28 1 月, 2021

S’pore, India in talks to resume passenger flights gradually, but not on travel bubble: CAAS

SINGAPORE - Singapore and India are in talks about resuming scheduled commercial passenger flights gradually between the two countries. But Singapore is not discussing an air travel bubble arrangement with India in which leisure travel can resume, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has said. Air travel bubbles, such as the one agreed between Singapore and Hong Kong, would have given travellers special exemption from quarantine rules. The resumption of commercial flights would not automatically come with such exemptions, unless agreed upon by countries. It issued the clarification on Wednesday evening (Jan 27) in response to queries about comments made by India's High Commissioner to Singapore P. Kumaran. Mr Kumaran told American news outlet CNBC on Monday that talks were underway to restore air connectivity between the two countries. He was responding to a question about the possibility of an air travel bubble between the two. He added that both sides have shown a "fair amount of interest" to try and enhance the connectivity between the two countries. The comments sparked concerns among many Singaporeans online. Several people questioned the logic of setting up an air travel bubble arrangement with India, given the high number of imported cases originating from the country. Singapore has had only one air travel bubble arrangement so far. But that arrangement with Hong Kong has been indefinitely postponed after the number of Covid-19 cases rose in the territory. On Wednesday, CAAS director of air transport Daniel Ng said: "Countries may have different understanding on what an air travel bubble is. "Singapore is not discussing an air travel bubble arrangement with India as Singaporeans understand it to be." He said air travel between Singapore and India is currently restricted only to special repatriation flights chartered by the Indian government. There is interest from both countries to explore resuming scheduled commercial passenger flights between them gradually, Mr Ng added. "Travellers will be subject to travel restrictions, border and health measures, such as testing and stay-home notices," it said, noting that discussions are ongoing. More on this topic Related Story Air travel recovery stalls as governments shun balanced approach to tackling Covid-19 risks Related Story 5 travel hacks for a post-pandemic world Related Stories: Related Story Hong Kong’s Covid-19 pandemic management disappointing: Carrie Lam Related Story Outbreaks in South Korea’s Christian schools drive surge in Covid-19 cases Related Story Panic buying, circuit breaker and reopening: A timeline of S'pore's Covid-19 fight Related Story Why scientists think British coronavirus variant could be more deadly Related Story WHO issues new clinical advice on treating Covid-19 patients Related Story Will the world fail to prepare for the next pandemic? Related Story Malaysia's worsening Covid-19 situation exposes serious economic, political fault lines Related Story More than 150 National Guard troops in Washington for inauguration test positive for coronavirus Related Story Dutch buy delivery uniforms, borrow dogs to dodge coronavirus curfew Related Story Foreigners without face masks punished with push-ups in Bali

15 12 月, 2020

Singapore to launch segregated lane for business travellers who will not need to be quarantined

