Last Friday (31 Jan), the two airline companies Singapore Airlines (SIA) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) signed a joint venture framework agreement that would bring about a deeper partnership between the two airlines. SIA is the world’s most awarded airline company whereas ANA is Japan’s largest and 5-star airline for seven years straight.
The joint venture, which is governed by regulatory approvals, looks to provide customers with access to a wider network and more seamless flight connectivity between the two airlines. In addition to this, cooperation between them can be bolstered on services not only between Singapore and Japan, but also key markets such as Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia and India.
Both airlines can boost their proposition to corporate clients by aligning their corporate programmes, jointly providing customers with more seamless access to flights covered by their route networks, joint fare products as well as tie-ups between frequent flyer programmes.
The new partnership is above and beyond the existing one which focuses on coordination of check-in baggage and connecting flights, codeshare flights, lounge access and mileage programmes.
The CEO and Presiden of ANA remarked that “ANA is excited about strengthening its ties with Singapore Airlines, a fellow Star Alliance member that shares our passenger-oriented philosophy and has also distinguished itself as a true global leader in service and convenience…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.”
Goh Choon Phong, the CEO of SIA echoed a similar sentiment that “this proposed joint venture underscores our commitment to the important Japanese market and our valued partner ANA…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.”
If the joint venture gets authorised, SIA will be the first Asian airline and also the third airline joint venture partner for ANA.
In 2011 and 2012, ANA formed joint venture collaborations with United Airlines and Lufthansa Group each respectively.
Currently, SIA is in joint venture agreements with Scandinavian Airlines, Air New Zealand and Lufthansa Group. SIA has also reached out to Malaysia Airlines Berhad for a joint venture.
