Welcome to my latest trip report on Scoot's brand new aircraft!
This is Scoot's first ERJ-190E2 aircraft, photo by Emerson Farias
Introduction
As I had already flown on Embraer's upgraded ERJ-190/195 version, I decided not to rush into flying on Scoot's ERJ-190-E2. Although I flew on the ERJ-195 E2 version, the difference between both aircraft types is just the capacity of the aircraft as the ERJ-195 is longer, for the cabin interior, it is identical. Nevertheless, I am excited to fly on another varient of the E2 series, this would be my 60th airline type in my flight logbook.
For the aviation enthusiasts based in this part of the world, this aircraft model is certainly a welcome addition as we are lacking of varieties of aircraft types as most airlines opted for either Airbus or Boeing aircraft. It's nice to see some other airlines such as TransNasu added China's Comac aircraft, the C909 (formerly known as the ARJ-21) to its fleet so there is something to look forward to. I hope to try this aircraft sometime next year.
Anyway, at that time of booking, I wanted to fly to a city I had not been. The options are Koh Samui, Sibu, Hat Yai, Kuantan and Miri. It was a tough decision and in the end I decided on Hat Yai for the flight timing and price. Initially I wanted to do a return flight on the ERJ-190E2 but I noticed SQ was offering a good J class one-way flight from Bangkok to Singapore and I wanted to fly on the airline's Boeing 787-10 once again so I decided to do SIN-HDY-DMK(Changed to BKK later on)- SIN. For the Hat Yai to Don Mueang Airport (DMK), a secondary airport based in Bangkok, I booked myself on Nok Air, however the airline notified me of the afternoon flight cancellation and offered me 4 options and I chose the refund option and booked with Thai Airways flight from Hat Yai to Bangkok (BKK) instead.
My itinerary
SIN-HYD-BKK-SIN
SIN-HYD (This Trip report)
HYD-BKK (Thai Airways A320ceo)
BKK-SIN (Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10)
My Booking
Booking process is no issue but it took more than 5 weeks after my flight for my mileage points to be credited to my account.
The ERJ-190 is smaller in capacity and has a seating configuration of 2-2 in a one class full Economy class cabin.
This one-way ticket airfare includes the luggage and seat option.
I decided to use the discount voucher from my Krisflyer program as I won't be flying with this airline anytime soon after this trip.
I was able to select row 2 and onwards without paying extra, I decided to select seat 3A.
About the ERJ-190E2 and ERJ-195E2
The ERJ-190-E2 family was launched in June 2013 as these aircraft were designed to replaced the E1 version. These aircraft adopt the more fuel efficient PW1900G engines and redesigned wings, improved fly-by-wire controls and an updated cabin. The first ERJ-190-E2 started flying in May 2016 while for the ERJ-195-E2, it started a few years later in 2019. The ERJ-175-E2 was supposed to join in the portfolio, however the manufacturer decided to push back the certification of this aircraft type to 2027 due to lack of demand for this aircraft model. The original plan was to sell these aircraft to the U.S to replace the ERJ-175 E1 model. However, the Scope Claus agreements with the U.S airlines had prevented the purchase of this aircraft model as they find this model too heavy to operate on the short haul routes.
ERJ-190 E2 (Photo: Rei U)
This is Azul's ERJ-195-E1 (below). Can you spot the difference?
On the day of departure
As my flight was taking place in the evening, I went to work first and headed over to the airport after it was done. I decided to travel to terminal 1 via Jewel. It's been a long time since I travel to the airport by bus. Travelling by bus would allow me to connect directly to terminal 1, however due to the often crowded and poor frequency of bus service 53, I haven't take this bus service for many years and rely on the train to get me there.
Are you a fan of Jewel?
For Terminal 1, there is no MRT train connection to this terminal so if you are coming to the airport by train, you can travel to the Jewel (Either Terminal 2 or 3) then connect to Terminal 1. The walk takes no longer than 20 minutes.
This is Terminal 1 landside departure hall.
I did my check-in, received my boarding pass and luggage tag.
Then I used self check-in luggage kiosk to send my luggage on its way to the aircraft.
This is Terminal 3 and there are plans to renovate this terminal. Is it really neccessary? To me? No, it's fine as it is.
My flight was operating as scheduled.
9V-THA is my ride and she was flying in from Krabi.
Once I was done with the check-in, I went upstairs to have dinner at my favourite western food place, Astons.
I ordered the Chicken and Steak Meal and chose coke zero for my beverage.
This is the viewing gallery at Terminal 1.
This is Terminal 1 Departure hall (Airside)
It's quite a pleasant terminal to hang out.
Cactus Garden allows aviation geeks to view some aircraft at the tarmac.
This is where my flight was departing.
At this time, the terminal was getting quieter as a lot of flights were departing around this timing.
There it is, my ride to Hat Yai!
The view of the holding room.
Off we go!
It was exciting to be flying on a new aircraft type!
Welcome onboard!
What does these numbers mean? Anyone knows?
My ride: 9V-THA
Embraer ERJ 190-300 STD
Leased from Azorra AViation
Delivered in April 2024
Engines: 2X PW 1919G
Configuration: Y112
Age: 6+ months old (November 2024)
Built in San Jose Dos Campos (SJK)
My Flight Route: SIN-HDY
Miles: 456
Date of departure: 9th September 2024
Airline: Scoot
Flight: TR630
Route: SIN-HDY
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-190-E2
Registration: 9V-THA
Seat: 3A
Terminal: 1
Gate: C17
Load: 85%
Flight Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Actual Flight Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Schedule Departure time: 2215
Boarding: 2136
Push Back: 2205
Take Off: 2216
Schedule Arrival: 2245
Actual Arrival: 2226
Departure Runway: 20C
Departure Weather: Partially Cloudy
Arrival Runway: 26
Arrival Weather: Clear
My in-flight experience
Boarding took place very much on time with the usual announcement and once the door was closed. I was pleased to have the seat besides mine remained vacant. However, I find the seat legroom space to be quite tight and the comfort level would have been worse if I had a seat partner. The airline sent me an email the day before encouraging me to pay $20 for the seat besides mine to remain vacant and it was a good thing I didn't do it. This depends on luck! Since this was the 2nd flight of the day to Hat Yai, I was not surprised that the flight was not full.
