Sunday, 26 October 2025

A Triangle Route Trip Part 1: Scoot ERJ-190 E2 (SIN-MYY) An Unexpected Aircraft Change

 Welcome to my 2025 Trip Report on Scoot's ERJ-190-E2!


This is Scoot's Embraer ERJ-190 E2


Introduction 

After a busy period of work, I had a bit of time to do some travelling in October, a month before my flying adventure to South America. I decided to take a look at some of the cities that I like to visit and the eastern part of Malaysia is where I haven't been to yet. I checked the flights of Malaysia Airlines and I decided to do a triangle route because I like to fly on the ERJ-190-E2 aircraft again on Scoot and hopefully on a newer aircraft (my last flight was on 9V-THA). So that means I will fly Scoot to Miri and from there I will fly home with Malaysia Airlines with a stop-over at KUL airport. I did a check on the flights and managed to find a date which the Boeing 737 MAX 8 are operating on both MYY-KUL and KUL-SIN. Most of the time, the Boeing 737-800 operated on this route and because aircraft change can take place anytime so I decided to do both flights operated by the 737 MAX 8, just in case one of the flight's aircraft gets changed.

Later on, the airline offered me a chance to experience the airline's business class on both flights via MHupgrade. I decided to bid for it only on the MYY-KUL sector as the flight time was about 2 hours compared to the 50 minutes flight time from KUL-SIN. This way if my bid is successful, I would be a be experience both the business and economy class of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. 

Fortunately, lady luck smiled on me and I managed to score the business class upgrade and so let me share with my experience on Scoot's ERJ-190E2 (My 2nd trip report on this aircraft type), Malaysia's 737-8 (Business and Economy Class) trip reports in this 3-part series.

Without further ado, let's begin the part 1 (Scoot ERJ-190E2 SIN-MYY trip report)! 

My Triangle Route Trip


Routes

SIN-MYY (This trip report) 
     MYY- KUL (Coming up soon) 
KUL-SIN (Coming up soon)

Airlines: Scoot and Malaysia Airlines 

Aircraft types: Boeing 737-8 and ERJ-190-E2 

About Scoot's mobile app 

There are some improvement in the app compared to the last time I used it. The last time I used this app, even though I was logged in to my krisflyer app, I still have to key in the 6 digit PNR code and last name in order to check my itinerary but this time, I was able to access my booking from my registered account without doing anything else. 

However the app doesn't provide any flight updates, no sms or anything. I have to rely on Flighty and Changi mobile app which provide essential information of my flight. Flighty notified me about the the rescheduled flight time before the announcement made by the ground staff. 

For this trip, I decided go to the basic fare which means no meals, seat selection or luggages add on. 


All these additional services are not required. 


I was tempted to purchase the Pikachu plane model, but $89 is a bit too high for my liking. 


Without any add-ons, this is how much I paid. 


All I would be bringing over the 2 days in Miri is just a haversack with enough clothings to last me during my stay. 


During the check-in process, this was the first thing I checked. What seat would the airline assigned me? Fortunately, I was given a window seat and when I tried to change it, I can do it but at a price.


On the day of departure 

I took the skytrain over to Terminal 1.



This is a Star Wars Pop up Library at Terminal 3. This is opened from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. 


Terminal 1 departure hall (landside) 


No prize for guessing who dominate this terminal. Did you know Scoot started operation in Terminal 2? 


It is self check-in for Scoot passengers. 


As I did not have any check-in luggages with me, I collected my boarding pass and that's it. 


The check-in procedure through the self check-in kiosk is easy to follow. 


For flights with Scoot, mobile check-in scan code is allowed. 


One last look at the automated check-in kiosks. 


This is the departure hall (airside). 


This is Xiamen Air's Airbus A321neo. The airline ordered this aircraft to replace the Boeing 757-200 fleet. The Boeing 737-10 MAX is the natural replacement but because of Boeing's issues with the certification of the -10 series, the airline went with the Airbus option. 


Scoot's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner


The design of the carpet - do you like it? I am not a fan of it to be honest. 


This is a vending machine which sells Singapore model buses. My favourite bus would be the MAN A95 Double Decker bus and least favourite? Scania K230UB - terrible bus in my opinion. 


Near the C21 gate, you can take the bus over to T4. You are allowed to transfer to that terminal even though your flight is departing from terminal 1, as long as you have enough time. 


I checked my flight at this point, so far so good. 


A busy time at terminal 1. 


Scoot's Pokemon jet - 9V-OJJ was bound for Denpasar, parked at gate D46. 


Near the end of pier of D gate concourse. 


I went up to this area to rest for a while. 


