Agarwal says partnerships will play key role in Air India’s evolution into world-class global airline
From 15 October 2026, Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will deepen their commercial cooperation by offering customers a wider range of itinerary and flight options through their respective booking channels. This covers 126 weekly flights between Singapore and eight Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Currently, an eligible Air India-operated codeshare flight booked through SIA must include an SIA-operated flight, and vice versa. This requirement will be removed from 15 October 2026, allowing customers to book eligible flights between India and Singapore operated by either airline on a standalone basis through the other carrier’s website, mobile application, and appointed travel agencies.
Customers will therefore have access to additional flight options and a more seamless booking experience, giving them greater flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys, the two airlines said in a joint press release.
In April 2026, Air India and SIA enhanced reciprocal mileage accrual benefits for their members by expanding the eligible booking classes and revising earn rates across all cabin classes. Maharaja Club and KrisFlyer members can now earn miles on a wider range of eligible flights operated by either airline.
From the second quarter of 2027, Maharaja Club and KrisFlyer members will enjoy enhanced reciprocal benefits on eligible routes, in addition to their existing Star Alliance privileges.
Maharaja Club Platinum and KrisFlyer PPS Club members will enjoy priority check-in and boarding privileges, alongside other top-tier members of the respective airlines. Maharaja Club Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Silver members will also receive additional baggage allowances and priority boarding benefits on eligible routes, providing greater recognition and a more consistent experience across both carriers.
Air India and SIA are also working on further customer-focused initiatives, including improved schedule connectivity to reduce layovers and waiting times, enhanced offerings for corporate customers, and additional measures to streamline the travel experience.
Nipun Agarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said on 7 Oct, “Strategic partnerships will play a key role in Air India’s evolution into a leading, world-class global airline. The next phase of our cooperation with Singapore Airlines reflects a shared commitment to putting customers at the centre of everything we do. By building on the strengths of our two airlines, we aim to bring greater consistency to the travel experience of our common customers between India and Singapore, while delivering greater choice, convenience and value. As demand for travel continues to grow between our countries, this partnership positions us to serve that opportunity even better.”
Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, added, “The first phase of our strategic commercial partnership with Air India is an important step towards delivering greater benefits and a more seamless experience for our customers. Demand for travel between Singapore and India remains strong, and this partnership will give customers greater choice and convenience, as well as enhanced reciprocal benefits for our frequent flyer members. Customers can look forward to more initiatives that give them more options, and strengthen connectivity between the two countries.”
Today, Air India and SIA have a comprehensive codeshare agreement covering 77 destinations across 27 countries and territories. Through their respective hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore, the two airlines provide customers with access to an extensive network of destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond, the release said. fiinews.com
