This article is based on an official press release from Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines Formalize Strategic Joint Business Partnership

On January 29, 2026, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) officially formalized a strategic Joint Business Partnerships (JBP). The agreement marks a significant milestone in Southeast Asian Airlines, following the receipt of final Regulations approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) earlier this month and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) in July 2025.

According to the joint announcement, the partnership allows the two national carriers to coordinate flight schedules, share revenue, and offer joint fare products. This move is designed to deepen cooperation on the high-traffic Singapore-Malaysia air corridor and expand connectivity for passengers traveling between the two nations and beyond.

Scope of the Partnership

The formalized agreement enables SIA and MAB to operate more closely than ever before. Key components of the partnership include revenue sharing on flights between Singapore and Malaysia and the alignment of flight schedules to provide customers with more convenient departure times. The airlines also plan to introduce joint corporate travel programs to better serve business clients operating in both markets.

Expanded Connectivity and Codeshares

A central feature of the JBP is the expansion of codeshare arrangements. Under the new terms, Singapore Airlines will expand its codeshare operations to include 16 domestic destinations within Malaysia, such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, and Langkawi. Conversely, Malaysia Airlines will progressively codeshare on SIA flights to key international markets, including Europe and South Africa.

Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement in a statement:

“Our win-win collaboration strengthens both carriers’ operations, while delivering enhanced value to customers across our combined networks. This also reinforces the long-standing and deep people-to-people and trade links between Singapore and Malaysia, supporting economic growth and connectivity that will benefit both nations.”

Regulatory Journey and Exclusions

The path to this partnership began in October 2019 but faced delays due to the global pandemic and necessary regulatory scrutiny. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) conducted a thorough review, raising initial concerns regarding competition on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur (SIN-KUL) route, one of the busiest international air corridors globally.

To secure approval, the airlines committed to maintaining pre-pandemic capacity levels on the route. Additionally, the partnership explicitly excludes the groups’ low-cost subsidiaries, Scoot (SIA Group) and Firefly (Malaysia Aviation Group). This exclusion was a critical revision submitted to regulators to ensure fair competition in the budget travel segment.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal:

“This collaboration brings together complementary frequencies and aligned schedules, enabling deeper connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. Over time, it reinforces MAB’s competitive position by enhancing scale, relevance, and network resilience across key markets.”

AirPro News Analysis

Consolidation in a High-Volume Corridor

The formalization of this JBP effectively allows Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines to operate as a single entity regarding scheduling and pricing on the full-service Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route. By coordinating schedules, the carriers can avoid wingtip-to-wingtip flying (flights departing at the exact same time), thereby optimizing fleet utilization and offering a “shuttle-like” frequency for business travelers.

While this strengthens the full-service proposition against low-cost competitors like AirAsia, the regulatory exclusion of Scoot and Firefly is a vital safeguard for consumers. It ensures that price-sensitive travelers retain access to competitive fares driven by the budget sector, while the JBP focuses on premium and connecting traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the partnership officially begin?
The partnership was formally launched on January 29, 2026, following the final regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.

Will this affect frequent flyer programs?
Yes. While reciprocal benefits for earning and redeeming miles were enhanced in 2024, the JBP is expected to deepen integration, offering better recognition for elite status holders and improved lounge access across both networks.

Are budget airlines included in this deal?
No. The low-cost subsidiaries Scoot and Firefly are excluded from this joint business arrangement to comply with regulatory requirements and preserve competition.

Sources

• Singapore Airlines Press Release
• Malaysia Airlines Official Statement