Singapore Airlines (SIA) and All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) are said to be discussing a joint venture partnership, The Straits Times has reported.
It says the Star Alliance carriers may seal a deal by the end of this month and the scope of the proposed partnership is for flights between Japan and Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, among others.
The Nikkei Asian Review reports that the arrangement is expected to launch around 2021, pending the necessary government approvals regarding antitrust issues.
ANA has yet to respond to Cirium’s request for comment, while SIA states: “SIA and ANA are both members of Star Alliance. We have enjoyed cooperating on codeshares and in other related areas that has brought benefits to our customers.”
“As we do with all airline members, we have regular discussions on how to expand our cooperation to deliver more value and opportunities to our customers.”
ANA has existing joint venture partnerships with fellow Star Alliance carriers, United Airlines and Lufthansa, while SIA has the same with Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, among others, Cirium data shows.
Most recently, SIA and Malaysia Airlines inked a wide-ranging commercial agreement last October that allows the partners to operate under a joint business agreement.
