Singapore Airlines (SIA) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) signed a joint venture agreement today with the aim of giving passengers more flight connections between the two carriers and access to a wider network.
The airlines said in a joint press release that the joint venture, which is subject to regulatory approvals, would allow ANA and SIA to further strengthen their cooperation on services between Singapore and Japan, as well as in key markets including Australia, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The Star Alliance carriers added that they would also be able to jointly offer customers more seamless access to flights in their respective route networks, a broad range of joint fare products, and tie-ups between frequent flyer programs as a result of the partnership.
“Through this partnership, customers would be able to enjoy increased flight frequencies and travel convenience, and access the strong connectivity at both the Singapore and Tokyo air hubs, while enjoying the industry-leading products and services ANA and SIA are renowned for,” said Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines.
Earlier this month, media reports suggested that the two airlines were in talks about a joint venture agreement, but ANA and SIA did not confirm these reports.
The airlines’ existing partnership focuses on codeshare flights, mileage programs, lounge access, and coordination on check-in baggage and connecting flights.
“We have worked closely with Singapore Airlines for many years and we are excited to take this partnership one step further. The joint venture will help ANA and Singapore Airlines build upon their reputation for superior service, further differentiating both airlines from the competition,” said Yuji Hirako, president and CEO of ANA.
ANA has joint venture partnerships with United Airlines and Lufthansa Group, while SIA has joint ventures with Air New Zealand,Lufthansa Group and SAS.
SIA recently signed an agreement with Malaysia Airlines that could see the two airlines expand codeshare routes, share revenue on flights between Singapore and Malaysia and develop “marketing activities” in an effort to boost tourism.
Meanwhile, ANA recently announced a new partnership with Virgin Australia, which will see both airlines implement codeshare flights between Japan and Australia, and introduce reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for their members.