SINGAPORE - From the second half of January 2021, short-term business travellers from all countries arriving in Singapore will no longer need to be quarantined, under new segregated travel lane arrangements. The Ministry of Trade and Industry said on Tuesday (Dec 15) that those who opt to use the lane will be transported from the airport to dedicated facilities where they will stay and work. There, they can have meetings through floor-to-ceiling air-tight glass panels with local businessmen, as well as with other foreign businessmen with safe distancing measures in place. Regular testing will be conducted throughout the duration of their stay - for instance on alternate days - in addition to tests before departure from their home countries and upon arrival here. They will also have to move within their pre-declared travel group of up to five people to reduce the risk of mass transmission. The segregated travel lane is distinct from existing reciprocal green lane arrangements, which apply only to selected countries but allow those on essential business here to move about around Singapore more freely. The segregated travel lane restricts movement, but lets in business, official and high economic value travellers from all countries, as long as their stay is 14 days or shorter. The lane is expected to increase traffic at Changi Airport, where about 15 per cent of travellers pre-Covid-19 entered the country for business-related reasons. It should also have knock-on effects on the hospitality sector, which could cater food and provide accommodation for the travellers once they are given approval. Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, on a tour of Connect @ Changi, one of the facilities that will be used to house travellers in the segregated travel lane, said the new measures will make Singapore more relevant as a business hub amid the unpredictability of Covid-19. "Global business travel has been severely affected by the need for quarantine measures... Different countries will continue to have different risk profiles and we should not let this hinder business meetings," he said. "Dedicated facilities can allow Singaporeans to meet (business) travellers from elsewhere. They can also allow (business) travellers from elsewhere to meet each other." An artist's impression of Connect@ Changi's courtyard. PHOTO: CONNECT@ CHANGI Based on patterns established last year, roughly nine in 10 of business travellers to Singapore stayed in the country for five days or fewer, hinting at the demand for such expedited, business-specific travel arrangements. A huge chunk of these travellers are currently not covered by reciprocal green lane arrangements, and have to undergo quarantine before being able to meet their local partners face to face. Temasek senior managing director Alan Thompson, who was among those helming the Connect @ Changi project, said local employees of multinational companies might not have had a chance to meet their regional heads in person for more than year. More on this topic Related Story Singapore to let in more travellers to help retain air hub status: Chan Chun Sing Related Story Singapore and France working on travel green lane for short-term business and official trips Facilities like Connect @ Changi, which will take in its first guests in February next year, provide businessmen with that opportunity while minimising physical contact. Connect @ Changi is a four-star facility currently being built at Singapore Expo and Max Atria, about a five-minute drive from Changi Airport. When fully constructed in mid-2021, more than 1,300 guest rooms and about 340 meeting rooms will be available for booking, with each night costing travellers between $400 and $480. Meeting rooms can fit between four and 22 people, and are meant for meetings rather than larger-scale conferences or events. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Meeting rooms can fit between four and 22 people, and are meant for meetings rather than larger-scale conferences or events. Mr Wong Heang Fine, group chief executive officer of Surbana Jurong, which built Connect @ Changi, said the facility can be quickly repurposed within weeks for other uses post-Covid-19, as it is constructed from pre-fabricated modules. Connect @ Changi said the facility will create 800 jobs in Singapore in construction and the maintenance and provision of services within the facility. Mr Chan said MTI will study the demand for the segregated travel lane to assess the number of dedicated facilities needed, and could broaden the use of the lane for medical or family-visiting uses. Facility operators interested in serving as a segregated facility can submit their proposals through the Singapore Tourism Board by the end of the year. More on this topic Related Story Singapore and Germany agree to set up Reciprocal Green Lane for business and official travel Related Story S'pore to lift border restrictions for visitors from Taiwan from Dec 18

23 11 月, 2020

Joint decision to defer Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble made based on ‘clear parameters’ in agreement

SINGAPORE - The joint decision by Singapore and Hong Kong to defer the air travel bubble was based on "clear parameters" that had been set out in the agreement between the two cities, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Nov 23). The travel bubble had been slated to start on Sunday (Nov 22), but its delay was announced a day earlier in light of a recent spike of coronavirus cases in Hong Kong. Addressing questions on the travel bubble during a press conference where Singapore's economic figures for the third quarter were released, Mr Chan said that the terms had been laid out during earlier discussions between Singapore and Hong Kong. Both sides made "a very fast agreement that when the conditions are changed, when the conditions have evolved, we will take the decisions accordingly", he added. Under the agreement, the travel bubble would be suspended with a two-day notice if the seven-day moving average for unlinked cases in either city exceeds five. Mr Chan said both cities' authorities present the other with daily updates on their Covid-19 numbers. A joint decision is made when the threshold is breached, he said, adding: "As and when there are new information available (from) both sides, we will share with each other, and once we look at those numbers, we apply the framework and we make a joint decision." On Saturday morning (Nov 21), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said that the travel bubble would proceed as planned the next day, but with the added requirement for travellers from Hong Kong to take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction test upon arrival. Later in the day, however, the U-turn on the decision and the deferment of the travel bubble for two weeks was announced. Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post on Saturday afternoon that updates on when the travel bubble can begin will be made at a later date. More on this topic Related Story S'pore-HK air travel bubble deferred for two weeks due to rise in HK's Covid-19 cases: Ong Ye Kung Related Story Passengers disappointed, frustrated over deferment of Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble

18 11 月, 2020

Inbound travellers to Singapore can purchase insurance for Covid-19 related costs

