Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a “commercial cooperation framework” agreement to strengthen ties in a bid to expand their partnership further with definitive joint business agreements. The new accord could lead to reduced overlap and improved connectivity and loyalty programmes.
Expanding connectivity between Singapore and India
The agreement was signed in Mumbai on Friday by Air India’s CEO and managing director, Campbell Wilson, and SIA’s CEO, Goh Choon Phong. It aims to expand their collaboration and explore ways to improve connectivity between Singapore and India.
The deal builds on an existing partnership. Their current codeshare agreement covers 61 points in 20 countries and territories, following an expanded codeshare partnership in October 2024, which added 51 international and domestic destinations across both networks. Singapore Airlines also owns a 25% stake in Air India.
Wilson, commenting on the development, said that Air India will continue to expand its global footprint with new fleet additions and commercial partnerships. He further added:
“We are pleased to take our valued, long-term relationship with Singapore Airlines to the next level through this new commercial cooperation understanding, which establishes a clear and structured platform for both airlines to explore and define future areas of closer collaboration. With this measured approach, we aim to lay a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term value creation for our customers and other stakeholders.”
Goh Choon Phong, in turn, stated that:
“This agreement between Singapore Airlines and Air India is a natural evolution of our successful partnership, creating genuine value and delivering enhanced benefits to customers. It is a strategic, win-win collaboration that will strengthen connectivity between Singapore and India, support the growth of air travel and tourism in both countries, and deepen their long-standing business and people-to-people ties.”
The two airlines plan to improve and expand product and service offerings as well as enable further route options and connections. The plans are subject to regulatory approvals and the signing of definitive joint business agreements. They also aim to facilitate a closer coordination of flight schedules, which could help reduce overlaps.
Plans for new benefits
Further deals could lead to wider cross-participation in the airlines’ corporate travel programmes. The airlines are also looking to improve offerings to business travellers and explore plans to “progressively enhance” benefits for Air India’s Maharaja Club members and SIA’s KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes, beyond what is already offered for Star Alliance members.
Besides Singapore and India, Air India and SIA are also exploring ways to strengthen global connectivity, looking at select markets, subject to regulatory approvals. The goal is to support air traffic flow through the two carriers’ hubs and meet global demand. Further details on these plans are yet to be announced.
What do you think of this new Air India and Singapore Airlines partnership? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
