SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) have signed a joint venture agreement which opens up the possibility of going beyond existing codeshare ties, to include co-ordination of flight schedules, joint sales activities and enhanced network connectivity.
The enhanced partnership is expected to lead to growth in air services between Singapore and Scandinavia, and pave the way for a new route between Singapore and Stockholm. SIA currently operates thrice-weekly flights between Singapore and Copenhagen in a codeshare partnership with SAS.
The two airlines are now awaiting regulatory approval from authorities in Singapore and Europe to go ahead with their plans.
SIA CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said: “This agreement is a win-win for SIA and SAS, and benefits our customers by making air travel more convenient between Asia and Scandinavia. We look forward to co-ordinating schedules to enable more seamless connections to points in Northern Europe, as well as Asia and Southwest Pacific, through our respective hubs.”
He added: “When market conditions allow for it, we also look forward to expanding frequency between Singapore and Copenhagen, and adding new destinations in Scandinavia.”
SAS president and CEO, Rickard Gustafson, said: “We are pleased that the joint venture agreement is now signed, and we can proceed with expanding our partnership and improving the service and benefits for Scandinavian travellers. SIA will be a vital part of our Asia strategy, and we look forward to jointly exploring further opportunities in this exciting and important market.”