SINGAPORE - Inbound travellers arriving in Singapore can now purchase insurance coverage for Covid-19 related costs incurred during their stay here. Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a joint statement on Wednesday (Nov 18) morning that three insurance companies have developed travel insurance products which provide at least $30,000 in coverage for Covid-19 related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs. The minimum coverage sum was decided based on recommendations by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which considered bills for Covid-19 treatment at private hospitals. The three companies providing insurance coverage are AIG Asia Pacific Insurance, Chubb Insurance Singapore Limited and HL Assurance. While AIG and HL Assurance have started selling their insurance products, Chubb's will be available from Nov 27. Under present rules, inbound foreign travellers entering Singapore through various safe travel lanes are required to bear the full cost of medical treatment, tests and isolation, should they be suspected of being infected with Covid-19 or require medical treatment for the virus while in Singapore. As such, the travel insurance plan will help them cover some of these costs, said CAG and STB. Mr Lee Seow Hiang, CAG's chief executive and co-lead of the Alliance for Action on Enabling Safe and Innovative Visitor Experiences under the Emerging Stronger Taskforce said: "We have been actively engaging the insurance community since August this year, through an Expression of Interest exercise, to develop inbound travel insurance products as Singapore progressively reopens. "We noticed such products were not available on the market, and wanted to encourage insurers to develop such products and offer them to travellers at a reasonable price." Mr Ho Kai Weng, chief executive of the General Insurance Association of Singapore said: "With the gradual resumption of travel and the re-opening of borders, having robust travel insurance options in place is integral to ensuring a successful and sustainable revival of inbound travel to Singapore. "The general insurance sector is committed to providing travellers visiting Singapore the protection they need to travel here with confidence." Added Mr Keith Tan, STB's chief executive: "As we gradually re-open for safe travel, Covid-19 insurance coverage is a key enabler to rebuild traveller confidence and provide peace of mind. More on this topic Related Story Singaporeans who travelled overseas can now tap government subsidies, insurance for Covid-19 treatment Related Story Insure against Covid-19 when you travel "We are heartened that the public and private sectors have come together to provide solutions, and we look forward to more collaborations that will help Singapore lead the way as a safe, trusted and innovative destination." CAG and STB said premiums for these inbound travel insurance plans start from $5.35, with GST, and can be purchased directly from the insurers through their respective websites. The two organisations added that the new insurance products complement earlier announcements by the Emerging Stronger Taskforce that a pilot for safe tradeshows and exhibition will start from November. The pilot includes safe itineraries for event attendees which comprise leisure activities that are in line with prevailing safe management guidelines. Last month (Oct 20), MOH also announced that participants in some mass events will have to take an antigen rapid test for Covid-19 and test negative before admission. Related Stories: Related Story Engineer here for work among 3 new imported cases Related Story Picking a reusable mask: Breathability v filtration efficiency Related Story Stuck at sea: Seafarers who kept international trade humming despite Covid-19 Related Story Singapore could have a Covid-19 vaccine by early 2021 Related Story Australia may open borders to Asia as it records third day without local Covid-19 case Related Story Six in White House, including Trump's chief of staff, have Covid-19, raising fears of another outbreak Related Story Japan braces itself for new wave of Covid-19 infections Related Story Phase 3 of reopening could last for a year or longer Related Story Malaysia expands Covid-19 movement curbs to all but 3 states in peninsular Related Story Europe's coronavirus infections top 11 million as more countries impose lockdowns

11 11 月, 2020

Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble to start on Nov 22 with one flight a day to each city

