Air India, Singapore Airlines ink framework pact to expand cooperation

Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have made a significant move, reinforcing their traditional relationship by signing an agreement which serves as the foundation for their future business arrangements that will be even more mutual and collaborative.

Agreement signed in Mumbai

As per Air India's press release, the agreement was officially signed in Mumbai on January 16, 2026, by Campbell Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, and Goh Choon Phong, the Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines. This step indicates the intention of both carriers to largely increase the connectivity between India and Singapore and to provide more and better services to the customers.

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The partnership, which is subject to regulatory approvals and the execution of definitive joint business agreements, plans to coalesce and develop the product and service offerings of both airlines. This will result in the provision of more seamless connections, the availability of a wider range of route options and the capability for passengers to book flights on both carriers as a single, unified journey. There will also be joint efforts in managing the flight schedules so that it will be more convenient for the travellers.

The proposed cooperation could extend to greater cross-participation in the airlines’ corporate travel programmes, improving offerings for business travellers. In addition, Air India and SIA will explore ways to progressively enhance privileges for frequent flyers beyond the existing Star Alliance benefits, for members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programmes.

Exploring expansion beyond India and Singapore

The airlines also plan to explore opportunities to broaden the scope of their cooperation in select markets beyond India and Singapore, subject to regulatory approvals. This expanded collaboration would help meet growing demand for global connectivity, support traffic flows through both carriers’ hubs and strengthen air travel markets in both countries.

Existing codeshare network

At present, Air India and Singapore Airlines codeshare on 61 destinations across 20 countries and territories. This follows the expansion of their codeshare partnership in October 2024, which added 51 international and domestic destinations across both networks. Further details of the enhanced cooperation are expected to be announced as plans are finalised.

What Air India CEO said?

Commenting on the agreement, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said, “Air India remains committed to expanding its global footprint, both by adding new aircraft to our own fleet and by forging stronger commercial partnerships, especially with our fellow Star Alliance member carriers. 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.”

What Singapore Airlines CEO said?

Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said, “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.”