SCOOT, which recently unveiled plans to operate Singapore-Sydney flights starting June 2012 (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 7), is trying to build strong relations with the travel trade to boost its reach, as part of its two-year marketing strategy.

Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily, Susan Teng, National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) – Outbound Committee chairman and general manager of Singapore-based Viewers Choice Travel, said that Scoot representatives recently met with NATAS officials, to share details about the airline’s business model and future plans.

“They are happy to work with the industry and are happy to take on groups, something other low-cost carriers did not do when they first launched,” she said.

Teng declined to reveal further details, but did mention that Scoot was keen to line up exclusive packages for Singapore-based travel consultants to sell, although this is still in the process of being worked out.

“We are still in the dark about Scoot’s exact plans, but we generally view their willingness to work with travel professionals as a positive sign of things to come,” she said.