Asian airlines announce joint venture

Frankfurt, Germany - February, 16th 2013: Two airplanes are at gates on airport Frankfurt in winter morning. At left side is airplane of Singapore Airlines and at right side is airplane of ANA All Nippon Airlines. Between airplanes is vehicle of food service. In foreground is walking a man and some cars are passing scene.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have deepened their partnership with the signing of a joint venture (JV) framework agreement.

This JV, which is subject to regulatory approvals, aims to provide customers with more seamless flight connectivity between the two Star Alliance carriers and access to a wider network, according to a joint statement.

It would allow ANA and SIA to further strengthen their cooperation on services between Singapore and Japan, as well as in key markets including Australia, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Under the JV, both airline groups would also be able to jointly offer customers “more seamless access to flights in their respective route networks, a broad range of joint fare products, tie-ups between frequent flyer programs, and aligned corporate programs to strengthen their proposition to corporate clients”.

The JV goes beyond the existing partnership between the two airlines that focuses on codeshare flights, mileage programs, lounge access, and coordination on check-in baggage and connecting flights.

ANA president and CEO Yuji Hirako said: “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, chief executive of SIA, said: “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 authorised, SIA will become just the third airline JV partner for ANA and the first Asian airline. ANA began JV partnerships with United Airlines in 2011 and Lufthansa Group in 2012.

Today, SIA has JVs with Air New Zealand, Lufthansa Group and Scandinavian Airlines. Additionally, SIA has applied to form a joint venture with Malaysia Airlines Berhad.

Image: iStock/justhavealook

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