Latest news with #Scoot
The Star
17 hours ago
- The Star
Man jailed for stealing debit cards, cash aboard Scoot flight to Singapore
Liu Xitang was sentenced to 10 months' jail after pleading guilty to one charge of theft. - Photo: Asiaone SINGAPORE: In yet another case of in-flight theft, a man has been jailed for stealing a passenger's debit cards and cash onboard a Scoot flight to Singapore. Both the prosecution and judge noted the increasing prevalence of such offences as Liu Xitang's case was heard in court on Wednesday (July 30). The Chinese national, 35, was sentenced to 10 months' jail after pleading guilty to one charge of theft. Handing down the sentence, District Judge Eddy Tham said: 'A strong message needs to be sent out to deter any like-minded persons from carrying out such offences.' The court heard that Liu committed the crime on June 2 while onboard Scoot flight TR469 from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. His co-accused was fellow Chinese national Wang Wei, 41, who has also been charged. Wang's case is still before the courts. Chinese national Wang Wei (left) has been charged after he was arrested at Changi Airport. - Photo: Asiaone Wang was aware that Liu would commit theft on flights. In particular, Liu would get the details of other passengers' credits cards and use the stolen information to make transactions. In their conversations, they used the codeword 'biscuit' to refer to credit cards. The duo entered Malaysia from China on May 31. They planned to leave Malaysia on June 2 via the flight to Singapore, then transit to Hong Kong and part ways. After boarding the plane, the victim, a 39-year-old Malaysian, placed her bag containing her valuables in the overhead compartment above her seat. Before take-off, Liu reached into that overhead compartment and stole two debit cards and $169 in cash from the victim's bag. He then placed the items into a drawstring bag, which he got as a ScootPlus passenger, and passed the bag to Wang. Liu also messaged an unknown person on WeChat that he had found a 'biscuit' and coordinated with this person about when to use the cards. Two other passengers witnessed Liu's actions. A flight stewardess also noticed Liu passing the drawstring bag to Wang before take-off and instructed him to return to his seat. When the flight landed, the two passengers saw the victim retrieve her bag from the overhead compartment and they realised it belonged to her and not Liu. They decided to find and inform the victim to check her belongings. After the woman checked inside her bag and saw that cards and cash were missing, she filed a police report. The police subsequently traced and arrested Liu and Wang at Changi Airport. Wang returned the cash, and the victim's debit cards were found in a dustbin near the immigration checkpoint. Liu admitted he had thrown them away. Deputy Public Prosecutor Gladys Lim said there was evidence to suggest the pair were working with a larger group of criminals, such as the unknown third party Liu spoke to on WeChat. In mitigation, Liu said through an interpreter that he knew what he did was 'a very bad thing'. 'I should not have done it, Your Honour, and I've realised my mistake,' said Liu, adding that he hoped to return home soon to settle his father's funeral matters. Liu's case comes amid a spike in cabin theft cases in Asia, which has been blamed on members of organised crime groups who catch short-transit flights to steal small items from passengers. Between January and May, three people were charged in Singapore for theft onboard an aircraft. Only one person was charged in the same period in 2024. Assistant Commissioner M. Malathi, commander of the Airport Police Division, told The Straits Times in June that passengers should always keep their valuables on them, remain vigilant and make timely reports for their officers to quickly trace the suspects. - The Straits Times/ANN
Independent Singapore
18 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
More Singaporeans embrace solo travel, with millennials leading the way
