Low-cost carrier Scoot has appointed a former Virgin Australia veteran as its new Australian boss.
Dennis Basham will oversee the Singapore Airlines-owned airline’s operations Down Under as general manager for Australia, the airline announced on Tuesday.
He takes his seat as Scoot prepares to launch Boeing 787 flights on New Year’s Day 2015, with Hong Kong and Perth pencilled in as inaugural cities for Dreamliner services.
Basham spent 14 and a half years at Virgin, most recently as national product manager for Virgin Australia Holidays. Previous roles included national wholesale manager, travel industry account manager and working in the groups and conferences unit.
“It is great to be back in a group of aviation specialists, that has worked together previously, and to be amongst a successful, friendly and innovative young team,” Basham said in a statement.
“I look forward to ensuring the colour yellow is instantly recognisable and associated with our young and fresh brand, Scoot.”
The airline has 20 787s on order – 10 787-8s with 335 seats and 10 787-9s with 375 seats – which will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Its 787s will have wifi internet connectivity for a fee, as well as in-seat power throughout the cabin. The 787s replace Scoot’s existing Boeing 777-200ER fleet.
Scoot’s first Dreamliner was currently in final assembly at Boeing’s facility at Everett, Washington State, with delivery due in December.
According to the Airline Route website, Scoot planned to start Dreamliner flights on January 1 to Perth and Hong Kong, although no flight details were available.
“Anticipation is certainly building within Scoot, and we can’t wait to see our first 787, dubbed ‘Dream Start’, in the bright and cheerful Scoot livery,” Scoot chief executive Campbell Wilson said in a statement.
The fuselage was given a traditional Shinto blessing at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Nagoya, Japan, where it was built.
Basham replaces Darren Wright, who has taken a job at Flight Centre.
