Ah, Koh Samui – a favourite beach destination where azure waves kiss pristine sandy shores and lush greenery hides beautiful islands waiting to be discovered. If there’s one thing I love more than a sunny beach getaway, it’s the journey getting there. This time, my trip to Thailand was even more special as I was on Scoot’s inaugural flight to Koh Samui from Singapore – on their brand new Embraer E190-E2, no less.
Boarding Bliss
With my beachwear packed and sunglasses at the ready, I was eager to hop on the new Scoot aircraft. The excitement was palpable as I arrived at the boarding gate at Changi Airport. The Embraer E190-E2 sat gleaming on the tarmac under the hot sun, like a chirpy yellow bird ready to whisk us away.
First Impressions
There is nothing in the world like a new car smell. And, I would probably say the same for a new plane.
Boarding the E190-E2, the first thing that struck me was how spacious and airy the cabin felt. Unlike some of the regional aircraft where you can feel somewhat cramped, the E190-E2’s design is comfortable, I would say. The two-by-two seating arrangement meant no one was stuck in a dreaded middle seat. The introvert in me let out a silent hooray.
Scoot’s new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft has been the talk of aircraft enthusiasts and for good reasons. It is the latest type of aircraft in the line of regional jets by the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer. Scoot is the first Asian carrier to operate the new aircraft. And for Singapore, the skies have been dominated by the likes of Boeing and Airbus since the 1990s until now.
With wingspan of 33.7m and a nose-to-tail length of 36.3m, the size of the E190-E2 makes it perfect for small airports like Koh Samui Airport. The aircraft is suited for short-to-medium haul flights of up to six hours. Come June, Scoot will be flying the E190-E2 to destinations including Krabi, Hat Yai and Koh Samui in Thailand, as well as Kuantan, Sibu and Miri in Malaysia.
Taking Off
The overhead compartments were spacious enough to accommodate my Rimowa hard-case carry-on luggage – a much-appreciated feature as I have encountered regional jets that nearly could not let me fit in my hand carry.
Now, let’s talk seats. I settled into my window seat, nicely and comfortably. At 1.6m tall, I am not exactly tall but I have been in budget airlines where my knees were literally touching the seat in front of me. But, that was not the case in the Scoot aircraft. I still had comfortable legroom and could fit my big handbag under the seat in front of me easily. I noted that there was no middle bar under the plane seats.
A fellow travel companion remarked that the seats have a comfortable recline, even in an upright position. I could relate to what she was saying. In many aircrafts, the seats can be too upright, causing passengers to sit in an awkward position. The seats themselves were plush and supportive, a must for the two-hour flight ahead.
Now, a quick heads-up—the flight doesn’t come with WiFi or in-flight entertainment. I know, in this day and age, it sounds like a bummer. Then again, neither does Singapore Airlines on some regional flights. Honestly, it didn’t matter to me. Instead of diving into the digital abyss, I found myself more engaged with the journey. I spent time admiring the stunning view outside my window, watching as the urban sprawl of Singapore gave way to the deep blue expanse of the sea.
The Journey
One of the highlights of the Embraer E190-E2 is the aircraft’s smooth performance. The takeoff was gentle, and the overall flight felt stable and serene, with minimal turbulence. This plane is known for its fuel efficiency and quieter engines, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. As we cruised at 35,000 feet, I barely noticed the hum of the engines, making for a peaceful and relaxing flight.
Before I knew it, we began our descent into Koh Samui. The island came into view, a picturesque panorama of turquoise waters and verdant hills. Touchdown was as smooth as takeoff.
Disembarking was quick and efficient, and the Scoot crew’s cheerful demeanour made the goodbye a bit easier. Within minutes, I was breathing in the balmy air of Koh Samui.
Scoot flies to Koh Samui daily, starting with one daily service in May 2024 and increasing to two daily services from 6 June 2024.
