Singapore Airlines will retire its Boeing 737-800 in a move that’ll see it solely rely on the 737 MAX moving forward for single-aisle operations.
Reporting by Mainly Miles indicates that 9V-MGN is scheduled to operate the final flight on 25 October 2025, in time for the all-important IATA schedule changeover.
The final flights will operate throughout this day as SQ132/131 between Singapore Changi and Penang International Airport, followed by SQ136/135 again between Changi and Penang.
The last flight is scheduled as SQ442/441 with operations between Changi and Kathmandu. The last flight departing Nepal is at 2250, before arriving back at the airline’s hub the following morning, 26 October 2025, at 0615.
Once the aircraft touches down, Singapore Airlines will bid farewell to the 737-800 operation and transition towards a sole reliance on the 737-8, part of the MAX series, creating greater harmony across the airline’s operations.
The retirement of the 737-800 comes less than five years after the aircraft model was introduced to the Singapore Airlines fleet.
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 737-800 – Photo: Jeffry S.S.
The acquisition was driven by the merger between SilkAir and the Changi-based carrier, which introduced the 737-800s in a move that saw the airline also shift away from its long-standing strategy, which had included flying strictly widebody jets.
Unfortunately, Singapore Airlines has faced numerous challenges with its 737 fleet, including keeping the jet in the air due to groundings related to the MAX, delayed deliveries, and inconsistencies in the product being offered.
Good News For Singapore Airlines
The retirement of the 737-800 at Singapore Airlines signifies a transition towards a single aircraft type for single-aisle operations, which will be achieved through the 737 MAX.
Singapore Airlines’ retention of the 737-800 likely lasted longer than intended, primarily driven by the numerous issues experienced with the MAX, but the decision to axe it has finally been made.
For the airline, the move to a single type and certainly one that harbours greater efficiency is a step in the right direction for the airline in its efforts to continue streamlining and increasing its reliance on next-generation products.
Boeing 737 MAX 8 – flight sim imagery from Miguel Lagoa (shutterstock)
Singapore Airlines’ 737 MAX fleet now consists of 19 aircraft, with an average age of 5.4 years. The model has been progressively delivered over the years, with more expected thanks to existing orders for the aircraft.
The retirement of the 737-800 also means that, across the airline’s entire fleet, a consistent product can now be offered, which is excellent news for those who routinely fly with the Changi-based carrier.
Now, across every aircraft in the fleet, flat-bed business class seats will be offered, and this will also include seat-back entertainment installed for every passenger, along with Wi-Fi.
