Scoot, Singapore Airline’s mid-haul budget arm has some introductory flight deals on offer from its Singapore hub. The carrier starts services from Singapore to both Sydney (SYD) and Gold Coast (OOL) from June 26th 2012. It will also fly Singapore to Tianjin in China from August 2012 and possibly other Chinese cities by the year end.

Scoot is offering a AUD199 one-way “Fly” fare from Sydney and Gold Coast to Singapore. Returns are priced at just over AUD400. Note that we found booking a separate one way out of Singapore was actually cheaper (equivalent to about AUD150 vs the AUD203 when booked as an ex-Australia return leg – though be aware of your credit card forex fees).

Scoot is a budget carrier and its Fly fare includes no frills – only 7kg of hand luggage is allowed. You will pay around AUD22 per flight extra for a “FlyBag” fare which offers 15kg of checked luggage. Add an additional AUD13 for a “FlyBagEat” fare which gives you meals and drinks on board.

Scoot will use Boeing 777-200ER aircraft (ex-Singapore Airlines) which can carry up to 402 passengers. The economy cabin will be the tighter 10 abreast 3-4-3 configuration with 31″ seat pitch. Extra legroom seats (35″ pitch) by exits will be available at extra charge, as will pre-assigned seating choice.

There will also be a ScootBiz cabin (essentially premium economy Zim leather recliner seating of 38″ pitch, 22″ width in a 2-4-2 config). ScootBiz will include seat selection, a dedicated check-in counter, priority boarding, meals and drinks, an iPad for in-flight entertainment, 20kg checked luggage plus 15kg carry-on allowance and in-seat power. ScootBiz fares are priced at around AUD600 each way though some dates are showing a AUD499 limited special offer.

Scoot will fly from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. Scoot plans to expand its fleet of aircraft from 4 to 15 by 2015 with plans to serve New Zealand, Asia and possibly the Middle East and Europe. However, with competitor Air Asia X (which flies Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, Gold Coast) having pulled its longer flights to Europe and New Zealand, it remains to be seen whether the budget long-haul concept can work economically in the light of high oil prices and increasing flight taxes.

Scoot’s arrival on the scene should ensure some competitive fares on similar routes – keep a watch for Air Asia X and Jetstar sale fares.

Scoot sale fare are available until April 9th 2012. Note that flights are subject to regulatory approval.