Aussies could see the conditions set for a Singapore bubble, with the topic on the agenda for prime ministerial talks between Scott Morrison and Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore on Thursday.
A Singapore bubble has been in the pipeline for a while now, and yes, you’re probably just as over reading about it as we are typing about it, but… hear us out, because it might actually be happening.
According to the AAP, setting the conditions for a travel bubble arrangement will be on the agenda for prime ministerial talks between Scott Morrison and Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore on Thursday.
In addition to the trans-Tasman bubble, a Singapore travel deal would deliver a major confidence boost for the tourism, education and corporate sectors.
Bring on the SIN bubble!
What’s going on?
It is understood the Singapore government has submitted a number of proposals to Australia, as far back as October last year.
Both countries have rolled out a certificate system to verify who has been vaccinated for coronavirus, which could make a safe travel corridor easier to establish.
Some countries are setting up travel corridors on the basis of 50 to 60 per cent vaccination rates.
Singapore Airlines says the growing pace of vaccinations provides hope for a recovery in international air travel demand.
Airline regional vice president Louis Arul told AAP it was committed to working with all levels of government to reopen Australia’s borders.
“Our commitment to Australia throughout this time has been unwavering, supporting the government’s efforts to return Australian citizens, facilitating Australian producers and suppliers to export produce … and ensure the uninterrupted import of essential medical supplies to support the fight against COVID-19,” he said.
Singapore Airlines brought the first batch of Belgian-made Pfizer into Australia in February, the same month it became one of the first carriers to operate flights with a full complement of vaccinated pilots and cabin crew.
The airline hopes to integrate the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Travel Pass mobile application for digital health verification into its own SingaporeAir mobile app from mid-2021.
Do you think the Singapore bubble will come into fruition today? Let us know – email editor@karryon.com.au.
Source: AAP