacity and enable the Airline to expand its network to new destinations across the region. A total of eight planes are expected this year, with the remaining aircraft to be delivered by 2020.

SilkAir Chief Executive, Mr. Leslie Thng, said, "Today is a happy and proud day for all of us at SilkAir. This acquisition of 54 Boeing 737s is a major milestone in the history of our Airline and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the region's growing love for travel.

Preparations for this transition began some two years ago and since then we have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first aircraft in our new Boeing fleet. Having the aircraft displayed at the Airshow in a special 25th Anniversary livery, is a fitting celebration of its arrival here on home ground as well as our 25 years in the air. With the aircraft entering into service soon, we are confident that our customers will appreciate the higher level of quality and experience that the aircraft will offer."

A full-service carrier that is committed to creating enjoyable and reliable travel experiences, enhancements that customers can look forward to on the new aircraft include features such as the Boeing Sky Interior, which highlights new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness, larger pivoting overhead stowage bins as well as in-seat audio and power supply for added convenience.

The new aircraft also features a 162-seat configuration, with 12 Business Class and 150 Economy class seats, representing an eight per cent increase on SilkAir's current seating capacity.

Improving on its existing in-flight entertainment options, from Q2 2014, SilkAir will be progressively rolling out a new system which allows for free, seamless wireless streaming of blockbuster hits, short features as well as chart-topping music to customers' laptops and personal handheld devices, keeping them entertained throughout the flight.

The first aircraft is scheduled to enter service on 20 February 2014, flying to Kuala Lumpur. The aircraft will subsequently service destinations including Penang, Phuket and Medan while the arrival of the second plane will allow the addition of other routes including Siem Reap, Danang, Davao, Cebu, Kochi and Hyderabad from 17 March 2014.