What it does: A Singaporean budget airline that flies to over 60 destinations in Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Best known for: being a low-cost airline.
Staff stats: 2,051
The good bits: Extensive travel benefits, a fun, family-like environment, and flexible work hours for some roles.
The not-so-good bits: Poor work-life balance for some roles, limited career growth opportunities, workplace politics and favouritism.
Scoot was established by Singapore Airlines in 2011 and commenced operations in June 2012 with initial flights to Sydney and Gold Coast. With goals to be ‘an airline for the young, the young-at-heart and the value-seeking, the brand targets consumers on a budget through cheap, no-frills flights in both medium and long-haul routes. The homegrown brand launched operations In Singapore with only three Boeing 777-200s in a two-class configuration, and now owns over 40 aircraft consisting of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s.
In July 2017, Scoot merged with its sister budget airline, Tigerair, a move that hastened Scoot's expansion with more aircraft and destinations. After the merger, the airline's flight designator code was changed from TZ to TR, and the newly integrated fleet which comprised of Tigarair's Airbus A320 and Scoot's Boeing 787 Dreamliners were adorned in Scoot's bright yellow branding.
Today, Scoot flies to over 68 destinations in around 15 countries with new destinations in Laos, China, India, and Malaysia. In 2020, the airline is poised for growth as it plans to further expand its fleet and route network.
The Scoot Cadet Programme is a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence training course with an 18-20 month duration. Upon finishing the course, students receive an MPL or 'frozen' ICAO ATPL. Graduates of the cadet program undergo further training in Scoot to ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to fly the airline's B787 or A320 aircraft. As a co-sponsored program, the candidate shoulders an estimated cost of approximately SGD150,000.
Graduates must be at least 18 years old and legally entitled to work in Singapore, among other requirements. Applicants will go through a series of online assessments and an assessment center with video interviews. The hiring process lasts three to six months.
Scoot aims to uphold a fun and laid-back culture that focuses on individuality. Being different is embraced and is a part of its core values: 'We dare to not conform, and we aren't afraid to flaunt that,’ Scoot says on its company website.
Here, offices are equipped with open-concept desks instead of cubicles and feature large and cozy hang out areas. Employees have the freedom to dress as they please (cabin crew members have more stringent rules); you can go to work in pajamas, don rainbow hair or have multicolored nails, as long as you don't have meetings scheduled with important clients.
Scoot's social responsibility efforts are driven by its mother company, Singapore Airlines. With an effort to promote sustainability, the company puts a prime focus on carbon neutrality by reducing industry emissions and fuel productivity by minimising fuel use without compromising safety.
In September 2011, Singapore Airlines became a part of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), which focuses on renewable, low carbon aviation fuels derived from socially sustainable and environmentally-friendly sources.
Graduates aiming to explore the aviation industry and travel the world may expect a fulfilling stint in Scoot, with its casual, laid-back atmosphere and extensive benefits. Scoot's vibrant and easy-going work culture guarantees a good fit for the kooky, quirky, and those looking to mix pleasure with fun. Just know, however, that some roles require long hours and there may be difficulty with career growth.