SINGAPORE/HONG KONG - Travellers from Singapore will be able to travel to Hong Kong for leisure from Nov 22, in the first air travel bubble arrangement for the Republic since border restrictions were imposed amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme will start with one flight a day into each city with a quota of 200 travellers per flight, Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced in Singapore on Wednesday (Nov 11). This will be increased to two flights a day from Dec 7. The arrangement will be suspended for two weeks if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of unlinked Covid-19 cases is more than five in either Singapore or Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement. As part of the air travel bubble, travellers between Singapore and Hong Kong will have to take Covid-19 tests, in lieu of serving quarantine or stay-home notices. There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel, and no need for a controlled itinerary. But travellers must meet eligibility criteria and adhere to the prevailing border control measures and public health requirements of both cities, said the CAAS. All travellers will be required to test negative on a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test 72 hours before their scheduled departure. On arrival in Hong Kong, travellers from Singapore will be required to take another Covid-19 test and remain at the airport until the results are confirmed. This could take about four hours, Mr Ong said. There is no such requirement for travellers from Hong Kong coming here. Asked why, Mr Ong said that the scheme is "not designed to be symmetrical" and should allow flexibility within own territories. Singapore, for example, requires travellers to download the TraceTogether contact tracing app and apply for an Air Travel Pass. More on this topic Related Story Planning to fly to Hong Kong? Here's what you need to know before booking a flight from Singapore Related Story Hidden Hong Kong: Coastal walks, creative enclaves, vanishing foods Negotiations between Singapore and Hong Kong were concluded earlier this week. CAAS said: "The good progress in containing the spread of Covid-19 in Singapore and Hong Kong has given us the confidence to reopen our borders gradually, with safeguards in place to ensure our public health and safety," it said. Mr Ong noted that the air traffic bubble enables Singapore and Hong Kong to open up their borders in a controlled manner, while maintaining safety in both societies. "While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will cooperate fully to make this scheme work," he said. Mr Ong added that this air travel bubble will be a useful reference for other countries and regions that have controlled the epidemic, and are contemplating opening their borders. More on this topic Related Story Coronavirus: Singapore-Hong Kong airfares spike before travel bubble opens Related Story Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble important test for leisure travel, says Ong Ye Kung The arrangement was first announced in the middle of last month, allowing people to travel between the two locations without the need to be quarantined, but subject to conditions such as testing negative for Covid-19. In a separate briefing in Hong Kong, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau said the test at the Hong Kong International Airport that visitors who arrive in the city have to undergo will cost HK$499 ($87). He added: “This is the very first air travel bubble for Hong Kong. It matters not only for cross-border travel between the two places, but also reflects the government’s hope to progressively restore the city’s economic activities amid the long-drawn battle against Covid-19.” Health Secretary Professor Sophia Chan noted that the Covid-19 incidence rates remain low in the city. As of Tuesday, there were a total of 5,389 confirmed cases, including 108 deaths. The seven-day average of untraceable local cases as of Tuesday has gone up to 0.6 from 0.3 at the start of the month. The seven-day average of local cases went up in the same period from 0.4 to 1.1. More on this topic Related Story Opening up Singapore to travellers from abroad: What arrangements are in place so far? Related Story S'pore-HK air travel bubble: Travel agencies to work with tourism bodies to ensure safety “We see a rebound in the number of local cases. We have to stay vigilant. If we let our guard down, there might be another outbreak, which will be the fourth outbreak. “Coupled with the winter seasonal influenza, the situation may be more severe,” warned Prof Chan. The third wave of the pandemic had swept the city in late July prompting the harshest restrictions such as capping public gatherings at two and limiting dining-in services. The third wave only tapered off in September when rules were again eased. Currently, the cap on public gathering is four. Eateries run at 75 per cent capacity and patrons at each table are capped at six, while bars and pubs reopened and each table can sit up to four patrons. Hong Kong is the 10th place that Singapore has made special travel arrangements with. Apart from air travel bubbles, there are also other schemes in place, such as bilateral green lane arrangements, which are for essential business and official travel. Unilateral border openings, which are one-sided, also safely lift Singapore's border restrictions and welcome travellers from certain countries and regions. More on this topic Related Story The Big Story: Exclusive with Ong Ye Kung on S'pore's continued easing of border controls Related Story Covid-19 situation in partner countries monitored daily, context of cases important: Ong Ye Kung

17 10 月, 2020

Singapore-HK airfares soar a day after news of travel bubble

The cost of air tickets between Singapore and Hong Kong soared yesterday, just a day after plans for a travel bubble between the two places were announced. The cheapest price on the Singapore Airlines website for a return economy ticket was $558 last night for flights up to the end of December, up from around $400 on Thursday. Travellers to either destination will not have to serve a quarantine as long as they test negative for Covid-19. But it will take more than the resumption of flights for the travel bubble to get off the ground safely, said industry insiders, noting that the Singapore and Hong Kong authorities have yet to reveal full details of the agreement, including how and when Covid-19 tests will be carried out. "It is definitely a good sign... but we need more clarity about how (travel) is going to be carried out in a safe manner before we can understand the potential business impact on travel agents," said National Association of Travel Agents Singapore president Steven Ler. Travellers will be concerned about their health, especially families with children, while how tests will be administered is also an important question that has to be answered, he added. "So, we will have to wait and see. A lot of people are rushing to grab a flight spot first, but we are also seeing plenty of questions from those who come to us (travel agencies) about how to arrange for their travel." Ms Alicia Seah, Dynasty Travel's director of public relations and communications, noted that collaboration with airlines, tourism boards and local operators will also be critical in kick-starting the recovery of leisure travel. "We are still awaiting the launch date to be confirmed, (but) we are now working on competitive (packages) of airfares, accommodation and theme attractions." Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Thursday that the travel bubble could start in a matter of weeks. Anyone who has stayed 14 days in either territory, regardless of age and nationality, will be eligible to travel. Teacher Anderson Neo, 27, has not seen his Hong Kong-based girlfriend since the end of January, but he intends to hold off on buying tickets until a start date for the bubble is confirmed and more information is available on Covid-19 tests. More on this topic Related Story Singapore and Hong Kong's travel bubble: How Covid-19 rules differ between the cities Related Story Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble: Will I be able to travel and when? "It has been pretty tough since we just got together last year, and this is the longest we have been separated. So, it was a relief (to hear about the bubble) as we weren't sure if we could see each other physically before 2021," he said. "But regardless of the prices, a major concern would be if the travel bubble works. Seeing the current rush of people booking tickets, we are a little sceptical if the bubble can remain Covid-free, especially if there are people with a slight illness who... book a flight anyway just so they can travel." More on this topic Related Story Two-way air travel bubble a first for HK and Singapore Related Story S'pore, HK agree to set up air travel bubble for leisure travel without need for quarantine: Ong Ye Kung