I did a check on which aircraft was flying to Miri and it was 9V-THH (I thought so at that time). 


The original gate, D42. 


D43 is a gate for aircraft parked at a remote parking lot which means the passengers would need to take a bus over. 


This is the ERJ-190 E2



This was the original aircraft, 9V-THH scheduled to operate my flight to Miri. Unfortunately, the aircraft went tech, as there were engineers gathering around to check the aircraft. Our pilots and cabin crew were waiting at the holding room with us all this while. I knew something was wrong as the departure time were fast approaching and the flight crew were having some discussion among themselves. True enough, an announcement were made and our flight departure was pushed back by 2 hours as this aircraft was not going anywhere. 

The announcement informed us that due to operation reason, we have to change aircraft and wait for the replacement aircraft to come in, therefore our gate was changed. I did a bit of homework and there were 2 ERJ-190 aircraft (9V-THB and 9V-THD) on the ground and they had no flight schedule for that day. The other ERJ-190 were flying and they won't be back so soon so my gut feeling told me our replacement aircraft would be either one of those two. 

What was wrong with this aircraft? I have no idea but since the aircraft was parked from 13th October to 24th October, the issue must be quite serious enough for this length of grounding but whatever it is I am glad it has returned to service. 

The aircraft was being inspected at this point. 


This is Scoot's Boeing 787-8 bound for Jeddah. 


Very few people expect to see a Boeing 747-400 Passenger aircraft in service in 2025! It's always nice to see the Queen of the Skies in action! 

The reason why this airline is still operating the 25 years old aircraft is due to the lengthy delay of certification of the Boeing 777-9. As long as it is not certified, none of the airlines can operate it so for Lufthansa and others, they have to compromise and for this German airline, it continues to operate the old aircraft such as this model and the A340-600. 


The holding room of gate D42. 


Later on, we switched over to gate D44. 


9V-THB (Our Replacement Aircraft) was towed into our gate. By then it was about 1715 hours and once the aircraft was parked and the aerobridge connected to the aircraft, the cabin and flight crew went over to prepare the aircraft for departure. 

Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Myanmar Boeing 737-800 are in the background. 


Air Macau Airbus A321ceo in the background.


Here it is, 9V-THB (Small Yella Fella)


We were given a packaet of snacks plus a bottled water from the airline for the delay. 

Chocolate Crossiant, Potato Crisp and a bottle of water 



Since I was in the holding area (Gate D44), the only way to use the toilet was by exiting the gate area and return to the gate later by going through security again. I had to think twice (the troublesome part of going through security) before deciding to go ahead. Do you know what is the strangest part about it? When I returned to the gate for the troublesome security check, I had to remove the bottle of water in this snack bag and dispose the water before being allowed to keep the bottle. I could have drank it but I was feeling full at that time and didn't want to leave the gate area to use the toilet again later. Now you know why I prefer security check to be done just after immigration check.

I explained to the staff that the snack bag is not opened and there is no way I could have done anything with the water bottle. But according to the staff, they have to follow protocol and remove the water from the bottle and told me to refill the water at the water cooler in the holding area. What a waste of water! 


After an hour and forty-five minutes, we were finally given the green light to board according to seat numbers. Passengers that require assistance were allowed to board first followed by the passengers sitting at the last few rows and then it was my turn to board. 



I wish for 2 things for the upcoming Terminal 5. First, security after the automated passport control (like terminal 4) and secondly, glass window for the aerobridges so that we can have a good view of the aircraft not like this one (below). 


Welcome on board on Scoot's ERJ-190-E2! 



My ride: 9V-THB 


Embraer ERJ190-E2 
Leased from Azorra Aviation 
Aircraft name: Small Yella Fella
Engines: 2 X Pratt & Whitney PW1919G 
Configuration: Y112
Delivered in May 2024 
First Flight: 12 April 2024
Built in Sao Jose Dos Campos (Brazil) - SJK

Flight route: SIN-MYY 

Miles: 720 

Average Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Airlines flying on this route: Scoot (4 Times weekly from June 2025) 


My seat: 18A (Photo: Aerolopa.com)


Date of departure: 13th October 2025 
Airline: Scoot Airlines
Flight: TR412 
Route: SIN-MYY
Aircraft: ERJ-190-E2 
Registration: 9V-THH changed to 9V-THB
Terminal: 1 
Gate: D42 changed to D44 
Load: 100%
Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes 
Actual Flight Time: 1 hour 41 minutes 
Schedule Departure: 1655 changed to 1820 
Boarding: 1750 
Pushed Back: 1818
Take Off: 1829
Assigned Flight Level: 370 
Speed: 900km/h 
Schedule Arrival: 1905 to 2015
Actual Arrival: 2011
Departure Runway: 20C
Departure Weather: Cloudy 
Arrival Runway: 02 
Arrival Weather: Clear 

My experience 

This flight turned out to be a full flight with many of us opted not to pay for the seat selection as the seat map was showing blank seats just a couple of days before my flight. The boarding process was according to this sequence: Passengers with priority then followed by zone 3, 2 and 1. 

