Singapore's Scoot counts on Pikachu Jet for recovery

Low-cost carrier increases flights to Japan and Taiwan to cover China loss

On special Pokemon-themed flights, the Pikachu character can be found everywhere. Redecorating the exterior of the plane is estimated to have cost 100 million yen. (Photo courtesy of Scoot)

MAYUKO TANI, Nikkei staff writer

October 15, 2022 11:00 JST

SINGAPORE -- Singaporean low-cost carrier Scoot has become the first Southeast Asian airline to fly a "Pikachu Jet" to stimulate demand to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The subsidiary of Singapore Airlines also aims to attract demand with ticket giveaways and the opening of new routes. As China keeps in place its strict zero-COVID policy that has effectively banned cross-border travel, Scoot is pinning its hopes on Japan and Taiwan, which have decided to scrap travel restrictions.