Air China and Singapore Airlines announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a commercial joint venture partnership, which will allow them to deepen their collaboration and offer customers more travel options and flexibility, greater value and additional benefits. 

The agreement, according to the announcement, covers the potential expansion of their codeshare partnership to additional destinations between Singapore and mainland China, within China, and beyond the two countries. The two carriers began codesharing on selected flights in 2016. Today, they codeshare on services between Singapore and Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai.

The airlines plan to coordinate flight schedules, explore joint fare products and pursue joint marketing and revenue-sharing arrangements, according to the announcement. All initiatives are subject to the relevant regulatory approvals. 

Building on their long-standing relationship as Star Alliance members, said the announcement, the carriers also intend to deepen cooperation between Air China’s PhoenixMiles and Singapore’s KrisFlyer frequent flyer programs. This will enable members to enjoy enhanced rewards and greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across both airlines, according to the announcement.

Qu Guangji, president, Air China, said: “As members of Star Alliance, Singapore Airlines and Air China enjoy a solid foundation of long-standing cooperation. We will further deepen our bilateral partnership, broaden the scope of codeshare arrangements, enhance frequent flyer program synergies and vigorously promote our joint venture initiatives.”

Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is pleased to embark on this strategic partnership with Air China, which has an extensive domestic and international network from its hubs in China. Together, we will offer customers more travel options, seamless connections and enhanced convenience on flights between Singapore and China, and across our combined networks.”