(Apr)%20LHR%20(SA)(46)-M.jpg)
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and regional subsidiary SilkAir have signed an agreement to codeshare on Indian domestic flights operated by Vistara, with effect from 14 March 2017.
Under the agreement, SIA will add its ‘SQ’ designator code to Vistara-operated flights beyond Mumbai and New Delhi to 10 destinations1 within India. SilkAir will add its ‘MI’ designator code to Vistara-operated flights beyond Bengaluru and Kolkata to six destinations2 within India.
The codeshare agreement is Vistara’s first with another airline group, as well as SIA’s and SilkAir’s first with an India-based domestic carrier. As a result of the agreement, four new destinations will be added to the SIA Group’s India network, namely Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati and Port Blair. SIA Group airlines currently serve 15 destinations in India from Singapore.
Members of SIA’s and Vistara’s frequent flyer programmes, KrisFlyer and Club Vistara, will also enjoy additional tier benefits as a result of the new codeshare partnership. PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members will enjoy lounge access, increased baggage allowance, and priority baggage handling, check-in and boarding when travelling on Vistara-operated flights. Likewise, Club Vistara Platinum and Gold members will enjoy the same benefits when travelling on SIA- operated flights. PPS Club and KrisFlyer members will also earn Elite miles when travelling on SIA codeshare flights operated by Vistara.
The enhancement in membership benefits is over and above existing benefits, which enable members of both frequent flyer programmes to earn miles when travelling on SIA- and Vistara-operated flights. KrisFlyer members can also redeem their miles for Vistara flights, and vice versa.
“We are very pleased with our first codeshare agreement with Vistara, which represents a strengthening of our already strong partnership,” said SIA Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Mr Tan Kai Ping.
“Through the new codeshare agreement, both SIA and SilkAir are able to expand our network reach in the important India market, providing our customers even more travel options and enhanced KrisFlyer benefits.”
“We are delighted to establish our first codeshare partnership with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir. As we continuously work towards eventually becoming a globally renowned airline, codeshare partnerships will play a very important role in helping us get closer to realizing that aspiration. Customers booked on any of the classes on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will find an equally world-class experience when they travel within India, given Vistara’s service and operational excellence,” said Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, Mr Phee Teik Yeoh.
Vistara is a New Delhi-based joint venture between Tata Sons and SIA. It marked its second anniversary of operations on 9 January 2017.
Source:- Singapore Airlines