Photo: Freepik/freepik SINGAPORE: Solo travel is quickly becoming a mainstream preference among Singaporeans, especially the younger generation, according to a recent survey commissioned by budget airline Scoot and conducted by YouGov. The survey, which polled over 5,000 people across five Asia Pacific countries, found that nearly 79 per cent of Singaporean respondents had gone on solo trips multiple times over the past year, with nearly half (49 per cent) of them taking three or more solo journeys during the same period. The poll found that millennials made up 51 per cent of current and potential solo travellers in Singapore. This is a notably higher figure than the regional average of 40 per cent across the Asia Pacific. According to the survey, the top reasons for travelling alone include the freedom and flexibility as well as the desire to explore new places at one's own pace, without having to compromise on group plans or preferences. Over 80 per cent of Singaporean respondents also said they would recommend the experience to others. Looking ahead, Singaporean solo travellers have their sights set on nearby destinations, with Japan, China, and Malaysia topping the wish list for the next 12 months. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Straits Times
Man jailed for stealing debit cards, cash aboard Scoot flight to Singapore
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – In yet another case of in-flight theft, a man has been jailed for stealing a passenger's debit cards and cash onboard a Scoot flight to Singapore. Both the prosecution and judge noted the increasing prevalence of such offences as Liu Xitang's case was heard in court on July 30. The Chinese national, 35, was sentenced to 10 months' jail after pleading guilty to one charge of theft. Handing down the sentence, District Judge Eddy Tham said: 'A strong message needs to be sent out to deter any like-minded persons from carrying out such offences.' The court heard that Liu committed the crime on June 2 while onboard Scoot flight TR469 from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. His co-accused was fellow Chinese national Wang Wei, 41, who has also been charged. Wang's case is still before the courts. Wang was aware that Liu would commit theft on flights. In particular, Liu would get the details of other passengers' credits cards and use the stolen information to make transactions. In their conversations, they used the codeword 'biscuit' to refer to credit cards. The duo entered Malaysia from China on May 31. They planned to leave Malaysia on June 2 via the flight to Singapore , then transit to Hong Kong and part ways. After boarding the plane, the victim, a 39-year-old Malaysian, placed her bag containing her valuables in the overhead compartment above her seat. Before take-off, Liu reached into that same overhead compartment and stole two debit cards and $169 in cash from the victim's bag. He then placed the items into a drawstring bag, which he got as a ScootPlus passenger, and passed the bag to Wang. Liu also messaged an unknown person on WeChat that he had found a 'biscuit' and coordinated with this person about when to use the cards. Two other passengers witnessed Liu's actions. A flight stewardess also noticed Liu passing the drawstring bag to Wang before take-off and instructed him to return to his seat. When the flight landed, the two passengers saw the victim retrieve her bag from the overhead compartment, and they realised it belonged to her and not Liu. They decided to find and inform the victim to check her belongings. After the woman checked inside her bag and saw that cards and cash were missing, she filed a police report. The police subsequently traced and arrested Liu and Wang at Changi Airport. Wang returned the cash, and the victim's debit cards were found in a dustbin near the immigration checkpoint. Liu admitted he had thrown them away. Deputy Public Prosecutor Gladys Lim said there was evidence to suggest that the pair were working with a larger group of criminals, such as the unknown third party Liu spoke to on WeChat. In mitigation, Liu said through an interpreter that he knew what he did was 'a very bad thing'. 'I should not have done it, Your Honour, and I've realised my mistake,' said Liu, adding that he hoped to return home soon to settle his father's funeral matters. Liu's case comes amid a spike in cabin theft cases in Asia , which has been blamed on members of organised crime groups who catch short-transit flights to steal small items from passengers. Between January and May, three people were charged in Singapore for theft on board an aircraft. Only one person was charged in the same period in 2024. Assistant Commissioner M. Malathi, commander of the Airport Police Division, told The Straits Times in June that passengers should always keep their valuables on them, remain vigilant, and make timely reports for their officers to quickly trace the suspects.
