Singapore and Malaysia Airlines sign strategic partnership
Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines plan to pursue a strategic partnership, leading to speculation it could pave the way to becoming a single airline entity once again.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines was once a single airline business and split into two national carriers in 1972.
The two airlines have signed a preliminary agreement that will include close cooperation across many business areas including maintenance and cargo operations.
It would comprise ‘a significant expansion of codeshare flights beyond Singapore-Malaysia routes, as well as enhancements on the frequent flyer programme’, a joint statement said.
The business cooperation would include MAS subsidiary FireFly, as well as SIA’s Silkair and Scoot.
The airlines are working toward sealing a formal agreement to be finalised in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has already indicated the government is open to selling off Malaysia Airlines, which has been struggling for years.
Operationally, a close tie-up makes sense for both airlines, but would be a political hot potato in Malaysia if it were to eventually lead to MAS being swallowed up by Singapore Airlines.
Since Singapore left the old Malaya Federation in the 1960s, the relationship between two countries has been strained at times.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025