MUMBAI — With the signing of a framework agreement for commercial collaboration, Air India (AI) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) would be able to expand their long-standing partnership through final joint business agreements.

By working together more closely, the airlines are able to investigate methods to enhance connection between Singapore and India, giving passengers more options and advantages. "This partnership also envisages a closer coordination of flight schedules between Air India and SIA to improve convenience for customers."

Campbell Wilson, the chief executive officer and managing director of AI, and Goh Choon Phong, the chief executive officer of SG, signed the contract in Mumbai on January 16, 2026.The airlines hope to improve and broaden their product and service offerings, allowing customers to book flights across both airlines under a single unified journey and facilitating seamless connections and more route options, subject to regulatory approvals and the signing of final joint business agreements.

To better serve business travelers, the arrangement may also be expanded to include increased cross-participation in the airlines' corporate travel initiatives. For members of Air India's Maharaja Club and SIA's KrisFlyer frequent flyer programs, the airlines will investigate proposals to gradually expand perks beyond the present Star Alliance offerings.As the plans are finalized, more information will be released.

Subject to regulatory permissions, AI and SQ also want to look into ways to expand their cooperation in specific markets outside of Singapore and India. This will enhance traffic flow via the hubs of both carriers, satisfy the increasing need for worldwide connectivity, and boost Singapore's and India's air travel sectors.

Comments from Air India, Singapore Airlines CEOs

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.”

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.”

The airlines currently share codes on 61 locations across 20 nations and territories. This comes after their codeshare arrangement was expanded in October 2024, adding 51 domestic and international routes to both networks.