This time I was sitting behind the wing and my experience with this seat is the same as my previous flight on this aircraft - cramp but bearable for this short flight. The biggest problem that this aircraft has is the lack of overhead compartment space so those with larger carry-on were recommended to check them in the gates with no charges from the airline. I observed the cabin crew and they seemed a bit lackluster but at least they were professional and did the necessary checks before take off and landing. What I dont understand is the crew prepared us for landing (seat back to original position and window shade up) after the captain's announcement on the weather at Miri and mind you, our aircraft had not started the descent and there was no predicted turbulence. In fact, we were blessed with very good weather, hardly any turbulence. 

For the inflight entertainment, the aircraft has inflight streaming wifi (only for the airline's entertainment content) but for unknown reason, the system was either not turned on or was not working so it was self entertainment for this almost 2 hours flight. As for the inflight meal, I gave it a miss because of the hefty price and the last I had my meal on board with Scoot, I was not impressed with the quality. I think among the low cost carriers, Air Asia provides the best inflight meals at a much reasonable pricing. Shouldn't the airline consider adjusting the price according to which destination it is flying to. Why would the Malaysians pay about 70RM for a meal why when you can pay about 1/3 the cost on Air Asia's flights.

Ever since a few cases of portable charger burning during the flight, there was constant reminder not to use it during the flight and that makes sense. However, the airline should provide charging ports by installing them on the ERJ190 and A320 fleet and NOT charge us for it. For this aircraft model, since its is quite new, I don't think they will install the charging ports on these seats so if you are flying on this aircraft model and Airbus A320 family, it is best to charge your electronic devices before the flight. Only for the Boeing 787, charging ports are available but passengers in the Economy Class cabin have to pay for it while for those in the Scootplus cabin, charging ports are provided for free. 

For safety measures, the cabin crew followed the safety protocols so for that I appreciate it. During the landing, the lights were turned off and we landed smoothly onto runway 02 at Miri Airport, it was my firsttime in East Malaysia. We landed about 1 hour and 6 minutes behind schedule but at least the weather was good and I made haste for my accommodation and arrived there around 2100. 

Economy Class cabin 

This aircraft is configured in a 2-2 layout. 

According to the airline, there are the best seats for legroom space. 

Row 1A and C (43.9 inches of legroom space/ can recline up to 4 inches) - Stretch seats

Row 1D and 1F (55.7 inches of legroom space/ can recline up to 4 inches) - Stretch seats

Row 11A/C/D/F (39 inches of legroom space/ can recline up to 4 inches) - Stretch seats

For the rest of the seats (29 inches of legroom space/ can recline up to 4 inches) - Standard and Front Seats


Only this row (row 11) and the front row offer better legroom space.


Sitting at the emergency window seat (row 11) offers better legroom space. 


This is about 39 inches of legroom space (row 11A/C and D/F). 


The standard seat 


No headrest 


For the standard seats, I can tolerate it up till 2 hours, any longer, I will go for the stretched seats. 



The overhead compartment 


This is my seat 18A. It is located just behind the wing. 


View from my seat. 


Few more photos before I disembarked. 


Front view of the cabin 


For low cost carriers to keep the cost low for us consumers, they have to try to maximise the capacity of the aircraft hence, legroom space is sacrificed and for the standard seats, they are at a 29 inches, for a 6 foot 4 person, it can be a struggle in comfort after a while. 

So I recommend the Stretched seats especially to anyone taller than 6 foot 4. 


Of course for those sitting in these seats, you have to be aware on the emergency procedure and listen to instructions from the cabin crew especially if something goes wrong during the flight. 


More photos of the seats 

Tight legroom space for me. 


This was also my first daytime flight on Scoot's ERJ. 


The cabin interior is different from the more common aircraft, the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. 


The tray table 


Individual aircon vent, reading light and the call flight attendent buttons. 


The view of the cabin 


This is how 29 inches of legoom space looks like. 


Recline button but I rarely use it as I didn't want to cause inconvenience for the passenger behind me. 


Inflight magazine, safety card and disposal bag is located below the tray table. 


The cabin interior during the flight 


What's provided for each passenger?

Inflight magazine 


Inflight menu 


Disposal Bag 


Safety Card 


What's inside the menu? 

