Singapore Airlines and Air China announce plans to form commercial joint venture

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is expanding its partnership with Air China, with plans to form a commercial joint venture.

The two Asia-based Star Alliance member airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would expand their current codeshare partnership to additional destinations between Singapore and Mainland China, within China, and beyond the two countries. Both plan to coordinate flight schedules, explore joint fare products, and joint marketing and revenue-sharing arrangements.

Started in 2016, the current codeshare partnership between Air China and Singapore Airlines covers flights from Singapore and four cities in China: Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai.

In addition, both airlines plan to deepen the cooperation between their frequent flier programs – Air China’s PhoenixMiles and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer – to enable members to enjoy enhanced rewards and boost opportunities to earn and redeem points across both airlines. The two airlines also plan to look to exchange best practices in areas such as ground handling, catering, and in-flight service.

Air China’s President Qu Guangji said: “As members of Star Alliance, Singapore Airlines and Air China enjoy a solid foundation of long-standing cooperation. We will further deepen our bilateral partnership, broaden the scope of codeshare arrangements, enhance frequent flyer programme synergies, and vigorously promote our joint venture initiatives. By consistently delivering diversified travel products and premium services, we will continue to offer greater convenience and more travel options to passengers flying on China-Singapore air routes.”

“Singapore Airlines is pleased to embark on this strategic partnership with Air China, which has an extensive domestic and international network from its hubs in China,” added Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we will offer customers more travel options, seamless connections, and enhanced convenience on flights between Singapore and China, and across our combined networks. Closer cooperation on services and frequent flyer programmes will further enhance the travel experience and create greater value for our customers. Our partnership will also support the growth of tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, strengthening economic and people-to-people ties while fostering deeper connections and shared opportunities between Singapore and China.”

All planned initiatives are subject to the relevant regulatory approvals in both countries.