Once our aircraft pushed back, we were on our way. The flight was slightly bumpy from time to time but nothing bad and descending into Hat Yai was a smooth affair. The cabin crew generally was nice and I interacted with one asking her what she thinks about this aircraft and from her response she wasn't enthusiastic about working on it and I can understand why. The smaller workspace can make it challenging for them to work especially if the flight is full. As I didn't pre-order any meals, I sat back and relax throughout the 1 hour flight. On this flight, there were 3 flight crew which probably means one of them was undergoing training. I wonder how the ex- A320 pilots feel about flying this aircraft, switching from the Sidestick to the Yoke it might take some time to get used to.
The cabin photos
This aircraft is fitted with 112 seats, 68 seats lesser than the Airbus A320 aircraft. Therefore it is deployed on thinner and lesser demand routes which the capacity of the A320 is not required. For this aircraft, row 1 and 11 are called 'Stretched' as they have slightly better legroom space than the standard seats. Row 2 to 4 are advertised as Front Seats, suitable for those who like to disembark the aircraft first but these seats are standard with the others. So the more expensive seats are the rows in front and cheaper behind and do note that row 10 and 28 are non-reclining seats.
This is the front row seats including the 'Stretch' seat (row 1).
The overhead compartment space is limited so you may be required to check in your luggage if it can't fit in there. Usually the ground staff would inform you and help you check in for free.
What's my first impression of the seat? They look comfortable but after a short feel of the seat, I find it to be a bit hard for my back.
The seat pitch is around 29 inches.
This time, I did my homework (actual window seat) before selecting my seat. (My seat: 3A)
Do you prefer the literature holder to be located above the table tray or below? Personally this arrangement is fine.
The row of seats across my row.
One advantage about flying with Scoot is that online streaming is available but you need to use your own devices to access the content.
My seat, 3A.
The view of the seats behind mine.
For short flights less than 2 hours, they are bearable in my opinion.
I like how Embraer updated the cabin with a more refreshed look to the cabin including those spotlights.
The overhead panel consists of the light and aircon duct.
The light panel on the side near the wall.
Legroom space is tight but luckily I was able to stretch my leg to the empty space besides my seat.
The foldable tray table
Each passengers get a reading light and an air vent.
Information of the amenities on board this aircraft is shown on every back of each seat.
I managed to take a little peek of the cockpit when it was opened.
At this point, we were ready for departure.
The cabin interior
(Rear)
(Front)
What's provided for each passenger?
In-flight magazine
Promotion on this Chicken Jerky
Inflight menu
Disposal Bag
Safety Card
Window view photos (Take Off to Landing)
It was raining at that point of time.
Sitting at row 3 allows good photos of the engine and the wing.
Just took off in this dreadful weather.
The take off was quiet and powerful.
Partially blocked view of Changi Airport.
The weather didn't look too bad.
The city view of Singapore.
At this point, we started our descent into Hat Yai.
We touched down on this single runway airport ahead of schedule.
My first ride of the ERJ-190 E2 came to an end. It is certainly an upgrade over the ERJ-190/195 E1 with the engines and the cabin interior part of the differences between the E1 and E2 version.
My flight summary
Welcome to Hat Yai!
The airport is small so it was a breeze passing through immigration and collecting my luggage.
As our flight was the only one at that time, we didn't wait long to receive our luggages.
A lot of shops were closed for the day.
Hope you enjoy this trip report!
My ratings
Airline Mobile App/Website (User-friendliness): 3/5
Airport Experience (SIN): 5/5
In-Flight Service: 4/5
In-Flight Entertainment: 0/5
Seat Comfort: 3/5
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Cabin Condition: 5/5
Punctuality: 5/5
In-Flight Snack: 0/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Overall Rating: 35/50
Percentage: 70%
Conclusion
It is certainly great to have a new aircraft type operating in this part of the world. The Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft have dominated most parts of ASEAN countries and this order from Scoot surprised us. The airline had a choice of selecting between Embraer ERJ-190E2 and Bombardier’s CS300 (Airbus A220-100) and I was slightly disappointed that it didn't opt for the A220. I find the 2-3 seating configuration of the aircraft to be more spacious and comfortable. I was fortunate that on this flight, I had an empty seat beside mine which allowed me to enjoy more legroom space. The seats are alright but the legroom space is tight so for flights longer than 2 hours, it can get quite uncomfortable. On the plus side, the ERJ-190E2 with the new interior was something different and the quieter cabin enhances the experience. I am glad that we have another option to choose and I would like to fly on this aircraft again perhaps sitting near the rear of the aircraft to observe how the noise level.
I had a chat with one of the crew and she wasn't very enthusiastic about working on this aircraft due to the smaller workspace and aisle when compare to the A320. Have you flown on Scoot’s Embraer? What’s your view of this aircraft?
Personally I like this aircraft but not the configuration set up by the airline. The seats are hard and the legroom space is tight, perhaps I will try out the stretched rows next time.
If you are happy with my work, feel free to contribute by donating any amount over here. Greatly appreciated!
For my next trip report (Flying Thai Airways A320 from Hat Yai to Bangkok), click here.
Thanks for reading!
Charles
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