London- - Singapore Airlines (SIA) is pleased to confirm the expansion of Singapore's Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangements to the UK, following Saturday's announcement by the Singapore Government. The expansion comes as borders gradually reopen and the year-end holiday season approaches.

From 19 October 2021, eligible fully-vaccinated passengers will be able to travel daily from London to Singapore quarantine-free on SQ317, provided they comply with the relevant entry requirements. SQ317 departs London Heathrow every morning at 11:25am local time and lands in Singapore at 07:30am local time next day. The flight is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER and offers a choice of four cabin classes to travellers; Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class.

The UK-Singapore VTL is an important step in the calibrated reopening of Singapore to quarantine-free international air travel, backed by rising vaccination rates and robust health and safety measures. The expansion of the scheme follows its successful initial implementation from Germany in September this year and will also be available from Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands in Europe from October.

Eligible criteria

Passengers must:

- Be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with any vaccine in the World Health Organisation Emergency Use List. The final dose must be completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Singapore

- Provide a vaccination certification in English which must be digitally certifiable via a QR code. NHS Covid passes downloaded from the NHS mobile app, European Union Digital Covid Certificates (EUDCC) issued by VTL countries, Singapore-issued vaccination certificates and the Smart Health Card from Canada and USA are accepted

- Take a pre-departure Covid-19 PCR test within 48 hours before flight departure and receive a negative result

- For VTL travellers entering Singapore, they are also required to take an on-arrival PCR test at Changi Airport

- Fly only on designated VTL flights

- Have a 14-day travel history in any VTL country and/or Singapore before departure on the VTL flight. The travel history can be a combination of both Singapore and the VTL country.

The full set of VTL requirements and health measures is available to view here. https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gb/travel-info/vaccinated-travel-lanes

Singapore Airlines customers with existing bookings will be notified if their flight has been designated as a VTL flight. Customers who do not meet the VTL requirements may opt to be re-accommodated onto non-VTL flights instead. Passengers travelling on non-VTL flights must meet the entry requirements for Singapore and will have to serve quarantine.

Singapore Airlines' industry-leading digital initiatives and award-winning health and safety measures provide a safe and comfortable journey for all customers, along with flexible booking policies for customer reassurance.

Mr Mohamed Rafi Mar, General Manager UK & Ireland, Singapore Airlines, commented: "We are delighted to be able to resume passenger travel between London and Singapore under the Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangements in a safe and timely manner. Singapore Airlines looks forward to welcoming our customers on board our flights, where they will continue to enjoy our world-class products and service."

First and Business Class Singapore Airlines passengers can visit the SilverKris Lounge in Heathrow's T2B prior to their flight. In light of the current situation, the lounge reopened in September with new features to ensure everyone's comfort and safety.

SQ317 will operate daily as the designated VTL flight from London to Singapore. Please note the flight time changes that will take effect from 31 October 2021 in the table below.

London - Singapore

19 October 2021 - 30 October 2021

SQ317 / London - Singapore / Daily / 1125hrs - 0730hrs (+1) / Boeing 777-300ER

31 October 2021 - 26 March 2022

SQ317 / London - Singapore / Daily / 1055hrs - 0750hrs (+1) / Boeing 777-300ER

Singapore Airlines currently flies 18 times weekly from London Heathrow to Singapore, increasing to 21 weekly from 01 November; plus 3 times weekly from Manchester to Singapore. For more information on travel and to book, visit singaporeair.com.

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(C) 2021 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source M2 PressWIRE