Singapore–Malaysia Airlines JV Approved With SIN–KUL Safeguards

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has conditionally approved the joint venture (JV) between Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines, with safeguards to preserve competition on the Singapore–Kuala Lumpur (SIN–KUL) route.

Following a review launched in March 2023, CCCS granted approval on July 7, allowing the two national carriers to deepen their partnership. However, the green light comes with commitments to address antitrust concerns, particularly on Southeast Asia’s busiest international route.

To maintain competition, both airlines have agreed to keep their pre-cooperation weekly seat capacity levels on the SIN–KUL route and increase them as demand rises. They will also submit annual reports on their low-cost subsidiaries’ operations—Scoot and Firefly—and appoint an independent auditor to ensure compliance.

The public consultation held from February 11 to March 4, 2025, raised no objections. CCCS also factored in Jetstar Asia’s upcoming exit from the route on July 31, which will further reduce competition.

According to OAG data, Singapore Airlines currently operates 23,000 two-way weekly seats on the SIN–KUL corridor (20.9% share), while Malaysia Airlines offers 22,500 seats (20.5%). AirAsia leads with a 27.6% share, followed by Scoot (15.5%), Batik Air Malaysia (8.3%), and Ethiopian Airlines (2.6%).

Originally launched in 2019, the SIA–Malaysia Airlines partnership was first conditionally approved in 2022 during the post-COVID recovery. The revised 2023 filing excludes their LCC units.

CCCS CEO Alvin Koh noted the JV could benefit consumers with more travel options, provided it adapts to changing market dynamics and ensures healthy competition on the route.

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