Hot meals - it's better to order online as some of the choices may not be available if you order during the flight. 


I won't ruled out trying out one of these meals. Have you tried these before and do you like it? Feel like to leave a comment below. 


I have tried the Rosemary Roasted Chicken Wrap on my SIN-SZB flight last year and it is not bad. 


Usually I don't go for instant noodles during inflight. 


The Seasonal meals may be worth a look. 


A list of add-ons for you to consider. 


Another advantage of ordering online. 


Beverages 


Do note that you are not allowed to consume outside food onboard Scoot's flights. I wasn't sure whether I was allowed to eat the snacks given by the airline for the delay, I think the airline would allow it, considering the situation. 

Window View Photos 

Finally we were on our way. 


We taxied past a Scoot's Boeing 787 Dreamliner which is being towed to a gate. 


We taxied to runway 20C for departure. 


Here we are, we stopped for a while waiting for clearance from the Airport Traffic Controller. 


Scooter 412, 040 degrees 4 knots, maintain runway heading, climb to 5000 feet, clear for take off! 


We lifted off effortlessly in this beautiful weather. 


This is the future site of the Terminal 5. 



The climb up was fast and smooth. 


We made a few turns to follow the traffic out and head towards our destination. 


The view of Changi Airport 


What a great day for flying! The flight delay was perhaps a blessing in disguise as we were treated to some good views along the way. 



I am definitely a big fan of sunset flights. My previous sunset flight was on the Air Japan flight from Tokyo Narita to Singapore. 


The sky darken as we were soon approaching our destination. 


We touched down smoothly on runway 02 and our taxi to the gate took less than 5 minutes. 


We parked besides Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 in this old classic livery. 


My flight summary 


Thanks to Flighty for this detailed flight timing info of each phase of the flight.


Welcome to Miri Airport! 


Immigration took less than 5 minutes and soon I was at the land side. 


This is the landside (arrival hall).



Departure hall is on the 2nd level. 


You can download the Grab app to book a ride to your destination.  


I didn't wait long for my ride to arrive. 


More information of this airport in my next trip report. 

That's includes my ride on the airline's ERJ-190-E2 series and I do intend to fly again to try out the Stretched seats in due course. 
  

My ratings 

Airline Mobile App/Website (User-friendliness): 4/5
Airport Experience (SIN): 5/5 
In-Flight Service: 3/5
In-Flight Entertainment: 0/5 
Seat Comfort: 3/5 
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5 
Cabin Condition: 5/5 
Punctuality: 0/5
In-Flight Snack: 0/5
Cleanliness: 5/5 
Overall Rating: 30/50
Percentage: 60%

Conclusion 

Despite the flight delay and the disappointment on not able to fly on the newest ERJ-190-E2 in Scoot's fleet, I enjoyed the short flight over to Miri, one of the cities in Sarawak, East Malaysia. The aircraft that I was on  (9V-THB) didn't have any flight schedule for that day and I suspected it went for some aircraft maintanence along with 9V-THD and fortunately this aircraft was able to resume service and flew us to MYY that day. The lack of Inflight entertainment was disappointing and it would have been great if they made an announcement about it. However on the other hand, I can't fault them since that is the least of their worries as they focus on bringing us to Miri as soon as possible and fetehing the passengers from that airprot back to the home base. 

On the bright side, I thought the ground and airline staff handled the delay well by updating us on a regular basis and handed us a snack bag which not many airlines out there will bother to and the delay was less than 2 hours. For the aircraft, minus the cabin configuration, it is a steady good plane to fly on. Like I mentioned in my earlier Scoot's ERJ-190-E2 trip report, this is certainly an upgrade over the E190-E1 series, quieter cabin and a cabin interior improvement. 

With the absense of Jetstar Asia, this airline has been expanding its network by announcing new ones. The airline is able to do so with the delivery of new Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft and once the parked A320neo are back flying, the airline should be able to have a more relible flight schedule. Currently they are having this issue due to the lack of aircraft. For now their fleet of A320neo (9V-TNA to 9V-TNE are currently grounded due to engine issues). With more delivered narrow-body aircraft to the fleet, the plan to retire the A320ceo fleet will accelerate and the airline would eventually operate 3 main types in the fleet: ERJ-190-E2, Airbus A320/A321neo family and Boeing 787-8/-9 family. (October 2025 update)

For more information of this aircraft, you can check out my first flight with Scoot's ERJ-190E2 from Singapore to Hat Yai a year ago on the trip report over here.

Have a good one! 
Charles Ryan 

(If you are happy with my work, feel free to contribute by donating any amount over here. Greatly appreciated!)


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