16 10 月, 2020

Airfares jump after S’pore-Hong Kong travel bubble announcement

SINGAPORE (BLOOMBERG) - The cost of air tickets between Singapore and Hong Kong jumped within 24 hours of the two places unveiling plans for a travel bubble that wouldn't require people to quarantine upon arrival. The cheapest price for a Singapore Airlines return economy seat to Hong Kong was $558 on Friday morning (Oct 16) up until the end of December, versus around $400 on Thursday afternoon as the news was announced, the airline's website showed. Return business-class fares rose about HK$5,000 (S$878) to HK$19,000. Cheaper flights were still available on travel websites including Skyscanner. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the flag carriers of Singapore and Hong Kong especially hard because they don't have any domestic market to fall back on. Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, around one million trips were made between the two regional centres every year, data from the Singapore and Hong Kong tourism boards show. Hong Kong-listed Cathay Pacific Airways closed up 6.1 per cent on Thursday and rose as much as 6.4 per cent on Friday as investors digested the news. The agreement could lift Cathay Pacific's monthly revenue by HK$90 million and reduce cash burn by as much as 6 per cent, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts James Teo and Chris Muckensturm, who assume revenue on the Hong Kong-Singapore route amounted to about 3 per cent of Cathay Pacific's total pre-pandemic. Singapore Airlines, which rose as much as 1.4 per cent on Friday, could see a $15 million boost to monthly revenue and 6 per cent reduction in cash burn, Mr Teo and Mr Muckensturm said. The route also made up about 3 per cent of its revenue before Covid-19, they said. The number of flights between Hong Kong and Singapore slumped because of the virus, with only 54 round trips filed for October, down 90 per cent from a year earlier, according to the consultancy arm of aviation analytics company Cirium. "Although the travel bubble will potentially facilitate increase of services by Cathay Pacific, Singapore and Scoot (who have continued to operate minimal services on the route through 2020), demand is expected to remain depressed in the near-term as passenger confidence remains low," said Mr Herman Tse, an analyst with Ascend by Cirium. Still, the bubble plan has encouraged some to book flights or make plans to travel. Singapore-based Clarence Foo, who works for APAC Realty unit ERA, said four Chinese nationals with Hong Kong residency had told him they planned to fly down to the city-state and purchase luxury apartments. "They're constantly asking about the property market - whether it's recovering and whether prices are coming up," Mr Foo said. "Some had planned to come down earlier in the year but then Singapore imposed border controls. They know that the city's property market seems to be more resilient now as there have been more sales and prices are low, so they want to capitalise on that." More on this topic Related Story S'pore, HK agree to set up air travel bubble for leisure travel without need for quarantine: Ong Ye Kung Related Story Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble: Will I be able to travel and when? Under the travel bubble, compulsory quarantine will be replaced by coronavirus testing. Singapore Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung told reporters that he hopes the bubble will start in "weeks". Other details of the agreement will be fleshed out later, the Hong Kong government said, without giving any date for when the plan will come into effect. Ms Tan Wei Lynn, who works in the financial sector in Hong Kong, booked her ticket to Singapore soon after the announcement. She plans to stay for several weeks and not fly back to Hong Kong until December, figuring by then there will be more details laid out. "Having to quarantine is what's stopped me, and a lot of people I know, from traveling," she said. "Yes, tests are expensive but it's not about the cost of testing. We can't afford to quarantine at one side or both sides." More on this topic Related Story Coronavirus: How the region is responding to Singapore's idea of air travel bubbles Related Story Opening up Singapore to travellers from abroad: What arrangements are in place so far? Related Story Mass air travel's return at least two years away: Ong Ye Kung