In separate agreements signed at the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting, Singapore Airlines(SIA) has struck partnerships to expand its network and to develop sustainable aviation practices.
Riyadh Air and SIA forge strategic partnership
On June 2nd, SIA and Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline launching in 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a commercial partnership. This agreement paves the way for collaboration in several areas, including:
- Interline connectivity: Subject to regulatory approval, passengers on both airlines will be able to seamlessly connect between their respective networks.
- Codeshare arrangements: This would allow SIA and Riyadh Air to sell seats on each other’s flights, offering passengers more travel options.
- Frequent flyer program benefits: Passengers could earn and redeem miles on both airline’s loyalty programs.
- Cargo services: Collaboration on cargo operations could enhance efficiency and reach for both carriers.
- Customer experience and digital innovation: The airlines plan to work together to improve the customer journey and develop innovative digital solutions.
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air, said: “Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the World’s Best Airline. We see huge potential for strong connectivity in South East Asia and both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at Singapore Changi Airport, while also providing opportunities for westbound passengers to connect across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region on Riyadh Air. This relationship is a meaningful and deep cooperation that starts with a wide-ranging codeshare agreement and is expected to include a broad range of areas including digital and technology, loyalty and cargo.”This partnership is expected to benefit both airlines. Riyadh Air passengers will gain access to SIA’s extensive network in Southeast Asia and the South West Pacific, while SIA’s customers will have greater access to the Middle East through Riyadh Air’s network.
Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers. Together, we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links. The MoU will also allow us to find ways to work together to enhance customer experience and cargo services, and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.”
The codeshare partnership is slated to commence in the winter 2024 schedule, subject to government approval. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral travel and strengthening economic ties between Japan and India. Further details regarding the specific codeshare routes will be announced in due course. The codeshare agreement will initially cover domestic routes within India that connect to JAL’s flights from Delhi and Bengaluru.
SIA and Cathay Pacific partner on sustainability
In a separate MoU signed on June 5th, SIA and Cathay Pacific Airways agreed to collaborate on a wide range of sustainability initiatives. This partnership focuses on advocating for the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Asia-Pacific region. SAF is considered a critical tool for reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. The airlines will work together to raise awareness about SAF, promote supportive policies and establish a standardised framework for tracking emission reductions from SAF use. Additionally, they will explore joint procurement of SAF to boost production and adoption.Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group, said: “As part of our collaborative ethos of ‘Greener Together’, we actively seek like-minded industry leaders for strategic partnerships in transitioning to sustainable aviation. Our collaboration with Singapore Airlines aims to accelerate and support the development of the SAF supply chain in the region, fostering a reliable SAF ecosystem to enable the industry to achieve its long-term decarbonisation goals. Cathay was one of the first airlines in Asia to set a target of 10% SAF for its total fuel consumption by 2030, and we are undertaking a multi-pronged approach to contribute to the aviation industry’s transition towards a greener future.”The partnership also involves sharing best practices to reduce single-use plastics, minimize waste and improve energy efficiency across ground and cargo operations. This collaboration aims to accelerate the implementation of sustainable solutions within both airlines. This collaboration demonstrates SIA’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and its leadership in driving sustainability within the airline industry.
Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is committed to embedding sustainability in all aspects of our operations. At the same time, we recognise that we cannot achieve our targets alone. Our partnership with Cathay signifies our mutual ambition to enhance collaboration in sustainability initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. Together we are helping to set the foundation for a more sustainable aviation industry, and ensure that future generations continue to reap the benefits of air travel.”
