Air India, Singapore Airlines Deepen Ties Ahead of Joint Venture

Air India and Singapore Airlines have taken a further step toward deeper commercial integration after signing a cooperation framework agreement on January 16, 2026, as both carriers prepare for a full-scale joint business agreement (JBA).

The framework agreement was signed in Mumbai by Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson and Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong. The arrangement remains subject to regulatory approvals, but if cleared, it is expected to significantly expand cooperation between the two Star Alliance members. The airlines plan to coordinate flight schedules, broaden product offerings, and enable customers to book journeys across both networks on a single itinerary.

Beyond network coordination, the agreement also calls for closer alignment in corporate travel programmes and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. Members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programmes would gain privileges beyond standard Star Alliance reciprocity, strengthening loyalty propositions for business and high-frequency travellers. While the initial emphasis will be on improving connectivity between India and Singapore, the airlines said they will also explore selective cooperation opportunities in other international markets.

Campbell Wilson said the agreement supports Air India’s broader strategy of rebuilding its international presence through a combination of fleet expansion and stronger global partnerships. Singapore Airlines’ Goh Choon Phong described the move as a natural progression of an already close relationship, calling it a strategic and mutually beneficial collaboration that enhances air links between the two countries.

The two carriers already maintain an extensive codeshare partnership. At present, they codeshare on 61 destinations across 20 countries and territories, following a major expansion of their cooperation in October 2024 that added 51 domestic and international points to the shared network. Under the existing arrangement, Air India places its code on Singapore Airlines flights to 29 destinations, including cities in Australia, Japan, Viet Nam, and the Philippines.

In the opposite direction, Singapore Airlines codeshares on Air India’s international services to 14 destinations across Europe and the Middle East, as well as on a wide range of domestic routes within India. This reciprocal access has helped both airlines extend their virtual networks without adding capacity, while offering passengers smoother connections and greater choice.

The partnership is underpinned by Singapore Airlines Group’s 25.1% equity stake in Air India, acquired as part of the Tata Group-led consolidation of India’s aviation sector. Industry observers view the new framework agreement as a logical step toward a deeper joint venture, potentially aligning pricing, capacity, and revenue management on key routes, subject to competition approvals.

If finalized, the joint business agreement would mark one of the most significant international partnerships in Air India’s ongoing transformation, reinforcing its role as a key connector between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia while leveraging Singapore Airlines’ global network strength.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com