Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 29, 2026, establishing a commercial joint venture partnership to expand cooperation and codeshare services between the two carriers [1, 2, 3, 4]. The deal aims to grow codeshare flights connecting Singapore and mainland China, within China itself, and beyond both countries [1, 2, 3, 4].
As part of the partnership, the airlines will coordinate flight schedules, explore joint fare products, and pursue joint marketing and revenue-sharing agreements subject to regulatory approvals [1, 2, 3, 4]. They also plan to enhance cooperation between their frequent flyer programmes—Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer and Air China’s PhoenixMiles—to offer improved rewards and mileage redemption opportunities [1, 2, 3, 4].
SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said, "Together, we will offer customers more travel options, seamless connections, and enhanced convenience on flights between Singapore and China, and across our combined networks. Our partnership will also support the growth of tourism, business and cultural exchanges, strengthening economic and people-to-people ties while fostering deeper connections and shared opportunities between Singapore and China" [1].
Air China president Qu Guangji noted the airlines' long-standing relationship as members of the Star Alliance network of 26 airlines and said, "We will further deepen our bilateral partnership, broaden the scope of codeshare arrangements, enhance frequent flyer programme synergies and vigorously promote our joint venture initiatives" [2].
The two carriers began codesharing in 2016 on select routes between Singapore and Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai [1, 2, 3, 4]. China was the largest passenger market for Singapore’s Changi Airport in 2025, with passenger traffic growing 12.2% year on year and new flights added from multiple Chinese cities [4].
The airlines also plan to exchange best practices on ground handling, catering, and inflight service to improve operations and passenger experience [1, 2, 3, 4]. All planned joint venture activities remain subject to regulatory approvals [1, 2, 3, 4].
The joint venture partnership announced June 29 marks a deepening of the commercial ties between Singapore Airlines and Air China as they seek to capture rising demand and expand connectivity between the two countries.