West Australian
a day ago
- Business
- West Australian
Scooting to Vienna on a budget
There's a new option for travellers looking for an alternative, cheaper way to fly to Europe. Scoot last month launched its first flight between Singapore and Vienna, flying three times a week with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. From Perth, it's a comfortable five hours to Singapore on the 6.25pm flight, landing in Singapore just before midnight with a short three-hour layover. We board the inaugural flight at 3am, landing in Vienna just over 11 hours later (after a special onboard performance of classical music by the T'ang Quartet) at about 9am local time. And while it's a budget airline — there are no screens, you have to pay for wifi and water and pre-order meals — our advice is to book Scoot Plus (the airline's version of premium economy) with its spacious leather seats. Scoot chief operating officer Ng Chee Keong says the route opens up opportunities for travellers from the Asia-Pacific to explore Eastern Europe and vice versa. Flights connect to other cities via short flights or train. 'We hope that this new connection helps to bridge cultures and inspire more customers to explore new destinations and create memorable travel experiences,' he says. Vienna Tourist Board chief executive Norbert Kettner says Vienna is the 'heartland of European history'. It also has a centuries-old musical heritage and was home to composers Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. And until earlier this year, Vienna held the mantle for the world's most liveable city. 'Vienna is the fifth biggest city in the European community and one of the youngest cities,' Mr Kettner says. 'And, of course, you have the great combination of what we call northern European efficiency and southern European lifestyle.' After arriving in Vienna we check into the impeccable Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel. From the moment we walk in, the hotel screams luxury. It is also a perfect location for exploring, being on the edge of the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard built in the mid 1800s that surrounds the city's historic centre and its most famous landmarks. Rebel Tours owner Basti Knobl tells us it replaced the fortress that once surrounded the city and soon became where the rich and noble built their palaces. From the hotel, Basti takes us to the city's ninth district (Vienna is broken up into 23 districts, each with different traits) which is known by locals as 'little Paris'. It also has a rich Jewish history, with this district home to the city's biggest Jewish population before, in 1938, thousands were forced out of their homes by the Nazi regime. The devastating aftermath is still evident today. At points, Basti tells us to look up at the buildings, the architecture makes it obvious where the original buildings were firebombed and destroyed. The next day, we visit the Heidi Horten Collection — a private gallery which houses works from the likes of Pablo Picasso to Andy Warhol. The Wien Museum is next on the agenda, which provides an immersive way to learn about the city's history from its imperial heritage to modern life. And you can't visit Vienna without a taste of its famous Wiener schnitzel. We have ours at Skopik & Lohn in the second district, and it melts in the mouth. Our night rounds off with a visit to Votive Church to see Light of Creation, which is a 30-minute light show accompanied by classical music — a feast for the ears and eyes. The Belvedere Museum is a must. It's home to Gustav Klimt's famous painting The Kiss, painted in the early 1900s and depicting a couple in a golden embrace. The art and history inside the museum is breathtaking, and the grounds are just as beautiful, walking through them makes you feel as though you're in a scene from Bridgerton. The weather in early June was quite warm, and we took public transport or walked everywhere. It is surprisingly easy and stress-free for a visitor to navigate. The public transport system is so efficient most residents opt to pay an annual fee to take the tram, train or subway rather than own a car because it's easier, cheaper — and faster. It is soon time for a spot of shopping, and our personal guide Lucie takes us behind the scenes of the imperial shops that have been the choice for the royals for generations. First stop is R Scheer & Sohne, where seven generations have been making shoes for kings and kaisers since 1860. The shoemakers only make bespoke shoes — your first pair will set you back €10,000 ($17,930). Next, we visit one of the oldest jewellers in Vienna, A.E Kochert. The family has been creating beautiful jewels for more than 200 years, particularly for the royals. We are taken upstairs to view the most exquisite and delicate array of tiaras and jewellery once belonging to regal owners which have found their way back to the Kochert collection. Their most famous design is the Sisi Stars, which were commissioned by Empress Elisabeth. Originally, 27 of the stars were made for Sisi to wear in her hair, but could also be worn as a necklace, broach or in a tiara. The design is so iconic it is still ordered today — some paying up to €400,000 ($717,166) for a piece. At J & L Lobmeyr, we are shown the most exquisite glassware. We also learn it was where the first ever martini glass was designed — along with the first ever electric chandelier. To finish our four days in Vienna, we are treated to a hike through the vineyards, which are found within the city limits. They are accessible via public transport, and wine expert Caroline Derler tells us it's a popular outing for young people and families on a summer's night after work or on the weekend. After a walk taking in the scenic view of the city, we enjoy a spread of cheese with local wine sitting with friends among the vines. Cheers to that. + Shannon Hampton was a guest of Scoot and Austria Tourism. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication. Scoot economy return flights from Perth to Vienna connect in Singapore. As a guide to prices, economy is from $954 return in August. In September it is from $860 return. In November it is from $883. Scoot Plus in September 2025 is from $1405 return. Economy seats in Scoot's twin-aisle Dreamliner have a seat width of 45cm and a seat pitch of 78cm (that's from one point on the seat to the same point on the seat in front). Scoot Plus seats are 55cm wide and have a pitch of 96cm. Scoot Plus includes 15kg of cabin baggage and 30kg of checked baggage.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SIA earnings down 58.8% y-o-y for 1QFY2026 to $186 mil from lower interest income
Lower cash balances, interest rate cuts and SIA recording a share of losses of associates companies has led to lower earnings for the quarter. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has posted a lower net profit of $186 million for the 1QFY2026 ended June 30, down 58.8% y-o-y from the $452 million reported in the same period a year ago. Earnings per share came in lower at 6.3 cents for 1QFY2026. Meanwhile, group revenue increased marginally to $4.79 billion in the quarter, up 1.5% y-o-y. SIA and Scoot carried a record 10.3 million passengers, up 6.9% y-o-y in 1QFY2026, and the group passenger load factor grew 0.7 percentage points (ppts). Passenger yields slipped 2.9% to 10 cents per revenue passenger-kilometre amid heightened competition as more airlines continue to add capacity. Cargo flown revenue fell by 1.9% for 1QFY2026 as yields deteriorated 4.4%, and cargo load factor (CLF) declined by 0.8 ppts to 56.9% as cargo load growth of 2.8% lagged capacity expansion of 4.2%. In the 1QFY2026, group expenditure rose 3.2% y-o-y to $4.39 billion in the quarter mainly due to higher non-fuel expenditure, which was driven by the 3.7% rise in overall capacity and inflationary pressures on key cost elements. As such, SIA's operating profit was $405 million for the quarter, 13.8% y-o-y lower. The decline in net profit for the reporting period is largely attributable to a lower interest income, about $61 million less, on the back of lower cash balances and interest rate cuts, and the group recording a share of losses of associated companies compared to a share of profits for the same quarter last year. This is notably from Air India's financial results which were not part of SIA's results for the same quarter last year. The group started equity accounting for Air India's financial performance from December 2024 following the full integration of Vistara into Air India. As at June 30, the group's shareholder equity stood at $15.8 billion, $10.1 billion higher than the previous quarter. Total debt balances fell to $11.5 billion with debt to equity ratio reducing to 0.73. During the quarter, $235 million of the convertible bonds issued in December 2020 were converted at the conversion price of $4.8945 into 48 million ordinary shares. As at June 30, $615 million of the convertible bonds remain outstanding. Cash and bank balances declined to $7.8 billion due to repayment of borrowings and capital expenditure disbursements, as at end June. As at June 30, the group's operating fleet had 204 passenger and freighter aircraft with an average age of seven years and nine months. SIA operated 144 passenger aircraft and seven freighters, while Scoot operated 53 passenger aircraft. During the quarter, Scoot added one Airbus A321neo, one Boeing 787-8, and one Embraer E190-E2 aircraft to its fleet. The group has 72 aircraft on order at the end of this quarter. With the closure of Jetstar Asia on July 31, SIA says that it will ramp up capacity to various Asian destinations in Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This includes Scoot commencing operations to Labuan Bajo and Medan (Indonesia), as well as Okinawa (Japan), subject to regulatory and operational approvals. On outlook, SIA group says that the global airline industry continues to face a volatile operating environment, with challenges ranging from geopolitical developments and macroeconomic fluctuations to changing market dynamics and supply chain constraints. 'The group will remain vigilant in this dynamic operating environment, while identifying and capitalising on emerging areas of growth,' it says. Shares in SIA Group closed 3 cents higher or 0.396% up at $7.60 on July 28. 27 cents for 1QFY2025/2026 SIA's chairman Peter Seah redesignated as non-independent director after AGM SIA Engineering reports 29.2% y-o-y higher net profit of $42.9 mil for 1QFY2026 Read more stories about where the money flows, and analysis of the biggest market stories from Singapore and around the World Get in-depth insights from our expert contributors, and dive into financial and economic trends Follow the market issue situation with our daily updates Or want more Lifestyle and Passion stories? Click hereSign in to access your portfolio
